The persistant rain and low cloud didn’t manage to put off 91 hardy souls who decided to take up the challenge of Ras yr Aran from Llanuwchllyn last Saturday. The 10 mile fell race, now in it’s third year, was the idea of sponsor’s Mal and Mags Thomas of Organic Aran Lamb, and their enthusiasm for the event grows each year. The race, which goes to the summit of Aran Fawddwy, could not go ahead without the kind co-operation of the local landowners, and our thanks are extended to them. The winner of the race, Lloyd Taggart of Dark Peak, managed to set a new course record of 1.31.26, despite the atrocious weather conditions and a navigational error near the summit. He was followed home by last years winner, Tim Higginbottom of Eryri who finished in 1.34.45, and Michael James of Shrewsbury in 1.40.07. The first veteran home was Steve Gilliland of Bro Dysynni in 1.46.03, winning the O/40 category. Next local interest was from Dave Whittey of the Meirionnydd RC finishing in 2.00.58, with Bro Dysynni’s Dewi Roberts next in 2.08.19. John Marsh of the Tarren Hendre Club was first veteran O/60 home, claiming the victory in 2.07.14, then came Meirionnydd RC’s Tony Hodgson 2.12.19, Iori Jones 2.18.36 and Nich Bradley 2.21.52 followed by Bob Chilton of Bro Dysynni in 2.27.46.
The ladies race was
again won with a course record, as Jackie Lee of Eryri beat her previous best
time with 1.48.04. She was followed home by Lousie Barker of Aberystwyth in
2.10.39 with Pilar Near of Eryri third in 2.13.12.
The battle for the trophy for “First Local – Llanuwchllyn/Bala” was eventually won by Nich Illif in 1.59.41, with Sion Llewelyn second in 2.26.51 and Hedd Evans third in 2.31.03 (at least one of these competitors competed in walking boots! and that’s some achievement).
A short/junior Race was run for the first time this year, covering 2 miles and 500ft of ascent to the top of Garth Fawr and back. The inaugural event was won by William Haynes in 17.00, with Bro Dysynni’s Sarah Thomas first girl in 20.54. Both winners seemed pleased with their trophy and early Easter egg, part of the prizes provided by the Eagles Inn, hosts for the presentations. Graeme and Tony would like to thank all of those people who helped to make the day such a big success.