News Report 7th September 2009

Local athletics headlines over the past fortnight have very much belonged to Brithdir-based athlete, Ifan Richards, who claimed consecutive runners up spots at two fell racing events.

First up was the 4.5 mile Ras Y Cnicht in Croesor where Ifan was one of the half a dozen competitors from Meirionnydd Running Club who gathered to take on the challenge which included a total of 1,850 feet of climbing. Setting a steady pace from the very start, a time of 38.36mins was enough to place the Brithdir-based athlete in an overall 2nd place finish behind race winner, Sam Smith of Eryri Harriers, who completed the event in a time of 37.56mins. Other Meirionnydd athletes in action on the day were Mark Atherton of Llan Ffestiniog, 11th overall in a time of 43.45mins, a mere 23 seconds ahead of club-mate Adam Preston of Dolgellau, home in 44.08mins. There was an all-to-rare competitive appearance from Iori Jones of Dolgellau, completing the race in 53.00mins with team-mate, Kevin Evans of Brithdir, following in a time of 55.41mins. The Meirionnydd contingent were completed by John Smith of Dolgellau, home in a pleasing time of 61.43mins.

Having claimed runners-up spot at Ras Y Cnicht, the busy Ifan Richards then headed to the Hafren Forest near Llanidloes for the 9.2 mile Source of the Severn Race, an event which included a total of 1,300 feet. The race was dominated by host club athlete, Tim Davies (Maldwyn Harriers) who used his local knowledge to complete the course in a superb time of 54.53mins. However, Meirionnydd athlete Richards put in a sterling performance as he was the only other competitor in the race to break the hour barrier as a time of 59.37 mins ensured another excellent runners-up spot. Also in action at the event were a duo of Tywyn based Bro Dysynni A.C. athletes. First home was Hugo Iffla in a time of 1hr 15.06mins with club-mate, Walter Marsh, hot on his heels as he finished in a time of 1hr 18.13mins.

There is local action this coming Saturday (12th September) with the 2nd annual running of the Dyfi 8, a race which, as the name suggests, measures approximately 8 miles in distance and is predominantly run on the forest trails around Pantperthog. Further details regarding the event, which is due off at 12.00 Noon from the Tan Y Coed Picnic Site are available on www.brodysynniac.co.uk. Entries for the event will be accepted on the day.

A.Unwin