The Druid (5miles, 1200ft) Race Report from the Druid Inn, Llanferres, Wednesday 18th June by Harrymoon (Adair Broughton)

On my journey into Wales as my window wipers swept a rhythm I could only hope to achieve as a runner, it made me question who or what were the Druids? With the advent of the internet I felt slightly guilty googling an answer later that Wednesday night, rather than using the encyclopedia received from the grandparents as a boy aged in single figures.

The answer: An ancient Celtic order of priests, teachers, diviners, and magicians; but there is always magic on the fells, that is a given, so even without the Pub name, the Druid is a very apt moniker for a race. The name itself is thought to relate to an oak tree (or drus). Other information found states Julius Caesar reporting that the Druids met annually at a site believed to be the centre of Gaul (I am sure Ceaser would not have minded the fell fraternity remapping the location of the centre of Gaul for one night, he would have appreciated the beer and wine too). There is also mention of a Chief Druid. We would not know until 35 minutes later who the Chief Druid was to be this night. Would Ian Houston retain his title?

There was lots of talent on the line, eager to challenge each other as well as themselves. One of the beauties of fell running is to stand at the start of the race with some of the most talented people in the country in their chosen sport. Which other sport allows people to do that? Names and faces are familiar but each race and event is unique. Could any records be broken on a night like this?

Thanking Martin for my number, running back to the car and quickly putting on my swoops I then prepared to do my full thirty second warm up and make my way to the start of a race I had been looking forward to for some time, well, at least since the week previously when I had for the first time missed a race I had tried to get to. I had managed to find a pub with the same name as the pub a race was actually starting at! Here I was at the Druid, happy at last that I was running upwards rather than in loops around the streets of home.

Saying hello and noticing familiar faces and smiles, customary glances at peoples footwear and then the questioning of what am I letting myself in for, we began walking up the path that would lead us too the start.

There was obviously a keenness and spirit in the air as we were called back to where the actual start was, many runners following the towering figure of Martin a little too far up the road. Maybe it would be a fast race in the conditions with the evident infectious enthusiasm.

A brief talk to say we’d be running through someone’s garden and then the pounding of rubber soles on tarmac, a brief road introducing a small climb, stirring the body from its relaxed Wednesday ponderings. A few minutes later and the green fields opened up as much as people’s lungs. Runners were finding their positions in the race and already the fluidity of Jackie Lee picking off places as she would all race set the precedent for those of us who could only admire from behind. Anna Frost was already high in the pack. Would Jackie catch her?

Unfortunately after a few corners the race leaders were out of sight and I was wondering how Dave Alexander, who told me after his first fell race at Llantisilio “never again” would fare, knowing his fitness would keep him at the front of the pack on the climb but his new fell legs still looking for confidence on the downward stretch might lose him some places. I bet he wonders what took him so long to find the hills! With some more races behind him his growing downhill experience might see him as one to watch in the future.

There were gates to open and another runner kindly waited a few seconds until I reached it also. It was a nice gesture and I wonder if the same would happen at the front of the race. The climb still felt gradual and runnable as ahead lay a dark opening signifying the woods we would head through. I had been jokingly pre-warned to take my head torch even on one of the longest days of the year but there was just enough light to make an interesting interlude in the race but I still found myself ducking my head in case an imaginary branch hit me. The smell of pine was intoxicating with its freshness but it was still nice to break out into the midst of a wet summer evening. With a more styles to traverse and a damp Freddie (Paul Aird) pointing the way the main climb would soon be upon us.

Back into the windy light and a delicate spot of rain the more serious climb was welcomed as the brave photographer Dave Pinnington (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davepinno/) worked wonders in the wind and rain to photograph the pulchritudinous fell runners showing smiles that hid the reality of gritted teeth. The legs began working harder, hands on knees showing how well the body worked in unison to defy angles and gravity and push towards the person in front. Oxygen debt began to play the part it always does, legs feeling heavier, the heart questioning what it had done wrong in a past life but I felt more in debt to nature, looking round at the panorama of summer on an evening that was free of barbeques and singing birds. It is this dichotomy of suffering laid parallel with beauty that makes me feel alive. A runners high can be spiritual as well as physical.

Druids studied ancient verse, natural philosophy, astronomy and religious lore; their principal doctrine was belief in the immortality of the soul and the transmigration of souls. I did manage to say to myself ‘oh God’ as the stairs were taken two at a time, heavy breathing behind me, energy and power with the legs of a runner in front and maybe if I pushed just a little harder I too would see stars. I will have to admit at this part of the fell race I was in no mood to create some ancient verse, or even a limerick but I would suggest that fell running on all levels is a philosophy in itself. (Maybe there is an article in there somewhere?)

I had arrived at the summit and passed the stones and now it was time to test the core strength and natural balance I know is hidden deep inside, destined to suddenly appear at a race sometime. Sadly it was not this one as two more runners passed me downhill.

Carrying no watch and reflecting on the race now I even have a poor memory or my mind had drifted into another place due to the concentration that downhill running seems to take from the resources of my body. Back in the woods it felt almost like a respite knowing the end was not too far. Hearing another runner behind it was time to push on to the finish. The red and white tape and the leaner and fitter runners standing round chatting was a welcome sight.

One thing I will have to mention is how the eventual race winner Ian Houston was offering great support as the runners came in thick and fast. Tired legs and pounding hearts, a finish tape nearby sometimes its hard to verbalise how nice it is to get encouragement like this.

Shaking hands and talking about the different part of the race, the heart gradually slowing down to a tempo it likes, watching people come in, the relief on their faces and then their eyes lighting up with personal achievements is a drug in itself. Luckily, cans of red bull awaited us back at the pub to provide the incentive to stay up all night writing race reports.

The pub welcomed the runners and a table full of prizes, drinks, chocolates, sleeping bags and flasks were waiting for the deserved winners. It had been another great race and of course I should mention that records had been broken. Anna Frost took nearly half a minute off her previous record. A great run from Neil Ashcroft placed him 3rd overall, and as always his friendly smile was as much deserving of a prize as his fantastic run. Neil Parry was first unattached runner, and he just keeps getting better all the time. Well done to all other prizewinners.

Many thanks to the marshals who do a great job in the conditions, to Martin and John for consistently good organization of races and to the Druid Inn for welcoming disheveled fell runners into their warm pub for the night.

See you all at the next one

Harrymoon

Bright, blustery conditions greeted the 276 competitors who descended upon Dolgellau last Saturday to take part in the various races which formed part of the 17th running of Ras Y Gader.

As has now become the traditional, Saturday morning saw the running of the various junior races whilst the afternoon saw the senior racers take on the 10.5 mile challenge to the peak of Cader Idris and back into Dolgellau, a course containing just under 3,000 feet of climbing.

The various junior races, sponsored by Bwyd Y Brenin of Dolgellau & Coed Y Brenin, attracted an excellent entry of 85 budding athletes, and amongst whom were 2 local winners. They were Gus Illiff of Llangower, near Bala, and Cara Evans of Brithdir who were respective boy and girl winners in the fun run in times of 3.00minutes and 3.31minutes.

The senior race, sponsored by the Royal Ship Hotel of Dolgellau, attracted 191 race finishers, as ever, amongst whom were a large sprinkling of local competitors. Having won the race in 2007, Eryri Harriers athlete Richard Roberts returned to Dolgellau to defend his title and this he did successfully, beating his 2007 time by over a minute, to complete the event in 1hr 25.19mins, 45 seconds ahead of 2nd place athlete, Andi Davies (Mercia Fell Runners). Perhaps the performance of the day came in the female race as Janet McIver (Dark Peak Fell Runners) of Sheffield came home in a terrific 5th place overall, in a time of 1hr 35.39mins, over 16 minutes ahead of the next female competitor.

A.Unwin      Summit photos from Alastair Tye     

The race was won by Harry Mathews of Mynydd Du in a time of 15 minutes and 38 seconds. Mathew Collins of MDC was 2nd in 15.53 and Patrick Wooddisse of MDC 3rd in 16.16. Matt Stott of Chepstow was first under 23 finishing 5th overall in 16.35. The over 40 category was won by Mike Duxbury of Stoud in 16.54 and Chris Taylor of Mercia was first over 50 in 18.23. First over 60 was Don Williams of Eryri in 18.57 and Peter Norman of Wrexham won the over 70 category in 24.07.

The ladies race was won by Helen Fines of Calder Valley in 17.25. Kate Bailey of Meirionnydd was 2nd in 18.26 and Andrea Roberts of Eryri 3rd in 19.20. First over 40 was Sandra Rowlands of Clwydian in 21.52 and first over 50 was Sue Ashton of Chepstow 22.30.

Full results are on results page. There are one or two gaps due to the difficult conditions for timekeeping. If you can help fill them please contact the Organiser or Ross Powell.

Junior races race report

and slideshow

pictures from William James

Weather conditions were sunny intervals and hail showers. The course had to be shortened due to high winds and sheet ice and snow on the summits.
The race was won by Tim Davies of Mercia in a time of 58 minutes and 16 seconds. Richard Roberts of Eryri was 2nd in 58.17 and Mike Fanning of Borrowdale 3rd (also 1st over 40) in 59.51. The over 50 category was won by Graham McAra of Cheshire in 1.10.30 and first over 60 was Don Williams of Eryri in 1.16.06. The over 70 category was won by Peter Norman of Wrexham in 1.47.37

The ladies race was won convincingly by Helen Fines of Calder Valley in a time of 1.06.22. Anna Bartlett of Shrewsbury was 2nd in 1.13.52 and Andrea Roberts of Eryri 3rd in 1.14.58. First over 40 was Ali Thomas of Eryri in 1.23.12 and the over 60 category was won by Maggie Oliver of Eryri in 1.40.43.

The winner of the Meirionnydd Winter Series was Steve Gilliland of Bro Dysynni. The ladies winner was Sarah Ridgway of Eryri. Both received half a lamb courtesy of 'Organic Aran Lamb'

Congratulations to Rob Greenwood of Eryri who set the new course record of 36.58, passing first-to-the-top Stanley Charles (2nd at 37.14) on the first steep descent off the summit. Rob uses Moel y Ci for night training and claims that it seems “so much faster in daylight”! Third home was last year’s winner Richard Roberts in 38.22. Kate Bailey raced home as 1st woman in 45.20 and 19th overall followed by Jenny Heming at 46.21. Ali Thomas had a great run-in as 1st FV40 at 52.39 with Annie Williams a half-second behind. Maggie Oliver was 1st FV50/60 at 57.23, Gary Williams 1st MV40 at 39.32 and 6th overall, Iwan Edgar 1st MV50 at 43.31 and Don Williams 1st MV60 at 46.30 took the other class prizes.

The junior race winner was Calum Porter-Jones in 11.09 with Maisie Bye 2nd and first girl at 11.25. Eight juniors ran.

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

Projects at the Moelyci Environmental Centre focus on sustainability, local produce and local crafts. In consequence, race prizes included bird and bat boxes and compost made on site. The soup and cakes were from organic local suppliers accompanied by Fair Trade tea and coffee. Our thanks to Majestic Wine in Bangor for the prize bottles.

Jeremy Williams

1.	R. Greenwood	        Eryri			36.58
2.	C. Stanley		Clwydian		37.14
3.	R. Roberts		Eryri			38.22
4.	M. Roberts		Eryri			39.13
5.	F. Blunt		Northumberland	39.17
6.	G. Williams O/40	Menai T&F		39.32
7.	J. Bowie		Oswestry		40.26
8.	J. Walmsley		Bangor Uni		40.52
9.	G. Hughes O/40	        Abergele		40.53
10.	S. Butterworth	        Eryri			41.45

VETERANS O/50
1. (13)	I. Edgar		Eryri			43.31
2. (17)	E. Evans		Eryri			45.11
3. (24)	J. Bennell		Eryri			46.58

VETERANS O/60
1. (23)	D. Williams		Eryri			46.30
2. (40)	D. Omerod		WFRA			52.26
3. (44)	J. Linley		Clwydian		53.26

LADIES
1. (19)	K. Bailey		Meirionydd		45.20
2. (22)	J. Heming		Eryri			46.21
3. (34)	K. Spinney		Eryri			50.00
4. (41)	A. Thomas O/40	        Eryri			52.39
5. (42)	A. Williams O/40	Eryri			53.02

(60) M. Oliver O/60		Eryri			57.23

79 finishers

Results

Here is the slideshow of pictures by Alastair Tye

On 28th December Neil Parry of Mold won the Cannonball Downhill Run from the top of Moel Famau eastwards to Cadole in a time of 24.07. Ellie Salisbury of Eryri Harriers was first lady in 30.3.
The following day Neil Parry triumphed again at The Druid Drop from Moel Famau southwards to Llanferres in a time of 30.18, Mary Gillie of Clwydian Range Runners ran a superb race in 32.35.
27 runners turned up for the final race which was The Jubilee Plunge on 30th December heading westwards from Moel Famau to Llangynhafal . Local knowledge benefited Martin Cortvriend as he won in a time of 12.48, just heading off Chris Marshall of Ellesmere Port and Craig Jones (WFRA). Clare Page of Cheshire Fire Tri was first lady in 16.33. Each race finished at a suitable hostelry and great fun was had by all!    Results

   SLIDESHOW      Results

The Boxing Day version of this race took place in its usual format (fancy dress optional) with walkers setting out immediately after the runners. Conditions were reasonably mild with a breeze at the top. Title picture shows Steve Gilliland leading Mark Matthews towards the top but not being able to stand the sight of those pink tights any longer Matt moved into the front to become eventual winner of the 2.5mile race in 20:04. Steve was second in 20:32 with Paul Jenkinson of Eryri claiming 3rd place for the second year running in 22:13. Fastest lady was Tina MacDonnell of Eryri in 30:43.
Free Hot soup, rolls and mincepies were provided in the Tyn-y-Groes Hotel amidst continual liquid replenishment and a spot raffle for Charity raised £120.92 for Ukraine Humanitarian Aid

Last years ladies winner Lucy (not running because of a severe case of pregnancy) provided this slideshow

   SLIDESHOW      Results

Here is the Penmaenmawr mega slide show. Hundreds of pictures taken by Pete Macmillen. Anyone wanting a high resolution picture of themselves just e.mail me and I'll e.mail it back.
if your pictures a little dark I'll lighten it before sending.

If you haven't got broadband you will have to be patient while the show downloads.

The Rhobell Fawr race took place from Llanfachreth, near Dolgellau, on Saturday 10th November. Weather conditions were mild, mostly dry and overcast. The summit was windy and shrouded in mist.
The race was won by Steve Gilliland of Bro Dysynni in a time of 51 minutes and 41 seconds (also 1st over 40). Matthew Roberts of Eryri was 2nd in 52.08 and clubmate Chris Near 3rd in 53.46. The over 50 category was won by Iwan Edgar of Eryri in 60.24 and first over 60 was Don Williams (Eryri) in 63.08.
The ladies race was won by Sarah Kleeman of Eryri in 58.38. Phoebe Webster of Aberystwyth University was 2nd in 63.54 and Jenny Ewels of Clwydian 3rd in 69.30. The over 40 category was won by Ali Thomas of Eryri in 70.53 and first over 50 was Maggie Oliver of Eryri in 81.04.

The Sugar Loaf race took place on Saturday 3rd November in South Wales. This race was the final counter in the WFRA Open / Welsh Championships. There was an excellent turnout (including a good contingent from the north). Weather conditions were mild, dry and overcast and with light winds. The summits were clear.

Congratulations to Harry Mathews of Mynydd Du and Anna Bartlett of Shrewsbury on becoming WFRA Welsh Champions for 2007.

As forecasted a cold front moved over the Clwydians on Saturday, bringing drizzle and clag just as I was putting out markers. But Sunday dawn brought a clear, sunny sky, which remained throughout the day giving a good day in the hills for both runners and NEWSAR members who were marshalling the event.

Rich Roberts (Eryri) was never troubled to take the men’s prize while Sally Newman (Calder Valley) was first lady home. Roger Lamb (Mercia) and Graham McAra (Cheshire Hill Racers) were the first vet 40 and vet 50 men respectively to finish.

The originator of the race John Morris (Buckley) was the first M60 home, with local runners taking 2nd. and 3rd. M60 places. A few runners would be advised to take either the WFRA or FRA navigation courses.

A special word of thanks is due to the NEWSAR members who forgo a fine day in the hills to provide both runners and team members with refreshments after the race.
Peter Taylor.

The Rhinog Horseshoe race took place on Saturday 27th October. This year the race was the final counter in the Welsh Fell Runners Association North Wales Series and the penultimate race in the Open / Welsh Championships. Conditions were challenging for the runners with low cloud, periods of rain and strong winds on the summits. Good navigational skills were required and local knowledge was a definite advantage. It was very slippery underfoot.

The Mountain Rescue had to be called out as one runner became overdue. Fortunately he was found safe and well (but cold) during the evening. A big thank you to the local Mountain Rescue who had to turn out in appalling conditions.

Those of you that went astray may be pleased to hear that The Welsh Fell Runners Association are organising a Navigation Course on Sunday 25th November.

The winner of the Welsh Fell Runners Association North Wales Series 2007 is Roland Stafford of Mercia. Anna Bartlett of Shrewsbury is the ladies champion. Other category winners : Male over 40 - Steve Gilliland (Bro Dysynni), Male over 50 - Graham McAra (Cheshire), Male over 60 - Don Williams (Eryri), Female over 40 - Sandra Rowlands (Clwydian), Female over 50 - Maggie Oliver (Eryri). Presentations will be after the Sugar Loaf Race in South Wales on 3rd November.

Photos by Mariko Iida

Photos by Dave Pinnington

On 28th December Neil Parry of Mold won the Cannonball Downhill Run from the top of Moel Famau eastwards to Cadole in a time of 24.07. Ellie Salisbury of Eryri Harriers was first lady in 30.3.
The following day Neil Parry triumphed again at The Druid Drop from Moel Famau southwards to Llanferres in a time of 30.18, Mary Gillie of Clwydian Range Runners ran a superb race in 32.35.
27 runners turned up for the final race which was The Jubilee Plunge on 30th December heading westwards from Moel Famau to Llangynhafal . Local knowledge benefited Martin Cortvriend as he won in a time of 12.48, just heading off Chris Marshall of Ellesmere Port and Craig Jones (WFRA). Clare Page of Cheshire Fire Tri was first lady in 16.33. Each race finished at a suitable hostelry and great fun was had by all!    Results

   SLIDESHOW      Results

The Boxing Day version of this race took place in its usual format (fancy dress optional) with walkers setting out immediately after the runners. Conditions were reasonably mild with a breeze at the top. Title picture shows Steve Gilliland leading Mark Matthews towards the top but not being able to stand the sight of those pink tights any longer Matt moved into the front to become eventual winner of the 2.5mile race in 20:04. Steve was second in 20:32 with Paul Jenkinson of Eryri claiming 3rd place for the second year running in 22:13. Fastest lady was Tina MacDonnell of Eryri in 30:43.
Free Hot soup, rolls and mincepies were provided in the Tyn-y-Groes Hotel amidst continual liquid replenishment and a spot raffle for Charity raised £120.92 for Ukraine Humanitarian Aid

Last years ladies winner Lucy (not running because of a severe case of pregnancy) provided this slideshow

   SLIDESHOW      Results

Here is the Penmaenmawr mega slide show. Hundreds of pictures taken by Pete Macmillen. Anyone wanting a high resolution picture of themselves just e.mail me and I'll e.mail it back.
if your pictures a little dark I'll lighten it before sending.

If you haven't got broadband you will have to be patient while the show downloads.

The Rhobell Fawr race took place from Llanfachreth, near Dolgellau, on Saturday 10th November. Weather conditions were mild, mostly dry and overcast. The summit was windy and shrouded in mist.
The race was won by Steve Gilliland of Bro Dysynni in a time of 51 minutes and 41 seconds (also 1st over 40). Matthew Roberts of Eryri was 2nd in 52.08 and clubmate Chris Near 3rd in 53.46. The over 50 category was won by Iwan Edgar of Eryri in 60.24 and first over 60 was Don Williams (Eryri) in 63.08.
The ladies race was won by Sarah Kleeman of Eryri in 58.38. Phoebe Webster of Aberystwyth University was 2nd in 63.54 and Jenny Ewels of Clwydian 3rd in 69.30. The over 40 category was won by Ali Thomas of Eryri in 70.53 and first over 50 was Maggie Oliver of Eryri in 81.04.

The Sugar Loaf race took place on Saturday 3rd November in South Wales. This race was the final counter in the WFRA Open / Welsh Championships. There was an excellent turnout (including a good contingent from the north). Weather conditions were mild, dry and overcast and with light winds. The summits were clear.

Congratulations to Harry Mathews of Mynydd Du and Anna Bartlett of Shrewsbury on becoming WFRA Welsh Champions for 2007.

As forecasted a cold front moved over the Clwydians on Saturday, bringing drizzle and clag just as I was putting out markers. But Sunday dawn brought a clear, sunny sky, which remained throughout the day giving a good day in the hills for both runners and NEWSAR members who were marshalling the event.

Rich Roberts (Eryri) was never troubled to take the men’s prize while Sally Newman (Calder Valley) was first lady home. Roger Lamb (Mercia) and Graham McAra (Cheshire Hill Racers) were the first vet 40 and vet 50 men respectively to finish.

The originator of the race John Morris (Buckley) was the first M60 home, with local runners taking 2nd. and 3rd. M60 places. A few runners would be advised to take either the WFRA or FRA navigation courses.

A special word of thanks is due to the NEWSAR members who forgo a fine day in the hills to provide both runners and team members with refreshments after the race.
Peter Taylor.

The Rhinog Horseshoe race took place on Saturday 27th October. This year the race was the final counter in the Welsh Fell Runners Association North Wales Series and the penultimate race in the Open / Welsh Championships. Conditions were challenging for the runners with low cloud, periods of rain and strong winds on the summits. Good navigational skills were required and local knowledge was a definite advantage. It was very slippery underfoot.

The Mountain Rescue had to be called out as one runner became overdue. Fortunately he was found safe and well (but cold) during the evening. A big thank you to the local Mountain Rescue who had to turn out in appalling conditions.

Those of you that went astray may be pleased to hear that The Welsh Fell Runners Association are organising a Navigation Course on Sunday 25th November.

The winner of the Welsh Fell Runners Association North Wales Series 2007 is Roland Stafford of Mercia. Anna Bartlett of Shrewsbury is the ladies champion. Other category winners : Male over 40 - Steve Gilliland (Bro Dysynni), Male over 50 - Graham McAra (Cheshire), Male over 60 - Don Williams (Eryri), Female over 40 - Sandra Rowlands (Clwydian), Female over 50 - Maggie Oliver (Eryri). Presentations will be after the Sugar Loaf Race in South Wales on 3rd November.

Photos by Mariko Iida

Photos by Dave Pinnington

MOUNTAIN RUNNING NEWS        Pen y Fan        Report and Results

Thought the numbers might be down with Snowdon being on Saturday but it was a great turn out at The Green Green Grass of Home - the weather cleared up and a fine run was had by all.
Thanks to Ian, Freddy, John and Yiannis for their excellent marshalling and Max for helping with timekeeping.
Youth was to the fore at the front with Adam Peers of Liverpool Harriers and Jason McGonigle of Warrington AC streets ahead of most of the usual suspects.
Sarah Hammond of Tattenhall repeated her victory of last year to come in first lady.

Another fine run from 'King of the Clwydians' Ian Houston who was just a few seconds behind his record for this race. However he was chased hard by Jason McGonigle of Warrington. And another amazing run from Anna Frost who smashed the ladies record and came in 5th overall. The race was well supported by Tattenhall Runners many of whom had been supporting Mark Smith at the weekend in his successful Bob Graham round attempt. It didn't seem to do them any harm several of them posting excellent times - for some reason Tattenhall also seemed to come away with a significant number of spot prizes!

The Moel y Gamelin race took place from the Horsehoe Pass near Llangollen on Sunday 1st July. There was a good turnout as the race was a counter in the Welsh Fell Runners Association North Wales Series. Weather conditions were mild, overcast and showers. The race was won by Richard Roberts of Eryri in a new record time of 1 hour 10 minutes and 45 seconds. Karl Gray of Calder Valley was 2nd in 1.12.50 and Harry Mathews of Mynydd Du 3rd in 1.14.05. Other category winners : O/40 - Nick Stringer (Sparkhill) 1.27.40, O/45 - Steve Gilliland (Bro Dysynni) 1.17.51, O/50 - Graham McAra (Cheshire) 1.23.52, O/55 - Martin Cortvriend (Macclesfield) 1.29.09, O/60 - Don Williams (Eryri) 1.26.30, O/65 - Peter Roberts (Buckley) 1.32.26. The ladies race was won by Anna Frost of Wrexham also in a new record time of 1.22.07. Anna Bartlett of Shrewsbury was 2nd in 1.26.25 and Andrea Roberts of Eryri 3rd in 1.28.02. Other category winners : O/40 - Sandra Rowlands (Clwydian) 1.46.00, O/55 - Maggie Oliver (Eryri) 1.56.24.

Boxing day saw a record field of runners running off the excesses of Christmas and completing the short but fierce winter version of the Tyn-y-Groes Hill race near Ganllwyd. Coming home first and sporting a magnificent pair of leopard skin tights was Stephen Gilliland of Bro Dysynni in a superb time of 20:38 with another local runner Adam Haynes of Meirionnydd taking second place in 21:29.

Third place and heading a strong contingent from Eryri was Paul Jenkinson in 22:05. Other local finishers included Tony Hodgson (disguised as rabbit) of Meirionnydd in 6th place in a time of 22:59 with team Dave Whittey taking just 23:40 in one of his rare Fell running appearances and closely pursued by Jos Jones of Bro Dysynni in 23:45.

Particularly notable were the performances of the two youngest competitors with 15 year old William Haynes of Meirionnydd taking fourth place in 22:40 less than a minute behind his second placed father Adam and 14 year old Edward Iffla of Bro Dysynni beating his 19th placed father Hugo by five seconds in 25:54.

The event was well supported by the two local clubs Meirionnydd and Bro Dysynni who accounted for no less than 18 of the entrants.

Highest placed female finisher was Lucy Cambridge of Dudley in a time of 30:20 while second highest female finisher was a youthful 73 year old Sheila Symonds of Bro Dysynni.

Following the race it was soup,mince pies and liquid replenishment in the Tyn-y-Groes Hotel at Ganllwyd where a collection raised £80 for the Air Ambulance and Ukraine Humanitarian Aid charities.

The next race in the series is Tor y Foel at 2 pm on Saturday January 13th 2007 from the campsite at the Talybont reservoir dam. Hopefully we’ll see you all there. In the meantime all at Winter League HQ wish you a very Merry Christmas.

Now where did I leave those mince pies? OGB.........Blorenge Results