News 8th October 2006

After an absence of three years, last Saturday's Penmaenpool 10 Mile Trail Race attracted a field of 71 eager competitors, delighted to see the race having been re-established.

A headwind for the outward 5 mile section of the out-and-back course ensured the existing race records remained largely intact, with only one age category record being established on the day. The race itself saw an early breakaway by a quartet of those competing, with the quartet including the eventual race winner, Mike Garratt (Road Runners Club), who crossed the line in 57.02mins. The runner-up was a familiar face as Alun Llyr Williams (Les Croupiers) of Barmouth, soon to leave these shores for another stint in Australia, came home in 57.22mins. Claiming top 5 places were the Bro Dysynni duo of Steve Gilliland of Tywyn and Dewi Roberts of Blaenau Ffestiniog who returned respective times of 58.59mins and 1hr 01.19mins. The ladies section of the race was won by Phoebe Webster (Aberystwyth University Harriers) in 1hr 04.45mins.

Amongst the large contingent of local competitors to finish were the following; Jos Jones (Bro Dysynni)  in 1hr 06.55mins, Michael Palmer (Bro Dysynni) in 1hr 08.13mins, Kevin Hamilton (Meirionnydd Running Club) in 1hr 08.36mins, Walter Marsh (Bro Dysynni) in 1hr 09.00mins, Richard Griffiths (Bro Dysynni) in 1hr 13.02mins, Kevin Evans (Meirionnydd Running Club) in 1hr 14.40mins, Frankie Vaughan (Meirionnydd Running Club) in 1hr 17.20mins, Glyn Lewis (Bro Dysynni) in 1hr 18.15mins, Juliet Edwards (Bro Dysynni) in 1hr 20.28mins, Dave Whittey (Meirionnydd Running Club) in 1hr 20.29mins, Sheila Jones (Bro Dysynni) in 1hr 20.52mins, Alison Price (Meirionnydd Running Club) in 1hr 22.23mins, Robert Thomas (Meirionnydd Running Club) in 1hr 22.42mins, Brenda Jones (Bro Dysynni) in 1hr 23.39mins, Andrea Edwards (Meirionnydd Running Club) in 1hr 30.39mins and Marjorie Griffiths (Bro Dysynni) in 1hr 38.11mins.

The sole age category record set on the day was in the female over-50 section where Dawn Kenwright (Sarn Helen) returned a time of 1hr 11.22mins.

As ever, the race organisers from Meirionnydd Running Club were grateful for the assistance provided by the landowners over whose land the race crossed, as well as the generosity of the main race sponsors, George III Hotel, Penmaenpool and to the help provided by the many individuals who assisted in the successful re-launch of this popular event.

A.Unwin