News Report 23rd July 2006

Hot Summer conditions have made for tough conditions recently for local athletes who have been in action at a total of 7 different locations.

The most local of the 7 races was the Moelfre Fell Race in Llanbedr, this year being shortened to a 7 mile event by starting and finishing within the host village. The race, which included 1,900 feet of climbing, was won by a familiar figure as Steve Gilliland of Tywyn continued his fabulous recent form by finishing in 1hr 07.10mins. Hot on the heels of the Dysynni athlete was Adam Haynes of Meirionnydd Running Club, home in 1hr 13.38mins whilst another Bro Dysynni athlete made up the podium as Dewi Roberts of Blaenau Ffestiniog completed the event in 1hr 21.04mins. Other notable local performances came from Walter Marsh of Tywyn, home in 1hr 25.17mins, just ahead of the first female finisher, namely Amanda Wilde who finished in 1hr 25.52mins. Next local finisher was Tony Hodgson of Llanelltyd in 1hr 27.13mins with Cedri Williams being the first finisher from the host village as he came home in 1hr 29.11mins. Another local finisher was Ron Barnard in 1hr 32.41mins with Andrea Goode of Arthog following as 3rd female finisher in 1hr 33.01mins. In the battle of the Dolgellau GP's, Nich Bradley claimed a narrow victory over Juliet Edwards in respective times of 1hr 36.18mins and 1hr 39.47mins whilst Bob Chilton of Hermon followed in 1hr 40.06mins. Also finishing well in hot, humid conditions were Andy Sanderson of Llanbedr in 1hr 42.29mins and Rob Newing of Harlech in 1hr 45.01mins.

A further 8 athletes were in recent action, albeit over a much shorter distance as they ventured to Powys for the Newtown BBQ 5k road race. On this occasion, the local contingent were led home by Dewi Roberts, who preceded his fine Moelfre performance by completing the Newtown event in 17.48mins. Next local finisher was Bro Dysynni colleague Jos Jones of Tywyn, home in 19.25mins whilst another Tywyn athlete followed as Richard Griffiths belied his veteran status by finishing in 21.50mins. Brenda Jones of Llanelltyd claimed victory in the female over-65 category in 25.10mins whilst Kate Williams of Aberdyfi followed in 26.15mins. Three Bro Dysynni stalwarts completed the impressive local turnout as Marj Griffiths finished in 29.41mins whilst Eirlys Griffiths of Tywyn and Helen Williams of Aberdyfi crossed the finishing line together in 35.06mins.

A further 6 athletes took to the mountains last Saturday as they formed part of the large field who congregated in Llanberis to run the 10 miles and climb 3,300 feet in the 30th running of Ras Yr Wyddfa. A quality field of the best of British fell runners ensured a highly competitive race which saw Steve Gilliland running as part of the Wales 'B' team being the first local finisher as a time of 1hr 19.25mins claimed an excellent 33rd place finish. Another Bro Dysynni athlete also excelled as Owen Rees claimed 60th position in 1hr 26.01mins whilst team mate Jos Jones was more than happy with his finishing time of 1hr 38.07mins. Two Meirionnydd Running Club athletes followed as Tony Hodgson led home Iori Jones of Dolgellau in times of 1hr 41.37mins and 1hr 59.18mins whilst Bro Dysynni's Bob Chilton completed the local turnout, finishing in 2hrs 01.39mins.

At the recent Ellesmere 10k road race in Shropshire, a Bro Dysynni trio of Nigel Evans of Dolgellau, Barrie Jackson of Bala and Marit Evans of Dolgellau claimed respective finishing times of 48.17mins, 59.40mins and 60.02mins whilst the Bala based athlete made a return visit to Shropshire last weekend to finish the Packwood 5 mile road race in 41.22mins to claim his second consecutive runners up spot in the male over-65 category.

To complete an extremely busy period, Dysynni athlete Steve Gilliland claimed overall victory at the Tan Y Fan fell race held in Rowen in the Conwy Valley in a time of 1hr 10.14mins whilst Andrea Goode of Arthog was the 2nd female finisher, in a time of 1hr 42.00mins, at the 9.5mile Moel Y Gamelyn fell race held within the Horseshoe Pass in Llangollen in a race which included a treacherous 2,380 feet of climbing.

This Saturday afternoon, Dolgellau will host the North Wales 5 Mile Road Running Championships in a race which is recognised as one of the fastest 5 mile races held within the Principality. The championship race is due off at at 1.30pm and will be preceded by a 'Fun Run' at 12.30pm. Further details relating to event, which will accept entries on the day, are available at www.run-meirionnydd.co.uk.

A.Unwin