News Report 2nd September 2007

 

Overcast conditions greeted the five local finishers at last Sundays 'Source of the Severn' nine mile trail race held in and around Llanidloes. The first of the local finishers was Bro Dysynni's Jos Jones, returning to competitive action as he posted a finishing time of 1hr 06.23mins to finish in an overall 23rd place. Club colleague, Walter Marsh of Tywyn, was the next local finisher as a time of 1hr 14.13mins ensured a 42nd place finish. He was followed by Tarren Hendre's John Marsh, home in 1hr 18.28mins, whilst Richard Griffiths of Tywyn claimed victory in the Male Over-55 category in a time of 1hr 19.03mins. The local turnout was completed by Marj Griffiths, the Bro Dysynni veterans time of 1hr 52.41mins ensuring a 2nd place finish in the Female Over-60 category.

 

The previous day, a trio of Bro Dysynni athletes were again in multi-terrain action over a nine mile course. On this occasion, the venue was Cerrigydrudion for the testing Llyn Brenig Race. The trio were led home by the on-form Barrie Jackson of Bala, claiming victory in the Male Over-65 category as he crossed the finishing line in 1hr 17.29mins. Also claiming success in an Over-65 class, on this occasion the female version was Brenda Jones of Llanelltyd, home in an impressive 1hr 26.20mins. The trio were completed by Marit Evans of Dolgellau, completing the tough event in a pleasing time of 1hr 31.53mins.

 

One Bro Dysynni veteran who goes from strength to strength is Sheila Symonds of Dolgellau. Having won the Over-70 Category at the British Masters Athletics Federation (BMAF) 5k Championships held in Horwich in June, further success was achieved recently at the BMAF Half-Marathon Championship Race held in Leek, Staffordshire. Humid conditions and an undulating course ensured moderate times for all concerned, however a concerted effort over the 13.1 mile course ensured a finishing time of 2hrs 52.57mins and a 2nd British Masters title in 3 months. The next BMAF Championship event is a little closer to home as Newtown will host the 10k event on 30th September and a hat-trick of successes could well be on the cards for the Dolgellau veteran.

 

To round off a busy time for Bro Dysynni, Bob Chilton of Hermon represented the club at the Cnicht Fell Race held near Croesor. Warm conditions greeted the athletes who tackled the 4.5 mile race which included an arduous 1,850 feet of climbing, with the Dysynni athlete pleased with his ongoing return to full fitness as he completed the event in 1hr 02.52mins.

 

A.Unwin