News Report 5th November 2006

Abergele was the venue last Sunday afternoon for the North Wales 5 Mile Road Running Championships and the event attracted 10 local athletes, 5 from Bro Dysynni A.C. and 5 from the Meirionnydd Running Club. Both clubs will be pleased with their return of having one victor within their respective age category at the race.

Leading the local athletes home and gaining a North Wales Championship victory in the female over-35 category for Meirionnydd Running Club was Andrea Goode of Arthog, home in a time of 34.19mins. The other age category victor was Sheila Symonds of Dolgellau who, wearing the red and green of Bro Dysynni, continued her running renaissance as she claimed victory in the female over-70 category in a terrific time of 56.42mins. Sandwiched in between the two category victors were the remaining eight local athletes. The first of the eight home was Graeme Stringer of Arthog in 35.54mins with Frankie Vaughan of Ganllwyd hot on his heels in 36.07mins. Bala athlete Barrie Jackson was next home in 38.06mins, whilst Huw Harrison of Dolgellau was delighted to pip Robert Thomas of Llanelltyd in respective times of 41.38mins and 41.41mins. Marit Evans and Tracey Evans of Dolgellau followed in times of 44.00mins and 48.15mins whilst a beaming Andy Unwin of Harlech ensured he stayed within the speed limit with a finishing time of 50.48mins.

Two Meirionnydd Running Club athletes were also in half-marathon action recently, the venue being Barns Green in Sussex. The Llanelltyd-based duo were led home by a resurgent Tony Hodgson in a time of 1hr 33.00mins whilst Robert Thomas followed in a highly respectable time of 1hr 59.16mins.

Continuing on the travelling theme, Meirionnydd Running Club father and son, Adam and Will Haynes, have been competing in both Northern Ireland and Yorkshire recently. The Sperrin Mountains in Northern Ireland was the venue for the British Junior Fell Running Championships and in the under-16 section, Will covered the 3.5 mile course which included 330 metres of climbing in 32.14mins to claim a pleasing 22nd place finish within his category. In the 'open' race, Adam found the 4.5 mile course which included 370 metres of climbing much to his liking as he claimed runners up spot in a time of 37.07mins.

On to Malham in South Yorkshire and the duo paired up to form 'Team Accelarate' in the Open 5 Adventure Race. The aim of the race was to navigate between as many control sections as possible, both on mountain bikes and on foot, over the 5 hour duration of the race. Despite being novices in this type of event, the duo combined superbly to claim second place in the 'male pairs' event ammassing 550 points.

There is local action this coming Saturday lunchtime as Llanfachreth will play host to the Rhobell Fawr fell race. The 6 mile race which includes 1900 feet of climbing is due off at 12.00 Noon and will be accompanied by a junior/short fell race aimed both at juniors as well as seniors wanting to try out a shorter event. The race also constitutes the first race of three in the 'Merionnydd Winter Race Series'. Further details relating to the event are available from Tony Hodgson on (01341) 422565.

A.Unwin