News Report 13th May 2007

Local athletes were out in force last Sunday morning, braving the wind and the rain which met them as they arrived for the Newtown 10k race in Powys. Leading home the 10 local athletes competing was Frankie Vaughan of Dolgellau, the Meirionnydd Running Club athlete now fully recovered from his recent exertions at the London Marathon, crossing the finishing line on this occasion in a time of 44.41mins. Following in 20 seconds later was Richard Griffiths of Tywyn, the first of the eight strong Bro Dysynni AC contingent to finish, in a time of 45.01mins. Barrie Jackson of Bala turned in another strong performance, home in 46.49mins, with Andrea Goode of Dolgellau following in 48.29mins, a time which secured victory in the female over-35 category. There was also age category success for Brenda Jones of Llanelltyd, this time in the female over-65 section, victory being achieved in a time of 51.29mins. Next home was Malcolm Taylor of Criccieth, still being troubled by a persistent injury, which resulted in a finishing time of 56.30mins. Marj Griffiths of Aberystwyth followed in 1hr 00.01mins with Eirlys Griffiths of Tywyn and Helen Williams of Aberdyfi following in times of 1hr 15.00mins and 1hr 16.34mins despite on-course navigational difficulties. The final local finisher was also the third local age category victor as Bro Dysynni athlete Sheila Symonds of Dolgellau finished in 1hr 17.55mins to claim success in the female over-70 category.

Tywyn-based athlete, Steve Gilliland, recently donned his Welsh vest to represent the Principality at the P&O Irish Ferries Knock Dhu Mountain Race held near Larne, Northern Ireland. Familiarity with the course proved advantageous for the Bro Dysynni athlete who finished the tough course in a time of 41.02mins to be the 23rd finisher out of a field of 92 athletes, many of whom were seasoned international runners.

The same athlete was also in action at the Llangynhafal Loop race in Denbighshire recently. Once again, the race attracted a high quality field as it was pre-selected as one of the six races which will constitute the 2007 British Fell Running Championships. Taking in a climb to the peak of Moel Fammau before a return to the village of Llangynhafal, the Dysynni athlete covered the 4.5 mile course in a time of 38.54mins. The second Bro Dysynni athlete completing the race was Owen Rees in a time of 42.10mins.

Another local athlete in action last week was Dewi Roberts of Blaenau Ffestiniog, this time at the midweek Rhostryfan 10k road race. Following on from his recent excellent 7th place at the Craig Yr Adreryn Half Marathon, the Dysynni athlete on this occasion settled for 4th place, in a time of 38.55mins.

To complete a busy week of activity, Barrie Jackson of Bala was also in action at the ASICS Yale Hospital Castell Dinas Bran Hill Run held in Llangollen. Covering the 5 mile course which included 800 feet of climbing in a time of 42.06mins was good enough to ensure an age category success in the male over-65 section of the race.

A.Unwin