News Report 18th July 2010

Bryncrug recently played host to the popular Ras Foel Y Gocyn Hill Race and, as ever, the race attracted a mainly local field eager to take on the 4 mile challenge.

Keeping with recent form, the event was dominated by Ifan Richards of Brithdir who led from early on, the Meirionnydd Running Club athlete eventually claiming a comfortable victory in a time of 26.27mins.With athletes from Eryri Harriers claiming 2nd and 3rd spots, Tom Roberts of Dolgellau became the 2nd Meirionnydd finisher, 4th overall in a time of 29.00mins. Dylan Jones of Aberdyfi led home an impressive turn-out from Bro Dysynni A.C., claiming a 5th placed finish in a time of 29.29mins with club colleagues Dewi Roberts of Blaenau Ffestiniog & Tom Jones of Aberdyfi finishing in 6th and 7th places in respective times of 29.40mins & 32.05mins.

The 1st Female finisher at the event was Kat Spinney, the Eryri Harrier' home in 33.29mins, a little over a minute ahead of Talyllyn athlete Ricky Francis, the 3rd Meirionnydd finisher on the day in a time of 34.17mins. The 1st Junior Boy to finish was James Morgan of Bryncrug, using local knowledge to finish in 35.07mins, a little over a minute ahead of promising Bro Dysynni youngster, Dion Roberts of Blaenau Ffestiniog, home in 36.09mins. Kevin Evans of Brithdir was the next Meirionnydd finisher in a time of 39.14mins with Bro Dysynni's George Richards following, the Tywyn youngster home in 39.57mins. A further quartet of Bro Dysynni athletes followed, namely John Nolan in a time of 41.12mins, Alan Jones of Bryncrug in 41.56mins, Rhian Jones of Aberdyfi in 43.49mins & Yolanda Marconi-Nolan in 46.17mins. Veteran Meirionnydd athlete, Barrie Jackson of Bala, followed in 46.34mins but undoubtedly the largest cheer of the day was reserved for young Alice Bennett of Tywyn, 1st Junior Girl home, in a time of 59.06mins.

The experienced Bro Dysynni partnership of Brenda Jones & Roy Peel have also been in competitive action recently. Their 1st event was the Crychan Forest Trail Race held near Llandovery, with both athletes claiming age category success at the 4.5mile event. Leading home the Llanelltyd duo was Brenda Jones, claiming age category success in the Female Over-60 section in a time of 56.23mins with partner Roy Peel following in a time of 1hr 20.30mins to claim an outstanding victory in the Male Over-70 section.

Following on from her success at Crychan, Brenda Jones was next in action at the 6 mile Ras Yr Hafod Fell Race held in Pontrhydygroes. Once again age category success was achieved, on this occasion in the Female Over-55 age group, victory attained in a time of 1hr 09.09mins.

A.Unwin