News Report 6th May 2007

Craig yr Aderyn

Having been first run in 1987, last Sunday saw the 21st anniversary running of the Craig Yr Aderyn / Bird Rock Half Marathon in Tywyn.

As befits such a special occasion, the race turned out to be one of the most competitve in the race's rich history with barely 40 seconds seperating the first three finishers. At the end of the 13.1 mile event, it was Paul Wathan of Eryri Harriers who crossed the line victorious in 1hr 17.12mins, becoming the third Eryri Harrier to win the race after the successes of Emlyn Wyn Roberts (1994) and Tegid Roberts (1990 & 1993). Pushing the victor all the way was Chris Waters (Ambleside AC), second in 1hr 17.42mins and the second Eryri finisher, Brendan Rothery, third overall in 1hr 17.52mins. It was left to Dewi Roberts (Bro Dysynni AC) of Blaenau Ffestiniog to lead home the local contingent, 7th overall in 1hr 21.24mins.

Victory in the ladies race was more clear-cut as Phoebe Webster (UWA Harriers) built up a near 7 minute lead over 2006 ladies winner, Dawn Kenwright (Sarn Helen), the two finishing in respective times of 1hr 27.15mins and 1hr 34.01mins.

As ever, there were a large number of local competitors amongst the 104 athletes who crossed the finishing line. Amongst those to finish were; Kevin Hamilton (Cerist Tri), 2nd Male Over-40 in 1hr 26.44mins, Mike Palmer (Bro Dysynni AC) of Tywyn in 1hr 27.18mins, Walter Marsh (Bro Dysynni AC) of Tywyn, 1st Male Over-55 in 1hr 35.44mins, Kevin Evans (Meirionnydd Running Club) of Dolgellau in 1hr 38.36mins, Nich Bradley (Meirionnydd Running Club) of Dolgellau in 1hr 44.17mins, Alison Price (Meirionnydd Running Club), 2nd Female Over-40 in 1hr 47.08mins, Rhian Jones (Bro Dysynni AC) of Tywyn in 1hr 56.25mins, Marit Evans (Bro Dysynni AC) in 2hrs 00.39mins, Marj Griffiths (Bro Dysynni), 1st Female Over-60 in 2hrs 14.26mins, Natalie and Julie Sutherland (both Bro Dysynni AC) of Tywyn in respective times of 2hrs 15.05mins and 2hrs 16.26mins and Lisa Markham of Abergynolwyn in 2hrs 31.32mins.

The two mile fun run affiliated to the half marathon continued to be popular, attracting 49 competitors, both young and old. The 2007 fun run winner was 12 year old Edward Iffla of Tywyn who covered the distance in 13.19mins with 16 year old Annie Owen of Penmaenpool leading home the female contingent in 15.04mins.

A.Unwin