Another Huge Week for Eryri – Welsh 1000s Success, Racing Highlights & Community Spirit

It’s been another packed and inspiring week for Eryri Harriers, with a fantastic showcase of racing, volunteering, coaching opportunities and community spirit across North Wales and beyond.

A Brilliant 55th Welsh 1000m Peaks Race

A huge diolch yn fawr to everyone who played their part in making the 55th Ras Copaon 1000m Cymru / Welsh 1000m Peaks Race such a success.

From runners and race marshals to the Welsh Fell Runners Association, local businesses, suppliers and our many volunteers, this iconic event once again demonstrated what makes fell running so special – the people behind it.

After a week of high temperatures, race organisers were keeping a close eye on conditions, but thankfully temperatures dipped just enough to allow the full courses to go ahead safely. Hydration and sensible pacing were still key, particularly on the tougher climbs out of the valleys, with Y Gribin proving a decisive crux point on the long course.

An incredible 45 volunteer marshals were out on the hill helping the event run smoothly, alongside some very dedicated four-legged helpers – our now legendary #DogMarshals Saba, Twig and Diego.

The race also proudly hosted the WFRA North Wales Series, attracting strong competition on both courses.

Long Course Highlights

A strong performance from Sam Gunning (Cybi Striders) saw him take victory in 4:17:33, ahead of a competitive field including Pete Vale, Craig Lowe and Matthew Fortes.

In the women’s race, Heather Tait (Helm Hill Runners) led from the first checkpoint to take a commanding win.

Short Course Highlights

A fiercely contested race saw Rhys Jones (Rhedwyr Hebog) claim victory in 1:42:30.

For Eryri, there was particular cause for celebration as Jackie Lee stormed to victory in the women’s race in 2:08:18, with clubmate Suzie Richards also featuring strongly.

Special mention also goes to Mabli and Efa Baines, winners of the Short Course Pairs, whose sportsmanship shone through when they stopped to assist a fellow runner.

A total of 22 Eryri Harriers members took parti n this competetive field of 149 and we are proud of each and evey one of you.

Huge thanks to race organiser Kate Worthington and everyone involved in delivering another memorable edition of one of Wales’ classic mountain races.

And if the Welsh 1000s has inspired you…

Next Up: Ras Foel Fras – 14th June

The next Eryri-hosted fell race is the classic Ras Foel Fras, a spectacular 12-mile horseshoe route starting and finishing in Abergwyngregyn, taking in:

• Drum (770m)

• Foel Fras (942m)

• Yr Aryg (876m)

• Moel Wnion (580m)

A true North Wales classic – entries are open now here: Entry link https://buy.stripe.com/9B614m3bEbpM4Pr7ra3ks00

Road Racing Highlights

Abersoch 10k

Four Eryri Harriers were among the 1,046 finishers.

Leading the club home was:

• Catrin Donnelly 

  followed by

• Joe Symonds

• Claire Donnelly

• Mike Snell(1st M70)

A great video about the event can be seen here: Facebook

Mid-Cheshire 5k

Three Eryri athletes produced strong performances:

• Huw Gwynn  (PB)

• Mike Whyatt (1st M60)

• Iolo Roberts (PB)

Deganwy Dash 5 Mile

A superb win for Josh Keogh, who took victory in 28:03.

Other notable performances included:

• Nic Brook (3rd M50)

• Dan Rodrigues

• Margot Saher (1st F50)

• Robin Emyr Jones

• John Jones (2nd M65)

• Sion Rhys Jones

Excellent running all round.

Supporting Jacko’s Incredible Challenge

Many members will know David “Jacko” Jackson through Eryri Plodders and the hugely popular breathwork sessions he has delivered for the club.

Jacko has now embarked on an extraordinary challenge:

Running 2 marathons a day for 100 days across 25 UK locations

All in aid of two brain injury charities: Headway and Head for Change.

The challenge began in Caernarfon and club support has already been fantastic.

If you can join him for a few kilometres, a lap, or simply offer encouragement, your support will make a huge difference.

Let’s continue showing what the Eryri Harriers community is all about.

Live updates here: Instagram

Coaching Development Opportunity

A reminder for LiRF and CiRF coaches / leads:

Welsh Athletics are running a Trail Running course at Erddig starting next month.

If you’d like financial support from the club to attend, please get in touch.

Junior Fell Running Opportunity Events for Coaching Courses

North Wales selections are open for the British Junior Inter-Counties Fell Championships at Edale on 14th June.

Eligible runners in U16, U18 and U20 categories should contact selectors as soon as possible. Contact Neal Hockley Contact | Eryri Harriers

Away From Running - Multi talented members

A huge congratulations to club member Sion Edwards, who has showcased another remarkable talent by creating this year’s Urdd Eisteddfod Chair.

The Urdd plays such an important role in Welsh youth culture and sport, and it’s fantastic to see an Eryri member contributing to such a special tradition.

Llongyfarchiadau, Sion. See full fideo here: (2) Facebook

Help Us Build the Weekly News Round-Up

The weekly website update and race calendar is only as good as the information we receive.

If you’ve raced, volunteered, coached, marshalled, achieved a PB, represented Eryri, or have club-related news to share, please send it in.

We’re particularly keen for:

• Race results and short race reports

• Photos from events

• Upcoming race calendar reminders

• Training session updates

• Member achievements (running or beyond)

• Community and volunteering stories

Please help us keep the website and race calendar fresh, accurate and representative of everything happening across the club.

If something’s worth celebrating – send it in!