Welsh Castles Relay - Report!

Eryri Harriers Take On the Welsh Castles Relay 2026  

Wales' Greatest Club Road Running Adventure 

A short video can be seen here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/YfynbMuo38wu8P8MA

If you've never experienced the Welsh Castles Relay, imagine the Tour de France – but for grassroots running clubs. 

For one weekend each June, teams of runners set off from Caernarfon Castle and race their way south across the length of Wales, covering more than 200 miles over 20 stages before finishing in Cardiff. There are “mountain stages”, coastal stages, gruelling climbs, tactical battles, overnight logistics, team buses, campsite stories and enough camaraderie to last a lifetime. 

The Welsh Castles Relay has become one of the most iconic events in the Welsh running calendar. Since its beginnings in the early 1980s, it has grown into a unique challenge that brings together clubs from across Wales and beyond for two unforgettable days of racing. This year, more than sixty teams lined up to take part in the journey from Caernarfon to Cardiff. (Les Croupiers Running Club) 

For Eryri Harriers, the relay is always special. The race begins on our doorstep, running through many of the communities, roads and landscapes that our members know and love. 

Twenty Runners, One Team 

While every runner tackles their own stage, success at the Welsh Castles Relay is all about teamwork. 

Drivers, supporters, team managers and runners all play their part through Gwynedd, Meirionnydd, Powys and the South Wales Valleys before the final dash into Cardiff. 

This year's Eryri Harriers team proudly featured: 

• Anthony Davies 

• Jennifer Charlton 

• Paul Hodges 

• Arwel Lewis 

• Lucy O'Donnell 

• Daniel Rodrigues 

• Ian Robson 

• Jon Barnwell 

• Elliw Haf 

• Owain Hunt Williams 

• Suzie Richards 

• Iolo Owen 

• Nia Meleri-Edwards 

• Sion Edwards 

• Molly Hewitt 

• Margot Saher 

• Iolo Roberts 

• Ian Edwards 

• Mike Whyatt 

• Huw Gwynn 

Along with drivers Garfield and Lesley Goodson, together they organised, co-ordinated supported and covered over 204 miles of Welsh roads, hills and valleys, representing the club with determination, commitment and pride. 

Standout Performances 

The relay is packed with quality athletes from some of the strongest clubs in Britain. There were several particularly impressive performances from the Eryri squad. 

Elliw Haf produced one of the performances of the weekend on Stage 9, finishing 16th overall and claiming the yellow jersey as first female veteran on the stage. Her run from Foel to Llanfair Caereinion was a brilliant example of strength and experience. 

Further south, team captain Ian Edwards stormed to 8th place on Stage 18, while Mike Whyatt followed with an outstanding 7th place on Stage 19 – one of the highest individual stage finishes achieved by an Eryri runner this year. 

Strong top-20 performances also came from Iolo Owen (19th), Sion Edwards (19th), Iolo Roberts (21st), Daniel Rodrigues (24th) and Jennifer Charlton, Owain Hunt Williams and Huw Gwynn, all of whom secured top-30 stage finishes against fierce competition. 

The statistics tell only part of the story. 

The Welsh Castles Relay is about much more than finishing positions. It's about runners stepping forward to represent their club. It's about supporting teammates at stage changes, cheering people home after tough climbs, shouting out of cars and minibuses, and sides of roads, and creating memories that last long after the final results are published. 

It's about seasoned club stalwarts standing alongside first-time Castles runners. 

It's about friendships formed on minibuses, encouragement shouted from roadside verges and the collective effort of a team travelling the length of Wales together. 

Those who have experienced the event understand why so many runners describe it as one of the highlights of their running lives. 

What matters most is that twenty runners pulled the Eryri vest and represented the club from Caernarfon all the way to Cardiff. 

A huge congratulations to every runner, driver, supporter and organiser involved. 

The Welsh Castles Relay remains one of the greatest adventures in club running, and once again Eryri Harriers were proud to be part of it. 

Until next year – ymlaen Eryri