News Report 4th February 2007

Tarren Hendre

Near perfect conditions greeted a record turnout of 95 competitors for the fourth running of the Tarren Hendre Fell Race in Abergynolwyn last Saturday afternoon.

Leading home the athletes at the conclusion of the six mile event, which included 2,000 feet of climbing was Lancastrian, Ricky Graham of Horwich Harriers, who crossed the line in 50.01mins. His excellent performance was outshone by the ladies winner, as the female course record was broken for the second year in succession as New Zealand international, Anna Frost, now running for Wrexham A.C., sliced 1 minute and 14 seconds off the existing record as she finished in 55.53mins.

Just in front of the New Zealander was the first local finisher as Steve Gilliland of Tywyn came home in 7th place overall in a time of 54.25mins. Behind the Bro Dysynni runner were two Meirionnydd Running Club athletes as the Llanelltyd duo of Dave Whittey and Tony Hodgson had a classic battle, the younger Whittey just pipping his club colleague, in respective times of 1hr 02.25mins and 1hr 02.32mins.

Two Dysynni athletes followed, as the Tywyn duo of Glyn Lewis and Walter Marsh came home in 1hr 04.32mins and 1hr 06.05mins whilst Kevin Evans of Dolgellau was pleased to claim the scalp of Hugo Iffla of Tywyn in times of 1hr 08.30mins and 1hr 08.51mins.

Continuing his preparation for the London Marathon was Frankie Vaughan of Dolgellau, the first of a trio of Meirionnydd Running Club finishers, as he came home in 1hr 09.12mins. Following in were Nich Bradley of Dolgellau in 1hr 16.58mins and making a most welcome running to competitive action, Roma Charlwood in 1hr 18.01mins. Continuing his busy racing schedule at the start of 2007 was Barrie Jackson of Bala, the Dysynni runner home in 1hr 19.55mins.

There was further Bala-based success in the Junior Race as Sarah Thomas came home victorious in a magnificent time of 13.58mins which confirms the future potential of the Meirionnydd Running Club youngster.

As ever with a race of nature, the organisers expressed their gratitude to local landowners and the Forestry Commission for their ongoing assistance and support. Special mention must also go to the Railway Inn for the excellent pre- and post-race refreshments, with the post-race soup now achieving almost legendary status.

~ Away from the Tarren Hendre race, 5 Bro Dysynni athletes were also in action recently at two seperate venues. Firstly, the club achieved great success at the Gregsons Solicitors North Wales Cross-Country Championships, which were held in Northop in Clwyd. Of the four competing, three returned home as age category North Wales champions as Brenda Jones of Llanelltyd won the ladies over-65 section in 31.26mins, Marj Griffiths claimed victory in the ladies over-60 category in 36.41mins whilst Barrie Jackson was victorious in the male over-65 group in 36.52mins. The quartet were completed by Mike Palmer of Tywyn, home over the longer course in 40.45mins.

Meanwhile at the Menai Bridge 10k race, Malcolm Taylor of Criccieth repeated his success of 2006 as he claimed victory in the male over-60 for the second year in succession as he came home in 49.28mins.

Local athletes looking forward to the annual trip to Lanzarote for the La Santa challenge in November are requested to contact trip organiser Graeme Stringer at the earliest opportunity as formal bookings are now being made for the trip.

A.Unwin