News Report 21st June 2009

A healthy contingent of 10 locally based athletes headed south recently for the Friday evening running of Newtown Carnival 5k, the race also being the 3rd of the 5 events which constitute the Maldwyn Harriers Road Race Series of 2009.

The first of the ten home, in 10th place overall was Aberdyfi-based Dylan Jones, home in an excellent time of 19.19mins. There then followed a block of three athletes representing Meirionnydd Running Club, who, in turn, were followed by a block of six athletes representing Bro Dysynni A.C.

The Meirionnydd trio were led home by Brithdir-based Ifan Richards in a time of 19.47mins, a mere three seconds ahead of club-mate, Adam Preston of Dolgellau, following in 19.50mins. The trio were completed by another Dolgellau-based athlete, as Dave Seabourne crossed the finishing line in a time of 21.40mins, claiming age category victory within the Male Over-55 section in the process.

The Dysynni contingent were led home by Brenda Jones of Llanelltyd, her time of 25.40mins also claiming age category success, this time within the Female Over-65 category. Next home was Malcolm Taylor of Criccieth in 26.59mins, a mere 8 seconds ahead of club-mate, Huw Harrison of Fairbourne, delighted with his finishing time of 27.07mins. Harlech-based, Andy Unwin followed, beaming as he crossed the finishing line in a time of 30.55mins, whilst Marj Griffiths of Aberystwyth followed in 31.52mins. The contingent were completed by the ever-green Sheila Symonds of Dolgellau, as a time of 38.39mins ensured success within the Female Over-75 category.

Elsewhere, a team of 5 Meirionnydd Running Club members were also in action recently at Ras Moel Hebog, a 4 mile fell race, incorporating 2,400 feet of climbing, based in and around Beddgelert. Leading home the local contingent was Mark Atherton, the Llan Ffestiniog-based athlete claiming an overall 9th placed finish in a time of 59.08mins. There then followed a trio of Dolgellau-based athletes as Nich Bradley, John Smith and Juliet Edwards completed the event in respective times of 1hr 16.50mins, 1hr 17.08mins & 1hr 17.17mins, the latter also having the added satisfaction of 2nd place within the Female Over-40 category. The Meirionnydd contingent were completed by Kevin Evans of Brithdir, home in a finishing time of 1hr 19.36mins.

There was also an excellent performance in the affiliated junior race, as Aron Roberts of Blaenau Ffestiniog claimed runners-up spot in the Under-12's event, completing the 2 mile course which included 735 feet of climbing in a competitive time of 20.31mins.

There is further local action this coming Saturday lunchtime (27th) as Ganllwyd will play host to the Tyn-Y-Groes Hill Race. The short, sharp event which measures 2.1 miles in distance and includes 700 feet of climbing is due off at 12.00 Noon, with race registration (entries accepted on the day) being at the Tyn-Y-Groes Hotel. Further details regarding the event are available on www.brodysynniac.com

Juliet Edwards of Dolgellau on her way to a fine runners-up within the Female Over-40 category at the recent Ras Moel Hebog in Beddgelert.

More pics of local runners on Moel Hebog on www.wfra.org.uk

A.Unwin