Race organisers for any of the events listed on the WFRA site are invited to e.mail full results to the webmaster when they will be promptly published on our results pages. I will also feature any race reports I receive

The inaugural Jinlye Jog was held on the trails and hillsides around All Stretton on Thursday night, 8th November. This is the first in a series of three races with a difference - they’re all held in darkness. Thankfully the course markers were almost up to the job and all but a few got around a fairly runnable course without too much difficulty. Apologies to the one or two who got attached by a rogue bramble we’d missed when gardening one of the tracks and to the three I had to penalise for missing a checkpoint inadvertently. A huge thank you to our helpers and to all the runners (from a surprisingly wide selection of clubs) who mucked in, turned out, and raised just under £200 for Headway, the Brain Injury Trust. Don’t miss the next race, Terry’s Tinselly Townbrook Terror, on Tuesday 18th December, and don’t forget your seasonal attire (but you still have to carry the mandatory kit! ...      Jim Tinnion

Race report from Sugar Loaf 10.11.18.

The weather gods smiled kindly during the race despite rain before and after. Most of the runners kept their top halves dry but their legs were rather wetter as most of the paths were streams. The race was won by 16 year old Joseph Reardon from Aberdare. Rhian Probert fom Mynydd Du was the first lady home. Thanks to the marshalls and to the Crown at Pantygelli, without whom this race could not occur.

How time flies….. it’s hard to believe a new Dash in the Dark series has begun.

With a new course for the new series the fun began again last Friday evening. With mild and wet weather forecast for the first race, the experts this time certainly got it spot on.

97 runners headed off to illuminate the dark Llandegla forest, with the heavy rain failing to dampen the spirits.

First home in the men’s race was ‘the back to form’ Karl Steineigger, Ambleside , in a time of 24.16. Second home was local lad Ifan Oldfield , Wrexham AC , 24.41 and third over the line Craig Conner in 25.33, representing Tatten Hall Runners.

In the ladies race Gemma Moore finished in an impressive 29.24 for NWRRC , second place was Liz Mahon in 30.17 for Total Transition Tri Club. Sally Ellis, u/a, came in third in a time of 30.54.

In the various ladies categories, Mel Berry , Clwydian Range Runners , finished in 37.13 for the V40 ladies prize and Jan Rogers , Chester Tri , was fastest V50 lady in 35.19.

Buckley Runners Simon Edwards claimed male V40 in a time of 27.18, Neil Ashcroft from Ambleside AC was Male v50 winner in 29.04. Dave Stephens , Clwydian Range Runners claimed fastest V60 in 35.01 and Pete Roberts, also of Buckley Runners ,was V70 winner in 35.27. The Wrexham AC athlete Peter Norman was fastest V80 in 69.25.

The most prestigious prize on the night was the ‘deep fill Fray Bentos pie’ , awarded to the first CRR runner on the night Neil Coppack. The multi Iron Man competitor Neil completed the course in a staggering 27.24.

There were some positive comments on the night regarding the new route. The changes were made in the week leading up to the race to help reduce the impact of runners on some sensitive areas of the trail. Hopefully the changes will secure the race series for the years to come.

Thanks to all the help setting up and taking down the course, the time keepers and the marshals. Thanks to One Planet Adventure for hosting us and NEWSAR for the fantastic support. See you for the next race on 7th Dec 2018.

Sunday 30 December 2018 Jubilee Plunge AS 3.2km/467m (descent) 2 miles/1500ft LK Details:      2.00pm £1.00 on day only
Venue:       Golden Lion, Llangynhafal, (GR 129633).
Register by 1.00pm. 50 min walk to start. No toilets at start.
Age limit:      Over 16
Records:       Ifan Richards 10.45 (2013) Helen Fines 11.59 (2013)
Organiser:      Tony Benton      07788 803165 tonybenton@btinternet.com      Rhos Isa, Gellifor, Ruthin, LL15 1RY

Well done to Peter Ryder and Helen Brown for taking the honours at this year’s South Wales Series. Well done to all those who took part.

Congratulations to Pete Ryder, Aberdare AAC and Helen Brown, Mynydd Du for being crowned overall winners of the 2018 WFRA Fell Running Championships.
Also congratulations to all the other prize winners and many thanks to all who participated.

Another successful year for this race which was enjoyed by all, we were pleased to see some of our regular runners returning and it was the first fell race for some. We had lovely weather with fantastic views and a great atmosphere. Thank you to the marshalls. First home was Warren Renkel (M/U40) of Run free fell runners 51.1 and the first woman again defending her title was Susan Fourie (F/O40) 63.47 from Chester Tri Club. Everyone enjoyed hot drinks, soup, bacon butties and cake in the cafe at the end of the run. Thank you to all the runners who supported us as the funds help to keep our community centre running. Hope to see you next year on Saturday 5th October – save the date! Fell Race results and more pictures available at www.canolfanceiriog.org Diolch.

Conditions were perfect for runners this year in the Black Mountains Race. Tim Lenton from Axe Valley Runners was the male winner, and could surely improve his time of 2.46.20 in future, having taken a few sub-optimal lines. He was still a convincing winner over Ben Arkell of MDC in second and Southville’s Gareth Williams in third who just prevailed in a final hill sprint with Dan Sandford over the last couple of hundred metres.

GB international Lizzie Wraith won the women’s race in 3.17.13, but only just held off host club Mynydd Du’s Rhian Probert, 94 secs behind. Vicky Shaw from Stubbington Green Runners in Hampshire was third.

The female veterans prizes were a clean sweep for Mynydd Du, courtesy of Sasha Habgood (v40) and Rona Davies (v50), who with Rhian Probert took the team prize too.

It was a good day for male veterans too, as the MV60 winner, Bryan Stadden (also Mynydd Du) beat all the MV50s! The overall winner was MV40 so the prize deferred to Dan Sandford. Ian Andrews, unattached, was first MV50. Gareth Jones (MDC) won the MV70 category, despite his senior moment on Bal Mawr resulting in him being last runner to finish.

Due to organiser’s error, the men’s team prize was given to Mynydd Du on the day, instead of the rightful victors and local rivals MDC: Ben Arkell, Oliver Lamford and Richard Cronin, who will be receiving replacement beer (the original having already been drunk by the time the mistake was noticed)!

North Wales Series 2018 - Final Results

Presentations to prizewinners will be at Breidden Hills on Sun 14th October, the final fixture of the Welsh Champs. It's also a great race worth travelling to even if you're not a contender.

If a prizewinner can't make the race we'll recognise your achievement at another suitable race.

The ‘last ever’ Goodrich Fell race was held over 10 years, but has now been resurrected as the first ever Coppett Hill fell race!

The race was held on Saturday 11th August, 2 pm. We had a great turnout of 96 runners, most of them, no doubt, brought out by the promise of a free pint and burger included in the entrance fee!

By agreement of the Friends of Coppett Hill Trust and of the Courtfield Estate, we devised a fell race route up and over the hill, of just about 5 ¼ miles and over 1000’ climbing. It may be the little brother of the Brecon Beacons Hills further to the west, but it still packs in all you need from a fell race. Starting in Goodrich, the route steeply climbs out of the village, up the steps to the trig point. A quick traverse across open hillside to a sharp right, down a fast, grassy descent. Quick left at the bottom, then you are straight back up the hill again through the bracken. Then traverse the top ridge, until a small gate leads into a loop of the open grassy fields of the Courtfield Estate. The field will lead you back to the paths leading up to the Folly – the highest point of the race. You then hurtle down the rocky and muddy paths, through the woods, to the riverbank. Sharp left along the riverbank path, then another left turn back up through the woods, to complete the route loop and back onto road, for a quick final descent down to the finish.

Overall winner was Sam Jones of Parc Bryn Bach, in a time of 38.08. First lady home was Rhian Jinny-Jones in 43.32. Forest of Dean AC made a clean sweep of the team prizes.

Full Category winners:

Female Rhian Jinny-Jones 43:32
FV40 Debbie Stenner 47:24
FV50 Fiona Turner 50:41
FV60 Dil Vernon 1:03:17
Male Sam Jones 38:08
MV40 Andrew Stephens 40:08
MV50 James Fletcher 46:03
MV60 Paul Dodd 43:19
MV70 Les Pugh 1:15:42

The weather was overcast and cooler than it had been for previous weeks. The course was hard and mostly dry. Rain followed soon after the race had finished, but no one seemed to mind as they were all enjoying themselves in the beer garden by then! Full results can be found: Results

Thanks to all the helpers, marshals, the fantastic local support, Wye Valley brewery, The Hostelrie Inn, the Coppett Hill Common Trust, The Courtfield Estate, Tanners Wine Merchants. Looking forward to next year!       Dan

A small field of 30 runners from a number of Welsh and English clubs and even one from Scotland turned up and enjoyed perfect weather conditions. The original version of the race, short and fully marked, used to attract quite good numbers of runners. The present version - an unmarked tough medium - not suitable for novices and requiring navigation skills, introduced in 2013, attracts a much smaller number, many of whom return in order to improve their time and correct previous mistakes. Overall race winner by a clear margin was Tom Fellbaum of Pennine. First female runner and eighth overall was Helen Brown. The severity of the course and the mostly pathless terrain, are features that attract comments such as ‘real hard running country’ and ‘a proper fell race’. For the first time this year we had the use of the WFRA’s new digital radios which greatly improved communications and race control.

After the race, runners and helpers enjoyed refreshments and cakes at race headquarters and every runner went away with a small gift. The warm weather helped make this an enjoyable friendly gathering, as is typical in Welsh fell races.

My thanks to the runners, the marshals and all the friends who helped organize the event, to the WFRA, Geoff Clegg, our time keeper and most of all to Wynn, Pat and Kath who, as always, provided food and refreshments and organised the running of race headquarters.

This was my last time as race organiser and I am in the happy position to say that a new RO will take charge from next year. He will, in due course announce details for the next running of the race. Yiannis Tridimas

Winner Matt O Keefe

The race is well established in the Welsh Fell Running calendar and entails running to seven mandatory checkpoints (including Cribyn, Pen y Fan, Corn Ddu and Tor y foel) from the dam at Talybont Reservoir. The race is approximately 30.6km long with 1372m ascent and qualifies as a long race. The race was run in the clockwise direction this year with a long climb to Tor y Foel to start. The race was a counter in the South Wales Fell Running Series this year.

The Brecon Beacons experienced a baking hot day with a temperature of 19-20 dec C on the tops and 24-25 deg C in the valleys.

Matt O’Keefe (MDC), Andy Davies (Mercia) and Jack Aghew (Mercia) had a great little tussle at the front of the race for its entire duration. All three were never further apart than three minutes during the entire race with the exception of the last leg from Carn Pica to the Finish. At Cribyn, the order was Jack, Andy, Matt. By Carn Pica this had changed to Andy, Matt & Jack with approximately a minute between each. However Matt had a very strong last leg and overtook Andy on the descent. Matt O’Keefe was the overall winner in a time of 3:19:47 with Andy Davies second in 3:22:04 and Jack Aghew third in 3:28:15.

Mel Price (Mercia) finished sixth overall and won the ladies race in a time of 3:30:42. Lizzie Wraith (Team Bath) finished second in 3:37:21 and Gemma Carter (Serpentine RC) finished third in 3:43:19. Excellent results for Lizzie who has a 9-month year old baby and Gemma who competed in her first fell race!

Niki Radnedge won the male over 40 veterans category and Andy Davies (Mercia) won the male over 50 veterans category. The prize for male over 50s was awarded to Paul Jeggo (Springfield Striders) as Andy Davies had won a prize for finishing second overall. Tony Wooldridge (Dursley & District AC) won the male over 60 veterans category whilst Gareth Jones (MDC) won the male over 70s category.

Whilst Mel Price (Mercia) won the female over 40 category, the prize was awarded to Kate Whitfield and Nicola Richards (both Mercia) who finished together. Beverley Tucker (Mynydd Du) won the female over 50 category.

The podium finishers and the winners in each age category were awarded with a bottle of wine each. The prizes were awarded by Lydia Gould who is the Brecon Beacons Fell Race female record holder. The record is 2:59:23 and set in 1991 in the anti-clockwise direction. It was a delight for the current race organisers Gary and Dawn to meet Lydia.

The male and female team prizes (lowest aggregate position for first three members in each team) were won by Mercia. Andy Davies, Jack Aghew and David Chetta were the male counters whilst Mel Price, Kate Whitfield and Nicola Richards were the female counters.

The race attracted a large field for a non-Championship race with 52 runners starting the race and 47 completing the full course. The participants suffered in the intense heat; some of which probably hadn’t taken enough water for the event.

The race organisers, Gary and Dawn Davies would like to thank each of the volunteers. These included John Darby, Richard Cronin, Sion and Amanda James, Derek Thornley, Alan Stone, John & Sophie Hallett, Martin & Kay Lucas, Keri & Pauline James. John Darby also did some back-breaking work in clearing some of the lesser used paths. Thanks to Pauline James for helping with the registration and finish line duties too. Without them, the race would fail to exist. A BIG BIG thank you.

The race used the Racetek race monitoring system for the second time which was a great success. The system allows both the marshalls and the race organizer to identify the competitors that are expected to arrive at and been to each checkpoint. A big thank you to Adrian Moir and Ellie Salisbury for introducing the system and providing the training.

The organisers remind potential competitors that map reading skills (using map and compass) are necessary for this race.
Regards       Gary Davies

Two Yorkshire lads visited little old Clawddnewydd for the Pincyn race and left a significant impression on the event. They made up the 32 runners who took on the very mixed weather conditions that befell the village show on Saturday. Three, yes three marquees had been blown away across several fields earlier that morning which led to the interesting use of cattle trailers as accommodation of varying hygiene levels to allow the show to carry on!

The group set off as stair rods of rain came down from the heavens but the ground remained rock hard on most of the route with serious tractor wheel ruts and cattle hoof prints gagging for weak ankles.

Young Bingley Runners representative Ruben Mantle (17 y.o.) led Buckley stalwart Jez Brown form the off with four more Buckley boys in close support but he was never to be caught. In the chasing group was first timer to the Pincyn Chris Myles who came in 3rd and had a good lead on Simon Edwards who unfortunately got nipped to the leg by a farm dog. The dog has had his injections and is doing well.

Steve Toogood claimed Vet 50 but a few minutes and positions behind was 16 y.o. local lad Ryan Edwards with a great first time effort. He was only seconds ahead of first lady Kate Davies with Jen Adams and Karon Foster 2nd and 3rd ladies following on. Menai Baugh (Denbigh) seemed chuffed with her V60 win and John Morris (Buckley) was equally pleased not to collect a scrubbing brush this year for his V70 victory.

Prize of the day though went to winner of The Muddiest Runner - Rick Chamberlain who managed to lose both trainers in the bog. He won a bag of rhubarb for his comedic efforts. Big thanks to show organisers for perseverance, marshals, land owners and race sponsor Jackson Fire & Security, Mold.

A warm clear summer’s evening made an ideal backdrop to this fell race set in the Clwydian hills. Some 86 runners embarked on a journey that took in some rarely trodden tracks and paths and afforded some spectacular panoramic views before descending steeply across open heath to the finish.

A keenly fought competitive run saw the first two finishers come home in under 40 minutes, quite an achievement on this course with Rob Grantham (Pensby) narrowly piping Stephen Skates Prestatyn to the line. Jez Brown (Buckley) was not too far behind in third place.

Hayley Evans (Buckley) was first lady to finish with Alli Grundy (Tattenhall) second and Ursula Moore (Pensby) third.

New age category records for the course were set by Rob Grantham (M40) 39.23 and Nicholas Holmes (M60) 48.59

Many thanks to the race marshals who ensured the runners found their way around the course, to Brian and Sue at the Golden Lion for accommodating the race HQ and to all the runners who took part in this very enjoyable summer race

As both the heatwave continued & a certain football match due to kick off just an hour after the race start we feared that race attendance might be well down this year. However with late publicity (thanks to Ellie Salisbury, Adrian Williams & Dave Kirby) turnout was just 4 down on last year as a respectable 51 runners lined up for the 2:00 pm start, once again I could make the call 'no kit required' a decision that probably avoided me being lynched.

The race was led from start to finish by Gavin Roberts who reached the summit in 34 minutes a minute ahead of Emlyn Owen both Eryri with Hebog's Geraint Jones hot on Emlyn's heels. Gavin maintained his lead to cross the line in 52:57 with no one else in sight. Meanwhile Emlyn & Geraint were having a rare old tussle with Geraint now in front but Emlyn knowing the run in was keeping something back & in a late surge came through to take 2nd in 53:47 with Geraint 10 seconds behind. Emlyn (who won Eryri's most improved runner last year) is clearly making further strides forward which is great to see.

In the Women's race Eryri's Miranda Grant put in a superb performance, reaching the summit in 37 minutes having opened up a 3 minute lead over her nearest rival. She extended her lead on the descent crossing the line in an excellent 57:44 finishing 6th overall & more than 6 minutes ahead of Hebog's Sian Williams who posted a time if 1:04:02.

On a good day for the Eryri runners they were not able to stop Hebog in the best local category which was won by Dylan Webber in 1:03:42, 12th overall. However with 20 runners in the field there were several other good performances for the club. Following Emlyn, Martin Cliffe (55:26) came in 4th, Adrian Williams (56:53) 5th to help make it a fabulous 1,2,3 in the Male O.40's category. Megan Hughes (1:10:09) was runner up FO.40's, Emlyn Roberts grabbed 3rd MO.50's, Linda Norman (1:22:58) was first FO.50's followed by Hazel Robbins in 2nd. Iwan Edgar 1st MO.60's (a very creditable 19th overall in 1:09:28) & finally Brian Robbins claimed 1st MO.70's (1:22:15) having seen his rival Emyr Davies sensibly retiring due to a calf injury, thanks Emyr for both reporting your decision to the Marshall's & seeking me out down at the finish.

Another club, Calder Valley, deserve a mention with 4 runners showing up including a category win for Catherine Holden in the FO.40's, it was good to see you enjoying your trip to Capel.

Thank you's are due to all the racers & Marshall's who made it such a great afternoon in hot conditions. I only received one complaint & that was about my inability to have enough water in the Afon Lugwy for the post race dip. Thanks again to our local Cotswold Outdoors in Betws for generously supplying the prizes. Finally thanks to other members of the Siabod Team, Dorina, Marion, John, Nick, & finally to Gaby & her staff for providing the Goulash on the Festival field for the runners.

One apology, there was no tug of war this year as most of the farmers were absent, were they fearing the runners determination to take revenge or watching a football match. In truth I am sure it was neither & had more to do with the reality of Sheep Shearing season!

John Rowell

It was lovely to see so many people turn up for this year’s Beast Race with exactly 100 runners lining up on a sunny summers eve. Some had run the course before and some just looked on as the race brief described what awaited them in the woods of Maeshafan and beyond.

First male back was Lowrence Eccles from Penny Lane Stiders on 38.30, closely followed by second male Jez Brown of Buckley runners in 38.37. Third male was ERM Fitness athlete Matt Gilbert in 41.42 who managed to complete the course wearing a baseball cap.

For the ladies the first runner over the line was Hayley Evans, Buckley Runners, beating her own course record by 4 seconds in a time of 46.35. Second over the line was Ursula Moore from Pensby Runners in 46.37 and third lady was Susan Fairie in 48.51 for Chester Tri.

In the age categories, Jez Brown was MV40, Colin Bishop Heslby won MV50 in an impressive 42.29, MV60 was Nicholas Holmes in 45.57 for Tattenhall Runners and MV70 was Buckley’s local legend John Morris in 55.03.

Pete Norman from Wrexham AC completed the course in just over an hour – then announced he was having a rest for the remainder of the week as he was competing in the British Triathlon Championships on the weekend – not bad for a 80 year old !

The ladies age categories were won by Susan Fairie VF40, Janet Robinson VF50 for Helsby in 53.52 and VF60 was Debbie Read, also from Helsby in 73.54.

There were 4 Clwydian Range Runners out in the course with Neil Coppack 46.05, John Rolton 47.18, Jenny Ewels 55.06 and Victoria Knight 66.00.

The most prestigious prize on the night was the most turned out club. This went to Helsby Runners , with 14 runners, who took great delight in accepting the award of a sack of potatoes.

Thanks to all marshals, sweepers, time keepers, data in-putters, The Miners pub, NEWSAR and all runners who came to make the race great a success.

Thank you and see you on the hills soon.

‘That was the hardest race I have ever done.’ The Welsh 1000m Peaks Race is one of the toughest races on the calendar, starting at the sea and finishing on the summit of Snowdon. It was made more interesting this year as, though dry, the mountains were in cloud causing some competitors problems particularly in the early part of the race on the Carneddau.

It was not a year for new records in the Long Fell Race. 151 competitors entered the Long Fell Race, which was a counter for the Welsh Championships, N Wales Series and Eryri Harriers club Championships. There were 15 prior withdrawals due to injury or illness and disappointingly 30 no-shows on the day. Out of 106 starters 96 finished the race. Congratulations to Rob Grantham who won in 04:18:56.and to the two M70s, Brian Robbins and Alwyn Oliver who finished in 07:13:13 and 07:36:25 respectively. Also to Andrea Rowlands who battled it out with Mel Price, beating her by less than 4 minutes in 05:01:16

Alongside the Long Fell Race there is a Short Fell Race, won by Julian Simpson of Richmond and Zetland Harriers in 1:49:15: a Long Challenge Race won by Mark Seymour from 7 REME in 6:05:44 and a Short Challenge Race won by Anthony Hall from SYO in 2:17:33. The challenge races can also be run as pairs giving a less experienced person the opportunity to compete with an experienced competitor and in the case of the Short Challenge Race a junior can compete with an adult. Sadly only one adult and junior pair took part this year. A missed opportunity.

The Race event centre is in Llanberis. Buses take competitors to the coastal start at Abergwyngregyn and competitors return to the centre from the summit finish for soup, roll and cake. ‘The spicy lentil soup was awesome’. The prize giving took place at 17.30. Prizes included local pottery and framed pictures of the area.

We would like to thank the following groups, without their support the race would not happen. Members of the Gorphwysfa Club, Electric Mountain,(sponsorship), Llanberis Community Centre, Plas Y Brenin, Bangor University (the start), farmers and landowners, National Trust, National Park Authority, Pen y Pass Hostel, Snowdon Mountain Railway, Tyn y Coed Hotel and 3 Royal Welsh Colwyn Bay TA.      

A warm, sunny, windless day brought 71 fellrunners to the Rhiangoll Valley to contest this South Wales Series 16k/920m race.

Sam Tosh of Rossendale Harriers led throughout to clear three and a half minutes on Aberdare’s Pete Ryder, but a minute down on Harry Jones’ record from 2015. Mercia’s Jack Agnew was third and took the Under 23 trophy.

Mel Price, another of the sizable Mercia contingent, was first woman in seventh place overall, ahead of another F40 Helen Brown of Mynydd Du, and Aberystwyth’s Helen Marshall.

Other age category winners were Kate O’Sullivan, Caroline Dallimore, Andy Stephens, Michael Reynolds, John Aggleton and Gareth Jones.

Thanks are due to Marshals Kay Lucas, Martin Lucas, Rob Brown and John Darby who both helped mark the route, to Sweeper Paul Colley-Davies (who wanted a gentle warmup for his Bob Graham Round run in a fortnight’s time), to Timekeepers Jane Aggleton and James Blore who also aided Karen Elvers on the Registration desk.

D Finch

Another clear and sunny evening greeted this year’s 31-strong field on the start line. Conditions could best be described as ‘firm’, in fact so firm that markers poles wouldn’t go in the ground! The flour arrow alternatives seemed particularly attractive to the local sheep population but no-one reported having got lost so enough of them must have survived….

Local lad Wyndham Turner stormed round in a very respectable time of 37:56 for a clear win; someone get a Mynydd Du vest on him quick! Andrew Stephens and Dan Sandford had a close run contest for 2nd and 3rd respectively, followed closely by Wyndham’s brother Tom. Evidently some good running genes in the Turner family! Harri Like took first woman for Mynydd Du, with U/A runner Hannah Hopkinson in 2nd place and Parc Bryn Bach’s Rhianydd Evans in 3rd.

This race is organised with beginners in mind so it was great to see half a dozen first-timers get round their first fell race. I have always enjoyed the route as a ‘quick hit’ training run as it seems to pack in some great running and views over a reasonable distance and with no great nav skills required. I hope those who we welcomed to the sport last night enjoyed themselves and we’ll see them again!

Huge thanks to the marshalling team, including the hill team of Julian, Dan and James, Rona on sweep duties, and the timing dream team of Paul, Gareth and Karen. Races can’t be run without these teams in place so if you can’t run on a race night, turn up and marshal!

See you all next year (probably with a revised 7pm start time)        Ed Dickson