From Front Runners to Club Legends: Celebrating an Incredible Few Weeks for Eryri Harriers
Before the news - a few reminders!
You can still sign up for Borders League and Cross County League!
The club have paid upfront so these are free races to members as part of your membership package!
Borders League! BordersLeague | Eryri Harriers
The BL is a fully inclusive community race series that is a great way to run for your club and get some great races under your belt. Open to all all abilities and experience. Send Name, Date of Birth and URN to Arwel Lewis (1st and 2nd claim members)
Cross Country
Cross Country Championships | Eryri Harriers The Cross Country League is a Welsh Athletics run series. It's all about the team, the mud and the fun. Open to all all abilities and experience. Send Name, Date of Birth and URN to Gemma Moore (1st claim members only)
Special Sessions coming up:
Mary Gillie will be leading 2 Tour de Wyddfa recces for anyone wanting to practice or consider taking part! See here for details: Facebook
Neal Hockley will be holding 2 special Navigation Skills sessions in November. See here for details:https://www.eryriharriers.org.uk/post/special-session-practical-mountain-nav-for-runners-club-training-session
The Improve your 5K time: FREE Members' Workshop and Coached Programme was filled within days of announcement! We look forward to welcoming everyone involved. Put name on waiting list here if you would like news if a place is freed up. https://www.eryriharriers.org.uk/post/free-members-breathwork-running-coaching-programme
NOW FOR THE NEWS! The past couple of months have been a perfect reminder of what makes Eryri special: a community that celebrates everyone, from the front runners to the legends at the back of the pack. As we move from Summer to Autumn – here were a few highlights.
Pedol Peris 2026: A Historic Day for Eryri Harriers
The iconic Pedol Peris returned on 19 September, once again bringing together some of the finest mountain runners in Britain to tackle one of the country's most demanding and prestigious races.
For Eryri Harriers, it was a particularly memorable day as Junious Graduate (and now coach) Bethan Billington produced a phenomenal performance to become the youngest ever winner of Pedol Peris. Bethan's achievement marks a remarkable milestone and a proud moment for both herself and the club.
Eryri Harriers were represented throughout the field, from those challenging at the front to runners taking on the course as a personal challenge. The event also highlighted the strength and diversity of the club, with experienced mountain veterans, rising young talent.
A huge thank you must also go to the army of volunteers, led by Suzie Richards, whose hard work ensured another successful running of one of Wales' flagship mountain races.
Pedol Peris remains one of the great races of the Welsh mountain running calendar, it will be back next year!
Big Mountains, Big Challenges
Ultra running adventures took Eryri members across some of the toughest terrain imaginable.
Tinka Vinks (with her twin Sanne) completed the spectacular UTMR Stage Race, covering an astonishing 170km with 10,680m of ascent over four days. Racing day after day is a challenge unlike any other. Despite battling fatigue and altitude on day three, Tinka dug deep and finished strongly, describing the final day as "epic" and crossing the finish line full of happiness. Along the way she made new friends, shared the experience with her twin, and praised the volunteers whose encouragement kept runners moving.
Dragon's Back Race
Meanwhile, the legendary Dragon's Back Race once again captured the imagination of the club. This race covers approximately 236 miles and 16,400 metres of ascent across the length of Wales. An achievement that reflects months, if not years, of dedication and preparation.
We followed and cheered on four Eryri members taking part:
Bryony Shircore (Dragon’s Fire)
Jon Barnwell (Dragon’s Fire)
Jacqueline Lee
Chris Williams
Every one of them demonstrated remarkable resilience on one of the world's toughest mountain challenges.
Special congratulations go to Jacqueline Lee who came 2nd women in the full race. Incredible achievment! Chris Williams, who finished an incredible 13th overall and 3rd in his age category.
Not to be outdone, other members embraced the shorter but equally demanding Dragon's Fire, proving once again that adventure and challenge come in many forms. Brynony Shircore not only competed but was 1st in the womens race and 2nd overall. Her interview on the You Tube series was a wonderful reflection on how far she has come. See interview by clicking on image
A massive congratulations also goes to Jon Barnwell. He’s represented Eryri proudly many times since joining and we are so proud to see you running in the vest Jon!
Trevor show’s extraordinary determination
One inspiring story comes from Trevor Lawler, who recently completed his first-ever 100-mile challenge.
After crossing the finish line, Trevor's first thoughts were not about himself, but about thanking everyone who helped him get there: organisers, checkpoint teams, medics, fellow runners, volunteers and supporters.
No one completes a challenge like that alone. He’s a friend to everyone at any stratline and training session.
See full story here:
https://www.eryriharriers.org.uk/post/trevor-100-miles-one-huge-challenge-one-very-proud-achievement
Eryri Representing Wales
Also during September 4 members of our team, running family and club represented Wales at the International Trail Half Marathon Championship in the Forest of Dean (Wales vs England).
· Gemma Brown
· Nia-Meleri Edwards
· Jonathan Kettle
· Ian Edwards
All represented us proudly.
Huge congratulations especially to Gemma Brown - incredible performance - 1st once again
Ian Edwards - 3rd Vet 40
Thank you Welsh Athletics Athletau Cymru and Bernie Jones for the support once again.
Other acheivements
At the Carlem Ceiriog, one of the penultimate races in the WFRA North Wales Series, Eryri athletes enjoyed a fantastic day on the heather moors around Glyn Ceiriog.
Highlights included:
Miranda taking the overall women's victory.
Bethan winning the FU19 category.
Mike Snell winning the MV70 category.
Maggie taking first place in the FV75 category.
Plenty of Eryri runners collecting category prizes, smiles, sunshine and cake.
The results perfectly demonstrated the breadth of strength within the club, from talented juniors to experienced veterans still competing at the highest level of their age groups.
Italian Job
Further afield, Mary Gillie took on a demanding mountain marathon in Italy, navigating technical terrain, steep climbs, route-finding challenges and even a wrong turn. Her race report captured something every runner understands: the highs, the lows, moments of frustration and moments of pure joy when moving confidently through the mountains.
Sometimes the most memorable race experiences are not the perfect ones.
Quick Celebrations!
Huw Gwynn smashed his half marathon personal best with a remarkable 71:57 in Manchester. Da iawn Huw!
Eryri runners competed strongly at Bangor 10k, Bangor Half Marathon, Cardiff Half Marathon, Caernarfon Half Marathon and the Everton 10k.
Category victories were secured by runners including Margot Saher, Marian Crowe and Dan Rodrigues.
As always - we share lots of photos and updates on individual races on our socials and Spond - to see lots more photos please follow us on Eryri Harriers | Facebook
A Welcome Return
One of the most heartwarming results of the month came at the RNLI Llandudno 5k.
After being sidelined since March with a knee injury, John Richard Jones made a welcome return to racing. Finishing times matter, but after months away, simply getting back to the start and finish line again is often the biggest victory of all.
The race also saw an excellent overall ladies' victory for Anna Drinkwater, continuing her impressive run of form post baby Huw arriving into the world in May.
Team Successes
At the opening fixture of the Borders Road Running League, fifteen Eryri runners represented the club in challenging conditions at Llandegla.
Notable performances included:
Ian Edwards finishing 12th overall and 1st M40.
Gemma Moore, 2nd female overall and 1st F40.
Anna Drinkwater, 3rd female overall.
League debuts from Iolo Roberts and 2 juniors Abby Drake and Ania Edwards (Ania graduated from racing the race after many years of supporting her parents and giving out the finishing line choclate)
The women's team made a particularly impressive start to the season, topping their division after the opening race.
Cross Country
Cross-country season is now underway and Eryri teams turned out in force.
A huge thank you goes to every member who pulled on the vest and represented the club.
The Teams under Gemma Moore's leadership had some amazing results. Including a huge 1st position and advantage in the series for our women. We also welcome new members into the fold, including Callum, experiencing his first taste of racing for the club.
One Club, Many Journeys
Want to celebrate your own success or those of your team mates? This is your club and your story – please send your stories to us to share and Support.
Da iawn pawb. Here's to the next adventure. 🏔️🏃♀️🏃♂️💚💛 Contact Nia Meleri Edwards or any committee member!!!
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