News Report 3rd July 2010

The final 2 fell running fixtures of the Great Arete 17th Midweek Series took place recently, the culmination of 9 midweek fell races held over the last 3 months.

The first fixture was the 'Three Hills' event held at Penmaenmawr, an event which attracted the interest of Graeme Stringer of Llanelltyd, the Meirionnydd Running Club athlete completing the course in a time of 38.32mins.

He was joined by three more Meirionnydd team-mates for the final fixture within the series which was held on Moel Eilio in Llanberis. The first of the quartet home, claiming overall race victory on the night, thus continuing his remarkable run of recent form was Ifan Richards of Brithdir, victory claimed in a time of 37.14mins. A trio of Llanelltyd-based athletes completed the Meirionnydd turn-out as Dave Whittey, Tony Hodgson and Graeme Stringer came home in respective times of 44.30mins, 46.58mins & 47.17mins.

At the end of the 9 race series, four Meirionnydd athletes had completed the pre-requisite number of races to be included in the overall series results. Ifan Richards was placed in an overall 2nd spot in the series behind Matthew Roberts (Eryri Harriers), whilst Hefin Jones of Blaenau Ffestiniog placed 16th, Dave Whittey an overall 31st and Graeme Stringer in 43rd.

Ifan Richards was also in action again and also claimed victory at the recent Moel Hebog fell race held in Beddgelert, his winning time in the 4 mile event which included an overall 2,400 feet of climbing being 49.17mins. It is hoped that Ifan will be able to carry on his tremendous form over the past few months when he makes his Welsh debut at the forthcoming Snowdon International Race on 24th July.

Three local athletes have also been in 10k action recently. Two of those headed to Prestatyn for the Riverbank Run 10k, with John Tee of Blaenau Ffestiniog leading home the duo, the Bro Dysynni A.C. athlete home in a time of 49.52mins with Barrie Jackson of Bala following, the Meirionnydd Running Club athlete home in 53.08mins. Elsewhere, Dewi Roberts of Blaenau Ffestiniog was in action at the Felinheli 10k, the Bro Dysynni athlete claiming overall victory in the Male Over-40 category of the midweek race as he crossed the line in a time of 37.15mins.

There is local action this coming Saturday as Ras Foel Gocyn will form part of the festivities of the Bryncrug Carnival. The arduous fell race is due off at 3.00pm from the carnival field in Bryncrug. Entries will be accepted on the day only. 

A.Unwin