Haydn Griffiths                         Mike Erskine Winner

Nikki Pritchard Female Winner

90 competitors started the 6.2km long race (with over 300m ascent) at the foot of the Rockwood Riding Centre access road on the warm but cool Tuesday evening awaiting the Race Director's briefing. The route climbed to the top of Craig yr Allt on its eastern flanks before descending down an indistinct trod to the north. The participants then contoured the northern hillside before ascending a re-entrant, running along the ridge and down to the Taff Trail through trails, paths, fields and woodland. Following a short section on the Taff Trail, the participants crossed a stream, ascended a very steep field used by 4x4s and then descended into the Nant y Brynau valley. The next kilometre ascended the valley floor through woodland before climbing the steep northern valley side and finish in the Mountain View Ranch.

Some of the runners even experienced “high fives” from a landowner’s children part way through the race!
Mike Erskine (Les Croupiers) won the race in a time of 31m 13s. David Lawson (MDC) finished second in 31m 32s and Hopcyn Matthews came third in 33m 13s.
Niki Morgan (Mynydd Du) was the first female in a time of 38m 34s, followed by Ellie Lacey (San Domenico) in 40m 1s and Alice Bedwell (MDC) in 40m 7s.

Age category winners:

MU18 – Rhys Owen Lloyd (Roberttown Runners) 47:54
MU23 – Hopcyn Matthews (Cardiff Tri) 33:13
M40 – Rhodri Evans (Pontypridd Roadents) 36:35
M50 – Peter Sowerby (Brecon AC) 36:29
M60 – John Aggleton (MDC) 37:02

FU23 – Lucy Allen (Carduro) 40:12
F40 – Liz May (Pontypridd Roadents) 44:24
F50 – Niki Morgan (Mynydd Du) 38:34
F60 – Fiona Davies (Pontypridd Roadents) 42:48

MDC won the Male Team Prize and San Domenico won the Female Team Prize.
The Race Director would also like to the landowners for enabling the use of their land - both public footpaths and private sections. A big thanks to the marshalls, helpers, sweeper and photographers too: Dawn Davies, Gill Stott, Caroline Dallimore, Martin & Kay Lucas, Keri & Pauline James, Richard Cronin, Martyn Driscoll, Derek Thornley, Haydn Griffiths, Rob West and Marcus Pinker.
The Race Director was delighted to have one junior participant at the event (well done Rhys Owen Lloyd!) and would like to remind all that the race is suitable for the younger generation over the age of 14. Why not drag some along to the 2019 Summer Event?       Regards        Gary

This year for a change we were blessed with good weather and even some sun shine, these two factors make life on the day so much easier for those involved, so a big thank you to all my helpers.

Also I would like to thank Brian and Sue the new owners of The Golden Lion Inn for allowing me to organise the race from their Inn and The Source at Ty Coch Barns in allowing me to use their parking area on the day.

This is the second year with the change to the finish route and I was pleased that many of you thought it was an improvement to the course.

So thank you to all the 65 runners who turned out for the race, I hope you all enjoyed your day.
First home was Stephen Skates in 38.18 minutes and the first Lady was Ceri Belshaw who beat her own course record with a time of 49.11 minutes Hope to see you all next year       Proceeds from the race will be donated to charity.      

For the third year in a row we were blessed with amazing weather (and a dry – and therefore non-lethal- final descent) for the Moel Wnion race. Despite other events in North Wales and a little known road race in London…over 50 runners came out to Ysgol Llanllechid for the race.

The hot weather combined with the race coming just a week after the first British Champs race (and only four days after the most recent of the local Tuesday Night series race) meant that some legs were undoubtedly tired and records would be hard to break. Despite this, strong performances and good contests were on show throughout.

In the men’s race Matt Fortes (Eryri, 42.34) was first across the line followed by Max Dunford (St Davids, 1st U18, 43.41) and Jonathan Tyler (Betsi Runaways, 44.36). Max was the first to the summit of Moel Wnion, but some good local knowledge from Matt meant that he could catch him up over the last three hills and get down through the Moel Faban gorse the quickest to win the first prize of a leg of Moel Wnion lamb.

In the ladies, Andrea Rowlands (Eryri) also took home some lamb. coming in 1st (5th overall, 45.57) followed by Rachub’s own Catherine Connell (Eryri 49.39). However performance of the day came from 16 year old Gwyneth Parry (Deeside, 52.03) to claim 3rd place and 1st U18. With Under 18s in the top 3 in both the mens and ladies there are clearly some talented juniors around in North Wales! There were V40 wins for Craig Jones (Eryri, 44.51) and Ellie Robinson (West Chesire, 53.02), with Buckley’s Vic Belshaw and Emma Collins taking the V50 prizes (in 46.18 and 56.16 respectively). In the V70s, John Morris (Buckley, 59.01) took the mens prize with Eryri legend Maggie Oliver (74.26) taking the ladies.

Apparently there were some issues with marshalls not quite being in the right place at the start (I’ll give them some navigation lessons for next year), which might have affected the first few runners, as well as a radio that went missing and was then found…. but alls well that ends well…!

Once again a massive group of people came out in force to support the event. A big thanks to everyone from the school for the food, Bethesda Pottery and Glanmor farm for the prizes, and all the marshalls out on the hill. Big thanks as always to Mike Blake for sweeping.

Photos from the race can be found on the link from the race facebook page at www.facebook.com/rasmoelwnion or from Steve Jeffrey’s pages directly

See you in 2019       Ross

Firstly thanks to the race organisers, marshals and helpers, without whom, there would be no fell races.

Secondly, thanks to Dominic Shields who does so much work in the background, with little recognition - without whom there would be no Winter Hill Series.

And finally, thanks to you, the runners who participated in the Series.

Overall/ category winners are as follows:

6 Helen Brown Mynydd Du F40 439.39
8 Niki Morgan Mynydd Du F50 402.38
11 Katie Ironside MDC SF 393.30

23 Rona Davies Mynydd Du F50
45 Caroline Dallimore MDC F60 222.01

1 Andrew Tuckey Bridgend AC M40 506.87
2 Peter Ryder Brycheiniog SM 506.48
3 Alex Lewis Neath Harriers SM 472.44

4 Dan Sandford Forest Of Dean AC M40 469.79
12 Paul Tucker Mynydd Du M50 384.60
7 John Aggleton MDC M60 409.21
37 Les Williams Eryri M70 250.89

Although we didn't have last year's conditions of sparkling sunshine and of dryness underfoot, which was reflected in this year's slower times, it was nevertheless a very pleasant day indeed for running and sixty-three runners turned up at the Brook House to take advantage of it.

Prominent among the starters was the notable figure of Ian Holmes, who duly proceeded to take the race by the scruff of its neck and come home first after a fine run, outside the magic time of two hours which John Helme so narrowly missed last year but a full minute ahead of second placed Ed Weedowe, with another seven minutes before Harvey Lord arrived in third position. Sue Richmond demonstrated a praiseworthy triumph of mind over matter by resolutely ignoring her prawn-infected digestive system to come home as first lady, with Kathleen Aubrey only five places behind her as second lady and Janet Grantham another six places behind in third.

Mention must be made of Roger Ashby, who at 74 and in conditions not as good as last year's, managed to take over twenty-four minutes off his time – respect !! Black Combe very definitely took the team prize with a miserly eleven points, while Pennine claimed the ladies' team and while on this topic it was a little surprising that for some reason only six ladies ran this year as compared to eleven last year – be nice to see more ladies back for next year's race.

Only one runner became temporarily embroiled in the massive hound-trail in Miterdale and only one other runner had to take a detour to avoid a small flock of sheep in the gathering south of Scafell, both events which had caused me needless anxiety in the lead-up to the race.

The two Scafell summit marshals did keep their resolution to make their chosen checkpoint a gourmet paradise but the prawn carbonara and twelve rashers of bacon had, fortunately, been cooked and eaten before the runners arrived. They and the rest of the marshalling/officiating team have my deep gratitude for their commitment and efforts and Tony Steel, Tom Postlethwaite, Gareth Thornley, Martyn Merckel and Sam Stalker have many, many thanks for their invaluable contributions to the race. Brook House was warm and welcoming, the beer was excellent and it is in every way a superb registration, prizegiving and post-race socialising venue.

I hope you all enjoyed yourselves and look forward to seeing you again around the same time next year.        Dave Jones

88 runners stood on the start line in Longtown for the inaugural race and second counter in the South Wales summer fell race series. They were treated to sunshine, light winds and good visibility – yes, they could actually see the Hatterrall ridge! Despite being coated in a persistent blanket of cloud all week, the Met Office forecast was right and we were treated to fantastic conditions on the day.

This new challenging course takes runners up the ‘fall line’ through Cayo Farm, up a long traversing ascent with a switch back to join the Offa’s Dyke path and then a respite as runners head north to Loxidge Tump. It’s an exciting and quite technical descent into Llanthony to touch the Abbey wall before starting the stiff climb up through fields and woodland towards the Rhiw. When the col is tantalisingly close, runners have to muster their energy for a gently rising ascent to the trig at 552m before the fast and furious descent to the Olchon Brook……oh yes and there is the sting in the tail of an up-hill finish. Due to bird nesting restrictions limited route choice was permitted and runners had to visit 8 checkpoints on the route.

Full credit to all runners for finishing this tough new course. Only one person had to pull out due to fracturing her wrist in a tumble on the Loxidge descent and in true stoic fashion she’s already talking about doing it next year.

As it was the first race new course records were up for grabs. Congratulations to Mark Hopkinson of Mynydd Du who held off the challenge of Peter Ryder from Aberdare Valley and Alec Hough of Mercia Fell Runners to set the new record of 1:07:27.

Tough competition for the top places amongst the females too with Helen Brown of Mynydd Du a convincing winner and record holder in 1:22:46, whilst Hayley Evans of Buckley Runners and Helen Marshall of Aberystwyth AC battled it out for 2nd and 3rd places respectively. Other category prizes:

1st MV40 Jim Masters of Wye Valley RC
1st MV50 Paul Jeggo of Springfield AC
1st MV60 John Aggleton of MDC
1st MV70 Gary Gunner of Croft Ambrey RC
1st FV40 Rhian Probert of Mynydd Du
1st FV50 Rona Davies of Mynydd Du
1st FV60 Caroline Dallimore of MDC

\ A big thank you to Jean Price, the Passmore family and BBNP for the use of their land, to Castell Howell who provided the prizes and to the cheerful volunteer marshals from Longtown Outdoor Learning Centre, Longtown Mountain Rescue Team and the local community. A special thank you to Rae and Nick who took good care of the casualty.
Hope to see you next year,       Mike Fawcett       Race organiser

The resurgent storm the “Beast From The East” dominated this years, fifteenth running of this, the last race in the Meirionnydd Winter Series. Sixty five determined runners turned up to meet a race team equally determined that they should get a race despite forecast snow showers winds gusting 65 mph on the ridge and a windchill factor of -21C. Thanks to a very experienced team of Michelin Man-like volunteers, and close support from South Snowdonia Search and Rescue Team a fast and exciting race was possible. The turning point was the first checkpoint of the full course -Moel Fenigl- at 600m a 5.5 mile out and back route with slight change at the bottom avoiding a defunct stile.

With the wind behind them, runners made good progress through the very wet lower reaches, and the cold only really struck in the last 100m of ascent when the ground became icy and they had to turn to face the elements. The race leader at the top Dylan Lewis (Sarn Helen) who successfully maintained his lead to win the race in a time of 43:38. At the top just behind Dylan was teammate Felipe Jones and Gavin Roberts was next up followed by Jez Brown (Buckley) lying in second place in the series - just 10 seconds behind them was Tristan Evans (Meirionnydd RC), series leader. He was closely followed by teammate Ifan Richards lying in third place in the series with 28 seconds to make up.

Ifan with his eye on a second Series win, flew down the hill, overtaking Jones, Roberts, Brown and Evans to finish 20 seconds behind a victorious Dylan Lewis. Felipe Jones took third in 44:08 and Tristan Evans finished fourth but his time of 44:16 was good enough to ward off Richards' challenge and Tristan took Winter Series title by 20 seconds with a combined time for all three races of 2:34:24. Jez Brown was 6th in 45:44 and got a consolation M40 category prize. Junior Men category was taken by Jack Agnew (Mercia Fell Runners) in 47:55. The M50 age group went to Barry Wilkinson (Borrowdale Fell Runners) in 50:26 and Nicholas Holmes (Tattenhall RC) was first M60 in 57:09.

Amongst the women the order at the top was maintained to the finish with Melanie Price (Mercia Fell Runners) winning in 52:14 followed by Dee Jolly (Sarn Helen) in 53:11. A strong 57:34 run from Katie Cole (No-Mad Running) from Dolgellau got her third place and ensured her Meirionnydd Winter Series Women’s Champion title was truly earned. Laura Banham-Hughes (Helsby RC) finished fourth in 59:18taking the F40 award and Carole Morrison (Pensby Runners) was first F50 in 72:11.

Meirionnydd RC took the Mens team prize (Tristan Evans, Ifs Richards and first local runner from Llanuwchllyn (47:26) Eilir Evans -completing his first Series). Mercia took the women’s team prize (Melanie Price, Kate Whitfield and Nicola Richards)

The home club had a second team, Mat Fenwick and Graeme Stringer completing their first Series and Glyn Rowlands his second. The real heroes of this race however were the marshals and timekeepers who withstood fearful conditions to see the runners get their race. Their vote of thanks at the presentations got the most heartfelt support from all.

This concludes a memorable 15th series which started with a cool bright but wet run up Rhobell Fawr in November, followed by the soaking mud-fest of Tarrenhendre in January. A further 15 runners joined the select band of runners who have ever competed the series. Obviously due to the shortened course no records were broken so Richard Roberts’ (Eryri Harriers) 3:04:49 and Anna Bartlett’s (Shrewsbury AC) 3:42:27 records both from 2009 still stand. Will we see them go on their 10th anniversary.

Results.
Winter Series 2017/18 results: Results.
Winter Series Hall of fame: Results.
Meirionnydd Running Club would like to thank Aran lamb for their support for Ras yr Aran and for supplying fantastic prizes for the Winter Series winners. Visit Aran Lamb. Nich Bradley (Race Director)

Well, what a fantastic evening - 132 senior runners & 36 juniors & some splendid performances. I'm proud that the WFRA chose the Moel Lus race to be part of its N Wales Champs series, & as always, was delighted to have chance to show off ‘my back garden’. So many friends gave their time to help in various ways, & for that, I am most grateful. Most of the shops in Penmaenmawr kindly donated prizes, (thus increasing our donation to mountain rescue at the end of the series), so big thanks to them also. The results are available here: , but to summarise the highlights:

• Following in the footsteps of older brother John, who won the race outright as an under 16 in 2014, the race was won by 15 year old Michael Spill in 23:37. John went on to run for Great Britain, so watch this space!
• Tom Wood, U18 had a great run to finish 2nd while Gavin 'Gog' Roberts was 1st senior man in 3rd position overall.
• There was a cracking battle in the ladies race, with Catherine Connell holding off Gemma Brown & Sian Lloyd Williams with less than 20 seconds between them all.
• 15 year old Gwyneth Parry in 4th position took 11 seconds off Bronwen Jenkinson’s 2013 U16 record, & we all know what Bronny has achieved since then, so yet another space to watch!
• 1st MV40 was Buckley’s Jez Brown, 1st MV50 Eryri’s Russel Owen, 1st MV60 Eryri’s Kean Rowlands & 1st MV70 was Buckley’s John Morris.
• 1st FV40 was Denbigh’s Victoria Whitehead, 1st FV50 Eryri’s Ali Thomas, 1st FV60 Denbigh’s Menai Baugh & for the first time ever, we had a FV70 winner in the race, who was Eryri’s ever-on-form Maggie Oliver.
• In the Caernarfon Tyres Juniors races, the U8 wins went to Riley O'Donnell & Esmee Near, the U10's Ruthin Tri's Ewan Lenard & Wirral's Emma Grantham, U12's Wirral's Ben Grantham & Deeside's Maisy Parry & the U14's Menai's Dylan Rob & Abbi Parkinson.

Last but not least, big thanks to Adrian Moir of Fabian4/Racetek for all his help & support, & for taking charge of the timing/results, of course to Mike Blake, who puts in more work than anyone as overall coordinator of the series.       Ellie Salisbury

To replace Tor y Foel as the last counter in this 25th year of the Series, we have selected that perennial favourite, the Sugar Loaf in early April, (so that famous local mountain appearing for a third time!).

As it is the 25th anniversary for the Series, we’ve ordered some particularly good technical T-shirts for the Series winners, which are sure to become collectibles. We’ll do the prize giving later in April once we’ve crunched the numbers.

Please note that the Night Sugar results were voided, so best 5 results to count.       Andrew Blackmore

This was the second year of the midweek Blorenge night fell race. It’s clearly a niche event – probably perceived as being a bit of a stiffer challenge than your average fell race. However, this route is never steep and all runnable for the majority. It’s well marked so even the navigationally challenged need have no fear of misadventure. There are no ‘technical’ sections save a small rubble filled and leaf covered gully of around 20m.

The weather stayed fair and on the traverse of the north face participants were once again treated to the twinkly night vista below – some even noticed it.

Huge thanks to Andy Creber for deploying all the reflective markers in the afternoon – no one strayed off-route.

Last year it was difficult to record bib numbers in the dark at the finish so this year we used chip timing. Another big advantage is that we were able to display the ‘live’ results at the finish so everyone was able to see their time, overall position and category position as soon as they cross the line… and the only delay in giving prize giving is the time taken for the race director to get a bun and coffee down and have a chat.

Many thanks to Mike ‘grizzly’ Evans and Andrew ‘happy days’ Dickens for getting out to the two marshal points and to Anne ‘big smile’ Jenner and Steve ‘coming back from injury’ Hepton for sweeping. Thanks also to Andy Creber for serving buns and drinks back at HQ – apparently, he does this all the time at home too.

Although a tad slower than last year both Paul Murrin and Helen Brown successfully defended their 1st places. Mynydd Du turned up in force and claimed both team prizes.

Hope to see you all at the Sugar Loaf Night Fell Race in November where we will have several cunning plans to ensure course integrity, and at the day time Blorenge Fell Race in December.       Paul Dodd

During the few days leading up to the race I warned prospective competitors about the forecast adverse weather conditions, specifically the likelihood of very poor visibility and low temperatures – and this forecast proved to be correct. Despite this warning, 31 runners turned up and assured me that they were navigationally competent…….. well, the evidence suggests otherwise.
Torpantau and its environs presents a featureless terrain requiring people to take great care as it’s all too easy to go astray, and so it proved with a gaggle of runners deciding to visit Cairn Pica (I believe), with others finding the checkpoints more by luck than judgement.
There was no chance of any records being broken today with times slower than those normally expected.

Thanks as always to my stalwart marshals, Derek Thornley who got exceedingly wet crouched down on Cribyn and Dave Austin who had slightly more cover on Fan y Big and Gareth Jones who, as sweeper, tried to shepherd the runners along the correct course.

Michael Corralles looking every bit the grizzled snowy mountain racer.

Full snow conditions didn't put off 47 intrepid fell runners who braved the course for the 14th running of the Pipe Dream race. Records certainly weren't threatened this year, but there was still some fierce competition at the front, with Elliot Cox of Buckley and Michael Corrales of NWRRC neck and neck all the way round. Elliot took the win with his superier road speed at the very end.

The rest of the field came back on a high after a racing experience that was probably a first for many. Although the racing line was well trampled most people will have found a few deep drifts to slow them down, and falling into one whilst wearing shorts is not an every day occurrence!

Report with Pictures

Despite weather forecasts of -11 deg. wind-chill, high winds and heavy snow showers, a window of quieter weather heralded the start of the Pen Tir Drop Fell race. Strong breezes on the tops, still afforded fine views of the surrounding snowy hills. Conditions were slippery after the recent rain but no heroics through the briar patch this year, just muddy legs. Only after the last runners returned, did the snow showers return ! 41 runners set off (29 men and 12 women) and 41 returned to devour the fine range of cakes that co-organiser Karen had home-baked. Many thanks again to Kay and Martin Lucas for marshalling on the hill, especially Kay who was at the chilly turnaround point, Andy Creber for organising the car park and Rob Brown for manning the road gate.

No race records this year, with winners Evan Davies, MU/23, unattached, recording 34 mins. 18 secs., and Sophie Horrocks, SF, of Rossendale with 37 mins. 37 secs. 1st MV40 Andy Horlick of FODAC, 1st MV50 Paul Jeggo of Springfield, 1st MV60 Nick Dallimore of MDC, 1st MV70 Les Williams of Eryri. 1st FV40 Helen Brown of Mynydd Du, 1st FV50 Rona Davies of Mynydd Du, 1st FV60 Caroline Dallimore of MDC. Thank you for all your support. Regards. Gareth & Karen.

With a cloud-base of less than a hundred metres and driving rain all morning this year’s Tarrenhendre race was less of a spectator sport than it might be but the runners at the end certainly provided a spectacle! The rain eased up shortly after the start but the going which had been soft the day before was decidedly sloppy especially on the steep peaty descent through the forest. Of the 82 runners those who sank to their knees stayed upright, the rest skidded backwards or managed spectacular face-plants.

Not a day for records but Gareth Wyn Jones (Mercia) had a fine battle with local hero Tom Roberts (Meirionnydd RC) finishing in 53:15 just 13 seconds ahead with Russel Bentley, third, in 54:23. This was the second battle of the day for the trio who were the first three home in the Dolgellau Parkrun earlier in the day!

The women’s race was won by Eryri’s Miranda Grant in 63:06 from Katie Beecher (Les Croupiers) 64:53 and Sian Williams of Rhedwyr Hebog in 65:57.

The Club would like to thank everyone who made the race possible, volunteers, landowners, mountain rescue and of course the runners. Diolch o galon.

Regards       Arfon Hughes        Meirionnydd Running Club

This, followed by rain, made some parts of the course very slippery and fun. Some morning emails from the Denbigh and Cheshire area asking if the race was still going ahead due to snowy roads suggested a low turnout but as registration opened a steady 47 runners signed up to take on the Conwy Hills.

The race kicked off at 1pm with a mix of both new and familiar faces and a notably strong turnout from Black Combe Runners. The male race saw a close battle between the top 4 runners with Matthew Fortes (Eryri) taking the lead on the last gentle climb and heading for a win with a time of 46:29, closely followed by James Bowden (Hunters Bog Trotters) in 46:47. Completing the podium positions was Josh Hartley (Black Combe Runners) finishing in a time of 47:48, one second ahead of Tristan Evans (Merrionydd RC) who was leading the race coming off the last summit until he hurt himself and lost his lead on the last slippery descent, to finish fourth overall.

The ladies race wasn’t quite so close as Lizzie Brown (Black Combe Runners) put in an impressive performance and raced really strongly to finish first lady and fifth overall, with a time of 48:49 – smashing the course record by 7 minutes 46 seconds. In second place one of our local ladies, Becki Law (Eryri), finished in 64:06 and to wrap up the top three we had Jenny Williamson (Eryri) with a time of 69:02.

After the race, most runners headed to Race HQ at The Old Whitehouse, where we saw competitors take on an even bigger battle to get close to the fire and warm up with a cup of tasty soup where the presentation followed. A big thanks to all the marshals for standing for hours in the wind and rain, The Old Whitehouse for letting all the stinky, muddy runners in (including myself) and of course all the runners for coming and making the event possible.

The fifth running of the Craig yr Allt Winter Fell Race was greeted with threats of heavy rain. Whilst registration was a little damp, the race was greeted with only a cloudy dry sky and a temperature of 5 degrees Centigrade. 92 participants signed up for the race; many familiar faces but also several new faces that were keen to give fell running a go. This was the perfect race for them. Like in previous years, the organiser had signed the 6.3km course to enable those that cannot read a map to participate.

The race organiser and other volunteers spent approximately 8 man hours leading up to the race day, cutting back the dense vegetation which had advanced onto the race route to enable this race to go ahead. The mild winters in recent years is causing race organisers another challenge!

Despite the most slippery course conditions in the five-year history of the race, Peter Ryder (Clwb Rhedwyr Brycheiniog) won the race in 30m 00s which was only 50s slower than his course record set in 2015 when it was dry; a fantastic effort. Daniel Bodman (Aberdare) was over a minute behind (31m 03s) and Andrew Tuckey (Bridgend AC) finished third in 31m 16s.

Helen Brown (Mynydd Du) was the first lady, followed by Katie Ironside (nee Roby) and Niki Morgan (Mynydd Du).
The male team prize (top 3) was awarded to Mynydd Du (Chris Chambers, Rhys Pippard & Paul Tucker) and the ladies team prize (top 3) was also awarded to Mynydd Du (Helen Brown, Niki Morgan, Rhian Probert).

It was also great to see the first junior participant in the history of the race; Rhys Owen Lloyd was 17 and won the Male Under 18 category. Please encourage over 16s to enter the race in the future.

Category winners included:
MU18 – Rhys Owen Lloyd, Roberttown Road Runners M40 – Andrew Tuckey, Bridgend AC (Prize to 2nd – Jonathan Williams)
M50 – Jeff Wherlock, Lliswerry Runners
M60 - John Aggleton, MDC
M70 – Les Williams, Rhedwyr Eryri

FU23 – Megan Tucker
F40 – Helen Brown, Mynydd Du (Prize to 2nd – Rhian Probert, Mynydd Du)
F50 – Niki Morgan, Mynydd Du (Prize to 2nd – Ruth Pickvance, Mynydd Du)

The race organisers would like to thank all the marshalls, volunteers, landowner and Mountain View Ranch for their time and generosity.       Gary & Dawn Davies

A healthy start to a new race saw 77 athletes take to the fells on Mynydd Llangors. Visibility was good, the ground had dried out somewhat after the snow. Always promising to be a fast race, with no time to relax if you were ‘in it to win it’! A strong competitive field, route choice between CP1 and CP2, combined with a very steep and fast descent to the finish line meant we were all excited to see who would take the course records in the women’s and men’s races.

Dan Bodman from Aberdare reached the summit in a swift time of 18.02. We witnessed him flying down the mountain being chased by local athlete Evan Davies, summit time 18.55. Evan took chase never allowing Dan to relax. We saw Dan glance over his shoulder and just make it to the finish line with seconds between them!

In the women’s race, Mynydd du’s Helen Brown comfortably took the course record but not without excitement either ! Helen reached the summit in a time of 21.11 then proceeded to also fly down the mountain. She came into view chasing the opposition, fellow Mynydd Du athlete Michael Cope and Brecon AC Peter Sowerby finishing a strong 14th overall !!!

I think it’s fair to say a good day was had by all and the race was a success. See you next year !

Results as follows

1st man Dan Bodman, Aberdare 24.43 (CR)
2nd man Evan Davies 24.53
3rd man Jay Gullins, Taff Ely Tri 26.28

1st female Hellen Brown, Mynydd Du 27.58 (CR)
2nd female Debbie Stenner, Fodac 30.45
3rd female Sammi Toop, Mynydd Du 32.43

Age cats
U23m Lewis Price 28.42, V40m Dan Sandford, Fodac 27.13 V40f Anne Ward, Mynydd Du 38.05 V50m Ian smith, Fodac 27.43
V50f Ruth Pickvance, Mynydd Du 32.40
V60m David Smout, Mynydd Du 33.28
V70m Gary Gunner, Croft Ambrey 35.38

Women’s team Mynydd Du
Helen Brown, Sammi Toop, Ruth Pickvance

Men’s team Mynydd Du
Tom Mollekin, Ian Whistance, Steve Hepton

Rona