Kelly and Cai defy weather to finish very tough 20k trail race

Report: Don Hale

Kelly-Marie Alford and her partner Cai Roberts braved a variety of horrific and very challenging weather conditions last Sunday to take part in the tough Brynkinalt 20k trail race as part of the Adrenaline Sporting Events Running Festival.

The pair ran very well together at the event near Wrexham and finished jointly in 28th place in 2 hours 16 minutes 47 seconds.

Kelly was also 8th Lady, but revealed how horrendous the conditions suddenly became with mixed and then severe weather throughout.

She explained: “We ran together. The first lap was so hot, and because it was a trail race we were running through trees, the air was humid and so hard to breathe. Just before finishing the first lap, I said to Cai that I was quitting and doing no more, I was so fed up.

“The second lap though was like a monsoon with thunder and lightning. We were running through thick, sloppy mud. It was definitely an experience – that’s for sure. I won’t be rushing out to get trail shoes any time soon.”

The overall event recorded that 34 endurance athletes finally finished, and the race was won by Andrew Davies 1st in 1.17.09, with 2nd Andrew Birch 1.29.43 and 3rd Sally Ellis in 1.30.28.

*Final results link:
https://results.sporthive.com/events/6817519082066149376/races/2654