News Report 10th April 2006

Local athletes have been in action at a quartet of races in Mid and North Wales recently, albeit in small racing groups.

The largest turnout was at Rhayader where 4 local athletes were in action, 2 in the 20 mile road race with 2 also competing in the affiliated 5 mile race. In a race which many use as final preparation for the forthcoming London Marathon, Tony Hodgson of Llanelltyd completed the 20 mile course in 2hrs 33.22mins with Bob Chilton of Hermon following in 2hrs 49.22mins. In the shorter 5 mile race, Malcolm Taylor of Criccieth crossed the line in 37.20mins with Bro Dysynni team-mate, Marjorie Griffiths, following in a time of 49.28mins.

A trio of Bro Dysynni athletes were also in action at the Chirk Castle 10k multi-terrain race. In a race which attracted 184 competitors, there was a tremendous 5th place finish for Dewi Roberts of Blaenau Ffestiniog in a time of 39.07mins. He in turn was followed home by team-mates Brenda Jones of Llanelltyd in 54.17mins and super-veteran, Sheila Symonds of Dolgellau, in an excellent time of 1hr 21.44mins.

The busy pair of Bob Chilton and Malcolm Taylor also took in the midweek Chester Spring 5 mile race. It was left to the Hermon based athlete to lead the duo home in 35.26mins with the Criccieth veteran following in 37.49mins.

One other local athlete has been putting the final touches to her preparations for the forthcoming London Marathon, now less than 2 weeks away. The athlete in question, Kate Williams of Aberdyfi, ran her final competitive race before London at the Presteigne Half Marathon in Powys and a finishing time of 2hrs 05.12mins suggests the Aberdyfi runner is well prepared for her big day.

A.Unwin