13Jun

Joe Brown Tues Night #8 Y Garn – report and results

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“Well I never thought I’d see the day when we had more juniors than seniors! Well done to parents for getting them there and helping to marshal. In the Joe Brown’s race, well done again to John Spill only 28 secs outside the overall course record. Impressive when you consider Ifan’s descent record was 5:48! Other records to go were Bronwen Jenks knocking 22 seconds off her own FU18 record, while Don Williams took over 7 1/2 minutes off the V70. Meanwhile Stell Farrer and Ellie Sallisbury continue to do battle in the F50. Mike.”

Results:

TES Y Garn & all other & overall table

11Jun

Ennerdale Horseshoe – round 2 British Champs

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As a result of the forecasted thunder and lightning the second race in the British champs was a modified route on Saturday. Instead of the mammoth 23 mile with 7500ft of climbing the organisers came up with a challenging, lower level, 22 miler with around 4500ft of climbing. The modified route crossing into Buttermere, over Scarth Gap, back into Ennerdale, a loop of the valley and a 8 mile fastish run in home.

Of the 275 finishers, first home was P&B’s Rob Hope in 2.52 with first Eryri,  Math Roberts in 8th in 2.58. Jackie Lee was next, taking the ladies crown in an impressive 42nd overall, in 3.18. Next home was Matt Fortes in 84th in 3.32, soon followed by Johnny Moore in 92nd in 3.34, and John Parkinson in 95th in 3.36. Fresh from Zegama, Ed Harmer was next home in 145th in 3.46 with Becky Law finishing in 239th and 4hrs 40mins.

Next British champs is Dollar in Scotland at the end of this month.

Results:

http://www.cfra.co.uk/results/Ennerdale2014.pdf

10Jun

Welsh Castles Relay

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WELSH CASTLES RELAY

7th/8th JUNE 2014

What did I say after last year’s event; “A must do event for 2014”.  Not sure if I could go through all that again, or Ann and Sharon for that matter? Eryri really struggled to get a team out of any sorts for this year’s event despite frantic phone calls and emails galore!! If it wasn’t for the hassle of trying to get a team together to compete in the event, things would be very much less stressful and time consuming and more cost effective! Still, we got a team of 19 together which in itself posed a problem as we were one short of the required 20 and had to drop a stage hence penalty time points against us!

Despite a rather damp start to the event in Caernarfon where Gwyn Owen led the team out on the road to Cardiff with a very good run to finish 2nd overall of the 65 teams competing, just under a minute behind the race winner and Bangor University based student Callum Rowlinson (Sale) who finished the 9.1 mile event to Penygroes in a time of 52:32, just 6 seconds off the course record!

Then, the heavens opened which probably suited Dylan Jones on the 10.7m 2nd leg to Criccieth as he ran very well to finish 6th in a time of 1:00:02. Incidentally, the course record was broken on this leg by Salford Harrier Max McNeil with a time of 54:12 compared to the previous best of 55:34. Next up, as the sun came out was the first mountain 12.1m stage to Maentwrog where Dyfed Whiteside-Thomas had a good run to finish 18th in a time of 1:16:52 with Rhys James following suit with an excellent run on the 4th 9.5m stage to Harlech to finish 11th in a time of 1:00:56.

Then came the highlight of the weekend for Eryri with Brendan Rothery’s stage win on the 5th 9.6m leg to Barmouth in a time of 54:20 following up his stage win on leg 6 of last year.

Iwan Edgar followed up with a solid run on the 10.7m stage to Dolgellau placing 18th in a time of 1:12:48 then it all went downhill from there! Literally, as Ali Chant nursing a calf problem did well to finish the 9.75m stage to Dinas Mawddwy especially on the steep downhill section in a time of 1:07:50. That was as good as it got and despite a valiant effort from the rest of the teams stage runners, Eryri went from a healthy 5th position to provisionally finish 26th overall and 14th in the 6 Kings of the Mountain Stages. Still, there were some very good performances with Tony Woodall running well to finish 6th on the 8.6m stage from Foel to Llanfair Caereinion in a time of 49:39.

Following the 10th stage into Newtown there was a stopover for several of the team members in Llandrindod Wells ready for the early 7am start of the 11th stage from Newtown to Llanbadarn Fynydd which I Arwel Lewis took upon myself for the 3rd time of asking! Well, nobody else would! Glad to get my stage out of the way though, especially since I had to drive the mini bus and felt quite content to finish 25th on the 12.3m mountain stage in a time of 1:23:35, then on to the mini bus to catch up with speed merchant Dilwyn Rowlands as he enjoyed the downhill 11.2m stage to Crossgates finishing 24th in a time of 1:14:10.

We did not have to worry about anyone on stage 13 because we did not have anyone available to run! But, Daniel Kashi made up for that with a very good run on the 10.8m mountain stage 14 from Builth Wells to Drovers Arms where he was up against some very good athletes to finish 6th in a time of 1:06:58, the stage record also went as Serpentine’s Andy Greenleaf became the first runner to beat the hour mark for the stage with a time of 59:17 compared to the previous best time of 1:00:41. Then, it was Dylan Owen’s turn to banish a few ghosts after last year’s Criccieth Green shenanigans! When he collapsed just a few metres from the finishing line and ended up in A&E! This time he did cross the finishing line in Brecon and we (on the mini bus) missed it due to a wrong turn!

Dylan finished 33rd in a time of 1:30:05 and what a difference a year makes, Stuart McDonald knocked just over 13 minutes off his time (and off his waist!) for the 17th stage from Beacons Reservoir to Cyfarthfa Castle to finish 20th in a time of 1:03:01.

Then, it was a case of just getting to Cardiff in one piece before the long journey back up North. Salford Harriers were the overall team winners ahead of Les Croupiers and Serpentine with Salford also the Mountain Stages winners ahead of Serpentine and Les Croupiers. Well done to all our stage runners who gave it their all for the club and should be applauded for their commitment and thanks are due to the event organisers namely, the Les Croupiers Running Club for all their hard work and organisational skills.

ARWEL LEWIS/ROAD RUNNING SECRETARY

 

 

09Jun

Welsh 1000 metres

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Despite the biblical weather conditions that rapidly swept through the area at 7am on Saturday morning, all routes were ran at the legendary Welsh 1000 metres race.

In the full race former Eryri legend was pipped into 2nd by Jonathan Albon of SOK. 1st Eryri finisher was amazingly Andrew Rowlands – also 1st lady! – Andrea finished in 8th overall and in 4hrs55mins, only 30 mins behind the winner. Next home in 12th was Eglwysfach’s Adrian Williams in 12th in 5hrs10mins. Clubmates Paul Jones and Everest marathon man, Tim Watson in 22nd and 26th and 5.31 and 5.39. Guy Thomas, Stel Farrar, Ashley Wager and Brian Robbins soon followed (unsure of category positions as only provisional results, but sure Stell would’ve won hers, and Brian close). Emma Green was next in 72nd, there were 103 finishers.

There was success for Ganllwyd’s Paul Hodges, winning the mountaineers class in 6hrs 11mins. 22 finishers in this class.

In the short race there was a big success, first race win and a welcome return from injury for Rachub’s Hugh O’Donnell, Hugh took the win in 2hrs 1min, with club mates Adam Haynes and Gary PJ close behind in 2nd and 3rd and 2.07 and 2.08 respectively. Ross Roberts ran well to finish in 7th with Lou Beetlestone matching Hugh, Andrea and Paul by taking the females win in 8th overall and 2.26. Megan Hughes soon followed in 11th but 2nd lady. Mike Blake, Maggie Oliver and Hazel Robbins all won their respective age categories, finishing in 13th, 17th and 23rd. Unfortunately there was a DNF for Emily Wood whom after some questionable navigation work ended back in the Ogwen Valley, via Twll Du!

Provisional results:

http://www.welsh1000m.org/Provisional%20results.pdf

09Jun

Sandstone Trail Challenge

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In preparation for this weekends Pedol Cwm Pennant, Crewe’s Martin Cliffe decided to take part in his first ultra on Saturday at Helsby’s 34mile Sandstone Trail challenge. Here’s a mini report from Martin and race results, where Martin managed a brilliant 3rd overall and 1st vet 40.

http://www.helsbyrunningclub.org.uk/STC2014-results.pdf

“What a journey, whitchurch to frodsham along the entire length of the sandstone trail, 34mls mostly off road taking in bikerton hills, raw head, beeston ,peckforton, delemere and frodsham. and this wasn’t shortened due to a little thunder ,lightning and flash floods. my 1st ultra on little high mileage training 5hrs9mins 3rd overall and 1stv40. nursing nettle rashes and chaffing now. fantastic low key event, mega friendly and meat an potato pies at the end, result.”

06Jun

Everest Marathon Bonanza

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Tim Watson and Lynn Cunnah-Watson, owners of The Kinmel Arms, St George, ran the Mount Everest Marathon, the world’s highest marathon, on the 29th May 2014. The trip was based around Tim’s 50th birthday on 20th May which fell during the walk in to the start of the race.

 

After flying in to Kathmandu another short flight gets you to the start of the trek. It takes 15 days to slowly trek up to the start of the race from the village of Lukla (the world’s most dangerous airport!) and acclimatise to the high altitude and low oxygen. With 120 foreign runners and over 50 local Nepali Sherpas the race was a truly international affair.

 

The marathon starts at Everest Base Camp, 5364m and finishes at the Sherpa capital town of Namche Bazaar, 3440m. Starting at such a high altitude the race drops 2000m however there are also several steep long climbs of over 1000m to contend with. The terrain varied greatly due to 3 days of heavy snowfall before the race start. We started in 1m of snow with icy trails and descended into slush and heavily mudded trails, bouldered tracks, scree, river crossings over rustic bridges, forest trails and exposed steep hillsides. Race day was sunny and clear with cloud building during the day and rain late afternoon.

 

Tim, racing as number 50, finished 18th overall and 3rd foreigner in 5:45:00 setting a new UK record for this race. Lynn finished in an amazing 96th place in an excellent 9:53:05 after 4 days of being very poorly with AMS (acute mountain sickness) before the race start.

After trekking out from Namche Bazaar and flying back to Kathmandu, we enjoyed a fantastic Post-Race party hosted by the race organisers and the Nepal Tourist Offices. All in all an epic adventure and the trip of a lifetime! (interesting 50th birthday choice!)

 

We have both been raising monies for the Cancer Treatment Centre in Glan Clwyd Hospital through The Ron and Margaret Smith Cancer Appeal for the last 3 years. You are able to donate for us directly at The Kinmel Arms, St George or through our charity page…

www.virginmoneygiving/team/timandlynnTES Pen 3 Hills, all other races and overall tabl

 

e em finish2

06Jun

Joe Brown Tues Night #7 Pen 3 Hills – report and results

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“Joe Brown Tuesday Series #7 3 Hills
500 midges for every runner and they all found me! Well done to John Spill taking no prisoners and another win in record time while the ladies saw yet another new winner in the form of Gabby Lees. Well done also to Iolo Hughes second overall, John Morris with a V70 record and Stell Farrer who proved that a 5 mile swim in the morning does you no harm.
Help needed – if it wasn’t for the uphill finish at the race Wendy and I may not have been able to cope with the rush! Please volunteer! Next week is y Garn where we hope to record summit times too if we have enough volunteers.
Mike”
01Jun

More Road Racing News

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More road racing news:

QBR & Plas Menai 5k

As part of the Queens Commonwealth Games Baton relay on Thursday 29th May, following on from the morning’s baton relay up Snowdon by the club’s Craig Jones, Bronwen Jenkinson, Rob Samuel, Matt Roberts and Alun Vaughan, the famous five! had the honour of carrying the baton once again in the evenings Plas Menai to Caernarfon 5k where they and the rest of the 180 competitors were greeted by mass crowds on Caernarfon’s Victoria Dock where the BBC One Show was being televised live. The 5k race was won by the fast improving Tom Roberts of the Meirionydd Running Club in a new PB (Personal Best time for the distance) of 15:23 chased by Eryri’s Gwyn Owen who himself set a PB by 2 seconds in a time of 15:38 ahead of Menai T&F athlete Carwyn Evans 15:48 with Eryri’s Daniel Kashi 4th in a time of 16:21 a PB by a second! In all there were 26 Eryri Harriers competing as well as our five proud Queens Baton bearers. A truly fantastic atmosphere on Caernarfon’s Victoria Dock for all the athletes and one to remember.

Thanks are due to all of you that helped to make the event a success.

 

ALUN’S BIG PAY DAY

 Only two days after his Queens Baton exploits, Eryri’s Alun Vaughan successfully defended his Abersoch 10k title and with it a nice £200 bonus for comfortably winning the event in a time of 33:04 ahead of 2nd placed John Heap 34:49 with Menai’s Steffan Sayer 3rd in 35:02. Eryri’s Dylan Jones was 5th in 36:23 just ahead of club colleague Dewi Owen 36:26. There were a few other Eryri Harriers amongst the 560 finishers in the quite tough undulating event which included a long, nearly 2k stretch along the beach with quite a few Groynes to hurdle some of which were waist high as the tide came in!

 

 WELSH CASTLE RELAY LAST CALL

We are currently short of runners for the forthcoming Welsh Castles relay 7th-8th June, Gwyn Owen is all set to lead us off on the first leg from Caernarfon to Penygroes at 10am next Saturday then it is a case of filling in the blanks as we attempt to have all twenty legs covered all the way down to Cardiff on the Sunday. Anyone available to complete a leg, (We are short of runners for both days!) please contact Arwel as soon as possible on: 07772 302411.

For those of you who have not experienced the WCR (Welsh Castles Relay) before, it truly is a fantastic event and akin to the Welsh “Tour De France”.

 

Cheers

Arwel

01Jun

OMM Iceland

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Following their 2nd mixed finishing position on the Highlander Mountain Marathon last month, Ellie Salisbury & her partner Adrian Moir finished 3rd overall & 1st mixed pair on the Long Score of the Icelandic OMM Mountain Marathon http://www.theomm.com/events/OMM_Iceland/ last weekend, narrowly beating fellow Yiannis Tridimas, well-known to most of us, & his partner Eiver Laegried.  Controls are often in very interesting spots eg in old volcanic craters, on geysers, & on the rift where the Eurasian & North American tectonic plates meet. It’s a great event, well-worth entering, especially since easyjet now fly to Reykjavik!