News Report 31st December 1999

Five Bro Dysynni athletes have returned home after a fortnight's running on the Caribbean island of Barbados. Competing in early morning temperatures of over 80 degrees, Andy Unwin, Marian Evans, Colin Evans, Adrian Bailey and Nigel Evans competed in the 10k and marathon events against excellent fields which included international from both the South and North American continents.

In the 10k road race, Barmouth's Adrian Bailey finished a creditable 15th in 34.00mins. Team mate, Marian Evans took on the ladies event in a time of 1hr 13.13mins. Said Marian, who lives in Dolgellau: "The heat was tremendous, we actually started to prepare for the races at 4.00a.m., it was so hot."

Taking on the 26.2 mile marathon across the island were Nigel Evans, who finished in just over 4 hours with brother Colin 2 minutes behind him. Andy Unwin came home in 4hrs 59mins.

Shorlty before Christmas, two athletes from Bro Dysynni crossed the English Channel into Belgium, to take part in the Brussels Eurocross 10k Challenge. In a field of around 1,000, Adrian Bailey came home in an excellent 7th place in a time of 32.25mins, whilst newly-crowned Meirionnydd Sports Person of the Year, Paula Jeffs, was once again amongst the medals, as the was 3rd female home in a creditable time of 39.40mins.

On Boxing Day, two club members ventured up to a muddy, waterlogged Chester to take part in the 4.8 mile race around the racecourse and the city walls.

First home for Dysynni was Colin Evans in a time of 31.30mins, followed home shortly afterwards by Andy Unwin in a time of 34.17mins.

The next race on the calendar is on New Year's Day for the annual running of the Denbigh to Ruthin 10k race.

A.Unwin