Two age cat wins for North Wales Road Runners at fast Ruthin Evening 5k

Report by Don Hale

Three North Wales Road Runners took part in the midweek Ruthin 5k evening race last Wednesday and celebrated some excellent times and claimed two age category wins.

In another fast dash, end of season event that attracted 115 elite and top club runners, Richard Eccles was first club man home, finishing sixth overall and first in his MV50 cat in just 18 minutes and 12 seconds.

Husband and wife endurance team Ben and Sarah Ferguson Hudson were also pleased with their performances, with Ben running home in 15th place in 20.17 and 6th in his MV40 cat, whilst Sarah was 35th overall, 6th female runner, and 1st FV40 in just 22.22.

*The 5k race was won by Warren Renkel (Run Free) in 16.59, with David Hinde 2nd in 17.42, and Iwan Evans (Denbigh Harriers) finished 3rd in 18.03.

Conwy and Penrhyn Parkruns cancelled

The Nova Parkrun at Prestatyn was one of only a few local parkrun events to take place last Saturday due to cancellations as a mark of respect, and following the implementation of certain restrictions, at both Conwy and Penrhyn due to the sudden passing of Her Majesty the Queen.

Just two NWRRC members ran the Nova with Stuart Culverhouse and his son Joe Culverhouse recording good efforts. Stuart finished 4th overall out of 117 entrants, and won his MV50 age cat in 20 minutes and 37 seconds. Joe was 31st and 2nd JM11-14.

The event was won by local star James Yarwood (Abergele Harriers – age group 30-34) in 17.27, with junior runner Finlay Potter finishing 2nd, and not surprisingly, he also won his JM10 age cat in an amazing time of 20.22, with Anna Mackenzie (Eryri Harriers) 3rd overall and 1st lady in 20.31.

Race directors from Conwy and Penrhryn both issued statements late on Friday afternoon following the dramatic national announcements, and runners are also advised to check to see if similar late cancellations may additionally affect next Saturday’s parkrun events.

Conwy Parkrun stated: “Sorry for the late notice but as a mark of respect to Her Majesty, The Queen, we’ll be cancelling the Conwy Parkrun on Saturday. As our run runs on Crown land, we feel it only fitting that we should honour the official period of mourning. Thank you for your understanding.”

Penrhyn Parkrun: “Due to the passing of our Queen, Saturday’s parkrun is cancelled. This is at the request of the National Trust on whose land we have permission to operate. Penrhyn Castle remains open, but the NT have asked that no events take place. They will review next weekend’s parkrun during the week.”

Wine and Cheese 10k fun run

Sarah Ferguson Hudson and her friend Emma Vadhesha ran in the Bacchus Wine 10k last weekend at the Denbies Wine Estate in Dorking.

The event was a fun run and welcomed fancy dress entrants. After the dash Sarah admitted: “I found a new respect for fancy dress marathon runners, but we enjoyed wine, cheese, and so many laughs.”

Milton Keynes Marathon training races

Kelly Marie Alford and her partner Cai Roberts competed in two very hot but different Milton Keynes marathon training races last Sunday, as a preparation for the forthcoming London Marathon.

Kelly ran in the 20-mile race and finished in 3 hours and 5 mins, with Cai opting for the 10-mile event and he completed the course in 1 hour and 32 minutes.

Kelly later said: “Last long run before the London Marathon. It was definitely a warm one! Hopefully it will be cooler before I wear the Teletubbie costume around London. So happy with my time too! And plenty of time to donate too!”

Triathlon Marshalls needed

Llandudno Triathlon: Event marshalls are needed for the Llandudno Triathlon on 25 September. Always Aim High are organising this event and are seeking marshals for approximately two-and-half hour shifts. If anyone can spare a couple of hours, please contact John Hatton via facebook or Always Aim High directly.

Special Dark Run with glow-sticks at Conwy for Children’s Hospices

Report by Don Hale

A very special and rather spooky Halloween Dark Run will be held next month at Conwy to help raise both funds and awareness of Ty Gobaith, Hope House, Children’s Hospices.

The event will involve the options of a 5k run, jog, or walk, on the regular Conwy Parkrun course starting and finishing at the RSPB site near Llandudno Junction on Saturday 22 October (6.30pm to 9.30pm), and follows a course along the Cob towards a floodlit Conwy Castle, and then proceeds along the cycle path towards Deganwy before returning to the RSPB centre.

A Ty Gobaith spokesperson explained: “It’s time to glow crazy and take in the delights of the first-ever Conwy Dark Run. You can join in with friends, take your family or do it solo – the choice is yours!
“We can’t wait to see everyone waving their glow sticks in support of seriously ill local children. The run will feature a warm-up and the Dark 5k event will take place amidst music, cheering spectators, and when you finish your Dark Run, you can collect your unique glow-in-the-dark medal and extra special goody bag.

“There is no dress code but if you fancy going all neon or Halloween, we always love the colourful scenes our Dark Run crowds create. Sign up today and you will help ensure we can continue to be there for every child and family who needs us.”

Disco music on the Cob: Event promoter John Hatton added: “The event is to raise money for Ty Gobaith, and to raise awareness of what they do. The Dark run starts at 6:30pm. I’m the MC at the start/finish, and there is also disco music at the far end of the Cob. The RSPB car park will be floodlit, and registration opens at 5.30pm.

“Runners must wear head torches, but other entrants can carry a torch, and all will be given a small glow stick. RAF Valley have also donated large glow sticks for marshal places around the course.”

What you need to know: Registration is £10 per adult and £5 per child (under 16 years). Every child entrant must be accompanied by a participating, paying adult. Up to three accompanying children per adult entry. Everyone must bring a head torch or torch.

We ask every Dark Runner to raise as much as they can to help us to provide care for local children with life-threatening conditions.

*This event is being generously sponsored by: Schneider Electric, Conwy Town Council, Llandudno Lions, Bone & Payne Solicitors, Fletcher & Poole Estate Agents, and Lanyon Bowdler Solicitors.
Location: RSPB Conwy, Llandudno Junction, Conwy, LL31 9XZ.

CONTACT DETAILS:
Ty Gobaith. Fundraising 01492-596581. Support 01492-651900. fundraising@tygobaith.org.uk, care@tygobaith.org.uk
Hope House: Fundraising 0161-671671. Support 01691-671999. fundraising@hopehouse.org.uk, care@hopehouse.org.uk
*This is the link for further details and registrations:
https://www.hopehouse.org.uk/event/conwy?locale=en&fbclid=IwAR3i4D7ZSEwlRt9dvzaIgZBF2Zp_0h75cl0-GU6v3GYnmgEKMIvFPP5-ijQ