8/12/19 Aberystwyth 10km.
Eleven Meirionnydd runners ran in his years Aber 10k. First home was Gwion Roberts in 35:33 followed by Euros Evans claiming 3rd MU20 in 36:32. Then Jimmy Carter 40:08; Richard Hankinson 44:21; Sarah Harris 50:23; Peter Nicholls claiming 1st M65 in 51:43; Nia Evans 53:30; Gerald Cooper 54:31; Sioned Mair Jones 55:39; Helen Jones 59:30; Kevin Evans 01:05:13.1/12/19 Valencia marathon.
Marisha De la Rouviere ran a New club record in 3.13.39.
23/11/19 Cross Country Dolgellau.
For the first time Dolgellau was the venue for a counter in the North Wales Cross Country League. Meirionnydd's Tom Roberts did an excellent job or organising the event and huge thank you goes out to all the volunteers and marshalls that made the day possible.
Fantastic turnout by club runners in both the men and women races. The men team finished first on the day to take us up the third place for the season.
This was the third race in the winter Cross country season.
17/11/19 Conwy Half Marathon.
In the Conwy half marathon three Meirionnydd Runners participated. Tom Roberts finished 3rd overall in 1:12:32; followed by Gwion Roberts in 1:19:09 and Justin Pilkington in 1:41:17.
16/11/19 British & Irish Masters' International Cross Country at Aintree.
Congratulations to Jeremy Randell on achieving his first Welsh Cap at the British & Irish Masters' International. Jeremy finished in 31:36.
16/11/19 Welsh Inter-Regional Cross Country Championships, Brecon.
Congratulations to Jimmy Carter on getting his first North Wales Cap at the Welsh Inter Regional XC in Brecon. Jimmy finished in 42:13.
10/11/19 Zurrieq half marathon and 10km, Malta.
This year’s Running Club Holiday was to Malta’s Zurrieq half marathon and 10km. We had three runners in the Half Marathon, first home was Juliet Edwards claiming 1st F55 in 1:45:23 followed by Pete Nicholls in 1:56:58 and Kevin Evans in 2:23:52.
A further five Meirionnydd runners participated in the 10k race. Fist home was Nich Bradley 3rd M65 50:41, Sioned M Jones 57:30, Jan Preston 1:18:38, Sue Nicholls 1:18:38; Tracey Evans 1:18:38 closely pursued in walk by Mary Bradley 1:39:18; Sue Thomas 1:39:18 and Aled Thomas in 1:35:37.
2/11/19 Rhobell fawr.
Despite the dubiously rival attractions of the rugby world cup final, 51 runners turned out for this years Rhobel Fawr fell race.We had less rain than forecast, probably because most of it had fallen overnight! And apart from the last 300m at the summit, conditions were pretty reasonable. The summit marshals were in the blasting wind throughout and the cloud base was well down.
Richard Roberts (Eryri) took an early lead and he gained time gained on the descent to win in 52:56, 1:24 ahead of Meirionnydd’s Tristan Evans. Mathew Fortes (Eryri) was third in 56:32. 5th overall, Jez Brown (Buckley) took the M40 prize, followed 4 seconds later by Eden Potter also of Eryri securing the team prize for them. Jeremy Randell (Meirionnydd) took M50 in 1:05:51, Andrew Smith (WFRA) 1st M60 in 1:17:59 and Gary Gunner was 1st M70 in 1:29:00.
Eight women competed and winner (17th overall) in 1:04:07 was Alice Foster (Black Combe), Eleanor Davies was second in 1:13:02 and Sarah Cordingley (Maldwyn Harriers) third in 1:19:53. Kate Potter took the F50 prize in 1:26:07.
We had a larger than usual team of marshals from the club and supporters, as we were trialling a new communication system. Thanks go to them all. Once again a great race, best described as cosy, despite the weather because of the warm atmosphere and the superb range of soups and cakes available afterwards. All the runners were very appreciative of the caterers efforts! We are grateful to South Snowdonia Mountain rescue for turning out again for us, fortunately they were not needed!
The next race in the series is the Tarrenhendre race starting at 12:00 on Saturday January 25th, and the last will be the Ras yr Aran on 14th March (Note Ais earlier this year with an earlier than usual start time 12 noon.)
Ten Meirionnydd runners ran, first home was Tristan Evans in 2nd place with 54:22 followed by Gwion Roberts 1:01:01; Jeremy Randell 1:05:51; Dylan Evans 1:14:38; Glyn Rowlands 1:19:07; Pete Nicholls 1:30:34; Sarah Harris 1:30:49: Tomos Slattery 1:32:33; Kevin Evans and Adam Preston in 1:36:59.
26/10/19 Snowdonia Marathon Eryri.
Ten Meirionnydd runners ran in the Snowdonia Marathon first home was Tom Roberts finishing 4th overall and 3rd Senior in 2:45:59. Tom was followed by Matt Fenwick in 3:27:01; Dylan Evans 3:49:11; Ben Wells 3:58:54; Allanah Fenwick 4:15:09; Carla Lauder 4:20:36; Shane Griffith 4:37:49; Richard Hankinson 5:13:50; Christopher Anagnostopoulos 5:20:50 and Jude Evans in 5:20:59.
20/10/19 Flint 10k.
Tom And Gwion Roberts represented North Wales in the Flint 10k. Tom Finished 2nd in 31:51 and Gwion finished in 34:53. North Wales Beat Shropshire.
19/10/19 Cross Country Colwyn Bay.
The second race in the winter Cross country season was held at Fox Hill Colwyn Bay. Meirionnydd currently 8th at the bottom of Div 2.
Men positions: 4 Ross Welsh; 9 Alun Williams; 20 Euros Evans; 65 Jeremy Randell; 142 Justin Pilkington; 146 Arfon Hughes and 147 Richard Hsnkinson
13/10/19 Breidden hills
Two Meirionnydd runners ran in the Breidden fell race today . Tristan Evans finished 3rd senior in 1:01:00 and finished 2nd in this years North wales championship and 2nd in Welsh fell running championship.
Jeremy Randell claimed 2nd M55 1:10:19.
13/10/19 Aberystwyth Twin Peaks.
Sole Meirionnydd runner was Nich Bradley claiming 2nd M60 with 1:07:52.
Nich said Well next weeks Cambrian likely will have a write up of the Aber Twin Peaks race but its not likely to be headlined "Bradley bursts back!". Still it was my first race of the year and it went ok. After such a long layoff it was an interesting return.
First the shall I/shan't I? It was a bit soon, about my top distance to date and involves steep climbs and descents -will it set my recovery back? Then the what shoes? Its mostly road but the descent off Pen Cau is a muddy path-dont know the answer especially yesterday, lacking speedcrosses I went for roads and minced down Pen Cau. Then it chucked it down prior to the start ? jacket? long sleeves? go home?? Right choice of vest made as it stayed dry for the whole race. As usual there was a strong gusty wind in our faces down the prom, but a pleasant surprise awaited with a superb new path surface up Pen Cau. Despite the mince down I managed to catch up on the party ahead on the descent with a couple of overtakes then try to reset mind for the long haul up the prom to constitution hill. I passed one more chap but could hear him all the way up the the bottom gear climb, and he was past me just above the bridge. The great thing is not to think its all over as you top out by the station, the next 600m is still steady climbing, but matey still pulled away a bit and by starting the downhill first got 150m ahead.
This tarmac descent gives a new meaning to "green road" as it wends down a gully back to the prom. It gets so slippery Dave Whittey swears he went down on all fours last time (despite beating me by 2 mins!). With the fresh rain I was wishing I has ski poles, but actually it wasn't bad and by the bottom I'd got to within 20m of my target. Sadly back into wind, although I kept going up the prom the younger man seemed to have better legs and was a comfortable 13s ahead. I love this idiosyncratic race, as the race director said its not a road race, fell race or trail race - its a challenge! Age cats also are idiosyncratic - 10 years but 30/40/50 for men but 35/45/55 for women. I was pleased with my time in the condition but was amazed to see my victor from the second half was actually first M60- had I realised surely I could have found 13 seconds? No!
It doesn't pay to take offence as a runner. I was chewing my banana when another old git staggered over the line gasping, grey and sweating, generally reminding me of some of the worse cases from my days on coronary care. His run carried him straight to me and he gasped with a pleading look "Are you over 70 yet?" Perhaps my reply was a bit cheerful cos with his last gasp he spat out "Well you f******g look like you are!" before he fell into the bandstand to die. Actually the banana must have resuscitated him too cos he was looking quite young and chipper when he picked up his M70 at the prize giving! Great day, glad to be back.
13/10/19 Oswestry 10k
Nia Evans (Penrhiw) ran in the Oswestry 10k finishing in 56:11.
12/10/19 Petzel Night race
Quite a number of runners ran in the Petzel Night race.
6/10/19 Cardiff Half Marathon.
Six Meirionnydd runners participated first home was Alun Williams in 01:16:09 followed by Gwion Roberts 01:21:12; Euros Evans 01:25:12; Sioned Mair Jones 02:03:38; Helen Jones 02:21:58: Nia Evans (Penrhiw) 2:07:55 and Sheila Symonds 04:04:53
6/10/19 Chester Marathon.
Three Meirionnydd runners ran in the Chester Half Maratho. First home was Justin Pilkington in 3:44:05 followed by Andre Bright 4:45:48 and
Pete Barnes 5:06:38
6/10/19 Shrewsbury Half marathon.
Tom Roberts was Chuffed to break 70minutes for the third time this year. Tom said "It certainly wasn’t planned today at the Shrewsbury half. A lovely route with plenty of sharp climbs thrown in, finished in 69:54 and 1st place."
5/10/19 Cross Country Wrexham.
The first race in the winter Cross country season was held at Wrexham.
8/9/19 Vyrnwy Half Marathon.
Four Meirionnydd runners ran in the Vyrnwy Half marathon. First home was Tom Roberts in 1:09:58 followed by Gwion Roberts in 1:17:59; Tomos Slattery in 1:56:31 and Sheila Symonds in 4:14:10.
7/9/19 Ben Nevis.
Two Meirionnydd Runners travelled North to Fort Williams to compete in the Ben Nevis Fell Race. The race was won By Finlay Wild of Lochaber AC in a time of 1:32:05 and the first Meirionnydd runner Tristan Evans finished in 1:57:57 and Ben Wells in 2:45:53.
1/9/19 Trail 10k Coed Y Brenin.
Twenty Meirionnydd runners participated in the Coed y Brenin Trail 10k. First in for the club was Ross Welsh 3rd overall in 41:10 followed by Gethin Davies 41:36; Euros Evans 42:32; Mat Fenwick 2nd M40 44:20; Elis Smith 47:55 ; Ben Wells 49:16; Dave Whittey 2nd M60 51:01; Shane Griffith 51:45; Glyn Rowlands 52:31; Allanah Julia Fenwick 58:09; Tomos Slattery 58:33; Barry Davies 58:32; Sarah Harris 1:00:38; Nia Evans 1:00:43; Gerald Cooper 1:02:38; Peter Barnes 1:05:10; Helen Jones 1:07:46; Steffan Owen 1:23:08;
Richard Hankinson 1:23:09 and Shane Jones in 1:23:13.
1/9/19 Cardiff 10k.
Tom Roberts was the sole Meirionnydd runner at the Cardiff 10k finishing in a time of 32:07.
10/8/19 Ultra Trail Wales UTW.
Due to severe weather the route was modified to ensure the safety of participants. Two Meirionnydd teams participated and several solo attempts:
7/8/19 Caernarfon 10k.
This year the Caernarfon 10k was a month earlier than usual and didn’t incorporate the 10k Championship. One Meirionnydd Runner participated, Tom Roberts finished 3rd overall in a time of 33:38.
1/8/19 Ras hendre Wallog.
31/7/19 Ponderosa Fell race.
Tristan Evans finished in 2nd place in 26:40.
28/7/19 Helena Tipping 10k inc North Wales 10k Championship.
Gwion Roberts finished in 34:39 to claim Bronze for SM in the North Wales 10k championship.
27/7/19 Dolgellau 5 Mile.
First male was Owain Roberts of Hebog he won in a time of 27.04. First female was Rheagan Edwards of Deeside AAC in a time of 33.22 setting a new Junior women record. Another two records also fell with Paul Jones of Shrewsbury in the M45 finishing in 27:32 and Debbie Cattermole from Colchester Harriers breaking the F55 record with a time of 36:15.
116 runners entered and 116 runners finished.
Message fron Tristan Evans, Race Director "First of all can I thank you all for helping me in my first attempt to organise the race. Thank you to the sponsor Alwena Jones and Bright solicitors; Dolgellau Rugby club and St. John’s ambulance.
With out all the marshals, time keepers and registration the race would not be possible. There are too many of you all to name but you know who you are, thank you. Big support from Prestatyn and Maldwyn running clubs thanks guys."
Meirionnydd results:
25/7/19 Race the train Caernarfon
Gwion Roberts ran Race the train in Caernarfon finishing the 5k in a time of 15:54.
20/7/19 International Snowdon Race.
14/7/19 ON Snowdonia Trail (Marathon).
Adam Preston 5:51:35
Dylan Evans 5:51:36
13 & 14/7/19 Race to the stone 50k Ultra.
Richard Hankinson completed 50k in a time of 11:07:50.
Richard said "I took part in the Race to the Stones, a 100k race along the Ridgeway path to Avebury guiding Louise Charlotte Simpson. We made it to nearly 80k in around 20 hours and though we ended up having to walk I’m feeling proud that we managed to get that far after going through the night. That said, nothing I’m about to describe is intended to elicit admiration for what we achieved, but if someone reads this and thinks ‘this is some challenge, perhaps I could give it a go’, either as a Visually impaired runner or a guide then that would be just great. This was by far Louise’s longest run and she chose a tough one - there were a lot of fallers and twisted ankles out there. It’s difficult to explain how tricky it was but I’ll try.
The obstacles we had to deal with included tree roots across the path, narrow single-track sections and hardest of all long sections of parallel wheel ruts. To put this in perspective, see the photo of us crossing the timing mat at 50k - even this was an obstacle needing description so it could be passed.
The difficulty with most of the above was that in guiding you need to run next to each other and there was often no room, so either Louise ended up running in a rut, on a precarious ridge, or I was going through the long grass beside the trail. The only alternative, running one in front of the other, is very slow and awkward, but there were places where we had no option. All of this would be difficult enough for a sighted athlete, so for Louise to cope showed massive determination. This was a special journey and I’m so pleased to have been asked to share it."
13/7/19 Ludlow 10k.
Matt Fenwick finished in 41:50 and Allanah Fenwick claimed 2nd Vet in the Ludlow 10k with a time of 51:32.
7/7/19 Fairy Freckled Cow Trail Race in North Wales Trail Championship.
Alun Williams finished 3rd overall in 39:39 and Gwion Roberts 4th in 40:53. In the North Wales Trail championship Alun claimed 2nd in the M40 category and Gwion 2nd in the seniors category.
7/7/19 Arenig Fawr.
Tristan Evans won 1st in today at Ras Arenig Fawr, one of the North championship series races. A classic Welsh Fell race. The Fell running legend Josh Naylor presented the prizes.
5/7/19 Newtown BBQ 5k.
A lovely evening at the Newtown race first home was:
3/7/19 Felinheli 10k.
Two Meirionnydd runners ran in the Felinheli 10k Gethin Davies claimed 2nd in 40:51 and Barry Davies finished in 51:03
28/6/19 Snowdon Twilight (uphill only).
Two Meirionnydd runners took part in the Snowdon uphill race. Tristan Evans finished in 51:29 and Sarah Harris in 1:18:59.
25/6/19 Llandecwyn 10k.
Gwion Roberts 1st in 43:40.
22/6/19 Moel Hebog.
Two meirionnydd runners ran in the Moel Hebog race. Tristan Evans finished in 3rd in 54:23 and Ben Wells finished in 1:15:53.
23/6/19 Runfest, Rhyl 5k & Half Marathon.
15/6/19 Barmouth 10k.
Four Goats took part at Barmouth's 1st 10k Running Event, with 400 runners registered First home was:
15/6/19 Trail Marathon Wales.
Marathon:
Justin Pilkington 4:53:42.
Half Marathon:
Alun Williams 3rd 01:29:09
Ross Welsh 01:33:44
Dylan Evans 01:53:45
Shane Griffith 02:12:50
Adam Preston 02:13:53
Andrea Vaughan 02:18:37
Sarah Harris 2:19:22
Peter Nicholls 02:24:36
Frankie Vaughan 02:28:59
Richard Hankinson 02:32:43
Peter Barnes 02:40:19
Kevin Evans 02:43:37
Jan Preston 02:54:36
8/6/19 Trail de Guerledane, France.
Alun Williams travelled to France to get his Welsh Cap. Alun's report below.
A whirlwind weekend to Brittany with the Welsh team began with a 7 hour drive to Plymouth, an over night crossing to Roscoff and another 90 miles to the race venue, thankfully, the race was a 3pm start!.
Trail de Guerledane is a weekend of running based at the Abbey of Bon-repos in the Lake Guerlaedane area. We were bused to the start along with a thousand other runners to Mur de Bretagne. The temperature was a nice 16 degrees for the start, as the course record was just under the 2 hour mark for the 16 mile race, I knew I'd be racing hard for around 2hrs 15 and needed to have a conservative start to avoid blowing out completely, two of the Welsh boys (Rob Samuels and Mark Hopkins) as expected didn't hang around, myself and Richard Roberts went for the same plan of sitting back, the first mile and a half was uphill on tarmac before heading into the trees.
The first half was a mixture of forest roads and single track with some short sharp hills, the single track required concentration as it was rocky and tree routes all over the place. The steady start paid off as I started to pick off runners including two from the Portuguese team. At around 10 miles I started to feel some fatigue kicking in, around this point there was a feed station with amazing support which seemed to give me a lift and got the legs going again!.
The second half of the course was proving to be much more technical with everything now being single track, steps and tree routes, at around the 12 mile mark on a rocky ridge I had a real wobble in the legs and had to really focus to get going again, on the plus side I was still catching people including two runners from the Breton team, with 2 miles to go the end was nearing and I managed to pass a member of the Irish team, everyone was hurting!, I'd been warned of the final nasty climb and it certainly finished me off, border line cramp and legs on empty made it interesting!...thankfully, the final decent was in site and a nice flat 400m to finish!.
It was a good day for us taking the team prize, in the inter-Celtic champs we were racing against Ireland, Cornwall and the Breton team, the Portuguese also had a team, we managed to stay ahead of them as well. Rob and Mark had fantastic runs with Rob 1st and Mark 3rd, Richard was 15th and I was 18th.
On the Saturday there was also a 13km race and on the Sunday there was a 63km ultra, the ultra looked brutal!..there must have been around 3000 participants over the weekend.
I'd definitely recommend the event, everyone was so friendly and couldn't do enough for us and the support on the course was amazing, now I've seen what type of race it is I'd love to have another shot, it would also make for a great trip for the club!.
8&9/6/19 Welsh Castles Relay.
Report by Tom Roberts: It was a wet soggy start to this year’s relays, but we weren’t going to let a bit of rain dampen the spirits of the team. Our youngest club member Euros got us underway with a strong run to finish 12th overall. Conditions were tough for the next 3 stages, but thankfully it started to clear by the time Tristan set off from Dolgellau to Dinas. Adam finished day 1 with a tough hilly half marathon run into Newtown on Saturday evening and we were in 28th place overall. Glyn Rowlands travelled down to Newtown in the early hours of Sunday morning for the first stage of day 2 that started at 7am and the sun was shining! We made our way down south with some excellent runs from Dylan and Elis. There’s 6 mountain stages in total and it was Gwion’s turn to take on the beast of a stage that runs from Builth Wells to Drovers Arms. I ran the glory leg into Cardiff to bring the team home after a total of 211miles completed.
This was our third year competing at this event and we had our highest finish, 30th overall and 26th on the mountain stages. 9 runners were doing it for the first time and the spirits were high all weekend with full of fun. I can’t thank enough to all the runners that took part over the weekend, For a small club to be able to complete this huge event really is a big achievement. Nia Ty Du wasn’t even running but she stayed with us from the beginning to the end, thanks to the caterers for keeping us well fed with flapjacks and of course Justin’s donuts, the biggest thank you tho goes to the transport drivers, it just wouldn’t be possible to do without your support and making sure everything ran smoothly. Everyone was dropped off and picked up on time. Alan Williams and Richard Hankinson for driving the fun bus.(legends).
This was again a club effort and as captain I couldn’t be more proud of you all. Diolch yn fawr, bring on next year.
8/6/19 Market Harborough 10k
Ben wells ran in the Market Harborough 10k claiming a Pb with 44.02. Ben said "First ever road 10k and it was very different to what I’m used to. Wind and rain all the way so a bit like home".
2/6/19 Anglesey Trail Half marathon.
Dylan Evans finished in 1:38:37 claiming 3rd M50.
1/6/19 Abersoch 10k (Land & Sea).
Three meirionnydd runners completed the Abersoch 10k First home was Nia Penrhiw in 55:33 followed by Helen Jones 2:02:33 and Nia Evans in 1:06:59.
26/5/19 Dorset Invader Marathon.
Andre Bright finished in 6:21:17 and Christopher Anagnostopoulos in 6:58:24.
25/5/19 Ras y Moelwyn, inc Welsh Fell Championship.
Five Meirionnydd runners ran in Ras y Moelwyn which this year was a counter in the British fell Championship series and was also the Welsh Fell running Championship race.First home was Tristan Evans in 1:35:26 then Mat Fenwick in 1:50:20 and Dylan Evans in 2:03:20 to claim 3rd M50 in the Welsh Championship. Next in were Shane Griffith 2:25:09 and Allanah Fenwick 2:26:52.
Allanah Fenwick said "So today I completed my first Moelwyn fell race. I have spent all week stressing about it but in the end it went really well. Only fell over once and it was a soft landing. I didn't take any photos today but I did take one on Monday when out walking the dog that shows part of the race route and a rather lovely grey stallion in the for ground. Thanks to sportspictures cymru for the photo of me."
Dylan said "Big turnout of top Fell runners for Ras y Moelwyn today , a counter for British and Welsh Championships . Such a community race , great organisation, fantastic support and so well Marshalled. And to top it off got 3rd M50 in the Welsh Champ."
18/5/19 Ras y Gader.
This years Ras y Gader was won by Mark Hopkinson, form Mynydd Du Mountain Runners in a time of 1:23:57 and the first woman home was Mel Price from Mercia Fell Running Club in 1:46:49. Seventeen Meirionnydd Runners ran the main race:
2018/19 Shropshire fell running Winter Series.
Congratulations to Jeremy Randell on finishing 2nd M55 in the Shropshire fell running Winter Series 2018/19
12/5/19 Newtown 10k.
Tomos Slattery ran in the Newtown 10k finishing in a time of 52:43.
12/5/19 Preseli Beast.
Dylan said "If anybody fancies slaying a Beast , the Preseli Beast is for you , the Beast Bach is 11 miles , the Beast is 24 miles with over 4500 ft of elevation and if that’s not enough there is the Beast Ultra 32 miles!
Great race so well organised with friendly and supportive Marshals all the way , well stocked feed stations. Am I selling it yet?
The only down side is it’s not easy , lots of long climbs but the views were stunning.
I got round the Beast, 24 miles, in 4:22:59"
11/5/19 Malhamdale Trail Challenge half marathon.
Richard Hankinson took on a new demanding half marathon, with approx. 1650ft of ascent, takes in landmarks such as Pikedaw, Malham Tarn, Goredale Scar and Janet's Foss - voted one of the Top 10 Secret Trails of The National Trust. Richard finished in 2:25:35.
Richard said “This was the first time the Malhamdale half has been run and I’d thoroughly recommend it to anyone who fancies a change of scene. The pie and cakes waiting at the finish would have persuaded me even without the scenery! Happy days”
9/5/19 Rhostryfan 10k.
Gwion Roberts ran in the Rhostryfan 10k. Gwion finished 1st in 36:17.
5/5/19 Cardiff race for victory 5k, incorporate the Welsh 5km Road Running Championships.
Congratulations to Jeff Davies who ran in the Cardiff Race for Victory 5k finishing with a time of 24:13 and claiming Welsh Athletics' 1st M70 Welsh Champion.
5/5/19 Llangollen trail 10k.
Two meirionnydd runners ran in the Llangollen trail 10k. First home was Ross Welsh in 3rd place with a time of 37:51, next in was Sarah Harris in 52:01 followed by Tomos Slattery in 55:30. Tomos said "It was a course of mixed terrain with some lovely sections along the canal path along with some tricky soft fields with foot high grass, Tough going! David Edwards put in a superb run to finish 5th overall in 39.44 (we're working on him to join the club!)."
4/5/19 Red kite trail Challenge.
This year the races incled in the West Wales and Welsh Championships for all junior age groups, while for the under 17s, the race was a trial for the WMRA International Youth Cup. The seniors’ half marathon was a championship race for the West Wales and Welsh Championships.
Congratulation to Tom Roberts and Alun Williams at todays Red Kite Trail Challenge Half Marathon. Tom 1st overall and claimed the Gold Medal Welsh Trail Championship in a time of 1:28:25 and Alun Williams finished 3rd overall and claimed the Gold Medal M35 Welsh Trail Championship. Two Welsh Champions for Meirionnydd.
Euros Evans ran in the U17 6k race and finished 2nd with a time of 21:31.
28/4/19 London Marathon.
Two Meirionnydd Runners ra n in the London Marathon, first home was Gwion Roberts in 2:49:13 and Justin Pilkington in 4:01:39.
Gwion Roberts said “I really enjoyed the experience of my first London Marathon. I set off for time of 2:45 and managed to keep the pace until mile 18 where I started to feel dizzy and sick! A quick stop to refuel and I was happy to finish in 2:49:13. The crowds were amazing and the support on every mile was brilliant. Thank you for all the messages of support from before and after the race.“
Justin Pilkington said “My first London Marathon was an unbelievable experience. I have tried to enter through the ballot 3 years running but missed out on a place. I was lucky enough to get the meirionnydd club place this year. Going to London for the race turned out to be a 4 day family adventure, visiting the marathon expo, sightseeing, watching the lion king musical and visiting the Harry Potter studio tour. The race was amazing! From start to finish the streets were full of supporters which gives you a real buzz and keeps you going. I only saw one celebrity which was Chris Evans at around mile 3. I felt good and comfortable until I hit the wall and my knee decided to start playing up at 21 miles. As I got to 23 miles I spotted Gareth and Sarah Roberts so it was a quick stop for some photos and they gave me the running club flag (thank you!) Between running and some walking my pace dropped badly. I crossed the finish line in 4.01.39 which was 16 minutes slower than I wanted but I guess you can’t pick when you have a bad race. The whole day was unbelievable, to think I ran with 42000 people with such a special atmosphere is crazy! Thank you all for the support and good luck messages.”
27/4/19 Endurance life Ultra Pembrokeshire.
Two Meirionnydd runners ran in the 34.6 miles Endurance life Ultra Pembrokeshire, Christopher Anagnostopoulos finished in 7:06:21 and Andre Bright right behind in 7:06:23.
27/4/19 Yorkshire Three Peaks.
Ben Wells said "I ran n the 65th Annual Three Peaks Fell Race in the Yorkshire Dales. Its often called the Marathon with Mountains although its 2 miles short of an official marathon but with 5500ft accent and over mountain terrain it provides a serious challenge. Its a Fell Race steeped in history and the quality of runners is top notch.
I’d had my eye on the race for a while but I hadn't particularly trained for this specific event , that perhaps was mistake number one.
Weather forecasts for the day weren't great and mandatory kit had to be carried with race organisers recommending additional items. I’d been told that the race doesn't really start until Whernside (around 14 miles) and to take it easy over the first 10 miles or so. I was happy and was running within myself for this time. Watching the elite runners coming down Pen y Ghent was incredible Carl Bell , Ricky Lightfoot wow!
Eventually we reached the foot of Whernside and its an incredible pull onto the top some people on their hands and knees crawling up , it was here I felt a slight twinge of cramp in my right quad, gutting I knew that would only get worse. Soon on the summit of Whernside I knew I had to look after my legs and take it easy for a while, I passed a poor chap who had taken a nasty fall , broken cheek bone I now hear, hope he makes a speedy recovery.
I made my way gentle down Whernside with the odd cramping in my calf and quads, at this point I was gutted as a quick glance at my watch saw my heart rate at 130bpm I could and should have been flying but the legs said no. I’d hit all my hydration and nutrition as planned but I knew Ingleborough was gonna be a tough test now so decided to walk anything up and jog along the flats, the path onto Ingleborough is steep and very rocky (the stuff I'm best at I can power walk this stuff all day long) I had thoughts now of DNF in my head as my quads were like iron but if I gently pressed on I was making progress at least and looking round others were the same, I managed to get on to the plateau and a high cadence jog saw the cramp clear.
The weather well we’d had four seasons in the day but a north east wind with hail stone battering my legs wasn't exactly relief. Ah the summit of Ingleborough all I had to do now was jog down to the finish. Descending off Ingleborough wasn't pretty and it was still 10k to the finish over a path like the Moon (Ive not actually been to the Moon but you get me) full of rocks and mud.
I just had to keep going, an hour tops and id be home and dry, I had Joss Naylors voice in my head “ u just got to put pain to back o mind like, u know! I crossed the line 4hr 50 I’m not gonna lie I was gutted 500 runners in front of me.
I know Im a better runner than this but its what it is, no excuses I cant blame the mountain fires , the chest injection last week , I just wasn't good enough on the day but I finished and take some positives from that. It gives me a good indication I need to get some longer mountain runs in now over the next few months. Its a fantastic event the marshals , race organisers , mountain rescue team thanks to all of them. I’ll have another go next year or the year after?
20/4/19 Llandudno 5k Easter Dash.
Gwion Roberts ran the 5k finishing with a new PB in a time of 16:32.
19/4/19 Newtown Chocoholics 5k.
Sheila Symonds was tghe sole Meirionnydd runner at this years Newtown 5k Chocohilics. Sheila finished in 52:26 claiming 1st F80.
16/4/19 Foel Lus – Tuesday night series.
Tom Roberts finished in 2nd place with a time of 23:31.
13/4/19 Longtown-Llanthony Race.
Tristan Evans ran representing North Wales in the Welsh inter regional championships. Tristan finished 7th in 1:06:52 and the North Wales team won 3rd in the Welsh Champs.
13/4/19 Coed y Brenin, Goldrush Trail and Canicross.
Fifteen club runners participated in the Goldrush Trail and another Two in the Canicross race.
In the Canicross
Tom Roberts and dog Neli 1st.
Mat Fenwick and dog Jas 2nd.
7/4/19 Druridge Bay half marathon.
Richard Hankinson travelled North of Newcastle for this half marathon. Richard said "Really chuffed with this one which was a mixed surface run on trails, beach and road - new pb by a minute (1:43:57) and came 19th out of 123 finishers. Good to feel I’m still making progress. Really laid back sort of run with 2 laps of the same course round the nature reserve."
30/3/19 Ras yr Aran.
Moving the race back to its original last weekend in March paid off handsomely with a superb day and summit marshals bemoaning the lack of deck chairs! Eighty three (83) runners took part, enjoying excellent conditions underfoot and no navigational challenges.
Math Roberts (Calder Valley) took an early lead but was overtaken before the top by race winner Gareth Wyn Hughes (Mercia), completing in 1:26:57 with Math 25 seconds behind and Michael Corrales (Dark Peak) third in 1:30:07.
In the Women’s race there was much excitement as Sara Willhoit (Mercia) and Miranda Grant (Eryri) were both in for the Aran Lamb Winter Series competition with Sarah having a challengeable 3 minute lead at the start of the race. Sara was just ahead at the summit but in a fast descent Miranda gained ground to finish 5 seconds ahead in 1:41:28. Sarah Ridgeway (Mercia) took 3rd in 1:50:21.
Richard Roberts (Eryri) established a new M40 course record of 1:30:22 and Lois Lee (St David’s) and Maggie Oliver (Eryri) both set first records in the Junior Women and F70 categories. Other Age Cat wins went to: Jacob Winfield (Buxton) Junior men; Richard Roberts (Eryri) M40; Sian Williams (Hebog) F40; John Hunt (Dark Peak) M50; Juliet Edwards (Meirionnydd) F50; Russel Owen (Eryri) M60; and Richard Marland (Rugeley) M70.
The winner of the Meirionnydd Winter Series was Tristan Evans (Meirionnydd) with a total time of 3:20:48, over 10 minutes ahead of Adrian Williams (Eryri). Separating them both though were Sara Willhoit and Miranda Grant, and Sara took Anna Bartlett’s (Shrewsbury) 2009 series record in a time of 3:37:10 to win the ladies half of the lamb, 2:48 ahead of Miranda with them overall in 2nd and 3rd places. In total 16 runners completed the Rhobell Fawr, Tarrenhendre and Aran series with Maggie Oliver being the first F70 to do it.
A sad footnote is two competitors reported seeing a runner without kit during the race. When approached, he immediately admitted his error and made a full apology. In line with race rules he has been disqualified from the results and reported to the WFRA.
Race Winner: Gareth Hughes, Mercia.
First Lady: Miranda Grant, Eryri.
Winter Series 2018/19 results:
Winter series winner: Tristan Evans, Meirionnydd.
Winter series First Lady: Sarah Willhort, Mercia.
Meirionnydd Running Club are grateful to all the runners who took part, to the helpers and marshals, Aberdovey Search and Rescue team and especially series sponsors
24/3/19 Forest of Dean Spring Half Marathon .
One Meirionnydd runner competing. Richard Hankinson said "It's a well organised event on nice smooth trails with a few hills but nothing too steep. Felt fairly good so decided to push on the flats and downhills and see how it went - didn't look at the watch apart from seeing how far I'd gone to try and balance the effort. Also didn't drink or eat on the run, I've been training myself for that to save time. Really pleased with 1:45:59, my 2nd fastest half by a minute and I've run plenty of flatter road ones! Finished 423rd out of 1900 finishers and happy with 17th MV55 in the Trail Running Assoc short distance championship race that was part of the event. I'd recommend this or the autumn version to anyone, it's a bit of a trek down there but nice surroundings and well supported by spectators."
17/3/19 Reading Half Marathon.
Tom Roberts and Alex Lanz the Reading Half Marathon. Both came away with big pb’s on an undulating course. Tom finished in 1:09:12 and Alex in 1:10:37.
Tom said "Usually after running a good race or achieving a PB I’m on a buzz for a few days and always look forward to get that recovery run in and think back to the race. But that’s not been possible this time. The last few days have been pretty rough and I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to run the Reading half on the morning of the race.
Toothache started on the journey down to Reading on Saturday and didn’t think too much of it. The evening before the race I was in serious discomfort. With just 3 hours sleep and in more pain I thought I’d have no chance of racing. I was gutted and grumpy to think that the 7 week build up for this race was for nothing.
Drugged up on ibuprofen and paracetamol I tried a little warm up to see if it was ok to at least start the race. Adrenaline then started to kick in and all of a sudden I was pain free, so awe race is on!! Conditions were good, slight breeze but I’m used to that by now after training on the track in Treborth all winter! I wasn’t expecting the course to be as undulating than it was though. Managed to keep up with a group full of quality runners and training partner @callumrunner22 and crossed the line in 1:09:10 and 27th overall.
The finish at the Madejski Stadium was pretty cool with big crowds cheering you on. Since the race I just went from bad to worse. Ysbyty Gwynedd on Sunday night for antibiotics then bedbound for 2 days with a virus. The Infection was caused by a cracked tooth that gave the other tooth an infection on the root. Feel like crap and possibly going to lose two teeth but somehow I managed my target and finally broke 70minutes!"
17/3/19 Wrexham Marathon Festival.
Three Meirionnydd runners took part in the Wrexham Marathon Festival. In the Half marathon - Alun Williams finished in 1:15:49 claiming 2nd overall. In the 20 Mile race Gwion Bobo Roberts finished in 2:03:33 and in 6th place overall. And in the Full Marathon Justin Pilkington finished in 3:48:48, 36th overall and 2nd silver medal M45, North Wales Marathon Championship.
10/3/19 Chester 10k.
Congratulations to Tom Roberts on his Win in the Aldi Chester 10k with a time of 31:49. Also running today were Nia Evans finishing in 51:37 and Tomos Slattery in 52:13.
9/3/19 Pipe dream.
Tristan Evans was the sole Meirionnydd runner in the second counter in the WFRA’s North Wales Championship. The race was won by Michael Corrales from Dark Peak in 35:04 and Tristan finished 2nd in a time of 35:14.
3/3/19 Anglesey half marathon & 10k.
In the 10k race we had three runners. Congratulations to Gwion Roberts on his first race Win. Gwion finished in 32:23 and was followed by Allanah Fenwick who claimed 3rd F40 in 45:18 and Nia Evans in 50:46.
In the Half marathon we had another three Meirionnydd runners competing. First home was Jimmy Carter in 1:28:27 followed by Shane Griffiths 1:43:27; Shane Jones 1:52:19 and Elly Downing in 2:15:40.
Elly Downing said "Anglesey Half Marathon, I don’t think I’ve done a road half marathon for four years...since last time I did this one (and stormed it, setting a new PB). So wind the clock forward four years, I planned to try and smash that PB. However, I didn’t stick to the plan, didn’t do enough road runs, or speed work - just the fun stuff. I knew I wouldn’t get the PB - they don’t just happen on the day. I knew what I could do right now and that’s what I did.
I got out of the car (nearly didn’t). I got to the start. I ran. I kept running. I smiled a bit. I liked the hills, and the snippets of water and mountain views that the weather allowed. It felt good, I was breathing hard in places. I only looked at my watch once. It was cold and wet, and everything hurt from mile 10 onwards. Fab few minutes running with my race angel near the end - thanks lovely, it was great to see you. 10 mins slower than 4 years ago, but at least I know where I’m at. And of course, I know what I need to do. Lots of positives from today - I beat the pre-race demons, I ran all the way, I ran my own race and seeing my club mates and running friends is just the best."
2/3/19 Rhayader 30k.
Richard Hankinson ran the Rhayader 30k finishing in a time of 2:55:31.
Richard Hankinson said "Rhayader 30k round the dams last Saturday. I entered this in the days when I was doing more road running (last year was cancelled due to snow and ice), so curious to see how it would go. Fairly happy with 2:55 in the circumstances - it was windy out there and the legs weren't too keen! Really heartened to have a sprint finish left in me at the end of that. For anyone thinking of doing the run, it's a good one with nice views and a fair bit of ascent early on - great practice for anybody thinking of doing a marathon later in the year.
Rhayader 30k round the dams last Saturday. I entered this in the days when I was doing more road running (last year was cancelled due to snow and ice), so curious to see how it would go. Fairly happy with 2:55 in the circumstances - it was windy out there and the legs weren't too keen! Really heartened to have a sprint finish left in me at the end of that. For anyone thinking of doing the run, it's a good one with nice views and a fair bit of ascent early on - great practice for anybody thinking of doing a marathon later in the year."
2/3/19 Dewi Sant Half Marathon & Marathon.
Dylan Evans ran in the Full Marathon and finished 1st M50 in 4:40:39 and Jude Evans ran in the half marathon finishing in 2:40:45. Jude said "Today I ran my 21st half marathon on the stunning Pembrokeshire coastal path. Ras Dewi Sant certainly ticked all the boxes, well organised and marshalled and if you dared to look up from the slippery, rocky path the views were amazing!"
2/3/19 Cading canter.
Jeremy Randell was the sole Meirionnydd runner at the Carding canter. Jeremy finished in a time of 52:47 to claim 3rd M55.
Phot thanks to Colin Williamson (Flickr - Plasticsrule)
24/2/19 Sheeptracks.
Sheeptracks is a challenging 27km distance race introduced in 2018. With unmarked trails throughout, the course traverses the east & west flanks of the Clwydian Range visiting checkpoints positioned to offer a wide scope of route choice. The most efficient racing line has been designed to follow the wonderful natural lines created by the master path builders, our wonderful welsh mountain sheep. The course changes every year to keep the race from growing stale.
Tristan Evans was the sole Meirionnydd runner he claimed 3rd Senior in a time of 2:53:56.
23/2/19 Slaithwaite slog, Half Marathon.
Richard Hankinson ran in the Slaithwaite slog Half marathon finishing in 1:51:13.
23/2/19 Rhyl 10 miles.
Two Meirionnydd runners ran in the Rhyl 10 Miles. First home was Nia Evans in 1:31:34 followed by Helen Wyn Jones 1:38:22.
17/2/19 Village Bakery Half marathon and North Wales Championship.
Well done Tom Roberts 4th overall and 1st North Wales champion in 1:10:11; Alun Williams 1:14:11 19th and Gwion Bobo Roberts 1:15:51 33rd. P.B. for Tom and Gwion
10/2/19 Nick Beer 10k, Llandudno.
Gwion Roberts was really happy with 4th position in 35:56 in one of the toughest 10k courses in North Wales. Tomos Slattery made his debut in blue smashing it under 1 hour in 57:11 and Sheila Symonds 2nd F75 in 1:58:57.
9-10/2/19 Titterstone Clee & Longmynd Valleys.
Jeremy Randell Did the double this weekend; Titterstone Clee finishing in 25:29 to claim 2nd M55 on Saturday in a howling gales with a smattering of sleet and on the Sunday the Longmynd Valleys. Wich Jeremy finished in 2:20:16 with interesting conditions underfoot (one step forward and two back on the steepest climbs). No PBs but a fun weekend!
2/2/19 North wales Cross country League, Oswestry.
It’s been a good season for the men we battled hard to try and push for a top 3 finish. We just missed out on second and settled for 3rd overall in our first year back in division 1. We had some individual awards for the season, Tom Roberts was 2nd SM and 2nd overall, Alun Williams 1st M35, Jeremy Randell 2nd M55.
But the biggest achievement and most positive feeling is that we had a full ladies team for every fixture. Nia Ty Du has done an amazing job and it’s nice to see the girls supporting her and actually enjoying the races.
Tom and Nia and really appreciate the effort throughout the season. Diolch yn fawr i pawb ddaru cymrud rhan.
26/1/19 Club Dinner & Prize evening.
The evening after the Tarren Hendre race we held our annual Dinner at the Ship in Dolgellau. There was an excellent turnout and great evening enjoyed by all.
26/1/19 Tarren Hendre, race 2 in Winter series.
January 26th saw the 16th Ras Tarrenhendre. The weather was typical for this race, not cold in the forest but blowing over 50mph and visibility down to 50m on the tops. 75 runners turned out, locals, winter series regulars and visitors from Derbyshire and even as far as Harwich. Local knowledge proved useful as several runners chose, despite the weather, to abandon the clear running line along the fence for the quicker southern route and came badly adrift by missing the awkward turn off in the cloud.
Race winner was the home club’s Tristan Evans taking his first outright win on a fell race with strong performance, leading throughout and winning in 52:44, 2:30 ahead of Eryri’s Richard Roberts with Karl Steinegger (Ambleside) taking third place. Women’s race winner Sara Willhoit (Mercia) took 8th place overall with time of 58:31 beating Eryri’s Miranda Grant by 2:30 mins, with Hebog’s Sian Williams coming third in 1:02:41.
Junior Jack Westwood of Aberystwyth University was in 19th place at checkpoint 1 but was reeled in by Maldwyn Harrier Gruffydd Martin who from 37th rose through the field to win the category 23rd overall in a time of 1:04:05 with Jack 30th in 1:05:45.
The M40 category went to Eryri’s Mathew Fortes in 56:52 and team mate Stephen Jones took the M60in 1:03:38 a little outside his own course record but just ahead of Victor Belsham of Denbigh Harriers first M50 in 1:03:59. Garry Gunner (Croft Ambrey) finished 57th to take the M70 prize in 1:29:34 a comfortable 5 minutes ahead of Alwyn Oliver of Eryri.
Aberystwyth University Junior Rhiannon Kamink was in a clutch of runners who missed their way on the tops and dropped 40 minutes from an excellent 38th place to finish with the tail enders in 1:50:50. Louise Barker (F40) from Aberystwyth AC ran a very steady race maintaining her 46th position to win her class in 1:12:24, Meirionnydd’s own Juliet Edwards gained 8 places from the first checkpoint to take the F50 prize and Maggie Oliver of Eryri knocked a cool 5 minutes off her own F70 course record finishing 64th in 1:43:54
Thanks to Aberdovey Search and Rescue team, and all marshals and helpers.
19/1/19 Buff Winter Trail, Coed y Brenin.
Seventeen Club runners ran in the Buff Winter Half Marathon at Coed y Brenin.
12/1/19 North Wales Cross Country League Northop.
Eleven runners took part in the penultimate event in the North Wales League at Northop. The men Finished third on 700 points with Buckley in second place and Shrewsbury in the lead with 397. The women had another great turnout and finished in 5th place with 1033 points.
5/1/19 North Wales Cross Country Championships.
Seven club runners ran the North Wales Cross Country champs at Rhug. The ladies fielded a full team with Nia Ty Du, club debutant Nia PenRhiw and Helen Wyn Jones all having great runs.
The men’s race was fast and a shock to the system after the Christmas break! Tom Roberts managed to hold on to 3rd overall and 2nd SM. Alun Williams was 5th and took gold in the M35 category, Gwion Bobo Roberts finished inside the top 10, and Gerald Cooper rounded off a good day for the goats.
