News Report 18th March 2007

Adam (left) and Will Haynes in mountain biking action at the recent Open5 race in Sutton Bank

Sutton Bank on the North Yorkshire Moors was the venue for the second event in the 2007 Mountain Hardwear Open5 Series recently and, as ever, Rhyd-based adventure racing father and son, Adam and Will Haynes, were present to build on their success of victory in the male pairs section, achieved at the first event of the series in Hebden Bridge.

The Open5 races are of 5 hours duration with competitors utilising mountain bikes as well as running, the aim being to gather as many check points as possible within their allotted time. Requiring both navigational skill as well as supreme fitness and stamina, the duo, running as 'Team Accelarate' are building up quite a reputation as a strong team in the male pairs section.

However on this occasion, they were pipped for victory in the male pairs category, claiming runners-up spot having collected 545 points out of the possible 610 on offer. Nonetheless, after 2 of the 5 series events, the duo do hold an overall lead in the male pairs section with the remaining three events being held in May, September and November of this year.

Kate Bailey of Meirionnydd Running Club was also in action recently as she competed in the Cloud Nine Fell Race in Congleton, Cheshire. In a race measuring just under 9 miles and including 1,000 feet of climbing, a finishing time of 1hr 13.35mins was a fine achievement.

There is local fell running action this Saturday afternoon, the venue being Llanuwchllyn for the 4th running of the Organic Aran Lamb sponsored Ras yr Aran event. Measuring 10 miles and including 2,500 feet of climbing, the main race is due off at 1.00pm with the accompanying 2 mile Ras Garth Fawr due off at 1.15pm. The race headquarters on the day will be the Eagles Inn, Llanuwchllyn. Further details relating to the event are available at www.run-meirionnydd.co.uk.

* Pic of Adam and Will attached. Suggested caption should you decide to use could be;

'Adam (left) and Will Haynes in mountain biking action at the recent Open5 race in Sutton Bank'

A.Unwin