News Report 20th May 2007

Whereas the last week or so has been a relatively quiet time for local athletes, there has been local representation at three fell races within North Wales.

Last Saturday afternoon, two local athletes took on the challenge of the Foel Fras Fell Race, a tough 13.5 mile event which included 3,100 feet of climbing, based around the Abergwyngregyn area. Leading the duo home in 7th place out of the 58 athletes who completed the event was Adam Haynes of Rhyd whose time of 1hr 40.08mins ensured the Meirionnydd Running Club athlete led home Bro Dysynni's Steve Gilliland by one place, as the Tywyn based athlete finished in 8th position in a time of 1hr 40.40mins.

The previous week, Gilliland had again been in fell race action, this time in the Llanberis area at the Moel Eilio Fell Race. On this occasion, the race measured 8 miles and included 3,000 feet of climbing, with the Tywyn based athlete crossing the line in 1hr 12.33mins, which claimed an overall 3rd place finish as well as victory in the male over-40 category.

The 14th Peak Tuesday Evening Fell Race Series continued recently with  Ras Moel Y Gest event being the fourth race in the eight race series. A busy Adam Haynes came 4th on this occasion in a time of 34.01mins with Meirionnydd Running Club team-mate, Frankie Vaughan of Dolgellau following in 42.50mins.

This coming Saturday, Eldon Square in Dolgellau will be a hub of activity as the town hosts the 15th running of the Cader Idris Fell Race. With race organisers anticipating a field in the region of 200 athletes as well as numerous youngsters in the various junior events, an exciting days racing is very much anticipated. The various junior races are due to start at 11.00am with the main event due to start from Eldon Square at 2.00pm. Further details relating to the event as well as entry forms for the various races are available on www.cader-race.co.uk.

A.Unwin