News Report 29th July 2007

Ideal running conditions greeted the 90 competitors who gathered in Dolgellau last Saturday afternoon to take part in the 6th running of the Dolgellau 5 Mile Race. The conditions were of undoubted benefit to the competitors as no less than five age category records were broken on the day.

The first of these to fall was the male over-45 record as Bro Dysynni athlete, Steve Gilliland of Tywyn, stormed to overall race victory as well as age category record success as he crossed the finishing line in a terrific time of 26.03mins, a mere 1 second ahead of race runner-up, Paul Dodsworth (Warrington AC). The next two local competitors could not be seperated as Oliver Gallop of Dolgellau became the first Meirionnydd Running Club finisher, as well as first junior male home, as he crossed the line alongside Dewi Roberts of Blaenau Ffestiniog, both athletes finishing in 28.54mins. Following in behind these two was overall female race victor, Helen Whitby (Vale Royal), home in 31.11mins. Tom Roberts of Dolgellau followed in 33.21mins with Paula Tunnadine of Barmouth making an all-to-rare race appearance as she was victorious in the female over-40 category in 33.23mins. Amongst the other local finishers affiliated to either Bro Dysynni A.C. or Meirionnydd Running Club were Pete Nicholls of Fairbourne in 33.30mins, Kevin Evans of Brithdir in 34.30mins, Frankie Vaughan of Dolgellau in 34.38mins, Nich Bradley of Dolgellau in 35.33mins, Barrie Jackson of Bala in 36.52mins, Alison Price of Fairbourne in 36.59mins, Bob Chilton of Hermon in 37.35mins, Malcolm Taylor of Criccieth in 37.58mins, Sheila Jones of Pwllheli in 38.23mins, Margaret Roberts of Dolgellau in 41.12mins, Marj Griifiths of Aberystwyth in 44.21mins (1st female over-60), Sioned Mair Jones of Dolgellau in 44.43mins, Jean Napier of Tywyn in 46.27mins (1st female over-55), Tracey Evans of Brithdir in 46.40mins, Sharon Wells of Dyffryn Ardudwy and Christine Stevens of Barmouth, both home in 54.00mins, Sheila Symonds of Dolgellau in 54.03mins (1st female over-70 as well as setting new age group category record), Joy Parkinson of Dolgellau celebrating her birthday in 57.11mins and Simon Cook of Dolgellau in 61.10mins.

Alongside the senior race, the fun run continues to grow in popularity with the youngsters producing some excellent performances in their event. Leading home the fun runners was 9 year old Danny Evans of Brithdir in 3.56mins, with Dion Roberts of Blaenau Ffestiniog hot on his heels in 4.04mins. The girls race was won by 11 year old Sanant Evans of Bala in 4.26mins with 10 year old Cara Evans of Brithdir following in 4.51mins.

The race organisers expressed their deep gratitude to the many who had helped in making the race an ongoing success, paying particular thanks to the main race sponsor, Nigel Evans (Plasterer of Distinction) of Dolgellau, and to the Dolgellau Rugby Club for all their assistance.

There is further local action this evening (Thursday) as Abergynolwyn will host the Hendre Wallog race. The mainly off-road event is due to start at 6.30pm from the Community Centre across from the Railway Inn. Registration will be at the Community Centre, further details available on www.brodysynniac.co.uk.

A.Unwin