Brodysynni A.C.News
Report 28th February 2010

W elsh F ell R unners A ssociation
WFRA

There is a social club meeting/ run on Sunday 21st March 2010, meeting at the car park in Abergynolwyn at 11am. Plan to run ( if you can ) or power walk, or whatever, for about an hour, then retire to the pub for refreshments, and gossip, and announce the various results and awards during 2009. Hope people will make some effort to attend.

BRO DYSYNNI A.C. MEMBERSHIP FEES - 2010
Just a reminder to all club members that membership fees as well as Welsh Athletics fees are now due.
If it is your intention to renew, please could you send relevant fees to Eirlys Griffiths, 12 Sandilands Road, TYWYN, Gwynedd, LL36 9AY.

BRO DYSYNNI MEMBERSHIP FEES

Adults - Ł8.00
Juniors - Ł2.00

A.A.W. FEES

Adults - Ł5.00
Juniors - Ł5.00

Cheques payable to Bro Dysynni A.C. should be sent to Eirlys by 12th March.

The A.A.W. have decided that current paid up members for 2009 do not have to complete a membership form, they just need to send fees to Eirlys along with their club membership fees.

Anyone requiring an A.A.W. membership form to complete should contact Eirlys directly (her phone number and e-mail address are available elswewhere on this site).

A.A.W. have stipulated that even if an athlete only enters one race per annum, they must still be registered.

It is a requirement of Bro Dysynni's affiliation to the national body that the club applies this stipulation.

Eirlys also states that some 2009 fees are still outstanding.

Please make life easier for Eirlys by being pro-active and sending fees to her as soon as possible, it creates additional work for her if she has to go chasing overdue fees!

Handicap Update

I've corrected all the race times at the Nick Beer race to gun times and listed handicap details for Sunday's race. I've also quoted an example as to how the Rhayader race will be 'scored'. Click on Handicap 2010 in menu bar. Malcolm Taylor

Ras Tarren Hendre and local report Results

Kevin Jones of Dolgellau on his way to a 9th placed finish at the Tarren Hendre event. pic by Alastair Tye

Pics from Alastair

The freezing weather conditions did not dampen the enthusiasm of the athletes who gathered in Abergynolwyn last Saturday lunchtime to take on the challenge of the Tarren Hendre Fell Race, a 6 mile event which included a tough 2,000 feet of climbing.

With athletes having travelled from as far as Lancashire and the Midlands to take part in the event, it was left to athletes from within the Principality to dominate, with Eryri Harriers having five athletes placed in the final top 10, with local club, Meirionnydd R.C. having four.

It was left to athletes from Eryri Harriers to claim the respective race winners as Iwan Morton won the male event in a time of 51.55mins with team-mate, Andrea Rowlands, claiming victory in the female section in a time of 1hr 00.56mins.

The large Meirionnydd R.C. contingent were led home by the consistent Ifan Richards of Brithdir, settling for runners up spot on this occasion in a time of 53.46mins. Three Dolgellau based athletes affiliated to Meirionnydd also claimed Top 10 finishes, namely Tomos Roberts, 4th in a time of 55.52mins, Adam Preston, 5th in a time of 56.11mins & Kevin Jones, 9th in a time 57.49mins. Mark Atherton of Llan Ffestiniog was the 5th Meirionnydd finisher in a time of 59.24mins before the Bro Dysynni duo of Dylan & Tom Jones of Aberdyfi followed, Dylan winning the family battle as they finished in respective times of 1.00.08mins & 1hr 02.10mins. Llanelltyd-based athlete, Tony Hodgson was next home, the Meirionnydd R.C. stalwart stepping up his preparations for the London Marathon as he claimed victory in the Male Over-60 category in a time of 1hr 04.34mins.

The 1st of the locally affiliated female athletes followed as Juliet Edwards of Dolgellau crossed the line in a time of 1hr 13.05mins, marginally ahead of John Marsh of Tywyn, the Tarren Hendre athlete utilising local knowledge to finish in a time of 1hr 13.37mins. It was then left to 5 further athletes affiliated to Meirionnydd R.C. to complete the local contingent, Amanda Wilde finishing in 1hr 16.54mins, Alison Price of Fairbourne in 1hr 20.18mins, Nich Bradley of Dolgellau in 1hr 21.10mins, Janet Preston, also of Dolgellau, in 1hr 24.07mins and Ricky Francis in a time of 1hr 28.47mins.

With the race being supported by Forestry Commission (Wales), it was left to their representative on the day, Graeme Stringer (Recreation Ranger) to state 'It is very pleasing to see this event attract an ever growing number of local athletes, as well as a contingent who are willing to travel from much further afield to take part in an event which is now firmly established within the North Wales fell running calendar.'

As ever the race organisers also expressed their gratitude to the Railway Inn in Abergynolwyn for their ongoing support in the event as well as to the large number of volunteers who assisted in raceday running as smoothly as ever.

As you will have read in the last Newsheet the handicap has been abandoned. There is now even less incentive for club members to participate in races. I intend producing a simplified league on a trial basis with handicap times being published in advance and results being issued ASAP after races. My list of addresses is fairly limited so if anyone wants to be added to the list please e.mail me. Similarly, if you do not want to be on the distribution system again please let me know. Please let any friends who do not have an email address know what is happening. No hard copy will be issued.

I have included a list of the 'rules', races and initial handicaps. I hope you will support my attempt to encourage members to go to events, after all we are a running club.
Second race results are now available in the menu bar entitled Handicap 2010 Malcolm Taylor

The nine brave Bro Dysynni athletes who took on the Resolution Run last Sunday morning.

Arctic like conditions greeted the small but hardy group of Bro Dysynni athletes who gathered at Ynysmaengwyn Caravan Park in Tywyn last Sunday morning for their annual Resolution Run.

Tradition dictates that the race is run on the first Sunday of the New Year, with the format differing from the norm, in that runners predict their own finishing times before the race commenced and those who finish closest to their predicted time were declared the race winners.

Competitors were given the option of a 2 or a 4 mile off-road course, with the vast majority choosing the latter. With underfoot conditions treacherous in certain parts of the course, predicting finishing times became somewhat of a lottery, so it was all the more remarkable that one athlete finished a mere 6 seconds off her predicted time. That athlete was Rhian Jones of Aberdyfi, finishing in a time of 36.32mins against her predicted time of 36.38mins. Victorious in the male section was a delighted Huw Harrison of Fairbourne who, despite a marked lack of race preparation, still finished in a time of 39.14mins, 26 seconds off his predicted time. The junior race was won by 13 year old Rhys Roberts of Rhoslefain in a time of 29.49mins, a total of 3.37mins away from his predicted time.

The quickest overall competitor on the day was Dylan Jones of Aberdyfi, finishing in a time of 24.10mins. Other finishing times included that of Tom Jones of Aberdyfi in a time of 27.57mins, Brenda Jones of Llanelltyd in 34.56mins, a beaming Andy Unwin of Harlech in 42.50mins and a pleasing 42.51mins set by John Butler of Tywyn.

Taking on the 2 mile course was Bro Dysynni Club President, Sheila Symonds of Dolgellau, who completed her challenge in a time of 33.44mins.

It was also decided to contribute all funds raised via the event, as well as a generous donation from Bro Dysynni A.C., to the hard working team at South Gwynedd Mountain Rescue.

Tyn-y-Groes Hill Race Results

The pre-Christmas thaw in weather conditions ensured that a healthy field gathered for the annual Boxing Day running of the Tyn-Y-Groes Hill Race held in Ganllwyd last Saturday lunchtime.

Whereas glorious sunshine greeted the competitors, there were still warnings of slippery conditions underfoot in parts of the 2.5 mile challenge which included an overall total of 700 feet of climbing.

Huw Brassington of Ganllwyd battles through the snow on his way to a runners-up spot at the Tyn-Y-Groes event (picture supplied by Alastair Tye)

Ifan Richards crossing the finishing line at the Tyn-Y-Groes Hill Race in a time of 20.11mins (picture supplied by Pete Douglas)

As has become the norm over the course of the year, a large number of athletes from Meirionnydd Running Club were in action on the day, and it was they who dominated the event, claiming the first 4 finishing spots. Claiming overall victory at the end of a most successful 2009 was Ifan Richards of Brithdir, who repeated his success at the Summer running of the Tyn-Y-Groes race, by winning the Winter edition in a time of 20.11mins. Hot on his heels was Huw Brassington of Ganllwyd in a time of 20.59mins with the podium being completed by the Dolgellau pairing of Kevin Jones & Adam Preston crossing the line together in a time of 24.50mins. Eryri Harriers provided the winner of the ladies section of the race as Jenny Hemming crossed the finishing line in a time of 24.55mins. Other performances of note were provided by Gerwyn Roberts of Meirionnydd Running Club, 1st junior home in a time of 28.00mins with fellow junior, Danny Evans of Brithdir, claiming 3rd in the section in a time of 30.51mins. Janet Preston of Dolgellau was the 3rd female finisher overall in a time of 32.21mins whilst Tracey Evans of Brithdir was well satisfied with her finishing time of 39.40mins. Another familiar face to cross the finishing line was that of Sheila Symonds of Dolgellau, recently bestowed as Club President of Bro Dysynni A.C., who finished in a superb time of 59.35mins.

As has become the tradition with this event, entry was by donation only, with all money raised being passed on to charity. On the day, a total of Ł85 was raised, the total being split between the Welsh Air Ambulance & Ukraine Humanitarian Aid.

There is further local action this coming Sunday (3rd) as Bro Dysynni A.C. play host to their annual 'Resolution Run'. The event is due off at 11.00am from the car park at Ynysmaengwyn Caravan Park in Tywyn with competitors having the choice of a 2 or a 4 mile challenge. Further details are available at www.brodysynniac.co.uk

Three of the five Dysynni athletes in action at the recent Aberystwyth 10k, namely Dylan Jones, Richard Griffiths & Marj Griffiths.

RACE CLOCK
The Brodysynni race clock is available for loan to local events.
The clock is stored at R.A.Chilton Ltd Units 15-16, Marian Mawr, Dolgellau LL40 1UU
No charge but it is the reponsibility of the loanee to collect and return the clock within strict agreed time limits. and replace the batteries (8 x AA) if necessary. Clock Fixture List
Contact Bob Chilton on 01341 440611 or 07908366524 or onygena@onetel.com

NEW CLUB PRESIDENT ELECTED
At the recent club AGM, Sheila Symonds was elected as the new Club President to replace the late Dr. Roger Bishton.
Having been an active member of the club since 1987, Sheila has been an inspiration to many not just through her running prowess, but also through her sheer enthusiasm, her willingness to help and encourage fellow runners and also.....through her magical like cake-making abilities, with the familiar biscuit tin being opened at the end of many a race to display produce that a certain Mr. Kipling would be very jealous of!!!
A deserving appointment, we wish Sheila the very best in her tenure as Club President of Bro Dysynni A.C.
FORTHCOMING ATTRACTIONS
As is fast becoming the tradition, there will be two local running events (with the emphasis very much on the fun side of running) held over the Festive Season;
~ Boxing Day, 26th December - Tyn Y Groes Hill Race in Ganllwyd. 12.00 Noon start, registration at the Tyn Y Groes Hotel. Fancy Dress optional!!!! Race measures 2.5 miles and includes 700 feet of climbing.
~ Sunday, 3rd January, 2010 - Resolution Run in Tywyn. 11.00 a..m. start from Ynysmaengwyn Car Park, competitors can choose either the 2 or the 4 mile course. Prize for the competitor who finishes the closest to their predicted finishing time.

Lanzarote 2009

The four local athletes in action at the Lanzarote International Challenge, from left to right, Nich Bradley, Graeme Stringer, Sioned Jones & Margaret Roberts.

A group of local athletes headed to the Canary Island of Lanzarote for the 10th consecutive year recently, their duel intentions being to take a break from the bad weather back home as well as competing at the 21st edition of the Lanzarote International Challenge. The Challenge consisted of 4 running events, namely the 10k Clasica de Lanzarote road race, a 13k off-road ridge run, a 5k beach run, before the final event, the gruelling 21k Vuelta de Tinajo trans-island run. Athletes were entitled to take on the whole challenge or to pick individual races within the challenge. With the vast majority of the travelling party choosing to avoid racing and to relax for the whole of the weeks stay, it was left to four athletes to represent Meirionnydd Running Club, two completing the whole challenge and two taking part in particular races within the challenge.

Completing all four events were Nich Bradley of Dolgellau in an overall time of 4hrs 19.08mins and Sioned Jones of Brithdir in 4hrs 39.50mins, a remarkable 35 minutes quicker than her cumulative time set in 2008.

Margaret Roberts of Dolgellau chose to compete in two of the four events, completing the 10k road race in a time of 57.07mins and the 13k ridge run in a time of 1hr 16.33mins.

Choosing just the 13k ridge run was Graeme Stringer, a Lanzarote stalwart, of Llanelltyd and he completed his chosen event in a time of 1hr 09.16mins.

Rhobell Fawr Results Report

Twin Peaks

The Bro Dysynni 'Famous Five' who were in recent action at the Aberystwyth Twin Peaks event. From left to right are Brenda Jones, Richard Griffiths, Iestyn Richards, Malcolm Taylor & Dylan Jones.

Penmaenpool 10 Sat 3rd October Results

Further details relating to the event can be found at www.run-meirionnydd.co.uk.

Whereas a largely local field gathered recently for the 8th running of the 'Trailworks' sponsored Penmaenpool 10 mile trail race, it was left to an athlete from Shropshire to take the plaudits with a relatively comfortable victory. The athlete in question was Steven France (Shrewsbury A.C.), home in a time of 1hr 00.36mins, on a day where a strong outward bound head-wind made for slower than average times over the demanding course. In the female section of the race, it was left to Aberystwyth A.C. athlete, Phoebe Webster to continue her recent domination in this event, as she repeated her victories in 2006 & 2007 by claiming a 2009 victory in a time of 1hr 06.19mins.

There was an excellent representation of locally affiliated athletes in the final results table, these being led home by Meirionnydd Running Club debutant, Huw Brassington of Ganllwyd, 4th overall in a time of 1hr 02.11mins. His club-mate, Adam Preston of Dolgellau followed, in a time of 1hr 07..54mins, whilst the Bro Dysynni contingent were led home by Tom Jones of Aberdyfi in a time of 1hr 08.12mins. Two further Meirionnydd athletes followed, namely Pete Nicholls of Llanfachreth and Iori Jones of Dolgellau, in respective times of 1hr 13.44mins & 1hr 15.14mins, whereas Richard Griffiths of Tywyn just pipped his long time running rival Tony Hodgson of Llanelltyd, the Dysynni athlete home in 1hr 16.03mins, the Meirionnydd athlete in 1hr 16.06mins. Brithdir-based Kevin Evans was next in, with Meirionnydd club-mate Dave Raybone following in times of 1hr 16.31mins & 1hr 22.24mins, whilst John Tee was the third Bro Dysynni finisher, the Blaenau Ffestiniog based athlete home in 1hr 24.52mins.

Alison Price was the first locally affiliated female to finish as the Fairbourne based Meirionnydd Running Club member came home in 1hr 25.11mins with Barrie Jackson of Bala being the 4th of the 6 Bro Dysynni finishers to complete the course, in a time of 1hr 25.26mins.

A quintet of Meirionnydd Running Club females then followed, namely Jaspa Wynne Williams (Dolgellau) in 1hr 26.45mins, Margaret Roberts (Dolgellau) in 1hr 28.24mins, Janet Preston (Dolgellau) in 1hr 28.27mins, Sioned Jones (Brithdir) in 1hr 32.27mins and Jackie Fowler (Trawsfynydd) in 1hr 33.27mins.

Rhian Jones

To complete an excellent local turn-out, the Bro Dysynni, Aberdyfi-based duo of Rhian Jones and Alison Sayes completed the event in times of 1hr 33.43mins & 1hr 40.09mins.

As ever the race organisers were extremely grateful to the many who helped out on a rather inclement day as well as to the local land owners for their ongoing support in relation to the event.

Dyfi 8

The Bro Dysynni contingent at the Dyfi8.

Race Organiser, Brenda Jones, issues final race instructions to some of the competitors.

Tom Evans (a.k.a. The Old Codger) still going strong and competing at the Dyfi8, the man is an inspiration!!!!!!

Results

Two of Dysynni's finest, Hugo Iffla & Walter Marsh, are pictured in action at the recent Source of the Severn Race held in the Hafren Forest around Llanidloes.
Photos by Alastair Tye

Caernarfon 10k 2009 Results

There was an excellent turn-out for the unveiling of the 'Remembering Doug Morris' bench in the village of Llanddwyn on Saturday, 29th August, 2009.

Amongst those present, and representing Bro Dysynni A.C., were Richard & Eirlys Griffiths along with grand-children, Gwenno & Ellis.

The picture shows the magnificent bench, which is situated nearby to the starting area of the Lake Vyrnwy Marathon, and those who had gathered on the day to remember a colleague who gave so much to his beloved sport of athletics.

The bench will provide a lasting legacy to a man who won the admiration of so, so many.

Warm congratulations to the 16 athletes affiliated to Bro Dysynni A.C. who took part in one of the 'Race The Train' events on Saturday, 15th August, 2009. What was particularly pleasing was the fact 5 of the 16 were aged 13 or under, they will be the future of the club! Congratulations to Walter Marsh who has run every year completing the challenge for the 26th time

Results as follows;
 
RACE THE TRAIN ROTARY CHALLENGE
 
Hugo Iffla      - 2hrs 02.24mins
Walter Marsh    - 2hrs 02.25mins
Mike Palmer     - 2hrs 02.52mins
 
10K QUARRY CHALLENGE
 
Tom Jones                   - 44.52mins (1st Male Over-40)
Dylan Jones                 - 45.04mins
Richard Griffiths           - 52.43mins 
Gavin Griffiths             - 55.33mins
Alan Jones                  - 55.38mins
Yolanda Marconi-Nolan       - 1hr 10.01mins
Marj Griffiths                - 1hr 21.17mins
 
DOLGOCH CHALLENGE
 
Christine Stevens         - 1hr 01.10mins
 
TYNLLWYNHEN CHALLENGE
 
George Richards (11 years old) - 22.14mins
Dewi Pugh          (13 years old) - 22.42mins
Lewis Sayes       (11 years old) - 22.46mins
David Phillips                  - 23.35mins
Aled Phillips       (11 years old) - 23.36mins
Jazmin Vernon   (  9 years old) - 25.55mins

Apologies if any club members have been missed out of the above....there were a lot of names on the results to check through!!!

I should be grateful if you could let your members know about the unveiling of the ‘Remembering Doug Morris’ bench in Llanwddyn, just close to where the half marathon starts. It will take place on Saturday, 29th August at 11:30. It will be an informal affair although I have no doubt that a few words will be said and if any of your members would like to attend (or even say something) they would be most welcome. We look forward to seeing you there.

Thanks and regards Colin Williamson Shropshire Shufflers and Margaret Morris

Ras Hendre Wallog 30th July 2009 Results

There was a strong local turnout last Thursday evening at the 9th running of Ras Hendre Wallog, a 3 mile trail race which formed part of the festivities of the Abergynolwyn Carnival Week.

A close battle developed within the race, with less than a minute seperating the first four finishers. However, a strong descent by Meirionnydd Running Club athlete, Ifan Richards of Brithdir, saw him capture eventual victory in a time of 17.06mins. Hot on his heels was Dewi Roberts of Blaenau Ffestiniog, the Bro Dysynni athlete eventually settling for a 3rd placed finish in a time of 17.43mins whilst the Meirionnydd duo of Mark Atherton (Llan Ffestiniog) & Adam Preston (Dolgellau) completed the top 5 in respective times of 17.58mins & 18.14mins. There then followed a Bro Dysynni family battle with son, Dylan, pipping father Tom Jones, the Aberdyfi based duo home in times of 18.18mins & 19.21mins.

The ladies race was dominated by Andrea Vaughan of Ganllwyd, completing a 'double victory' for Meirionnydd Running Club on the evening, her victorious time being 21.25mins. Gwennan Roberts of Rhoslefain was the 2nd female home, the Bro Dysynni athlete finishing in 27.23mins whilst the Meirionnydd trio of Tracey & Cara Evans of Brithdir and Janet Preston of Dolgellau came in together in 31.48mins to complete the top 5 in the female section of the event.

As ever with Ras Hendre Wallog, the race also attracted a high percentage of youngsters, with 12 year old Rhys Roberts of Llanegryn leading home the junior contingent in a time of 20.58mins with Aaron & Dion Roberts of Blaenau Ffestiniog also putting in strong efforts to finish in respective times of 21.10mins & 22.06mins. There were also excellent races from Huw Williams of Llanllwyda, home in 25.34mins & local boy Steffan Owen, the 10 year old from Abergynolwyn finishing in a time of 26.06mins.

Seven of the eight Bro Dysynni competitors in action at the Dolgellau 5 Mile Road Race (apolgies to Sheila, photographer missed you on this occasion). In finishing order are Dewi Roberts, Barrie Jackson, Malcolm Taylor, John Tee, Sheila Jones, Huge Harrison (proving that black doesn't make you look slimmer!) & Marj Griffiths. Well done to all concerned!

Race Report Results

Four of Dysynni's finest in action at the Caernarfon Race The Train 5k event held on Wednesday, 22nd July, 2009
From left to right, Dewi Roberts (16:08) , Malcolm Taylor (25:50), Huge Harrison (25.59) & Andy Unwin (26.47).



Provisional cross-country league fixture dates for the 2009-10 season have been released and are as follows;
 
NORTH WALES CROSS COUNTRY LEAGUE FIXTURES 2009-10
 
26/09/09 - Colwyn Bay
10/10/09 - Lilleshall
21/11/09 - Bangor
16/01/10 - Wrexham
06/02/10 - Oswestry
 
WELSH INTER-REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
 
13/12/09 -  East Wales
 
NORTH WALES CHAMPIONSHIPS
 
09/01/10 - Northop
 
NORTH WALES JUNIOR CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIP 2009-10
 
26/09/09 - Colwyn Bay
10/10/09 - Northop
31/10/09 - Wrexham
21/11/09 - Bangor

Tyn-y-Groes Hill Race Results report and many pics

July will see three local races being held in addition to those listed on the site race calendar;
~ Thursday, 9th July - Llanystumdwy 5k. Start time not yet available, will be posted on site upon receipt.
~ Thursday, 30th July - Ras Hendre Wallog, Abergynolwyn. Further details available from Eirlys on (01654 711108)

Your webmaster is club member Bob Chilton
If any member of the club has any notices or results or articles they wish placed on this site then please get the information to me by any of the following methods.

Site maintained by Bob Chilton