
Race the Train

Saturday 8 July 2017
The morning was warm, clear and fine, with a touch of breeze. At 2pm, 37 competitors lined up, and Spiderman sounded the hooter for the start. Off the runners went, out through the car park and on to the road through the village of Rowen, before 300m later, turning rights and the start of the ascent, first on tarmac up to the youth hostel, before levelling out a bit up along the old roman road to Cae Coch, and then after climbing the stile, up the grassy bank and then the rocks to Tal y Fan summit. The runners then benefited from the recent sunny weather, as the usually boggy bit was not too boggy, allowing for quick runs across the moors to the Penmaenmawr stone circle.
Along the North Wales coastal path for a stretch before another right turn, and an uphill section (avoided by those running with heads down, who went left past the Old Llangelynin Church and down to the scout camp) back towards Rowen youth hostel, (except for those who failed to turn left over the wall and did a detour back to Cae Coch before realising their navigational error), and it was then downhill all the way to the finish back at the Carnival. Gavin Roberts, Paul Jones, Matt Lewis and Emlyn Owen had a close run race at the front of the field, with Gavin pulling away after the bridge (CP5).
A big thanks to all our marshals and helpers, Mike Blake for sweeping up at the back and keeping the tail enders on the right track. Next year we may put up a few more arrows for the navigationally challenged.
Helen and Doug Blair
Race Organisers
All welcome!
Hi everyone,
It’s time to get the dates for this the 2017/18 cross-country season in the diary! As was said by one of our members – ‘summer performance is made in the winter’ – the cross-country season is perfect for that – it keeps you going competitively over the winter months as there’s quick, tough ‘tempo’ running for those that want it alongside all-welcoming team spirit no matter what your ability.
If you are interested but not sure what it’s all about, please feel free to get in touch.
A few other key points – we arrange a FREE minibus to all away league events, and entry is also FREE. The first race starts at 2pm (ladies, U17 men and over 70s – approximately 5k) and the second race for all other mens categories starts at 2.45pm (approximately 8-10k). You must be a fully paid up member of Eryri Harriers to take part (2nd claim members contact me for info) but other than that you can just turn up and run!
Here is last year’s roll call of contributors to last year’s league (including marshalls) – huge well done everyone, looking forward to this years league – the more the merrier so come and give it a go!
Arwel Lewis, Matthew Fortes, Russell Owen, Gary Porter-Jones, Paul Wathan, Eurwyn Edwards, Emlyn Owen, Paul Jones, Steve Jones, Steffan Rhys Evans, Aled Gwyn Owen, Rob Samuel, Maldwyn Evans, Hugh O’Donnell, Anthony Forest Bethell, Rory O’D, James Harwood, James McQueen, Dilwyn Rowlands, Stephen Jones, Don Williams, Tammy Ddrwg Lewis-Jones, Andrea Rowlands, Ellie Salisbury, Megan Hughes, Louise Emery-Jones, Becki Law, Maggie Oliver, Helen Blair, Annie Williams, Jennifer Williamson, Alexandra Fletcher, Becca Roberts, Miranda Grant, Annabelle McQueen, Hayley Turner, Alison Donnelly, Maggie and Alwyn Oliver, Stuart McDonald, NeeNee LJ, Ann Lewis, Sharon Owen, Karen Jenkinson, Mike Blake, Sioned Ellen Rowlands, Tina Louise McDonnell, Anthony Paul Davies, Tamsin O’Neil, Iowerth Roberts, Sue and Eric Roberts, Mair and Wills.
See dates below – we are hosting on 25th November – advance warning of CAKES for this one please, and helpers needed
Saturday 7th October 2017 – Wrexham
Saturday 21st October 2017 – Llandudno
Saturday 25th November 2017 – Bangor
Saturday 20th January 2018 – Shrewsbury
Saturday 3rd February 2018 – Oswestry
The North Wales Cross Country Champs are on Saturday 6th January. There is also a junior league, dates to be confirmed, will keep you posted.
Cheers!
Becki (bex85@msn.com)