News Report 20th May 2010

Llanberis was the venue recently for the Moel Eilio Fell Race, considered by many to be one of the classic fell races held within the Principality.

The 2010 version attracted a field of 75 fell runners, eager to tackle the 8 mile course which included an overall 3,200 feet of climbing. Amongst those competing were a quartet of athletes affiliated to Meirionnydd Running Club, and it was one of the four who claimed an overall runners-up spot at the event as Ifan Richards of Brithdir continued his tremendous 2010 by crossing the finishing line in a time of 1hr 09.12mins, a little under a minute behind race winner, Tim Werrett (Mercia), who completed the event in 1hr 08.21mins. There was also a 'one-two' success for Meirionnydd R.C. in the Female Over-40 category as Andrea Goode of Ganllwyd won the section ahead of team-mate, Juliet Edwards of Dolgellau, their respective finishing times being 1hr 32.42mins & 1hr 38.20mins. A mere 9 seconds later, the Meirionnydd quartet was completed as Nich Bradley, also of Dolgellau, crossed the line in 1hr 38.29mins.

A further two Dolgellau-based Meirionnydd R.C. runners were also in action recently, their chosen race being the Shell Chester Half-Marathon. Covering the 13.1 mile distance in a female club record time was Gaenor Smith, home in 1hr 54.38mins, with team-mate, Christine Owen, performing admirably as she crossed the finish line in a time of 2hrs 28.13mins.

Many female athletes, both affiliated & unaffiliated have also been in 5k action recently in a number of Race For Life events held around the area. Each and every athlete in action deserve congratulations for completing their event, in doing so raising much needed funds for Cancer Research UK.

Eldon Square will be a hub of activity this coming Saturday (29th May) as Dolgellau will play host to the 20th running of Ras Y Cader. The main event, The Royal Ship Hotel sponsored Ras Y Gader will start at Eldon Square at 1.00pm. with competitors facing a gruelling 10.5 mile course which includes an overall 2,900 feet of climbing. Preceeding this will be the numerous Y Sospan sponsored Junior Races for a variety of age groups. The first of the junior events is due off at 11.00am. Further details relating to all the activities surrounding the day are available on the race website, www.cader-race.co.uk.

A.Unwin