After last year's deadheat on a steep down hill we were close to seeing the same again! In a mad dash downhill only 3 seconds separated winner James Trollope, of Birchfield Harriers, from the flying Rob Grantham. On James's first visit to the Clwydian Hills he built up a commanding lead over the rest of the field but Ellesmere Port's Rob fought back to overhaul him, James surged ahead again to lead and in an exciting finish Rob came close to getting back, but not close enough. Runners took a variety of non-prescribed routes back from the final summit and Clwydian Range Runner Tim Higginbottom used his local knowledge to good effect in finding a line to come in third. Fourth was first over 40 former Hong Kong-based runner Mark Williams.
Wirral AC's Lisa Grantham finished strongly in the ladies race to overtake Sarah Hammond of Tattenhall and third lady was the fast improving junior Rachel Jefferson of Warrington AC. Andy Smith of Helsby RC wore the number 50 on the day to commemorate his 50th birthday and Mrs Challinor, once again, poured out the drinks at the finish. Thanks to all our helpers on the night and to Pet and Al for taking the snapshots!

(The Clwydian Summer Trots races have raised over £600 for local hospices. Thanks to all our runners and helpers through the series.)

This was our second year in charge of this race and it went really well. The weather was great for running – sunny patches but cool breeze on top. Despite this the times were on average a few percent slower than last year. The recent we weather made going underfoot a bit soft and squelchy.

The winner was the indefatigable Mark Palmer but it was Chepstow Harriers who gained the team prize with Paul Murrin (2nd ), Matt Stott (4th ) and James Blore (6th and first under 23).

Helen Bennett appeared surprised with her win in a good time. Others were perhaps not surprised with stories of hard training on foot and bike.

MDC were just beaten into 2nd ladies team by Mynydd Du – Angela Jones, Anne-Marie Harris and Naomi Law taking the honours.

The best performance on the day is arguably Steve Herington celebrating his 63rd birthday with a time of 66:38. Looking back over recent results he was faster than last year and 2 minutes faster than 2009.

The course records set in 1995 (Mark Kinch and Ann Buckley) still hold – looking like they need some serious competition to be bettered.

The great support from marshals ensured there were no problems on the day, though parking remains one of the main issues for this and the Mynydd Troed races.

See you all next year – but please share transport!

Best Regards      Gerry and Sue Ashton

A record 123 runners completed the Druid race up to Foel Fenlli and back. In form Rob Grantham finished a minute clear of Jez Brown (who won the teddy bear!) while his wife Lisa Grantham won the ladies in a very tight finish with Kate Titlow. Three juniors in the top ten included Tom Hiles of Clwydian Range Runners in fourth. Competition at the other end of the field was just as fierce with over 70's Peter Norman and Robbie Webster coming home seconds apart.

Running the race on a Saturday seemed to be a success judging by the numbers with an almost unanimous vote to continue with a Saturday rather than midweek race. Cliff at the Whistle Inn agreed to open specially for us, as he normally only opens at lunchtime on Sundays, so we had the place to ourselves which was just as well as we filled the bar.

Not sure if we were lucky or unlucky with the weather as Friday was very wet and Sunday very hot, so perhaps dry and very windy wasn’t too bad and produced some very good times. Up front two newcomers took full advantage of the absence of the defending champion and race winner for the past 4 years Matt Collins with both bettering his old course record. In Richard Phillips case this was by nearly 20 seconds and Phillip Mathews in 2nd was also 3 seconds inside it. Stephan Sims comfortably won the Vets category only 20 seconds off Adrian Woods record. A remarkable 7th place for SV Steve Davies was also a new record by about 40seconds. While Steve Herrington in the over 60’s took just over a minute off the old best time.

No record for the women I’m afraid, but Helen Fines amazing time of 40.40 in 2007 will take some beating. However Katie Beecher was a comfortable winner in 44.11, 1min 30sec ahead of Emma McWilliams in second place. Sharon Leech was the first FV and Caroline Dallimore the first FSV.

So that raps it up for another year so I guess we will go for a Saturday in late June again next year.

Top Yorkshire cross country runner Myra Jones returned to her home town to see off all the men in the inaugural Goblin Tower Trail race. This was a low key (so far!) short, class 'C' race held at short notice in Denbigh and the girls predominated! There weren't many men but second placed Peter Barraclough can be happy that he currently holds the male record! Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and Keri Jaques (3rd lady/first junior) and Vicky Cortvriend can both be pleased with their second race in four days. Thanks to all the runners and helpers including the Air Cadets, Denbigh Locality group and Workplace Worksafe and Tai Clwyd for sponsoring the t-shirts plus Denbigh's mayor for starting the race. Watch out for next year's event!!             Martin C

There was a good turnout for this WFRA North Wales Series race. Weather conditions were hot, dry, sunny intervals.Andrea Rowlands set a new course record in the ladies race.
Ponderosa Polka Report and Results

A record turn out of 104 starters emphasising the growing popularity of fell running round here! The first two finishers were young under 23 runners as were quite a number of the rest of the field.
Ricky Challinor of Liverpool Harriers broke the record but he was chased hard by Tom Beasant from Dark Peak, former winners Ian Houston and Tim Higginbottom had to be content with top ten finishes.
Lisa Grantham of Wirral AC was outside Anna Frost's record but was still well clear of Mary Gillie and Leanne Callaghan to take the ladies prize (which in her case was a pink pig!)
A chilly midsummer night with a strong cold breeze to test the small band of marshalls and helpers who included the winner's mother who was co-opted (willingly!) to help with the drinks at the finish!
Martin

picture by Gwynfor James

This was an important year for the race. It was the 40th Anniversary and the first time Glyder Fawr was included. The race was also a counter in the inov-8 / WFRA Open Welsh Championships and the WFRA North Wales Series (sponsored by planetFear). Consequently there was a large turnout. Weather conditions were hot and sunny. Fortunately, there was a cool breeze on the summits.

A great evening for this slightly unusual race which is aimed at giving juniors a chance to experience Fell running. The course is designed carefully with more downhill than up and is just over 1.5 kms with about 160 metres of ascent and 223 m of descent( all ready for the metric calendar!). Runners have to enter as a pair with 16 being the lower age for an “adult” runner; as you can see from the results the times are adjusted so their ages can be taken into consideration. No need to worry as all get some chocolate and go home smiling. As can be seen from the pictures there is plenty of fire in their bellies!

Much effort has been put into the Shropshire races this season with the aim of encouraging juniors to participate (and parents to share their fun). Our thanks go all the race organisers for their combined efforts and so there are juniors who have been entering all our races and seek more….

Next year the race will start at 7.00 so that Prize giving will be in the sunshine; see you then.
Jan & Rick

Andy Lanz followed by Craig Jeffrey and Matthew Heywood

Conditions were 'challenging' this year as the runners had to contend with gales and driving rain. The heroes were the marshals who spent hours on the summits in appalling conditions. Everyone returned safely (eventually). Thanks to the following - Dewi Sinclair who provided a buffet for the runners and helpers, Cotswold who provided some of the prizes, George Inn, Team Dolly and everyone who helped on the day.
Ross

A fine sunny start to the day with increasing cloud cover that did not actually break, and a cold and fitful wind at HQ had many pondering over what to wear.

Race Organiser Helen Fines was away at a British Championship race, but left behind a stout team who got the 44 runners off successfully. Martin Cox led Mark Palmer all the way with Alec Woods about four minutes back as the race moved into the second phase across the valley to the foot of the steep haul to Cribyn summit.

Increased numbers on a warm evening for a well organised event - records for men and women for the new course were broken by Ian Houston (Wrecsam Tri) and Emma Collins (Denbigh Harriers).

Mynydd Du’s Angela Jones held off the rapidly improving Vanessa Lawson for first woman with Helen Marshall not very far back in third. Anne-Marie Harris, Pete Williams and Gary Gunner succeeded in the remaining age categories. Paul and Angela chose Air Ambulance and Ty Hafan Hospice as their favourite charities to receive all the proceeds of the race entry fees.
DF 080511

101 finishers - good day for running but a strong wind meant a record time was unlikely. Tim Davies won in 37.48 a fair bit faster than his winning time of two years ago. 16 year old Nathan Jones of Colwyn Bay, a mere strip of a lad, broke the junior record coming in 5th overall in 41.44. Andrea Rowlands won the ladies race, not for the first time! Thanks to all who helped on the day and to those who took part especially those who travelled from further afield including the Leighton Buzzard boys from Bedfordshire who regularly support our races.

Great photos already from our very professional photographers!!

and lightning fast uploading from your webmaster........

Young Emma Bayliss revived this dying fell race last year and is making a great success of it. Well over 100 runners from as far afield as Derbyshire, the Lakes, North Wales and Berkshire made the journey to sunny Abergavenny and enjoyed balmy weather and stunning views from the Pen y Fal summit. The winner was a Scotsman resident in the nearby Wye Valley, Rob Gordon (Mynydd Du), who was delighted with his form three weeks before his major 2011 target, the 3 Peaks race up in Yorkshire. MDC’s Matt Collins in his first race for a while was less than a minute behind with Chepstow’s Paul Murrin in third. Chepstow’s James Blore and Paul Dodd joined Paul M in the winning men’s team.

Katie Beecher of the Cardiff Les Croupiers club came from behind to overtake Sam Knile in the race down the track from the summit for the women’s prize, followed by Mynydd Du’s Angela Jones who also won the F40 category.

Crispin Flower, Paul Dodd and Steve Herington took men’s age group prizes; Joc Dodd and Brenda Avery the remaining women’s age cats.

It was lovely sunny day for the first of the Clwydian junior series. The 6 and 7 year old;s race was an all female field and won by Isabella Bailey in an excellent 3 minutes. Amelia Bailey also competed and did very well but her big sister had the advantage of legs that were a year older! In the 8-9 year old's Kale Kenworthy won the girls race and won outright in 3:22, Paul Hunt took the boys prize just beating Jake Thurlow in a sprint finish. The Morris family swept the board in the 10-11 years old. William ran an excellent 6:41, soon followed by Bethan in 7:06. Grant Leach ran the 14-15 year old's route 7:51. Well done to everyone.

Many thanks to all the marshals and the local farmer for their help on the day.
The next race will be at Ponderosa, Horseshoe pass on the 26th June.

Llantysilio Mountain Race       Pics from Alastair       Results

Report 2          Report 3

Photos from Annoymousecoward          Video of the Race

Les Croupiers Club from Cardiff city centre, not noted for fell-running, gave us first woman in the shape of Katy Beecher, only 29 seconds outside Helen Fines’ record.

Steve Harrhy (Lliswerry) took 6th place and first M40; Hugh’s dad John (MDC) was M50 winner, only 48 seconds adrift of Steve; and Dai Smout of Parc Bryn Bach was M60 winner.

Brecon’s (and Finland’s) Satu Haikala took F40 honours, while Chepstow’s Joc Dodd in her first ever race on the mountains was F50 winner.

At the presentation In the Abbey Hotel, due appreciation from the runners was given to marshals Kay Lucas and Del Thornley, course marker Andy Stott, timekeepers John Chidlow and Ian Wade, and photographers Becka Werner and Al Tye.

Tom Blasts Blaenbran
World Adventure Race Champion Tom Gibbs (MDC and Chepstow Harriers) showed he could still do it in a short fell race. This one, devised and organised by Matt Collins, starts in Upper Cwmbran and visits the summit of Mynydd Twyn-glas.

Warm Spring sun was a surprise and most welcome to runners who responded by getting their legs out for the first time in months. They even sat in the Queen’s beer garden afterwards for the prize-giving.
At the finish Tom had a hundred seconds on Gareth Hurst, while 40+ Max Suff had a stunning run for 3rd.
Chepstow’s Lou Summers, also 40+, took the women’s prize ahead of U23 Claire Dallimore and 40+ Niki Morgan....DF

Ninety-one runners lined up for the second race in this years WFRA North Wales Series. Perfect morning conditions heralded quick times for this years Pipe Dream Race and it proved to be right as the course record was smashed by race winner Ifan Rhys Richards of Meirionnydd RC, taking 51 seconds off Math Roberts' time set in 2008. He arrived home with a clear view between him and second placed Martin Cliff of Eryri in 36.12, an excellent time in itself. Third was Eryri's Rory O'Donnell.
The ladies race was much closer, with only 6 seconds seperating winner Eryri Harrier Jenny Hemming in 44.41 and second placed club mate Tammy Lewis-Jones. Third was Joanne Moore, unattached.
The field arrived home safely, and all seemed to enjoy themselves. The first local runner home was Tony Harvey, coincidentally the only local runner from the three villages of Tal Y Bont, Dolgarrog and Trefriw! Despite annual advertising no other locals seem to have the guts to have a go at this demanding course which climbs 1270 feet in the first mile.
Thanks to Team Dolly for marshaling once again, and also for the generous sponsorship from local RWE npower. Proceeds to Dolgarrog Community Centre.
Craig Jones.

A misty day on the tops saw 31 runners for this years Rant ,with all getting back safely in difficult conditions. Many thanks to all at Rhayader A/C for their commitment and organisation.

Warm spring weather and the first race in the Eryri Harriers mountain club championship brought 136 runners to the Moelyci Environmental Centre this year. Congratulations to Matthew Roberts of Eryri who won overall in 36.59. Math was followed 44 seconds later by Dave Aucott of Dark Peak at 37.43 in 2nd, also 1st MV40. On Dave’s heels 14 seconds later was Sam Smith of Eryri in 37.57 and 3rd overall. Congratulations to Andrea Rowlands of Eryri, first woman in 45.15 and 28th overall. Siobhan Evans (u/a) followed as 2nd in 46.44 (35th), with Ruth Metcalf of Eryri 3rd in 47.41 (40th). Martin Cliffe of Eryri took the MV40 prize as 2nd MV40 and 6th overall at 39.05, with Adam Haynes 1st MV50 at 43.13 (15th). Dafydd Whiteside-Thomas took MV60 at 51.01 (72nd). First FV40 was Sarah Hammond of Tattenhall in 48.19 (47th), with Annie Williams of Eryri in 1st FV50 at 51.47 (73rd) and Maggie Oliver of Eryri in 1st FV60 in 59.53 (116th). Two gifted junior men ran the full race; Nathan Jones of Colwyn Bay finished 5th overall in 38.48 and Callum Muskett of Eryri finished 14th overall in 42.35.

The junior race winner was Ryan Cain of Menai Track & Field in 9.38 with Elen Norris first girl at 4th in 12.43. Seven juniors ran.

Many thanks go to the Centre staff, marshals, ‘Team Dolly’ radio network, the registration and finish team, friends and families. Projects at the Moel y Ci Environmental Centre focus on sustainability, local produce, local employment and crafts (www.moelyci.org).

Pics from Alastair

Report from Mud Sweat and Tears

LES CROUPIERS RUNNING CLUB

3.95 miles 1150 feet        Sat 8th January 2011

Keswick AC athlete Chris Edis ran out a comfortable winner in this short sharp race held on the Kymin on the outskirts of Monmouth. A bright afternoon welcomed the 72 runners who started in the narrow Mayhill lane for the first and toughest climb of just under 1 mile to a turning point just short of The Tower on the top. From here the route descended through narrow footpaths in even less distance before the longer and slightly less steep climb to the summit at almost 850 feet. Doesn’t sound like much but you’ve climbed most of it twice in two and a half miles !
Second and third placed Jason Rowley and Ken Ham, both from across the Severn Bridge, had a very close race, finishing 3 seconds apart. There was another close battle in the ladies race where promoting club Les Croupiers athletes Katie Beecher and Libby O’Duffey were separated by 10 seconds. The course records set in 2008 by Rob Gordon at 29.50 and Helen Fines at 33.34 stayed safe and sausage butties and a pint in the Mayhill pub where awards were presented rounded off the afternoon.
Rod Jones

Boxing Day and for the last few years has meant only one thing - the Tyn y Groes fell race and the chance to run off some of the excesses of Christmas Day, followed by soup, mince pies and even more beer.
Unfortunately this year one of the heaviest December snowfalls in memory meant the race simply couldn't take place.
Undaunted though, Tony Hodgson, Nich Bradley, Kevin Evans, Pete Nicholls and Tony's dog Poppy decided to at least maintain the Boxing Day tradition and run the route anyway. Going up wasn't too bad and apart from Tony the rest of us were probably somewhere near our usual time getting to the summit (Tony stayed with us out of politeness I think and also had an unexpected encounter with a deer). The views at the top were spectacular and amongst the trees it looked like the Kingdom of Narnia.
Coming down was a lot slower but nobody fell and we crossed the frozen river back to the
Tyn-y-Groes all in one piece and were greeted with a loud round of applause from a welcoming bar.

Winner Scores on the Tea Urn

Blorenge winner Mark Palmer may not have beaten his course record this year, but he got back down the snow-sprinkled mountain quick enough to keep Chepstow’s Paul Murrin behind him, and in time to serve tea and coffee to the rest of the runners as they trailed behind him into the village hall.

Jess and Chris Taylor laid on the usual well-marked and marshalled course, as well as the tasty sandwiches and seasonal stollen cake to accompany Mr Palmer’s welcome hot drinks.

Women’s winner, Helen Fines, dedicated her run to her recently departed dog, George, of whom your humble reporter also has fond memories of a shared van seat to a distant fell race in the summer.

Anna Frost     Photo by Gwynfor

Here are the final corrected results from Fan Fawr 2010. gildersleve@ntlworld.com     Chris

Dear All, It was decided to postpone ,until next year ,novembers Rhayader Rant followimg the sad death of my fellow race organiser at Rhayader A/C, Terry Simpson. A rearranged date should follow on. Terry will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Many thanks Paul Beeson (Maldwyn Harriers.)

The 5th anniversary of the race confirmed it as a fairly popular event in North Wales although participation is limited by the remoteness of the location. The wet weather did not deter the 71 entrants who enjoyed a run in quite mild but very wet underfoot conditions. The morning’s heavy rain abated by midday and most of the race route was clear apart from the higher ground where visibility was quite limited.

Steven Cale of Shrewsbury was the clear winner in the men’s race in a time of 56:10, which is just over two minutes slower than Lloyd Taggart’s record set in drier conditions. Andrea Rowlands was the winner in the women’s race with a time of 71:33.

The majority of the runners were in the veterans categories. There were three male runners under 23 and they all received prizes as an encouragement to younger runners.
Much against my instincts, the entry fee was increased to £4 this year in order to cover the various prizes, gifts to the marshals and the farmer who owns the quarry and also a donation to Team Dolly, who again turned up to support the race with radio communications at the check points and to provide high quality photography. As in previous years, there was food, cakes and refreshments provided by Kath, Wynn, Pat and Pam and judging from the comments, runners greatly appreciated this.

My thanks the Welsh FRA, Geoff and Ross in particular for their help and thanks to my fellrunning friends who helped set the course and man the checkpoints.
As usual, Running Bear supported the event by providing prizes at a generous discount. For the first time this year Mr Running Bear himself, Tony Hulme, ran the race. The race was a counter in the WFRA North Wales Series.
Next year the race will take place on Sunday 2nd October.......... . Yiannis Tridimas

The weather was cool, showery and windy. Conditions were slippery underfoot. There was a good turnout as the race was a counter in the Welsh Fell Runners Association North Wales Series. A minutes silence was held before the race in memory of Gareth Williams who was a regular participant in north west Wales mountain races.

Andrew Davies was first to the summit but was passed on the rough descent by Sam Smith. However, when the terrain improved Andrew was able to catch and pass Sam to win in a time of 36 minutes and 48 seconds. Birthday boy, Martin Cliffe (Eryri) won his first race in the over 40 category in 40.43. The ladies race was won by Jenny Heming of Eryri in 46.04.

Ifan Richards of Brithdir dominated proceedings at last Saturday's Tyn-y-Groes Hill Race held in Ganllwyd, near Dolgellau, as he claimed a comfortable victory in a time of 15.57mins, knocking a remarkable 44 seconds off the previously held course record.

The new record was set in gloriously sunny conditions which greeted the field who had gathered to take on the 2.1 mile course which included a steep climb of around 700 feet. Having won the event in 2009, a repeat performance was very much on the cards from the in-form Meirionnydd Running Club athlete, what nobody could have predicted was the ease of victory as well as the amount taken off the previous course record.

Indeed, athletes from Meirionnydd Running Club dominated the event, claiming the first four overall finishers as well as victory in the female section of the race.

Janet Preston of Dolgellau on her way to victory within the female category at the Tyn-y-Groes Hill Run held last Saturday.

The top four were completed by the Dolgellau based duo of Tom Roberts and Adam Preston in times of 17.41mins & 17.56mins with Tony Hodgson of Llanelltyd claiming an exellent fourth placed finish in a time of 20.09mins. It was to prove a successful day for the Preston household as Janet Preston claimed victory in the female section of the race in a time of 27.31mins.

There were also some excellent performances within the junior categories as Gerwyn Roberts of Ganllwyd won the junior male section in a time of 22.16mins with Cara Evans of Brithdir claiming success in the junior female category in a time of 35.01mins.

Other performances of note at the event came from the Meirionnydd duo of Graeme Stringer & Ricky Francis as the Llanelltyd based athlete led home the Talyllyn based athlete in respective times of 20.33mins & 21.17mins. Also counting for Meirionnydd on the day were Brithdir-based Kevin Evans, home in a time of 23.04mins & John Smith of Dolgellau, completing the course in a time of 24.02mins.

Bro Dysynni A.C. were also represented on the day by a quartet of competitors amongst whom were Richard Griffiths of Tywyn & Alan Jones of Bryncrug, home in times of 24.21mins & 25.01mins. Other locally affiliated athletes in action on the day were the Meirionnydd duo of Danny Evans of Brithdir and Barrie Jackson of Bala home in respective times of 30.30mins & 31.04mins with a beaming Andy Unwin of Harlech following, the Bro Dysynni stalwart home in 37.43mins, with club-mate Sheila Symonds of Dolgellau producing another fine performance as she crossed the line in a time of 49.57mins

As has become the tradition with the Tyn-y-Groes event, all entry fee monies collected on the day (a total of £91) will be passed on to the Ukraine Humanitarian Aid charity.

CRYCHAN FOREST FELL RACES (near Llandovery)
SUNDAY 11th JULY 2010
8m/1600ft, over 18, 2 15pm, £5
4½m/900ft, over 16, 2pm, £4
Junior races if enough interest (from 1pm)
From Cefn Farm Entrance (GR SN 813387), signposted off the A483
AMPLE PARKING AND SOME REFRESHMENTS
PROCEEDS TO MOUNTAIN RESCUE
John Sweeting: 01550 721086, email: john@wfra.org.uk
www.wfra.org.uk or www.crychanforest.org.uk

        
Matthew Roberts winner at Foel Fras pictured on summit.

There was a good turnout as the race was a counter in the inov-8 WFRA Open / Welsh Championships and WFRA North Wales Series. Weather conditions were dry, overcast with occasional sunny interval.
Cloud level was around the summits.
The race was won by Matthew Roberts of Eryri in a time of 1 hour 39 minutes and 51 seconds, more than 10 minutes ahead of the next runner! The ladies race was won by Sarah Ridgway of Eryri in 1.54.58, nearly 8 minutes inside the old record!

The majority of the competitors had gathered to take part in the 10.5 mile Ras Y Gader, leaving Eldon Square to climb the 2,927 feet to the peak of Cader Idris before the descent back into Dolgellau. Having finished in 2nd place at the 2008 event, Andrew Davies (Maldwyn Harriers) went one better in 2010 as he led home the 214 finishers, completing the course in a victorious time of 1hr 28.29mins. There was much popular acclaim for the next finisher, as Ifan Richards of Brithdir claimed runners up spot, leading home the 14 strong Meirionnydd Running Club contingent taking part in the race, in a time of 1hr 31.09mins, an amazing 15 minutes quicker than his finishing time of 2009. There were also loud cheers in Eldon Square as Dolgellau resident, Tom Roberts, was the second Meirionnydd finisher, claiming an overall 15th placed finish in a time of 1hr 40.42mins. The first female finisher followed as Helen Fines (Vegan Runners) followed up her runners up spot in the ladies race in 2009 by claiming victory in 2010 in a time of 1hr 42.18mins. Four further Meirionnydd Running Club athletes then followed as Adam Preston of Dolgellau came home in 1hr 43.30mins, Dave Whittey of Llanelltyd in 1hr 49.49mins, Tony Hodgson, also of Llanelltyd, having the added bonus of victory in the Male Over-60 category, in a time of 1hr 52.02mins whilst Ricky Francis of Dolgellau came home in 2hrs 01.26mins.

Picture - Tony Hodgson of Llanelltyd on his way to victory in the Male Over-60 section at Ras Y Gader
Photo by Peter Douglas

There was also local success in the various 'Y Sospan' sponsored junior races held on the day. In the Junior Fun Run, the 1st boy home was Carwyn Lloyd Davies of Trawsfynydd and 1st girl home was Llio Roberts of Rhosygwalia. There was success for Mael Evans of Bala & Kate Bailey in the Under-12's race whilst promising Dolgellau youngster, Alex Lanz, claimed a comfortable victory in the Male Under-16's section.

Picture - Tom Roberts of Dolgellau, '1st local' finisher at Ras Y Gader Photo by Peter Douglas

The second race in the inov-8 WFRA Open/Welsh Championships takes place at Cribyn in south Wales next Saturday 15th May. Pairs of Fell shoes will be awarded to the first 3 in most age categories as long as the runner completes a minimum of 4 races including one at each distance. Why not combine the race with a recce of the Black Mountains route on the Sunday?

Chepstow Dominate Hot Troed

Chepstow Harriers, whose Club Championship it was, provided 37% of the field, but their leading man Paul Murrin couldn’t stop Mynydd Du’s Martin Shaw from repeating last year’s victory.

A very warm Spring day with a slight but refreshing breeze may have accounted for the slower leading times: that of Martin, 63.32, was a full seven minutes short of his record, while leading woman Helen Fines, at 74.47, was also four minutes behind her record.

First M40 Crispin Flower was well placed in 3rd, just two places above first M50 Pete Gardner. Les Williams, leading M60, was also well positioned in the top half.

The experienced women also placed well: Sharon Woods taking 2nd and Chepstow’s Vaness Lawson and Niki Morgan in 4th and 5th.

The category winners kindly donated their prize money to their chosen charities with the result that the Wyeside Arts Institute in Builth Wells and Greyhound Rescue West Of England will share the total entry fees of £171.

The race ‘organiser’ is very grateful to the magnificent support team – Louise & Carys Blackmore, Kay & Martin Lucas, Hanneke van der Werf, Ian Wade, Gareth Jones - who relieved him of all responsibilities and allowed him to run, in a feeble attempt to score some Chepstow Club points…

Conditions were glorious this year being sunny dry and warm.
The race was won by Richard Roberts of Eryri in a time of 1 hour 19 minutes and 20 seconds. Ifan Richards of Meirionnydd was 2nd in 1.26.58 and Martin Cliffe of Eryri 3rd in 1.27.45. Other category winners - Over 40 Roger Lamb (Mercia) 1.31.50, Over 50 Arwel Lewis (Eryri) 1.32.39, Over 60 Don Williams (Eryri) 1.44.56.
First home in the ladies race was Andrea Rowlands of Eryri in a time of 1.38.05. Rebecca Law (Eryri) was 2nd in 1.45.18 and Joanne Moore (u/a) was 3rd in 1.47.30. The over 60 category was won by Maggie Oliver (Eryri) in 2.19.20.
The Junior races were the first counter in the WFRA Snowdonia Junior Series.
Full results not yet available but the winners as follows -
Under 18 : 1st Tecwyn Evans (Eryri) 35.00, 2nd Tom Thomas (Calder Valley) 38.00

Under 16 : 1st Megan Withers (Pembrokeshire) 23.58, 2nd George Oliver (Deeside) 24.38, 3rd Megan Turner (Aberystwyth) 24.40

Under 14 : 1st Gerwyn Roberts, 2nd Aaron Roberts, 3rd Osian Williams

Under 12 : 1st Mael W Evans 18.40, 2nd Aaron Huw Jones 19.00, 3rd Aron Roberts 21.58

First race in the inov-8 WFRA Open / Welsh Championships. Also a counter in the WFRA North and South Wales Series.

A quality field of 96 boys & girls came out to play for the Bank Holiday WFRA Triple counter round at the Corndon Classic. A warm welcome was extended at the Miners Arms (and a cracking pint.) on a perfect afternoon for a bimble over 3 lovely hills. Tim Davies was first home in a new record time, with Anna Bartlett taking the ladies honours. My sincere thanks to all who supported the first champs round ever in this area, and all at the club, pub and marshalls who helped me out on the day.These things would not happen without you all.     Paul Beeson.

Thanks to all the marshalls and helpers and to Al Tye and Pete Douglas for taking their usual batch of excellent photos.
Martin

1.	37.25	Tim Lloyd		Menai Track & field
2.	37.41	Matthew Fortes	Eryri
3.	38.24	Neal Hockley		WFRA

Vet 40
1.	37.25	Tim Lloyd		Menai Track & Field
2.	38.53	Craig Jones		Eryri
3.	38.56	Paul Jenkinson	Eryri


Vet 50
1.	39.42	Arwel Lewis		Eryri
2.	45.19	Ross Powell		WFRA
3.	45.43	Barrie Wells		NWRRC

Vet 60
1.	43.27	Don Williams		Eryri
2.	45.25	Mike Blake		Eryri
3.	54.44	Francis Uhlman	WFRA


Ladies

1.	41.19	Andrea Rowlands	Eryri
2.	42.10	Tammy Lewis-Jones	Eryri
3.	49.29	Ellie Salisbury		Eryri

Vet 40
1.	49.29	Ellie Salisbury		Eryri
2.	58.55	Melanie Williams	Mysteruns

Many thanks go to the Centre staff, marshals, ‘Team Dolly’ radio network, the registration and finish team and prize donators. Projects at the Moelyci Environmental Centre focus on sustainability, local produce and local crafts. The soup and cakes were from organic local suppliers accompanied by Fair Trade tea and coffee.

Martin Lucas

The Presentations for the WFRA Open / Welsh Championships and North / South Wales Series took place after the Blorenge race in south Wales on 28th November. This was the final race in the WFRA Open / Welsh Championships.
The WFRA Welsh Champions for 2009 are Martin Shaw of Mynydd Du and Andrea Rowlands of Eryri. Other category winners -
Male : Under 23 Matt Stott (Chepstow), Over 40 Paul Beeson (Maldwyn), Over 50 Ross Powell (WFRA), Over 60 Don Williams (Eryri), Over 70 Peter Norman (Wrexham).
Ladies : Over 40 Ellie Salisbury (Eryri), Over 50 Sue Ashton (Chepstow), Over 60 Maggie Oliver (Eryri).

Prizewinners at the WFRA Presentations

Coming down the hill was a succession of reliefs as the wind dropped and temperature increased. 62 runners don't half make a mess and I slipped and sat down just before the Bwlch with no injury except my pride. From the Bwlch was almost enjoyable and we arrived at base to enjoy the soup.
No doubt a proper report will arrive in due course.
Bob Chilton

Martin Shaw made the best of the good conditions and his current good form to win the Sugar Loaf race (5m/1455') in 37.31, leading from start to finish. Pete Ryder (Brycheiniog) was only 15 seconds behind in second, both of them being close to Matt Collins 2007 course record. Hugh Aggleton of MDC was 3rd, and with Rob Gordon and Mark Palmer 4th and 5th it was 3 in the top 5 for Mynydd Du.

The club didn't have it all their own way in the women's race though, as Welsh International Emma Bayliss was beaten to first place by Chepstow's Marianne Gittoes in a good time of 47.38. Nicki Morgan was 3rd and 1st FV40, followed by Esther Barrett, both also for Chepstow Harriers.

John Aggleton was first MV50 in 45.54 for MDC and Sue Ashton (Chepstow), recovering from injury won the FV50.

Because of the severe weather - strong winds and blustery showers the bad weather route was used. The race was won by Steven Cale of Shrewsbury in a time of 45 minutes and 31 seconds. Roger Lamb of Mercia was 2nd in 45.34 (also 1st over 40) and Rhys Findlay-Robinson of Dark Peak was 3rd in 45.55. Other category winners - Over 50 Andrew Fox (Glossop) 49.03, Over 60 Peter Roberts (Buckley) 54.48, Over 70 Pete Norman (Wrexham) 77.05. The ladies race was won by Andrea Rowlands of Eryri in 50.11. Mary Gillie of Clwydian was 2nd in 52.49 and Lisa Morley of Wrexham 3rd in 56.01. Other category winners - Over 40 Linda Jones (Wrexham) 63.02, Over 50 Sue Ridings (Clwydian) 75.43.

A note for your diary, next year’s Muddle will take place on October 10th 2010. See you there! Full race results and Muddle details can be found at www.westonac.co.uk/mendipmuddle

This was the penultimate race in the WFRA Open Welsh Championhip series and the last race in the WFRA North Wales series.
Yiannis Tridimas

The weather was lovely and the ground dry for the last race of the Clwydian Junior Series. There was a good turn out and great to see new runners, even some from Australia. Eight competed in the 6-7 years old, Freya Davis won outright, closely followed by Billy McCorkell. In the 8-9 years race, Tom Holmes ran a great race but Sasi Williams and Martha Owen were hard on his heels. Sasi and Martha fought it out the whole way round, Sasi just finished ahead. Lilly Davis and Lucia Hughes both powered up the hill but Lilly took the lead on the descent. Grant Leach, Matty Blackwell and Madison Davis all gave great performances in the 12-13 years old race, Matty won in 9.24.
Freya and Billy also won the series for the 6-7 years, Tom and Martha won the 8-9 years old, Tom won all three of his races. Lilly and Lucia were joint winners of the 10-11 years catergory. Grant and Madison won the series for 12-13 years. Jim Davis won the 'Best Marshal prize.

Sponsored by Fifth Element, Porthmadog and DJ Fruit and Veg, Criccieth.

The race took place from Croesor, near Porthmadog. Weather was wet, windy and with low cloud. Conditions were very slippery and muddy underfoot.
The race was won by Sam Smith of Eryri in a time of 37 minutes and 56 seconds. Ifan Richards of Meirionnydd was 2nd in 38.36 and Chris Near of Eryri was 3rd in 39.02 Other category winners - Over 40 Alan Ward (Dark Peak) 39.59, Over 50 Adam Haynes (Eryri) 43.53, Over 60 Dafydd Whiteside Thomas (Eryri) 51.52
The ladies race was won by Jackie Lee of Eryri in 45.17, Louise Emery (u/a) was 2nd in 52.53 and Joanne Moore (u/a) 3rd in 54.58. The over 40 category was won by Marie-Anne Fischer of Headington in 78.59

Wins for Anthony Smith (Ambleside) and Andrea Rowlands (Eryri Harriers) over a newly devised route on a warm day. 68 runners turned out and we had good feedback about the venue and the toughness of the course. Thanks to all the marshalls plus Julian for the drinks. Anthony's time was 85.12 and Andrea was 6th overall in 91.31.
We'll stick to this route for next year but it will be held earlier in the year.

I would like to inform you of a fell race so that you can put it on the race calendar and inform other members please.
Details are as follows:
Llanfest Fell Race      Race Route       12th Sept 09 (Saturday). 12:30pm. Location: Ty'n Llwyfan Farm, Newry Drive, Llanfairfechan. Registration from 11am. 3 pounds entry, monies raised for community projects. 6.5 mile marshalled race, all runners to have full kit including map, compass and whistle. All entrants must be over 18. B medium 1366 ft ascent. race organisers reserve the right to cancel this race owing to weather conditions.
Many thanks       Neil Grew

Hi there everyone in WFRA land,

regarding the recently added advert for the Llanfest fellrace on 12th Sept. This is a brand new race which is being organised last minute by Neil Grew, his first go at doing a fellrace. However in support of the event I can say that I've given him some advice on organising it and route choice, and will be doing it myself.

It utilises some of the Pen fell route (Bwlch y Ddeufaen towards Pen), but also uses some fresh ground not used in other fell races, such as the sharp climbs of Garreg Fawr and Moelfre. I can say that it's a good course, quite tough for it's distance and climb, with some mixed terrain and quite a sting in the tail climbing Moelfre.

I recommend giving it a go.

Apologies for purple prose,       Dick

The inaugural Push Up The Pincyn attracted 50 runners from as far away as Keswick and Preston in England and plenty of local Welsh runners represented from Eryri, Wrexham, Prestatyn and Clwydians.
The weather god's smiled on the Clawddnewydd and Clocaenog show from where the race began.

Being limited in 'true' mountains in that area the race made the most of the terrain, using fields and forest, brooks and bogs to try and sap the energy from the runners. Lack of sheer up and sheer down meant for a fast and furious pace. The gentle drop in altitude from the start in Clawddnewydd to Clocaenog meant for a gruelling long drag from fields into the forest and to the base f Pincyn Llys.
The Pincyn is a monument to the Baggot family who owned the land and it's position commands fantastic views of the Clwydian Range to the East, Liverpool Bay to the north, the Berwyn range to the south and good old Snowdonia to the west. I very much doubt anyone stopped to take in the vista having climbed a very steep final 300m in slippery mud to reach the peak. How many people wished they had fell shoes rather than trail shoes? The climb was eaten up from the outset by Chris Edis of Keswick who was pursued by Ian Houston of Wrexham Tri. Close behind were team mates from Sale Harriers - Richard Huston and Gareth Rhys Mathews. The course sent competitors down and then back up through sections of forest before starting a long fast down to Cloc. Exposed roots, stones and mud for the down resulted in an array of bloody, grazed and mud splattered limbs. Runners retraced their footsteps once back at Cloc. This made for a steady climb back up to Clawdd. The cheers from the show spectators spurred on the sweating and now exhausted runners to fall like nine pins once over the line. The finishing line-up remained the same as the climb with Chris setting the record at 44mins 54sec. Poor Chris had a microphone shoved under his nose by the MC asking him where he was from. As he heaved for air through a very attractive face pack of mud, sweat and saliva the reply sounded something like Kez....w....ick.
First lady was Welsh woman Ruth Metcalf of Eryri in 54:23 who I know really does prefer the sheer stuff.
Many thanks from the organisers for the support and the very many positive comments from the runners, here's to next year. Neil Coppack

This year’s Pen Y Fan Race clashed with Snowdon, Ingleborough and Moel Siabod, not to mention swine flu and rubbish weather, so it was great to see 62 seniors and 11 juniors lined up. And lovely to see so many familiar faces from far flung corners. If Snowdon has its Italians, well Pen Y Fan has regulars from the eastern flatlands - the Springfield Striders and Cambridge Harriers - along with a healthy smattering of northerners (English and Welsh). Last year’s 3rd man Will Horsley from Northumberland was back, and this time he had brought his Dad! He threatens to bring the whole club next year.

But at the start line everyone was eyeing up the tall dark stranger in the black top – strangely familiar… of course, the cover model for the latest Fellrunner magazine, Simon Coldrick.

Meanwhile I was keeping an eye on the “Valleys” posse – who were these guys with the shades, tattoos and bleachy mops? Ah that would be Afan Humphreys and Mark Davies and support crew, top roadies venturing into the rough stuff. Well they showed some class on the climb, but racing flats are never going to work on a wet 45 degree slope, and this showed in their descent times. Wear studs next year guys! Simon Coldrick led from the start, and had a 40 second lead at the summit. But Will Horsley is a great descender and knows the route, and by the time they reached the stile the gap was down to about 5 seconds. Simon took the track, Will took the field, and watching from the finish we thought Will was going to nick it, but a powerful sprint brought Simon home in 35:15, 3 seconds clear.
In the ladies race, Angela Heeley had hung in with Helen Fines on the climb, but the moment they leapt off the edge of Pen y Fan it was all over – Helen pulled out the second fastest descent of the day, faster than Simon, to win for the third time in 40:50 (5th overall); Angela held second in 43:35. This knocked over 3 minutes off Helen’s PB but is still a couple of minutes shy of the record - maybe next year.

Other notable performances included Kevin Hagley, who may have done Pen y Fan more than anyone else (including some blistering times) with the 4th fastest descent, and Clifford Berry, who still beat Kevin to the V40 prize. Further down the field, marshals reported that Laura Gray re-appeared at the summit, saying she couldn’t go down the precipitous slope! Horsley senior came to the rescue and showed her the way. With Mynydd Du fielding only Puffing Billy, it was left to a highly experienced MDC team to show what South Walians are made of, just pipping Springfield Striders to the team prize. In the junior race, running for its second year, Charlie Jenkins smashed the record with 7:48, and Ellie Jones led the girls in 8:58, also a new record. It was great to see some fearsome sprint finishes! The records were safe and sound, and the prize fund on the men’s record will rise to £500 for next year. Thanks to Mark Palmer and Mike Law on the summit, Tom Harrison, Colin Cottell and David McCoy, Tony and Nadia Pettitt, Steve Ellwood and thingy, Hanneke van der Werf, Kate Short and Sally Law, and to anyone else I've forgotten. Thanks to the sponsors who helped us provide great prizes (Cotswold, Breconshire Brewery) and food for all (St. Mary’s Bakery).

Crispin and Naomi

Fifth anniversary of this race - the route changes every year which is fun as runners never quite know what to expect. Due to some helicopter launched bracken spraying we had to avoid a fair chunk of the mountain and this year's race was a fairly sraightforward climb to Moel Famau and back.
Tim Davies missed the Snowdon Race because his wife was giving birth to a daughter (Congratulations by the way!) but he was allowed out on this calm cool Wednesday evening to demolish the rest of the field by some distance.
Neil Ashcroft was very happy with another second place ahead of a promising new face for Eryri Harriers by the name of Sam Smith who seemed to enjoy himself.
Mary Gillie celebrated her birthday by wining the ladies race with Sarah Hammond and Rhian Pierce in 2nd and 3rd places.
82 finishers which is a record!

There was a good turnout for the Moel Siabod race which took place in Capel Curig. The weather was dry with sunny intervals and the summit was clear. Although there had been heavy rain the previous day the senior runners were still able to run through the river near the finish.

The race was won by Lloyd Taggart of Dark Peak in a good time of 49 minutes and 18 seconds. Craig Jones of Eryri was 2nd in 55.48 and Chris Idis of Keswick 3rd in 55.55. Other category winners - Over 40 Roger Lamb (Mercia) 55.59, Over 50 Graham Jones (Shrewsbury) 59.33, Over 60 Mike Blake (Eryri) 66.36.

New course record set by Matthew James

Matthew James of Hereford Couriers set a new course record by the narrowest of margins - 1 second – over the testing 5 mile course. 53 runners from as far afield as Portland, Cardiff and Northampton were attracted to Longtown on Saturday 20th June for the fourth ‘Darrens Dash’ charity fell race based at Longtown Outdoor Education Centre and hosted jointly by the Outdoor Centre and Wye Valley Runners.
Conditions were ideal with a light, cooling wind and firm ground underfoot. The run began with a 900 ft ascent of the zig-zag path between the Red and Black Darrens up to the Offa’s Dyke path. Most runners were forced to walk at least part of their way due to the steep ascent. After turning south the runners were rewarded with 2 miles of level running and great views across the Black Mountains. The descent to the Olchon Valley was fast and furious and James pulled away strongly on the descent from Tim Hindle of Brecon A.C. Having crossed the Olchon River, a steep finishing section led up to the finish field where spectators watched Hindle try in vain to gain ground on James who crossed the finish line in the new record time of 34.12. Third over the line was in-form Tim Iveson of Builth & Distric runners.
The first lady home in 9th place was Ann Dixon of Forest of Dean A.C., whilst the first junior runner home in 17th place was Daniel King of host club Wye Valley Runners. Places were also fiercely contested in the parallel event – the Courthouse Canter, a Family fun run on an undulating multi-terrain course in the centre grounds.
Thanks to the efforts of everyone involved more than £700.00 was raised for St. Michael’s Hospice and the Longtown O.E.C. Bursary Fund.
Full results can be viewed on-line at

Results:

1st Male			Matthew James (Hereford Couriers)	34.12

2nd Male			Tim Hindle (Brecon A.C.)		34.39

3rd Male			Tim Iveson (Buith & District)		35.00

1st Female			Ann Nixon (Forest of Dean A.C)		38.58

2nd Female			Angela Jones (Brecon A.C.)		40.30

3rd Female		 	Claire Conway (Wye Valley Runners)	42.07

1st Veteran Male 40	        Tim Hindle (Brecon A.C.)	        34.39	

1st Veteran Male 50	        Lyndon Gwilllym (Unattached)		39.08
  
1st Veteran Male 60	        Gary Gunner (Croft Ambrey)		41.48	
	
1st Veteran Female	40	Angela Jones (Brecon A.C.)		40.30

1st Veteran Female	50	Ann Nixon (Forest of Dean A.C)		38.58

1st Junior			Daniel King (Wye Valley Runners)	40.43

1st Local Male		Harry Franklin (Wye Valley Runners)	        46.15

1st Local Female		Laurianne McKenzie (Wye Valley)	      1.02.50

1 km

1st 				Holly Porter				 6.25
2nd 				David Pritchard				 6.50
3rd				Tom Smith				 6.53

2 km

1st				Arum Jones				 9.05
2nd				Cameron Morgan				 9.34
3rd 				Iona Prosser				10.02

5 km

1st				Ellie Jones				23.19

Conditions were good for Waun Fach (7m/2000') in the Black Mountains and Martin Shaw (Mynydd Du) made the best of them to win by 3 min 32 sec- all the more impressive with this being just a week after knocking 9 minutes off Lloyd Taggart's Rhinogs record.

Griffithstown Harriers were well represented and successful, with Dimitri Vorres taking overall 2nd and 1st MV40, and Steve Davies, who started fell running just 3 months ago, 1st M50 and 8th overall. Chepstow were also out in force. Improving junior Matthew Stott finished 3rd overall.

Senior women were outnumbered 7 to 1 by vets- Angela Jones (FV40) from Brecon AC was the first woman home and Sue Ashton suffered a rare FV50 defeat from her Chepstow clubmate Gill Stott.

On a very hot sultry evening at the Hotfoot up Famau race there was a record entry of 84 runners but no record times were recorded. A route change provided a drop of about 800 feet in 125 yards which everybody seemed to enjoy! Tim Higginbottom of Eryri Harriers won the men's race and Lisa Morley of Wrexham AC was the first lady home.

The female section of the race was dominated by Andrea Roberts (Eryri Harriers), finishing in a time of 3.42.26, well ahead of the Aberystwyth A.C. runner Phoebe Webster who finished 2nd in a time of 3.50.28. Ali Thomas of Eryri was 3rd in 3.57.01 (also 1st over 40).

The next WFRA Navigation Course will be on Sunday 15th November in Llanberis, Snowdonia. For further details please see attached poster. A course can also be arranged in South Wales if there is sufficient demand.

  
Ifan Richards the eventual winner......pic by Alastair                         John Smith....pic by Jane with Pete's camera

Ganllwyd was the venue last Saturday lunchtime for the annual Tyn-Y-Groes Hill Race, an event which can trace its original roots back to 1925 and beyond, with records of past winners kept in the nearby Tyn-Y-Groes Hotel for the sake of posterity. The 2009 edition attracted an enthusiastic field with the local Meirionnydd Running Club being particularly well represented. Indeed, it was they who provided the race winner of the 2..1 mile event, which included 700 feet of climbing, as Ifan Richards of Brithdir completed the course in an excellent time of 17.16mins. Familiar faces followed, as Dafydd Roberts of Dolgellau was 2nd home in 18.16mins with Mark Atherton of Llan Ffestiniog being the 2nd Meirionnydd Running Club competitor home in a time of 18.44mins, a time good enough to claim an overall 3rd placed finish.

The ladies event was dominated by Sian Roberts of Dolgellau as a time of 21.07mins ensured victory in the female section of the race as well as 6th placed position overall. Next female home was Sioned Jones of Brithdir, the Meirionnydd Running Club member home in 29.36mins, whilst the evergreen Sheila Symonds of Dolgellau, one of only two Bro Dysynni A.C. athletes in action on the day, claimed 3rd spot in a time of 45.55mins.

A total of £176 was raised from entry monies and donations for the Charity Ukraine Humanitarian Aid all of which will be directly spent on medicines for child cancer patients in the Ukraine.

Following the ensuing hospitality at the Tyn-y-Groes Hotel many of the contestants and supporters moved on to a barbecue hosted by Sue and Pete Nicholls whose garden is opeming under the National Gardens Scheme on 26th July. Details

Results        Pics from Pete Macmillen

Conditions were hot and sunny this year.
The race was won convincingly by Lloyd Taggart of Dark Peak in 1.26.25
Richard Roberts of Eryri was 2nd in 1.29.05 and Martin Shaw of Mynydd Du 3rd in 1.33.54.
Other category winners - Over 40 Jon Morgan (Dark Peak) 1.36.24, Over 50 Arwel Lewis (Eryri) 1.44.59, Over 60 Dic Evans (Cardiff) 1.52.29
The ladies race was won by Jackie Lee of Eryri in a time of 1.41.38. Helen Fines of Calder Valley was 2nd in 1.46.07 and Sarah Ridgway of Eryri 3rd in 1.49.03. Other category winners - Over 40 Shan Roberts (Ingli) 1.54.28, Over 50 Kim Braznell (Halesowen) 2.08.20

Conditions were glorious this year being warm, dry and sunny.
The race was won by Alan Ward of Dark Peak in a time of 1 hour 42 minutes and 4 seconds (also 1st over 40). Tim Higginbottom of Eryri was 2nd in 1.44.46 and Dave Aucott of Dark Peak 3rd in 1.48.00. Other category winners - Over 50 Arwel Lewis (Eryri) 1.57.16, Over 60 Mike Blake (Eryri) 2.12.31
The ladies race was won by Ruth Metcalfe of Eryri in 2.08.41. Sandra Rowlands of Clwydian was 2nd in 2.24.30 (also 1st over 40) and Ellie Salisbury of Eryri 3rd in 2.37.31
Junior Race results - U/12 - Male 1. Aaron Roberts (u/a) 7.16, 2. Anthony Granton (Menai) 7.20. Female 1. Bronwen Jenkinson (Eryri) 8.16
U/14 - Male 1. Gerwyn Roberts (u/a) 35.45, 2. Rhys James (Menai) 36.16, 3.Morgan Evans (Menai) 37.22, 4.Osian Williams 40.41
U/14 - Female 1. Nicola Berry (Stockport) 37.47, Olivia Perez (Liverpool) 40.43
U/16 - Male 1.Calum Muskett (Eryri) 32.19, 2.Owain James (Menai) 38.04. Female 1. Sarah Livett (Menai) 40.48

There was a much larger entry than normal this year as the race was a counter in the Welsh Fell Runners Association Open / Welsh Championships. Weather conditions were perfect for the runners being cool, mostly dry and overcast.

The race was won by Matthew Roberts of Eryri in a time of 1 hour 45 minutes and 31 seconds. Julian Baker of Les Croupiers was 2nd in 1.48.09 (also 1st over 40) and Steve Rees of Port Talbot 3rd in 1.48.30. Other category winners - Under 23 Carwyn Thomas (Sarn Helen) 1.59.23, Over 50 Martin Cortvriend (Clwydian) 2.11.47, Over 60 Steve Herington (Hereford Couriers) 2.18.54

The ladies race was won by Shan Roberts of Ingli Runners (also 1st over 40) in a time of 2.06.56. Phoebe Webster of Aberystwyth was 2nd in 2.12.16 and Clare Phillips (Swansea) 3rd in 2.19.34. Other category winners - Over 50 Gill Stott (Chepstow) 2.33.43, Over 60 Maggie Oliver (Eryri) 2.52.11

A field of 55 runners contested the first running of the Cribyn race since 2004. Conditions were quite poor with rain and strong winds, but visibility was good. This was lucky for Lancashire raider Shaun Godsman of Calder Valley Fell Runners who enjoyed his first race in South Wales. Having no prior knowledge of the area, he successfully led from start to finish, recording a fantastic time of 55.18, over 5 minutes clear of his nearest rival Mike Duxbury (Stroud) who was first MV40. Nigel Bunn of Tring was 3rd, just 3 seconds behind.

It was a double for Calder Valley as Helen Fines took women's first prize in a new course record after a battle with clubmate Anne Johnson, who was first FV40. Chepstow's Liz Francis was 3rd.

It was an unusually small field on the veteran front- perhaps they were saving themselves for Sarn Helen the next day? First MV50 was Mark Saunders, and John Sweeting (MDC) got the better of Gary Gunner by 2 minutes for MV60 honours. Of the two U23 men, Christopher Worley came out on top.

Many thanks to the awesome marshalling team of Del Thornley, Kay Lucas, Jessica and Chris Taylor, timekeepers Gerry and Sue Ashton and all round troubleshooter Fiona Turner.

Pics from Gwynfor

Pics from Alastair Tye

Results

Video from Peter Douglas

The first of the Open Welsh Championship races of 2009 was over this AM course (7m/2700') from the Castle Inn, Pengenffordd. Racing conditions were excellent- a warm windless day, dry underfoot, and this resulted in both course records being revised this time. Although this race is only 4 years old, it is a superb route, requiring all the skills a good fellrunner should possess. If you haven't done this race you don't know what you're missing! A shame that only 62 runners started, though this a relatively large field for South Wales. Alas 2 of these were disqualified before the race began for having no kit. (AM- compulsory).

Martin Shaw (Mynydd Du) continued his good form with a superlative run leading from start to finish to come home well clear of clubmate Mark Palmer (1st MV40), and beat Matthew Collins 2006 record by 7 seconds. Martin's fell running career began at this race 3 years ago and he has improved ever since. An injury-free period has allowed for consistent quality training so he is sure to improve further. Hugh Aggleton (MDC) was 3rd, making it a clean sweep for the Southern clubs. Peter Williams, also MDC, was 1st MV50 and 13th overall, closely followed by 1st MV60 Don Williams from Eryri harriers. Not forgetting a great run by youthful-looking 71 year old Cledwyn Jones, yet another MDC member.

The women's field was disappointingly low in number but Helen Fines (Calder Valley) won despite poor route choice towards the end of the race. Sue Ashton (1st FV50) limped home 2nd with a twisted ankle, still beating all the other younger women for Chepstow. Maggie Oliver (Eryri) was 1st FV60.

The next race in the Open Welsh series is Sarn Helen, Carmarthenshire (BL) on Sun 17th May. Mynydd Troed was also the first in the WFRA South Wales Summer Series, for which the second fixture is the Cribyn (AS) on Sat 16th May- see www.cribynrace.org.uk. Doing both could make for a great weekend!
HF

A warm, sunny day and good underfoot. Martin Shaw took seven seconds off Matt Collins' 2006 record, and Helen Fines beat her own record set in the same year by 12 seconds.

Thanks to marshalls Ed, Tim and Emily of the Stott clan who also supplied three of the runners. Thanks to Lou Summers and John Darby who each marked half of the course and got back in time to run. And thanks to Louise Blackmore and the little Blackmores for doing entries and helping at finish.
DF

The weather we ordered in especially for the event arrived, and it was a fantastic day.

We had 61 entrants, and what's more, 61 finishers.

Mark Palmer won it comfortably, in 2.07.01
Second Man home was Hugh Aggleton, 2.12.45, followed by Martin Humphreys in 2.22.55

Although Mark Palmer's category is Male Vet, he was awarded 1st Overall position. This meant that Dimitri Vorrés, (5th man home), took 1st Vet category prize. His time was 2.27. 2nd VM was Steve Long, 2.28.58, and 3rd was Max Suff, 2.29.57.

Steve Davies, in his first off-road race won 1st SV in a time of 2.37.03

Gary Gunner retained his 1st prize trophy for a 3rd year running in the MSSV category, his time was 3.06.09

Julie Davies was first lady, her time was 2.48.06, followed by Helen Bennett, 2.51.53 and then Emma Bayliss, 2.54.17

Jan Richards won first Lady Vet, her time was 3.51.47

The cream on the cake for our first ever hosting of this event was that Griffithstown won the team prize. Dimitri, Steve and Julie were all home within the first 15 finishers.

Feedback from the event so far has been very positive.

We had a few issues with kit (as always on fell runs) which we will have to tighten up on next year.
Some poor runners got lost in Blaenafon in the last mile - but that usually happens. Are they lost, or just going a different way? there is never a set route to follow in this run!

A big pat on the back to everyone who helped, the marshalls were excellent. Thanks to John Chidlow who volunteered his services as timekeeper. Blaenafon Rugby club were perfect hosts, a big thank you to all their staff. Thanks also to Gareth Buffet for his invaluable advice and assistance. We look forward to next years event.

The race was again run on a bright sunny day, and as usual, centred on the 14th century Sun Inn. The good running conditions were taken full advantage of by Tim Davies of Mercia, running the whole race clear of the field, knocking 44 seconds off the 2002 course record. Tim finished in 46' 46". Andrea Roberts (Eryri) was not very far behind the ladies record, winning in 57' 36". First home for the MV40 was Alan Ward from Dark Peak in 51' 49", Sandra Rowlands of Clwydian Range Runners winning the LV40 in 67' 00".

Great race today with 113 runners - big thanks to all the marshalls and helpers - couldn't have done it without you! Big table full of prizes in the pub - Easter eggs for the marshalls, etc, etc. Very pleased that they were on hand to enable me to run the race for a change.

Sunday 22nd March 2009. Start 11.00a.m       John Morris Tel 01352 755198

Saturday 7th March 2009            Results

Course records smashed in local fell race.

A warm sunny Spring day in Llanuwchllyn created perfect conditions for the 107 runners who took part in this years Aran Organic Lamb fell race and course records fell like cherry blossom.

In the main race Tim Davies of Mercia and Richard Roberts of Eryri battled all the way to the summit of the 3000ft Aran Fawddwy and were still only 8 seconds apart when they got back to the finish line at the end of the 10 mile race. The victory went to Davies in 1.23.26 a full 8 minutes inside the course record while Roberts time of 1.23.34 was 15mins faster than his previous best for the course. Roland Stafford of Mercia came home third in 1.31.41 Age group wins, and new records were set by both Alan Ward of Dark Peak (0/40) in 1.34.02 and Adam Haynes of Eryri (0/50) in 1.38.42 Mike Blake of Eryri was first man 0/60 in 2.00.19

The results in the ladies race were even more spectacular with the first four runners finishing inside the previous record. Kate Bailey, of host club Meirionnydd RC, and Anna Bartlett of Shrewsbury were neck and neck toward the top of the mountain but Bailey managed to pull out a lead on the descent and crossed the line first in 1.41.14 seven minutes inside the course record and a magnificent 9th place overall. Bartlett came home in 1.44.10 and Andrea Roberts of Eryri was third in 1.46.07

Age group wins went to Sandra Rowlands of Clwydian RR (0/40) breaking her age record with a time of 2.05.00 while Maggie Oliver of Eryri shattered the 0/60 course record by a phenomenal 28mins finishing in 2.20.25

There was also a good turn out of local athletes, mainly from the Meirionnydd Running Club. Kevin Jones, despite his dislike for down hill running, romped home in 1.49.24 with new club mate Ifan Richards not far behind in 1.54.58 Next home was Hedd Evans, who chose to run in trainers instead of his traditional hiking boots, and he duly took the first local prize in 2.07.44 Next in was John D Smith in 2.12.38 while a struggling Iori Jones completed the course in 2.29.24

The Garth Fawr junior race was won by Owain Llyr James in 14.13 and first girl was Elin Edwards in 23.53 Ras yr Aran was the final counter in the Meirionnydd winter race series, an accumulation of times from the Aran, Tarren Hendre and Rhobell Fawr races. Richard Roberts second place today was more than enough to secure him the Race Series, finishing with a cumulative time of 3.04.49 a new series record, nearly half an hour ahead of his nearest competitor. The ladies race however was a far far closer affair but Kate Baileys win on the day wasn’t by a big enough margin over Anna Bartlett, and the series win went to the latter by a mere 12 seconds. Bartletts finishing time of 3.42.27 was also a series record.

The organisers would like to express their thanks to all of the Aran landowners and the Eagles Inn and Aran Organic lamb who made the race possible.

Photo by tuf99ty        tuf99ty's photos

This was the first running of this new race on the calendar, and the only one of the South Wales winter series this year to start in England. An out-and-back course over 3.2m/1150ft ascent provided a bit of tarmac, a good steady climb and a fast descent.

The men’s race was another exciting affair, and the closest winning margin this season. Martin Shaw, representing Mynydd Du, won by just 1 second after passing Pete Ryder (Brycheiniog) in the final fields. The winner was in great form after a recent top 10 finish in the Welsh National Cross Country Championships. Ryder looks to have the winter series sewn up providing he can maintain his form at the final fixture. Welsh International Matthew Collins was 3rd, returning from injury.

The MV40 winner was again Mike Duxbury of Stroud AC, and John Aggleton was very excited to take the MV50 award for MDC. His son Hugh was 4th overall. Another on the comeback trail after injury was Hereford’s Steve Herrington, first MV60. John Collins (Swansea) won the MV70 prize to complete a good day for veterans.

In the women’s field Helen Fines made it 5 out of 5 this series for Calder Valley Fell Runners, with Helen Bennett (MDC) 2nd and Daniella Woodbridge (Griffithstown Harriers) 3rd.

Warm spring weather and the reputation of post-race soup and cakes brought 130 runners to the Moelyci Environmental Centre this year.
Congratulations to Lloyd Taggart of Dark Peak who set the new course record of 35.21 (-1.37), and to Jackie Lee of Eryri setting the new women’s record of 41.38 (-1.59) at 9th overall. Francis Blunt of NFR was 2nd in 38.44 and Iwan Morton of Eryri cruised round into 3rd place at 39.23 listening to Girls Aloud.
Adam Haynes of Eryri, 1st MV50 and 5th, pipped John Montgomery of Clwydian, 1st MV40 and 6th to the finish, with Don Williams of Eryri 1st MV60 at 28th in 46.12. Annie Williams of Eryri had a great run-in as 1st FV40 at 52.21 with Maggie Oliver of Eryri 1st FV50/60 at 59.43.

The junior race winner was Tecwyn Evans setting a new course record of 9.14 (-1.09) with Lisa Peters first girl at 6th in 10.31. Tecwyn wins a day’s navigation course at the Moelyci Centre; good training for the longer fell races ! Sixteen juniors ran.

Many thanks go to the Centre staff, marshals, ‘Team Dolly’ radio network, the registration and finish team and prize donators.

Senior Results

The Llanthony winter race took place over a new course for 2009 of 3.3m/1150ft, hence records were set in all categories. The deep mud underfoot in the lower fields leaves them open for improvement in years to come though. This year, in lieu of prizes, organizer Dick Finch opted to donate the race profits to humanitarian aid in Gaza.

The men's race was as exciting as has been seen in recent times, with Pete Ryder and Paul Murrin fighting it out to the final yards. Murrin, running for Chepstow, led for most of the long diagonal climb to the ridge and along the Offa's Dyke path, only to be passed by Ryder (Brycheiniog) on the steep descent. After the final stile into the fields the mountain-bike specialist regained the lead, and the race looked to be over, until a final sprint by Ryder in the last 40m denied him. Just a minute behind them Stroud AC's Mike Duxbury took 3rd and 1st MV40. Chris Taylor and Gary Gunner continued their streak of good form by taking the 1st MV50 and 1st MV60 respectively.

The women's race was a less close affair, with Helen Fines 1st female and 8th overall for Yorkshire club Calder Valley. Liz Francis of Chepstow had an excellent run in 2nd place, beating Alice Bedwell (MDC). Both were 1st and 2nd FV40s, and close behind was 1st FV50 Sue Ashton.

There was an excellent turnout this year as the race was the first counter in the Welsh Fell Runners Association 2009 North Wales Series and second race in the Meirionnydd Winter Series. The weather was dry with sunny intervals but with mist on the summit.
The race was won by Richard Roberts of Eryri in a time of 51 minutes and 22 seconds. Iain Ridgway of Eryri was second in 52.01 and clubmate Adam Haynes 3rd (also 1st over 50) in 56.53. Other category winners - Over 40 Paul Howarth (Eryri) 57.29, Over 60 Don Williams (Eryri) 63.20.
There was fierce competition in the ladies race with the first 4 finishing in the top 13 overall. The race was won by Anna Bartlett of Shrewsbury in a time of 57.24 with Jackie Lee of Eryri 2nd in 58.46. Kate Bailey of Meirionnydd just managed to beat Andrea Roberts of Eryri into 3rd place in 59.38. Andrea finished in 59.46. Other category winners - Over 40 Sandra Rowlands (Clwydian) 69.44, Over 50 Sheila Bennell (Eryri) 95.47, Over 60 Maggie Oliver (Eryri) 79.57.

Finally, my thanks to all the marshals who braved the sub zero temps.        Ben Amesbury

Increased numbers at this year's Jubilee Plunge downhill race from the summit of Moel Famau to Llangynhafal.
Downhill specialists came from far and wide!! Runners could choose whatever route they like and this year Craig Jones found a good line to break the record by nearly a minute.
The ladies race went too with local runner Rhian Pierce of Eryri using her knowledge of the mountain to good effect. Especially encouraging was the number of local runners, including many juniors who thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

Pictures from Pete Macmillen       Pen Y Pass to Llydaw round the lake and back.       Results

Eryri's Tim Higginbottom enjoyed the challenge of the Rosey Nosey fell race on 27th December. Held almost on his doorstep from the Rose and Crown at Graianrhyd, the route took in some tough scrambling through heather and over ancient frozen stony tracks and, although Tim led throughout, he was seriously tested by the masterful off road technique of Jez Brown and the sheer power of Neil Parry.
Jenny Ewels and Sue Ridings contested the ladies prizes and a top quality field were all home injury free within 15 minutes of each other. Pints of Bah Humbug at 7% completed an enjoyable afternoon.
Thanks to Rod the landlord for an excellent venue and to Vicky, the organiser's wife, who took over the organising to enable him to do a second circuit of the course.

Martin

This years Ladies winner was Janet Preston in 33:26 and runner up 15year old Iola Jones in 35:58 with 3rd ladies place going to Cathy Bradley in 36:40.
As usual hot soup and mince pies were freely available in the Tyn-y-Groes afterwards.
A raffle/collection for Charity raised £106.

Photos from Peter Douglas

Photo by Eve Collins      

The winner is missing having had to leave early to go to a friends wedding

WFRA North Wales Series
Male U/40 - 1.Richard Roberts (Eryri), 2. Matthew Roberts (Eryri), 3. Scott Butterworth (Eryri).
Male O/40 - 1. Paul Beeson (Maldwyn), 2. Noel Craine (Eryri), 3. Michael Kelly (Leighton).
Male O/50 - 1. Graham McAra (Cheshire), 2. Martin Cortvriend (Clwydian), 3. Jim Bennell (Eryri).
Male O/60 - 1. Don Williams (Eryri), 2. John Morris (Buckley).
Female U/40 - 1. Andrea Roberts (Eryri), 2. Mary Gillie (Clwydian), 3. Hannah Toberman (Eryri).
Female O/40 - Sandra Rowlands (Clwydian), 2. Ali Thomas (Eryri), 3. Emily Wood (Eryri).
Female O/50 - 1. Sue Ashton (Chepstow). Female O/60 - 1. Maggie Oliver (Eryri).

In second, despite improving his personal best over the course by 36 seconds, was last years Series champion Mathew Roberts of Eryri, finishing in 51.32. Third place, having travelled from South Wales for the race was Harry Mathews in a time of 53.13.

Graeme Stringer       Meirionnydd Running Club

The Clwydian Hills race took place from Cilcain, near Mold on Sunday 2nd November. Weather conditions were overcast with rain at times. Underfoot conditions were heavy and the competitors even had to run through deep snow in places!
The race was won by John Hunt of Dark Peak in a time of 81 minutes and 18 seconds (also 1st over 40). Scott Butterworth of Eryri was 2nd in 81.44 and Jez Brown of Buckley was 3rd in 82.22. Other category winners Over 50 Steve P Jones (Eryri) 85.14, Over 60 Mike Blake (Eryri) 98.52, Over 70 Peter Norman (Wrexham) 123.50.
The ladies race was won by Mary Gillie of Clwydian in a time of 92.54. Sarah Hammond of Tattenhall was 2nd in 95.37 (also 1st over 40) and Ann-Marie Jones of Altrincham was 3rd in 102.37 (also 1st over 50). The over 60 category was won by Maggie Oliver of Eryri in 119.18. 89 ran. Regards, Ross Powell

The Mendip Muddle is Weston AC's toughest race yet is arguably the most enjoyable. Enjoyable that is if you don't mind over 1400ft of climb over the 12.4 mile course. Held in the glorious and spectacular setting of the Mendip Hills near Weston-super-Mare, the Muddle attracts a hardy bunch of runners who appreciate the dramatic views from the highest point of the race, at Beacon Batch. The weather was very kind to us this year and with another record entry of runners, the scene was set for another successful race.

Despite the good weather, the hills were still as steep and the ground still as muddy. First across the finish line was Richard Phillips (Senior Male – Serpentine Running Club) in 1h 23m 52s, with Andrew Deamer (MV40 – Wells City Harriers) in 1h 27m 33s and Martin Pengilly (MV40 – Chepstow Harriers) in 1h 29m 45s following closely behind. For the ladies, first home was Robyn Golding (Senior Female – Westbury Harriers) in 1h 39m 29s, with Phillippa Stephens (Senior Female – Weston AC) in 1h 40m 22s and Lynette Porter (FV40 – Bitton Road Runners) in 1h 42m 22s making up the other major placings.

Thanks to the record entry of 330 entrants and generous sponsorship of the race, we were once again able to donate a significant sum to the Wrington Vale branch of the RNLI. A big thank you to the Weston AC and RNLI marshals who gave up their time to make sure the runners got around safely and for also giving them generous encouragement along the route.

A note for your diary, next year’s Muddle will take place on October 11th 2008. See you there! Full race results and Muddle details can be found at www.westonac.co.uk

Final Entry List   Course Maps    Leg A   Leg B   Leg D

With the onset of October and the arrival of the South Wales wind and rainy season earlier even than the most doom-laden of global warming prophecies might have predicted the monthly gathering of the Winter League aficionados kicked off with a bog-snorkelling approach to the summit of Fan Fawr and back. On a traditional bracing autumn day a 2 mile yomp and hurtle, on race day, well it would have drier to swim the River Tawe.

Nevertheless, there being no end to the madness of the dedicated winter league crew and with rebukes such as “you must be barking” a ringing endorsement in their collective soggy ears, the 1000ft swim up Fan Fawr’s eastern flank began. With Kay Lucas, hermetically sealed as summit marshal, co-conspirator Wheeze nobly offered to forgo the opportunity for nirvana by mud and rain and debunked with me to the safety of the Golf GTi race vehicle as the runners and swimmers disappeared into the gloop and clag.

Quite what happened in the intervening 18 minutes or so is entirely a matter for conjecture however the finish line team bravely emerged into the elements as the leading pair of Andy Jones and Peter Ryder squelched out of the mid-section boglands and into view down the finish schuss. Neck and neck they slipped, slithered and hurtled toward the finish line sheep trod where we cowered beneath umbrellas and cags wringing out the results sheet every minute or so. Empirically separated by a second in the results in reality it was a lot closer, the width of a Brycheiniog vest separating Peter from his maiden Winter League win. With young Aggleton H., completing a youthful 1,2,3, a bevy of newly aged vets jostled several youngsters to the lower reaches of the top 10, Mike Duxbury prevailing for a second year in a row. Youthful Aggleton senior, John, Hugh’s father, continued his fine summer form with 11th position and first in the V50 category. Comeback queen Liz Francis nailed the ladies categories and we were delighted to see the return of prodigal Les Williams, one of the original members of the South Wales fell running scene, to home turf after a decade or so in the northern wilderness as he carted off the V60 crown. Last home was V70 John Battersby demonstrating that even in the autumn of his running career a more than modest touch of seasonal rain would not put a dampener on his racing programme.

My thanks to evergreen Kay Lucas for braving the awful conditions at the summit and to Simon Blease for calling them in through wind and rain at the finish.

At a time when we’ve had more rain than an Amazon downpour in the height of the tropical monsoons, the race Organisers prayers were answered & the clouds parted in time for a wonderfully dry & sunny weekend for the 28th running of the race & the typical Skyline weather was bestowed upon us.

The race got off to a tremendous start with an exceptional 96 starters, lead by a man meaning business & going for a course record. Early morning cloud & mist lingered on the tops with Pole Bank feeling on the cool side, never the less our man on a mission had a good 5 minutes lead at this point & disappeared into the mist now with his sights firmly set on Little Stretton back down in the valley.
      

First Lady runner Kate Bailey of Meirionnydd RC was also consolidating her position whilst looking decidedly cheery in the process.
Competitors then tackled the switchbacks of Ragleth, Caer Caradoc & Lawley hills before crossing the valley & heading off once again for the Long Myndd Plateau. The grind up onto the Myndd usually takes it’s toll on tired legs leaving the long fast Motts Road decent back into Cardingmill & eventually Church Stretton to finish on the town Cricket & Football Pitches. As the race progressed & as to be expected both of the leads grew with Mike having a 23 minute margin as he crossed the finish line over Andrew Primrose of Mercia Fell Runners & Kate had a 13min lead over Camilla Stewart who was unattached.

Mike’s finishing time was 2:18:22 just 1 minute off the record set way back in 1986. The water logged fields from Comley farm just after Lawley hill seemed to slow his progress & could well have been the reason that he just missed out. Probably just as well he was slowed as I’d only just put the last flag in the ground when he came through!
In a year which broke from the norm seeing relatively more senior finishers in the top 20 than veterans. First male veteran back was Nick Thomas of Telford Harriers & First Lady veteran was Lisa Garside of Telford AC.

Many thanks to all who helped with the Goody Bags, Marshalling & Water Stations along the way, the Church Stretton Social Club for providing the Registration & Post race venue, this is all very much appreciated by both the organisers & runners alike.
Also I musn’t forget to congratulate Paul Sanderson who not only ran around before the event setting out the course & delivering water station equipment, ran the race & then cleared away afterwards – I hope he had a well earned pint in the social club afterwards!

91 Finishers (95 Goody Bags made, phew!)

Race report – Andy Smith & these rather dodgy photos

Martin Shaw made up for the disappointment of missing out on World Trophy selection by landing only the second outright win of his career in the Llyn-y-Fan race (5.5m/2000ft). By finishing in 42.47, less than a minute from Mark Palmer's record, he gained a comfortable victory over junior Carwyn Thomas of Sarn Helen (44.27). In fact there were four U23s in the field of 25, with another- Chepstow Harrier Matt Stott- taking 3rd overall. 4th and 1st MV40 was Tim Hindle (Brecon).

It was Freya Davis' first fell run but that didn't stop her winning the 6-7 yrs race in a fantastic 4:08 in an all female field. She took it in her stride, commenting that 'there was only one hill'. Tom Homes stormed home in 10:55 in the 8-9 year olds race. Sian James finished the run with great determination despite rather bumped knees.

Given the conditions the 10-11yrs and 12-13 yrs ran the same route together. Lily Davis sped home winning outright in 10:14. Hard on her heels was Oliver Major who won the 12-13 yrs category in 10:29. Glyn Dickerson was the first 10-11yrs boy in 11:52 a nd the first girl in the 12-13yrs group was Hannh Sykes. Ben Amesbury won the 'Best Marshal' prize.

The Cnicht race took place from Croesor, near Porthmadog, on Sunday 24th August.
There was a large turnout as the race was a counter in the Welsh Fell Runners Association North Wales Series. The weather was mostly dry with sunny intervals. It was wet and slippery underfoot.
The race was won by Richard Roberts of Eryri in a time of 36 minutes and 30 seconds. Matt Gilbert of Wrexham Tri was 2nd in 36.43 and Roland Stafford of Mercia was 3rd in 38.01. Other category winners - Over 40 Paul Jenkinson (Eryri) 41.22, Over 50 Graham McAra (Cheshire) 44.56, Over 60 Don Williams (Eryri) 46.16
Andrea Roberts of Eryri was first to the summit in the ladies race but was passed on the descent by clubmate Jenny Heming who went on to win in a time of 45.23. Andrea Roberts was 2nd in 47.51 and Mary Gillie (Clwydian) 3rd in 48.32.
Other category winners - Over 40 Amanda Wilde (Meirionnydd) 52.30, Over 50 Mandy Whitehead (u/a) 70.28, Over 60 Maggie Oliver (Eryri) 62.28.
The missing runner was found safe and well in Nantmor a couple of hours after the race.

The ladies race was won by Andrea Roberts of Eryri in 1.29.04, Val Swingler of Shropshire Shufflers was 2nd (also 1st over 40) in 1.37.09 and Sandra Rowlands of Clwydian was 3rd (2nd over 40) in 1.38.44

This was a tough course. At the end of the race I was proudly showing my blister, the size of a halfpenny when it paled into insignificance against Steve Riley’s. Please also take a look at his great report from the race here (www.furiouscycling.blogspot.com/) and a look at the photo. Maybe the green green grass of home could be called the ‘like walking on hot coals’ race instead. Even with blisters and aching legs a day after I don’t think I’d want anything to change about this event, apart from the course being changed every year! I can’t begin to thank people enough that I can be a part of this event knowing that other people are taking numbers, organizing administration and marshalling, mapping out the course, co-coordinating results etc to name just a few of the jobs required. It is a pleasure to be able to enjoy the pain; each friendly chat and pint of Holts bitter somehow helping you to forget what torment the body was feeling while raising itself to compete with the contours and elevations, ferns, slopes and heather and the final descent of green green grass that made up this peccadillo. In fact, now I feel fantastic which always brings the eternally asked question to self ‘why didn’t I run faster?’

What a wonderful finish to a race though, the tough climb knowing it will make the legs very heavy for the downhill stretch. Mario pulled away with a turn of speed that I can only file away in my race memory banks in the drawer ‘impressive’. Snowdon should be an easy race after this. It was good to be back and taste the water. With spectators and race finishers clapping and cheering in each runner, watching them all finish with a flurry, I have to say that I didn’t think Rob Armstrong from Eryri was going to stop, with visions of him jumping the gate at the end due to the momentum he’d built up. It was all fabulous to watch.

A slow walk back to the car was in order and then the prize giving. Can anyone put on as good a prize giving as Martin can? Random and wonderful is all I can say. Camping gear, singing gnomes, a beautiful pair of pink futuristic fell running shoes (crocks), a chair, chocolates and most importantly beer and wine. I think the biggest cheer of the night was when Ian Houston picked up the gnome. There also were eight qualifiers for the legendary hard-earned Clwydian Trots t-shirt.

The Lightspeed/Ultimate Outdoors Moel Siabod race took place from Capel Curig on Saturday 19th July. There were frequent showers before the race making conditions slippery underfoot. Mercia runners were out in force as it was a Club Championship race. First home was Tim Davies of Mercia in a time of 52 minutes and 7 seconds. Matt Gilburt of Wrexham Tri was 2nd in 52.54 and Iain Ridgway of Eryri 3rd in 53.09. Roger Lamb of Mercia won the over 40 category finishing 4th overall in 55.36. Ed Davies of Mercia was 1st over 50 (7th overall) in 57.44 and the over 60 category was won by Don Williams of Eryri in 63.58.

The ladies race was won by Kate Bailey of Meirionnydd in 60.25, with Andrea Roberts of Eryri 2nd in 61.36 and Jenny Heming of Eryri 3rd in 62.11. There was a very competitive race in the over 40 category with Amanda Wilde (unattached) winning in 72.54, Annie Williams (Eryri) 2nd in 73.05 and Celia Mills (Calder Valley) 3rd in 73.06.

The Junior Race was won by Calum Muskett of Eryri in 13.36 (Male U/16). Tecwyn Evans of Menai was 2nd in 13.50 (2nd U/16) and Owain James of Eryri 3rd in 14.08 (1st U/14). Other category winners - Male U/12 Alex Hearle (Mercia) 16.27, Female U/16 Lisa Peters (Menai) 15.25, Female U/14 Elin James (Eryri) 18.14, Female U/12 Bronwen Jenkinson (Eryri) 16.50.

The Race starts at 10.30 am and the organiser is Martin Cortvriend

After the afternoon's downpour which soaked the organiser as he diligently marked the course out the skies cleared and we had a glorious summer evening's running.
Stan Charles charged through the bracken and gorse to finish a minute and a half clear of Neil Ashcroft. Anna Frost showed most of the men a clean pair of heels as usual by coming in fourth overall.
The lush vegetation slowed things down a wee bit and no records were broken.      Martin.

Report from the Hot Foot up Famau Race 2 of the Clwydian Hills AS 3.5m 1200 Wednesday 2nd July by Harrymoon (Adair Broughton)

I’ve managed to be lucky enough to follow sport in some wonderful locations, Twickenham for Rugby, the French Open at Roland Garros, Chantilly for the French Derby but I will have to admit I have visited no greater sporting spectacle than the tantalizing green arena of the Clwydian Hills. It was made even more special because I could share this occasion with 55 other runners. Whoever makes the trip for the British Fell Relays will be in for a real treat.

Back on the ground I could sense the excitement and began to absorb myself in the friendly atmosphere that pervades all the fell races I’ve attended. I know when this summer takes it’s last exhale before the deep breath needed for autumn I’ll be looking back at these races in the Clwydian Hills as some of my highlights already looking forward to them for the next year.

The long race legend Phil Gillard gave me some interesting points on the course, then duly showed me one of his training runs in the area, something I hope to do more of myself in the future. But tonight we all had to concentrate on reaching the summit where the Jubilee Tower stands as a silent marshall casting its shadow onto the many runners below. On a clear day I’ve been told it’s possible to see the Isle of Man, Winter Hill and even Blackpool Tower from the top. See you learn something everyday but then also forget something every night.

Yet running in itself can offer a great perspective too. It allows us to leave any thoughts of work and stress or the tiny problems that often become misplaced in importance alone for a time, to breathe in fresh air and feel alive and magical. At least that is how I feel and I’m sure others do too.

Listening to Joni Mitchell on the way she sang the following words and I couldn’t help feeling how apt they were for how I feel at the start of a race. ‘and you want to get moving, and you want to stand still, but lost in the moment, some longing gets filled’. Here I was at the start of the Hot Foot up Famau and sure enough I wanted to start running but also to savour the moment, seeing and watching the people do last minute stretches, all somehow relaxed yet slightly nervous about how they will treat the race and how the race will treat them. It is a perfect moment in time, the anticipation finely balanced with the desire for time just to slip away, knowing exactly how we will feel in our battles up the stone gulley. If Martin wasn’t such a great chap I’d say he was slightly cruel for allowing us to run it!

Link to Google Map    

I once heard a famous climber say ‘Just because you love the hills, doesn’t mean the hills love you’ but either way, no matter how the race turns out, it is us against nature, us against each other, and us against ourselves, there are many races in one and that is why each race is always so unique and why we can take so much out of them, even the bad ones!

After Martins descriptive and much need outline of the course I Managed to forget the tiredness that follows a trip to Glastonbury and too many ciders and take the last few breaths before my heart and lungs do their best to disassociate themselves from my acquaintance. You could quite easily forget the issues with the credit crunch as the crunch of fell shoes on stone marked the beginning of the hot feet up famau.

But first we went down! Into the gorse and bracken and ferns, mud teasing us to go faster at the verge of losing grip. I knew I was not alone in falling down as I heard other people slip behind. Part of me questioned how Stan and Neil and others could run so fast and remain on their feet but this was far too much fun to worry about.

The heather around the Clwydians provides the food and shelter for such wildlife as Red Grouse, European Stonechats and Eurasian Curlews. There was a different type of wildlife to spot on this Wednesday night and on the downhill stretch I’m sure some it was also flying. Legs and feet and fell shoes, socks and shorts were all doing their separate dances of delight but all about to slow a little in pace as we jumped a small stream and began a climb up the slope of Famau through the prehistoric ferns. What a wonderful smell that is and what a variety of noises made by people grasping for air.

Silently cursing myself for starting too fast as people passed me on the upward stretch I could only admire the likes of Neil Parry and Anna Frost as they showed a quality of tenacity of consistency in never slowing down all the way up. The charismatic Stan Charles was already out of sight. I cursed each can of Cider from the weekend, as my legs turned into objects heavier than the scales will ever show.

Like everyone I guess, at the top I felt a small tremor of resurgence and was able to power past Ian Houston something I’ve never managed to do in a race before…. OK, I’ll confess he was standing still and marshalling ….

In the distance I knew there was an old friend to shake hands with, the stone gully of the Llangynhafal Loop. It seemed to take ages to get there, like an Escher painting almost. I looked down it seemed flat and fast ground but there was little energy to burn anything more than a canter. It is a deceiving stretch of ground but perseverance and a look behind to see the fast improving Mary Gillie had me finding the stony surprise and another chance to try and run well up at least one hill in Wales.

Run is too strong a word but hands on knees helped the cause, each breath an object of desire and bit by bit the by now very hot feet forced their way to an opening and two more marshals in Mario and Joe pointed the way home as well as a friendly dog that jumped all over me and wanted to run that way too. Mario showed me a little route to take to save a few seconds; I hope he showed John Morris it as he was right behind after a stunning stint up the gully!

It was now the run in, a good slope of descent but not enough to catch a breath. I forced on hoping to catch Mark Smith of Tattenhall but he held on strongly. I think I chose the safest approach home but it was definitely not the most interesting, as other runners would be more capable of that.

What a fantastic night and it just induces a greater excitement for the third installment soon, the Green Green Grass of Home.

After some water and a chat, with all runners home it was time for prizes and an informal celebration of the talents on show. Anna Frost definitely had the prize of the night, some Garden Gnomes, and who knows maybe they will travel the world sending postcards from obscure races. The ladies prizes were first as Stan Charles was doing a fine Forrest Gump impression and just kept running! He did get back for his prize though. A great win.

Please take a look at the results to see all the much-deserved winners.

My highlight though was seeing a prize for the most obscure route to the finish! You just don’t get that in a road race. I’ve just had an epiphany of sorts, fell running is the future, so see you all very soon.

For once Steve Gilliland didn't have it all his own way as Stanley Charles of Clwydian Range Runners scrambled up the hill along the weaving undulating summit path down through the lush green forest paths to the Afon Mawddach and up stream along the bank to the Tyn-y-Groes picnic field finish in a new record time of 16:41.