Bumper turnout at Conwy’s New Year’s Eve Parkrun

Report by Don Hale. Photos by Steve Jeffery

It was a bumper turnout at the New Year’s Eve parkrun at Conwy despite the rather damp conditions, and a very heavy and waterlogged course.

The event attracted 243 mixed ability runners from various parts of the UK, and debutant Harry Standing was the first finisher in just 18 minutes and 4 seconds, which was just a few seconds ahead of last week’s teenage age cat winner Morgan Kendall aka Bananaman in 18.13 and visiting athlete Jack Cooper (Trafford AC) with a new PB of 18.21.

The first female finisher was Anna Drinkwater (Eryri Harriers) in 19.32, with Amie Bagnall (Cheshire Dragons) 2nd in 19.44, and debutant Anna Burt 3rd in 21.41.

Ten North Wales Road Runners were involved and claimed seven podium placings, including five age cat wins.

Josh Keogh was the club’s first finisher and made a positive return following injury. Josh finished 5th, and he also won his SM30 age cat in 18.56. Steve Mason finished 11th and he also won his MV45 cat in 19.31. Steve was followed by Carla Green, who was the 5th female finisher, and she was another VW50 cat winner in 40th place overall in 22.45.

Cheryl Frost was yet another age cat winner, this time recording 1st place in her VW55 cat, finishing 45th overall in 23.07, with Kay Hatton 50th, and 3rd in her VW55 cat in 23.31. And veteran Rob Fryer enjoyed another good run to finish 70th and 2nd in his MV65 age cat in 25.23.

Gethin Wyn Jones returned to the Conwy Parkrun and finished in 87th place in 26.01, with new club member and master veteran Mark Mason winning his MV70 cat in 120th place overall in 29.07. Sue Smith finished in 139th place in 30.12, and Rachel Morris despite a short break completed her 70th parkrun in 163rd place in 32.30.

Praise was given to the race director and to all the volunteers foe ensuring the event went ahead despite the challenging conditions.

*This is the link to the provisional results from the New Year’s Eve Conwy Parkrun
https://www.parkrun.org.uk/conwy/results/latestresults/

Other race results

*St Alban’s: Stuart Culverhouse ran in the New Year’s Eve parkrun at St Alban’s and finished in 26th place overall and 3rd MV50 in 21.52.
*Dolgellau: Dave Spofforth won his MV40 age cat on the same day in the Dolgellau Parkrun finishing 10th in 21.27.
*Conwy: Karl Morris took part in the annual Mountain Run over the Carneddau trails last week from Conwy to Llanrwst. Although it was not an official race Karl still ran well and finished the challenging course in just over three hours.

Entries open for the Nick Beer 10k race around the Great Orme

Review by Don Hale. Photo by Steve Jeffery

Race organisers Always Aim High have taken over the running control of the annual Nick Beer 10k memorial race from North Wales Road Runners, who have successfully managed this unique event for the past 23 years.

The new race date of Sunday 12th February 2023, with a 12-noon start, has been confirmed for this popular event, but prospective entrants are advised to register their interest as soon as possible.

A statement from the organisers, states: “Always Aim High Events are proud to present a new road running event in our race calendar – the iconic Nick Beer 10k. The event, which is now in its 31st year, has previously controlled by the NWRRC, and we are proud to add this fantastic race to our portfolio under our community events section.

“This is a not-for-profit event which will continue to support local charities as well as the North Wales Road Runners Club. The 2023 race will support Shine, St David’s Hospice, Ty Gobaith, and St John’s Ambulance.”

The route: The 10k race starts on Llandudno’s North Shore promenade opposite the Imperial Hotel and continues past the iconic pier and onto the Great Orme. Runners will then have the chance to enjoy some spectacular sea views and towering cliffs.
At the far end of the Great Orme is the ‘Rest and Be Thankful’ cafe, which marks the fact you’re close to the halfway point. No time to rest though because there is a wonderful descent just ahead! You’ll flow down the road towards West Shore and will soon see the historic Conwy Castle in the distance before completing a near 5k run back towards Conwy and the welcome finish line.

*This is a link to the race entries:
https://alwaysaimhighevents.com/events/nickbeer10k