Bro Dysynni News 22nd January 2006 (as submitted to the Cambrian News)

The recent 10k Twin Piers road race which is run between the coastal towns of Llandudno and Colwyn Bay attracted 13 local athletes who formed part of an impressive field of 304 competitors.

The strong field were led home by former Eryri Harriers athlete, Gary Williams, now running for the Menai Track & Field club in a time of 34.01mins. The first local athlete home was Steve Gilliland of Tywyn, claiming 4th place overall as well as 2nd veteran in the male over-40 age category in a time of 34.33mins. Next local finisher was Tony Hodgson of Llanelltyd whose storming sprint up the promenade in Colwyn Bay earned a finishing time of 40.10mins which claimed 3rd place in the male veteran over-55 category. Entering 2006 free from injury is Bob Chilton of Hermon who demonstrated his fitness levels with a fine finish in 44.07mins which just pipped Andrea Goode of Arthog, although she did have the satisfaction of claiming 2nd position in the female over-35 category in a time of 44.24mins. Bro Dysynni veteran John Nolan made a welcome return to road running as he finished in 44.41mins which was enough to finish ahead of another veteran, Malcolm Taylor of Criccieth, who followed home in 45.44mins. Two of the local younger generation of athletes were next to finish as Joseff Lea crossed the line in 49.13mins, marginally ahead of Robert Thomas of Llanelltyd who followed in 49.34mins with Roma Charlwood of Dolgellau a mere 7 seconds behind in 49.31mins. Brenda Jones of Llanelltyd claimed an age category victory in the female over-65 class in 50.44mins, Marit Evans of Dolgellau finished in 52.38mins with Yolanda Marconi-Nolan also claiming age group category victory as she led home the female over-55 section in 55.33mins. The sporting bakers dozen in action were completed by Roy Peel of Llanelltyd showing that age is no barrier to his prowess as, despite being well into his 75th year, he still completed the course well ahead of many of his younger counterparts in a superb time of 1hr 05.53mins.

A trio of Bro Dysynni athletes headed to the Wirral last Sunday morning to form part of major field of over 1500 competitors lining up for the Shell Four Villages Half Marathon based in and around the town of Helsby. The first of the trio home was Gwyn Jones of Pwllheli who completed the course in 1hr 35.58mins. He was followed by Sheila Jones, also of Pwllheli, in 1hr 44.35mins whilst a busy Marit Evans of Dolgellau completed the trio as she finished her first ever half marathon event in 1hr 58.15mins.

This weekend sees the first local race of 2006 with the Tarren Hendre fell race due off at 12.00noon on Saturday. Registration for the 6 mile race which includes 2000 feet of climbing will be at the Railway Inn in Abergynolwyn. The race is also the second in the 3 race Meirionnydd Winter Fell Race Series. Further details of the race which will be accepting entries on the day can be found on www.brodysynniac.co.uk.

Andy Unwin