Race certificate boost for Nick Beer 10k following lifting of outdoor sports restrictions in Wales

Report by Don Hale. Most photographs by Steve Jeffery.

The popular Nick Beer 10k road race re-scheduled for Sunday July 18th received a welcome boost this week, when the Welsh Government finally lifted a number of Covid-19 restrictions, to allow more people to both attend and compete in outdoor sports events.

The decision has also led to Welsh Athletics granting a precious race certificate to the organisers North Wales Road Runners.

Race directors, John and Kay Hatton, say that in view of this welcome boost, they are NOW very confident this year’s event will go ahead as planned with a ‘live’ run starting and finishing on Llandudno promenade.

Entries remain open for this major race which always attracts hundreds of runners from across the UK, and beyond, to enjoy the scenic splendours of a challenging course around the Great Orme.

Starting and finishing opposite the Imperial Hotel at the REVISED STARTING TIME OF 10 am.

This will be the 29th annual run to help commemorate the life of a well-known former local athlete, Nick Beer, who sadly passed away in 1992, aged just 27, after eventually losing his battle with hydrocephalus.

Race officials John and Kay, who have supervised this event for over 20 years, have therefore re-started promoting the race following the easing of Welsh Government sports restrictions.

John also explained that athletes will be able to collect the second part of a unique three-medal set on completing this exciting 10k run, with an option to secure the third and final medal next year for the 30th anniversary.

In addition, he provided some interesting background and origin of this well-known 10k memorial race and explained: “Nick Beer joined NWRRC from Colwyn Bay AC, and his smile soon made lots of friends. He was there at every race. He tried and tried until his improvements staggered us all, and you could always rely on that smile at the finishing post.

“We all need occasional laughter to make us feel good, and Nick provided that in abundance. His presence was welcome, pervasive, selflessly giving, and never asking the price. Nick was living with hydrocephalus and passed away after finishing the Lake Vyrnwy half-marathon race in September 1992.

“Maybe when we run his race each year, it will remind us of the importance and positive results that trying hard and participating can bring. Nick Beer was a true son of the sporting ethic, who left us with a wealth of fond memories, and a legacy of inspiration.“

*Entries are still open for this spectacular Nick Beer 10k Memorial Road race on Sunday 18th July 2021, with a REVISED STARTING TIME OF 10am. Entry details and further information, including the exact location of the race are available online: https://secure.onreg.com/onreg2/front/step1.php?id=4963

*The cost of entry is £15 affiliated, and £17 non-affiliated. On the day it will be £16 affiliated and £18 non-affiliated. If you enter after midnight on Thursday July 8th, you will need to collect your number on race day from one of the gazebo/tents on Llandudno promenade between 8.30 and 9.30.

*Online entries will close at midnight on Thursday 15th July. THERE WILL BE NO ENTRIES ON THE DAY.

Conwy County Council are also supporting the event.

*Contacts: E-mail: kaysahatton@gmail.com *Internet: http://www.nwrrc.co.uk