Tyn-y-Groes Hill Race 24th June 2006

The Tyn-y-Groes Hill Race is an old race recorded in the registration book of the Tyn-y-Groes Hotel Ganllwyd with the oldest record dating from 1925. It was a dash from the hotel across the river Mawddach , up to the summit of Mynydd Penrhos and back again but for safety reasons the new route is now circular and avoids the main road and river crossing but does take in the magnificient views from the ridge. Before its revival it was last run in 1987.

The second summer running of the revived race took place in warm,dry almost windless conditions with 29 runners starting from the Tyn-y-Groes Picnic area. They were led from start to finish by Steve Gilliland the previous years winner who completed the 2.1 mile course with 700 ft of ascent in 17.00 minutes improving on his previous years time of 17:37. Second place went to Pez Bullen of Wakefield in 18:41 with Graeme Stringer of Meirionnydd Running Club putting in an astonishing comeback performance to claim a career best 3rd place in 20:36. First place lady repeating her previous years success and 4th overall was Andrea Goode of Meirionnydd Running Club in 21: 57

The international runners cup went to Linos Kizala from Lithuania who took 5th place.

The whole event was broadcast live by Radio Wales including interviews with the winner, various runners and local characters. A large crowd turned out to cheer on the runners and as usual both winners and the two fastest locals have their details permanently entered into the old Hotel registration book by the stunning caligraphy of local artist and runner Sue Nicholls.

Traditionally the race was also run on Boxing Day and that was also true of the revived race with an excellent turnout of 30 last December.

For all those wishing to "freshen" up this coming Boxing Day at 12.00 noon look out for details on www.brodysynniac.co.uk or just turn up at the Hotel.

In the words of Phil Steele of Radio Wales there will be plenty of "liquid replenishment".

R.A.Chilton