News Report 17th May 2009

Fresh on the heels of the recent victory achieved by Alun Williams, formerly of Barmouth, at the Southern Lakes Half Marathon, there was further local success for former members of Bro Dysynni A.C. but now based in New Zealand, as fellow ex-Barmouth resident, Adrian Bailey, recently achieved a superb 2nd position at the Routeburn Classic Arctic Adventure Challenge.

The 32.6k (20 mile) event was run in snowy conditions and covered the Routeburn Track, a high alpine track traversing Mount Aspiring National Park & Fiordland National Park on the South Island of New Zealand. Despite the elements, Bailey, now based in Queenstown on the South Island completed the course in a time of 2hrs 59.31mins to claim a 2nd placed finish out of the 205 hardy souls who took on the challenge.

Closer to home, two members of Meirionnydd Running Club were in action at the 4.5 mile Moel Y Gest Fell Race, the 5th event in the Great Arete Midweek Fell Race Series. Leading home the duo was Ifan Richards of Brithdir in a time of 35.30mins whilst team-mate Arwyn Jones of Penmachno followed in 38.40mins.

Bro Dysynni athlete, Andy Unwin, returned to competitive action for the first time in 2009 last weekend, his chosen event being the 4.8k Clive Multi-Terrain event in Shropshire. Despite the rainy conditions, the Harlech-based runner came home beaming in a satisfactory time of 28.06mins.

Another local athlete in action last weekend was Ffestyn Williams of Llanbedr, albeit now based in Chester. He took on the challenge of the 13.1 mile Shell Chester Half Marathon, an event he completed strongly in a time of 1hr 56.15mins.

The youngest competitor in action recently was 11 year old Aaron Roberts of Blaenau Ffestiniog who claimed an excellent 4th place finish in the Year 6 section of the Urdd Cross Country Championships held in Aberystwyth.

A.Unwin