MRC logo

Clwb Rhedeg MEIRIONNYDD Running Club.

Croeso / Welcome.

29 July 2017, Dolgellau 5 miles.

dol5

Thank you to everyone for helping to make the day such a wonderful success. See you next year.

2017 Race:

Membership

New online membership renewals for current members available
Follow the link to pay your subscriptions through Fabian 4:

New members will need to complete and return the following form


Tuesday, Club Runs.

Summer season. Runs will start from various locations around Meirionnydd. Link has details of meeting place & times:


Club on Facebook (for updates and infomation)

Club Facebook group (restricted access):


Club Park run results:

NOTE: Website under construction.


Newyddion / News.

23/7/17 Snowdonia Trail Half Marathon.
Three Meirionnydd runners took part in the SCOTT Snowdonia Trail Half Marathon. First home was Analise Loveluck in 2:28:58, followed by Steve Loveluck in 2:32:19 and Mpho Bogatsu in 3:32:02.
SportpicturesCymru:

a loveluck snowdon trail half 2017
s loveluck snowdon trail half 2017
mpho bogatsu snowdon trail half 2017

15/7/17 Methyr Mawr Trail running festival: Rabbit Run.
Two Meirionnydd runners ran in the Merthyr Mawr Trail Running festival Rabbit run. The Rabbit Run is over 7.3 mile of hills, valleys, sand dunes and a river crossing to get your feet wet before crossing the finish line. Steve loveluck finished in 1:02:40 to claim 2nd M45 and Annelise Loveluck 1:05:15 to claim 1st F45.
Race details on

rabbit run s lovelock 2017
rabbit run a loveluck 2017

15/7/17 Race To The Stones Ultra.
Jude Evans said "I AM AN ULTRA MARATHON RUNNER! I've blistered bleeding toes and painful knees but it was worth it! Finish time of 7:17:56.

Andrew Ellis said "Got to 50k in 5:58:46 hrs, next 50 will take me at least 10 hrs as I'm bloody knackered, got to decide whether to carry on or not"

race the stone jude evans 2017
race the stone andre ellis 2017

 

15/7/17 Snowdon International.
Five Meirionnydd runners ran in the Snowdon race from LLanberis up to the summit and back. First home was Tom Roberts 1:16:18 Welsh cap. Following him were Tristan Evans in 1:25:04; Gwion Roberts 1:32:26; Kevin Evans 2:18:30 and Elly Downing 2:30:31.

snowdon tom roberts wales 2017
snowdon tristan evans 2017
snowdon gwion roberts 2017
snowdon kevin evans 2017

Snowdon International cont…
Elly said "To be honest, I thought I'd bitten off more than I could chew with this one. My thinking, back in deepest, darkest winter, was that if I could do this, it would help me believe I might actually have a chance at completing Lakeland 50 at the end of the month.

snowdon ellie dee 2017

As they have both drawn closer, I have started to doubt myself. I've done some short fell races over in Shropshire, some longer training runs and of course, the wonderful Trail Marathon Wales. These have really helped boost my confidence, as has the amazing support from my running (and non-running) friends, club, RMR and DDMT (my online, and often real life, support network).

Family in tow, I made it to Llanberis this morning, becoming more and more excited about this amazing and special place I was about to have the pleasure of running in again (even though we couldn't really see a lot through the rainy mist at that point...but I know what's there well enough!) As soon as we parked there were familiar faces at every turn. My nerves practically disappeared chatting to everyone, it was brilliant! Before I knew it, we were off. My family didn't see me pass them along the start funnel, so are convinced I sneaked off to get the train up I did not!

I found the first bit tough (maybe I should warm up....) especially the tarmac climb...so steep so early! Soon the juniors were passing us, so that distracted me nicely whilst I cheered them, in total awe.

I was happy to see the trail begin, a few nice words from familiar faces on the way up and I found a comfortable rhythm...mostly marching but running where I could. It felt good. Tough but good.

Just before halfway up, I found Ruth. She knows the mountain better than me, and we worked well together, keeping each other company and willing each other on. We got each other through the tough bits, laughing and swearing in equal measure. The weather was s..t, to be fair. We were soaked to the skin and could hardly see ahead of us for a large part of the top half (not necessarily a bad thing!)

We were pretty chuffed that we'd got further than we thought before the leaders started coming back down. Once they did, it was awesome. Soooo good. It was great to spot people I knew and support them as they threw themselves down the mountain crazy fast!! The higher we got, the more we could 'chat' in passing to friends coming down. It was fantastic to see friendly faces supporting and marshalling (particularly San and Rhys, Lorraine, Mark, the club crew, Graeme, Nia, Sarah, Llio, Tracey, and seeing the Maldwyn crew at the top).

snowdon international ellie dee 2017

The top took a long time coming, but we were getting more excited the closer we got, we were both so pleased to make it up those steps! This is where we felt like we had done it...just to get down safely!

I was doubtful about the descent, it was wet and I was tired, and downhill isn't my strong point...I'm a chicken! However, I totally surprised myself on the downhill, got into a good rhythm and smiled all the way. I absolutely loved it! I felt like I danced all the way down (although I'm well aware this was probably not the case).

Running back through Llanberis was awesome, lots of shouts and cheers and high fives from my boys on the run in. It doesn't get much better than that. Another 'every year' race.I am ready for Lakeland 50.

Thank you so much to everyone who made this what it was organisers, marshals, supporters, those that kicked my arse when it needed it, friends and family (but particularly Ruth and San). Awesome."


12/7/17 Stiperstones Fell Race.
Elly Dee said "My second Shropshire Summer Series Fell Race. These races are tough little buggers, but I have enjoyed both of them sooo much. Very near the back, but just happy to be there at all.
The first climb was a tough one, but loved the steps, and the steady climb along the top. The beginning of the final downhill was a bit out of my league (such a chicken...need to work on those steep, technical downhills) but as soon as I got back on the track it was full pelt to the finish. Awesome!
Love these hills.
Elly finished in 54:55.

stiperstones elly dee 2017

11/7/17 Tuesday Night club run, Barmouth.
Four club runners above Barmouth on a lovelly evening.

newtown bbq 5k 2017

9/7/17 Penbedw 10k.
penbedw 10k steff owen 2017 Steffan Owen ran in the Up Hill Down Dale Penbedw 10k race claiming 3rd in a time of 51:33.


7/7/17 Newtown 5k.
A fantastic night for all the runners and supporters!
Tom Roberts Won the race in 16.15. Next in was Adam Preston in 21.09 followed by Justin Pilckington 21.30; Graeme Stringer 23.36; Peter Nicholes 25.38 claiming 1st M65; Mpho Bogatsu 26.09 claiming 1st F45; Sioned Jones 27.14; Kevin Evans 27.45; Chloe Evans 29.26; Cara Evans 29.48 and Janet Preston in 30.00.
Well done Sarah Roberts for organising it all and Tracey Evans ( 3 wines my limit ) for the on coach entertainment.

newtown bbq 5k 2017

2/7/17 Fairy Freckled Cow and North Wales Trail championship.
Tom Roberts Won the Fairy Freckled Cow 11k trail race at Lyn Allwen in 38.16 and claimed 1st in the North Wales Trail Running Championship.
Sj photography :

fairy freckled cow tom roberts 2017
Go to top

1/7/17 Moel Siabod.
Three Meirionnydd runners ran, first home was Tristan Evans in 56:35; next Dylan Evans in 1:10:13 and Nich Bradley in 1:13:32 claiming 2nd M60.

siabod 2017

25/6/17 Moel y Gamelin.
Tristan Evans finished to claim 3rd place in 1:17:28.


moel y gamelin tristan evans 2017

24/6/17 Rhyl Festival of Running.
Mathew Fenwick ran in the 10k race finishing in a time of 40:59 to claim 2nd M35.
Mick Hall

rhylfest mat fenwick 2017

24/6/17 Hebog.
Nich Bradley was the Lone goat spotted on Moel Hebog. Nich said "Pretty good conditions if not for finding your way cos the cloud was pretty dense. However the marking and marshalling were excellent. Nice to see Ross Powell out again. I clearly demonstrated a lack of hill practice up and down - so rectifying that should be fun!" Nich finished in 1:19:18.

hebog nich bradley 2017

20/6/17 Tuesday Night series
Tom Roberts ran in the last race in the 2017 Tuesday night series. A roasting hot 1.8mile race! He finished 2nd and 2nd overall in the series, after completing 5 races. One 3rd, three 2nds, and one 1st. A nice £50 voucher to spend at joe brown.

18/6/17 Shrewsbury Half Marathon.
Gwion Roberts ran in the Shrewsbury Half Marathon finishing in a time of 1:32:44.

shrewsbury half gwion roberts 2017
Go to top

17/6/17 Trail Marathon Wales.
Ten Meirionnydd runners participated in races at Coed Y Brenin's Trail Marathon Wales. In the Marathon Four MRC runners were led home by Anneliese Loveluck claiming 1st F40 in 4:26:33. Following her home were Steve Loveluck in 4:48:11, Sandra Williams 7:35:00 and Elly Downing in 7:35:01.

A further six runners ran the half marathon. First home was Steffan Owen in 1:55:55 who was followed by Dylan Evans 1:59:32, Mpho Bogatsu 2:37:30, Jacqueline Fowler 3:06:00, Jude Evans 3:07:20 and Haydn Fowler 3:09:22.

trail marathon wales half annalise loveluck 2017
trail marathon wales half steffan owen 2017
trail marathon wales half dylan evans 2017
trail marathon wales half mpho bogatsu 2017
trail marathon wales half jude evans 2017
trail marathon wales half andrew ellis 2017
trail marathon wales half adam preston 2017
trail marathon wales half steve loveluck  2017

 

trail marathon wales half ellie sandra 2017
Go to top

14/6/17 Deiniolen 10k.
Three meirionnydd runners ran in the Deiniolen 10k. Tom Roberts claimed 2nd in 35:08 and was followed home by Gwion Roberts in 42:01 and Justin Pilkington in 46:47.

deiniolen 10k tom roberts 2017
deiniolen 10k gwion roberts 2017
deiniolen 10k justin pilkington 2017

14/6/17 Park Hall 5K.
Nia Davies ran her first race in club colours at the Park Hall 5k. Nia finished in 23:23 claiming 3rd.


10-11/6/17 Welsh Castles relay.
Our Captain Tom Roberts' Race report: "Last week I was really stressed out with it all and was slightly worried about things possibly going wrong or runners dropping out last minute. But it just couldn't have gone any better.I'll start by thanking all the 20 runners who turned and smashed every stage. Not one dropped out and everyone crossed that finish line with a big smile. The conditions on Saturday were pretty horrendous, especially for Glyn Rowlands on stage 2, 10mile run into that strong wind and rain did not look like much fun! The dedication was amazing, new member Mark Davies travelled from work in Somerset to take part as we were a bit short on numbers. Jeremy travelled from Mold to run stage 10, Jeff Davies travelled from Swindon and Adam had started down to Newtown 5:30 Sunday morning for a 7:00 start.

Jimmy and Dave both had injuries before the weekend and weren't sure if they were going to be able to take part. That would of given us big problems then to try and replace but they turned up and both ran extremely well.

But this weekend wasn't all about the runners, we just couldn't have done it without the support we had. Mary Bradley had driven over 400miles, in the 2 days, making sure everyone was at their start in good time. Elinor Jones and my Dad put in long shifts on the Saturday and Sunday picking people up as they finished. Huge thanks to all the Marshals that turned up to Barmouth, again in awful weather, this took a lot of pressure of us in the minibus as we could just carry on traveling through and give support. Thanks also to Juliet, my Mum, Elly and Llio who weren't even running but turned up to give support.

The support I had on my stage was unreal! I've never been so excited to start a race before, everyone shouting at me on the start line then along the route, it deffo helped me to get over that bwlch!

Pretty much every member of the club had taken some part in this weekend, either running, marshling or supporting. Which proves this was a club effort not just done by individuals. We have proven we can compete in team events, we finished 43rd overall and in the mountain stages we finished in an impressive 23rd (above Eryri)!

Ive had 2 messages today from members from Prestatyn, saying thanks for the support we also gave them over the weekend. Our barmy army fans are the best! And my last thanks goes to Arfon, Nich, and Greame who in the last couple of weeks have just kept me calm! It really is a pleasure to be the captain to such a great club. I'm sorry if I've missed anyone out. Dates for next years race 9/10 of June 2018! Diolch yn fawr iawn."
Results are up on les croups website:
Overall Team result for Meirionnydd: 43rd in 25:25:41.
Mountain Kings 23rd in 7:39:18.

welsh castles relay map

castles relay end 2017

Stage:1 Caernarfon Castle to Penygroes 9.1 miles Steffan Owen in 01:10:08.

castles relay steffan owen 2017

2 Penygroes to Criccieth Castle 10.7 miles Glyn Rowlands in 1:23:31.

castles relay glyn rowlands 2017

3 Criccieth Castle to Maentwrog 12.3 miles Gwion Roberts in 1:19:39.
My experience of the castles relay was simply one to remember! The atmosphere and energy from the club was the same from being soaked watching Steffan start in caernarfon to watching Arfon finish it all off in the sun in Cardiff. My ears were ringing Sunday night from the noise of cow bells and horns but I can only see that as a positive because we were the loudest and best supporting/supported team!

castles relay gwion roberts 2017

As a runner it was one of the more difficult races I have done. It wasn't easy on the main road with so much water on one side of the road and a mansel Davies squeezing past on the other side, so there was no option but to get wet feet! The stage itself was fairly straight forward and fast until the last 5 miles and it became steep, slippery and slow. Luckily local knowledge and a recce the week before helped me to gain a few places on the hills. The finish was tough even though it was downhill it was nearly 20% combined with jelly legs and slippery roads meant you let the brakes off and just let momentum carry you down. The support going through Tremadog was what I needed at that time so thank you!

The good thing about running on Saturday is you could have the Sunday to be a supporter and follow the race hanging out of the 'rust bus' window blowing my horn as loud as possible!!!!!!! It wasn't just the meirionnydd runners that benefited from our support because a good number of other teams thanked us for the support through the event. I think next year the club should arrange for some louder horns and more bells and real life goat (or maybe a fancy dress)!
Thank you everyone who worked hard to arrange a perfect weekend."


4 Maentwrog to Harlech Castle 9.5 miles Pete Nicholls in 1:20:51.
5 Harlech Castle to Barmouth 9.6 miles Mark Davies in 1:05:06.
6 Barmouth to Dolgellau 10.7 miles Dylan Evans in 1:16:36.

castles relay pete nichols 2017
castles relay dylan evans 2017

 

6 Barmouth to Dolgellau 10.7 miles Nia Davies in 1:31:26, Running for Natural Resources Wales.
Nia said "A very wet and windy start at Barmouth running into the weather along the promenade and sideways wind coming over the bridge, I was not impressed that a young Denbigh Harrier was trying to use me as her wind shield on the bridge! Haha.

castles relay nia

Once I was over the bridge the wind was behind me and the rain started to ease off. After Morfa Mawddach I could see the other runners in the distance in front and then the run became lonely. For 5 miles I was running alone with no marshals, no support to be seen. To be honest this was really hard to take in. At one point I was ready to give up.

On the approach to Penmaen Pool I started to hear the cheers and bells and as soon as I saw Owain and Will from NRW team cheering me on this gave me the energy and the determination that I needed to finish the race. I had no idea what my time was like and if I was going to make the cut off point of 1hr42min or not.

I was unbelievably happy to hear that not only did I make the cut off point, but I had 10 minute to spare. I would do the castle to castle relay again but maybe choose a stage that has more support on the way."


7 Dolgellau to Dinas Mawddwy 9.5 Tom Roberts 2nd in 55:47.

castles relay tom roberts 2017

8 Dinas Mawddwy to Foel 10.8 miles Nich Bradley in 1:25:33.
Nich said "My first contribution to the Castles Relay was to introduce Rusty to the team. Lots of the big teams had their coaches with them during the relay but I think we are all agreed without Rusty, our instantly recognisable team coach, we we would never have got to Cardiff!

Hat off to Tom and Arfon, I was happy driving but to be honest I rarely had a clue where I was going or when I was supposed to be there or why. The boys did a great job getting their heads round the complexities of the logistics of 2 runners racing in different races all day with 3 end points all 10 miles or more apart. Especially on day 2 with tiredness following a brief kip in Newtown and the enthusiastic klaxon blowing by little brother at apparently every runner we saw, Tom did a great job keeping us en route.

castles relay nich bradley 2017

In someways it was odd, here was a great "event" with lots of the club involved, and then your own time to shine on a stage, but afterwards you can't share your experiences of the stage with other team members because you are the only one to do that bit! There is a great pressure to do your best for the team, which was matched by fantastic support from the others whether the noisy herd of Goats on the bus, or the loads of goats and families driving past as they put in their individual bits.

The stages confirm that Wales is a hilly country with only Dave Whittey getting an easy downhill run throughout. My jog from the Red Lion in Dinas to Foel didn't even count as a mountain section, and indeed once warmed up and turning at the Brigands' the hill settled down to a very runnable if barely unrelenting slope. Topping out unfortunately wasn't converted to an increase in speed and the gains on the two runners in front at the top of the hill failed to develop into overtakes. I wish I'd been faster but I'm happy I gave it my best on the day and it was great to be welcomed in by Elinor and whisked on in comfort after all those hours in the bus. Super just to be in time to see Kevin finish the last flat bit of his race, sorry I didn't follow you up that hill to cheer you at the finish but my legs said I didn't have to!

All the stages had their challenges, huge respect for everyone running in the vile weather in the morning. No one wanted to let the side down, and cos each race is individual everyone had something to go for.

Thanks to Arfon for sharing the driving and Elinor Gareth and Mary for dashing round picking folk up and to the wives and sweethearts who delivered and collected all the Goats who turned up for single stages, It would be really hard if the top to bottom team didn't get those breaks in the schedule.

Last look at Rusty at head office behind the fire engine, note the Auto Glym advert! and his twin with the side door mods; Actually an ideal hire for the event- When I took it back the chap just wanted to know how we had got on - no inspection no checking for "dings", come to think he didn't actually ask where I'd left it! Incidentally this morning they dis have a scattering of posh 12 seaters in good nick is I wouldn't discount them if you wanted something posh!"


9 Foel to Llanfair Caereinion 8.5 miles Kevin Evans in 1:14:37.
Kevin Evans said "What a great event we must do it again and thanks Tom for giving me a stage, enjoyed the hole experience as did everyone else from the comments. We might not have won the relay, but the club has definitely won in been the best to be a member of as shown with the fantastic support and fun all weekend. Thanks for sorting Tom you've done the club proud."

castles relay kevin evans 2017

10 Llanfair Caereinion to Newtown 13.1 miles Jeremy Randell in 1:28:39.
11 Newtown to Llanbadarn Fynydd 12.3 miles Adam Preston in 1:29:53.

castles relay jeremy randell 2017

12 Llanbadarn Fynydd to Crossgates 11.2 miles Jimmy Carter in 1:16:54.
Jimmy Said "This was never going to be a fast run for me as I had torn the cartilage behind my left kneecap a fortnight previously and had not run since. My biggest worry was not being able to complete the section and letting the team down; however as soon as I started running I was borne along by the tremendous atmosphere of the event. The camaraderie and support was fantastic, particularly from the Goats who I could hear from about half a mile away (Best supported team by far!)

This was a humbling race for me (I was passed by a lot of people) but I made it to the end and I am happy with that. I am also extremely proud to belong to a club with as much heart as this one.
Thank you for making me so welcome, you guys are amazing!"

13 Crossgates to Builth Wells 10.6 miles Andrew Ellis in 1:11:18.
Andrew Ellis said "Thank you to Tom and everyone else who helped organise the team and logistics for this weekend's Welsh Castles Relay, it was a blast, thanks for allowing me to be a new goat in your first appearance in the race, looking forward to next year and working on my 5 minute mileing."

14 Builth Wells to Drovers Arms 10.8 miles Tristan Evans in 1:13:22.

castles relay jimmy carter 2017
castles relay andrew ellis 2017
castles relay support flag man 2017
Go to top

15 Epynt Visitor Centre to Brecon 12.8 miles Dave Whittey in 1:33:47.

16 Brecon to Beacons Reservoir 8.8 miles Justin Pilkington in 1:11:58.

17 Beacons Reservoir to Cyfarthfa Castle 9.2 miles Jeff Davies in 1:10:03.
Jeff Davies said "Storey Arms was like Piccadilly Circus on a bad Friday. Mix of huge bike race and an unbelievable number going up Pen y Fan. Ah well. I think, taking it all in all, it was an awesome experience. I followed Day 1 on Twitter and felt a great feeling coming through despite the dreadful conditions.

castles relay jeff davies 2017

And yes, when I got to start of Stage 17, the people! Parking at a premium and despite the wind and rain, terrific atmosphere. And as the start approached so in came typical Welsh low cloud and a heavy shower. And then this rather grumpy bloke did the roll call to which you heard the standard 'Yeah' or 'Here' until he got to Eryri and a female voice called 'Yma' to which he answered 'What?' and she replied even louder and more forcefully, 'Yma!'. And so, when he called Meirionnydd, you can be sure what I replied. Bloody cheek! What country does he think he's in?!

And so we went off and yours truly was about third from last. Don't panic! Sure enough, many went off too fast and eventually I was able to pick some off. Largely a downhill stage, apart from a nasty tweak at around 8.5 but running downhill isn't as easy as many seem to think and brings its own strain on the legs. Vans went past shouting, bells clanging, horns blowing – sorry if one of them was you and I took no notice. In the zone! I really didn't like the lack of mile markers, I wasn't expecting that and it meant you couldn't pace yourself properly. And it didn't help [for me] not having raced beyond 10K for a few years but going past Aberystwyth and then Eryri bucked me up a bit!

And then, oh boy, the finish. Hard to express my feelings here. Knowing that Stage 18 started about a mile away, I expected my wife and the dog to be the only ones waiting, but no! There was Tom and Gwion and [I think] Nick and Ellie and I found that really touching, especially later, reflecting on it. They didn’t have to be there but they were and it shows that feeling of companionship, of solidarity and, for me, of belonging that is, as they say, priceless. I know I live a long way away these days but I'm really glad I joined you guys. Bachgen o'r Bala hyd y diwedd.
Diolch o galon i chi gyd.


18 Merthyr Tydfil (Rhyd-y-Car Centre) to Abercynon (Navigation Park) 9.1 miles Sandra Williams in 1:19:47.

castles relay sandra williams 2017

19 Abercynon (Navigation Park) to Nantgarw 7.7 miles Mpho Bogatsu in 1:08:29.
Mpho Said "My eighty year old neighbour Dafydd often tells me that the only thing that runs about him is his nose. He repeats this every time he sees me coming back from my runs. I know he is proud of me though, because I can see it in his eyes.I tell him joining Meirionydd running club was one of the best things I did for myself.

castles relay mpho bogatsu 2017

Castles Relay is an event that brings the running family together. It is one of the running events that somehow answers the question 'why do we run?' Why do we put our bodies through such pain? Why are we not cuddled up in bed on a Sunday morning reading a newspaper? Instead running up mountains in awful weather conditions? I was truly happy to be part of this event. The support from the club members was incredible; from providing home baked cakes, dropping and picking up runners, sharing 5 star tents and camper vans.

My stage 19 Abercynon to Nantgarw was one of the shortest stretch just under 8 miles. I got to the start line just in time to hear our club name called out. Five mins later the race started and I quickly realised that I was racing against 65+ good runners who probably were not just randomly selected by their clubs. Abercynon is a lovely stretch that takes one away from busy roads, rather through a beautiful woodland park. The first few miles takes you through the built up area with a bit of traffic but soon drops into lovely green wood land.

At mile 6 or so, I smiled and beamed with pride when I heard my very loud team in our rusty old minibus behind me, blowing away vuvuzelas and shouting my name. I ran fast, so fast my chest could explode with exhaustion and pride to finish in about 68mins. Would I take part again?
Definitely!"


20 Caerphilly Castle to Cardiff Castle 10.1 miles Arfon Hughes in 1:09:43.
What a fantastic weekend!

castles relay arfon hughes 2017

A big thank you to the Support team:
Fun Team
Juliet Edwards; Juliet said "How did I experience the relay? From the delux rust bucket minibus scampering to the best support spots on the route.

Great to support our club and anyone faster than our runners. Interesting to see the range of the competition and the lead runners slightly bemused expressions when they encountered our enthusiastic noisy supporters.
I would love to be involved somehow again."

Elly Dee, Elli said "It was a fantastic experience, I loved being involved and seeing everyone have such a great time together. I wasn't fast enough to run this year, and not being a big fan of training or racing fast or on roads, I'm not sure I'll ever be (you never know...) but just being there has really inspired me to shout about how great it is to be part of a great running club like ours."

Go to top
castles relay support team caernarfon 2017
castles relay support 2 2017
castles relay support team 2017
castles relay support 4 2017
support 2017
castle relay driver 2017

Thank you Drivers
Elinor Jones, Mary Bradley and Gareth Roberts

Thank you for the Cakes.
Sarah Roberts and Sandra Williams

Thank you Marshals
Jude Evans, Sioned Mair Jones, Arthur and Sheila Symonds.

And last buy by no means least Thank you to all Reserve Runners.


10/6/17 Dysynni 15k.
Jacqueline Fowler ran in the Dysynni 15k. Jacqueline said "A muddy affair today. Eli (the dog) loved the boggy sections and succeeded in tangling me face first in the warning tape/signage in the boggiest bit whilst he continued to prance about smiling! As well as his mischievousness on the trail, he's developed a desire to swim and I was constantly being dragged to the estuary water. At 1hr 26mins, we skipped over the finish line, very wet, very muddy, very smiley.


10/6/17 Market Harborough Half Marathon.
Ben Wells ran in the Market Harborough finishing in 1:50:14.

harborough half ben wells 2017

9/6/17 Blaydon Race.
Description of the Race.
The 1862 Blaydon Races Song is the National Anthem of Tyneside. The words of the song are used as a basis for everything in the race where possible. For example the event takes place every “Ninth of June” in accord with the song’s first line:- “Aa went to Blaydon Races t’was on the Ninth of June”

The runners assemble at the public house “Balmbras” in central Newcastle (just as the travellers to see the Blaydon Horse races did in 1862) and are started on their run with the actual handbell mentioned in the song, which is brought out specially, under guard, from The Discovery Museum, Newcastle and “away they gan alang Collingwood Street” on their way to Scotswood Road and Scotswood Bridge to finish in Blaydon itself . The race itself has been instrumental in maintaining interest in local traditions in general and in the Blaydon Races song in particular. The large crowd in Blaydon Shopping Precinct car park welcomes the runners who receive local food and beer and the all important tee-shirt along with their goody bags and certificate. Not all of the tired finishers are tempted by the black pudding, tripe and pickled onions always on offer! The race welcomes all over 16 years and even provides the Kiddars’ Fun Run at Blaydon before the senior race for 9 to 16 year-old local schoolchildren.

The Road Race has been organised annually by Blaydon H & AC since 9th June 1981 and seeks to incorporate much local tradition in an annual run for all, to include top-rank athletes and humble joggers all “Gannin Alang the Scotswood Road”. From just 212 competitors in the inaugural Race the field has grown to 4400 runners who tackle the 5.6 mile course between Newcastle and Blaydon.

Graeme Stringer ran in the Blaydon race. Graeme said "running alang the Scotswood Road in 43.19 with 4600 other runners, including me brother and 2 nephews, on a blazing Summer evening!"


Go to top

After one month the news will be transferred into Archive 2017 here.