News Report 17th December 2007

In the lead up to a relaxing festive season, local athletes have been 'out & about' recently, with local representation at no fewer than 4 events.

The largest local turn out saw 5 athletes venture down the coast to participate in the Aberystwyth 10k Road Race. Overall winner of the race which attracted an excellent 287 finishers was Steven McGuigan (Bristol A.C.) in a time of 34.10mins,  with the local representation being led home by Gwyn Jones of Pwllheli in a time of 43.14mins. Another Dwyfor-based athlete followed as Malcolm Taylor of Criccieth was the first of the four Bro Dysynni A.C. affiliated finishers in a time of 48.07mins. Continuing the Dwyfor theme was Sheila Jones, as the Pwllheli-based athlete followed in 48.40mins, with Barrie Jackson of Bala and Marjorie Griffiths completing the local turn-out in respective times of 48.43mins and 61.22mins.

Another 10k event which attracted local interest was the 'Helena Tipping 10k Road Race' held in Wrexham. As with the Aberystwyth event, the race proved popular with a total of 300 athletes completing the challenge. The fastest of the 300 was Adam Peers (Liverpool Harriers A.C.) in a time of 32.37mins, whilst the first of the two local competitors to finish was Frankie Vaughan of Corris who, despite navigational problems suffered on the recent club trip to Lanzarote, still managed to maintain his recent good form as the Meirionnydd Running Club athlete crossed the line in a time of 45.24mins. Following in was Barrie Jackson, beating his 10k time set at Aberystwyth by 39 seconds as he came home in 48.04mins.

Two off-road events in Shropshire have also attracted local interest in recent weeks. The first of these events was the Cardington Cracker Fell Race, held just outside of the town of Church Stretton. Attending the event was Tywyn-based, Tarren Hendre athlete John Marsh who completed the 9 mile event which included an overall 2,600 feet of climbing in a time of 1hr 41.45mins, a time which also ensured age category victory in the 'Male Over-65' section. Heading to the Ludlow area was Rhyd-based athlete Adam Haynes who tackled the 10 mile Mortimer Forest Hill Race. Showing great resilience over an arduous course, the Meirionnydd Running Club athlete completed the event in 1hr 15.44mins, claiming 3rd place in the 'Male Over-45' category as well as being the 23rd placed overall finisher out of the 347 competitors who completed the event.

For those wishing to run off the excess of Christmas Day, there is a fun local event arranged for Boxing Day. Ganllwyd will host the 'Tyn-Y-Groes Hill Race', a 2.5 mile event which includes a 700 feet ascent. The race is due off at 12.00 Noon and is free to enter to all runners aged 14 and over. To add to the Christmas spirit, race organisers are encouraging competitors to complete the event in fancy dress. Race headquarters will be the Tyn-Y-Groes Hotel in Ganllwyd which will also be the base for post-race refreshments of soup, roll and mince pies. Further details regarding the event are available on www.brodysynniac.co.uk.

A.Unwin