Hundreds of festive runners enjoy 5k charity Santa Dash on Llandudno promenade

Report by Don Hale. Photos by Steve Jeffery

https://donhaleblog.blogspot.com

Hundreds of runners, including many families, and even their pet dogs, took part in the popular 5k Santa Dash on Llandudno Promenade last Saturday morning (December 2).

The event helped raise generous funds for St David’s Hospice, and other local charities, despite the freezing temperatures.

With the early morning Conwy Parkrun cancelled the previous evening because of the icy and potentially dangerous conditions on the RSPB course, the fun-run Dash probably attracted a number of extra charity participants, who enjoyed the friendly atmosphere and the festivities, and were kept toasty-warm after wearing their colourful Santa suits.

Five North Wales Road Runners joined in with the festive fun and although it’s not a competitive or timed race, they all ran well and revelled in the unique atmosphere of this annual event.

The team comprised Paul Aubert, Hannah Griffith, Helen Hannam, Gwennan Charlton and Rachel Morris.

Runners collected their special suits at the registration point as part of the entry fee before walking, jogging, or running along an interesting route, which included travelling up and down the pier, before heading out towards the paddling pool at the far end of the prom, and then back to the start.

Many entrants also collected welcome sponsorship towards St David’s Hospice and other local charities, and every finisher received a special commemorative medal.

Road Running trio on their parkrun travels

Three North Wales Road Runners went on their travels last Saturday to enjoy a couple of parkruns at different venues due to the early cancellation notice at Conwy.

Steve Mason performed well on his debut at the Alexandra Parkrun in Moss Side, Manchester, and he finished 23rd despite a fast time of 19 minutes and 38 seconds. Meanwhile, Will Williams and Richard Scamans both ran in the Penrhyn Castle Parkrun, where Will won his VM50 age cat, finishing 8th overall in 18.50, with Richard 35th in 23.54.

After his run, Williams admitted: “Not feeling it this morning and didn’t give it my full effort. No races for few weeks, so didn’t really have the motivation to go to the pain cave, but still a decent threshold effort.”

NWRRC Christmas Handicap Race and Buffet

North Wales Road Runners will be staging their Christmas Handicap race on Sunday 17th December with a special festive buffet arranged afterwards, plus a chance to win an entry in the London Marathon!

This unique 4-mile annual festive Handicap for NWRRC members, starts on the West Shore promenade with runners travelling up to the old WW2 gun sites and back. Registration will be in the car park at West Shore at 10.30 am, for an 11 am start. The later buffet will be at the RAOB club on Madoc Street at 1 pm.

The draw for a place in next year’s London Marathon will also be made on the same day. And to be included in the draw, club members will need to provide their rejection email.

If anyone is unable to attend, they will need to send confirmation of their rejection email to a committee member to be included in the draw. The draw is open to all members who have been in the club for at least one year and, not have run the London Marathon before.

Green light for Arthur Bebbington Twin Piers 10k race

Report by Don Hale

The revised Arthur Bebbington Twin Piers 10k will now be staged on Saturday 13th January 2024, following an absence of a few years due to delayed construction work to the promenade, and essential flood defence work at Rhos-on-Sea and Colwyn Bay.

Event organiser Russell Godwin from Colwyn Bay AC was delighted to finally receive the green light from Conwy CBC to revive this ever-popular local race after so many previous setbacks, and he confirmed: “We have now been assured that works will be completed, which is why have had to leave it so late to advise everyone. We appreciate your assistance to help promote the race.”

He also outlined the decision to rename this important race, adding: “The race has been renamed following the sad passing away of Arthur Bebbington on 16th February 2021, aged 80 years.

“Our club was founded in the in the early 1970’s with Arthur being one of the main protagonists who led our club from strength to strength in the 80’s & 90’s.

“During Arthur’s leadership, the club had many athletes that represented North Wales and Wales and won many Welsh League and Cheshire League titles and even got a team to the semi-finals of the British League.

“Arthur’s life was dominated by athletics from track disciplines to cross country and road running where he was involved for many years in the organisation of the club’s own race Twin Piers 10k which started in 1979 and has continued to be successful to date.

“His retirement in 2002 was to leave a legacy of one of the most established, respected and hugely successful clubs within Welsh Athletics.”

Course: The race starts from the Cenotaph on Llandudno promenade by the Pier heading along the promenade before going up the hill and down into Penrhyn Bay. Here competitors will be kept on the pavement at the roundabout and directed along the main pavement past the filling station and junction heading slightly downhill before joining the promenade. The race will continue along the promenade through Rhos on Sea passing the Pier and Porth Eirias to the finish line. *Please note: Toilet facilities are only available at Llandudno Swimming Pool.
Transport to the start: Transport has been arranged for those who have requested it, leaving the race headquarters at Studio 2, Colwyn Leisure Centre, Eirias Park, Colwyn Bay at 12.15pm sharp. The race starts from outside the cenotaph on Llandudno promenade at 1pm exactly.
It has been noted on your entry form that you have indicated that you do/do not wish to use the transport provided. The number of buses ordered is dependent on the numbers that have indicated beforehand that transport is required. Please note there is a £4 charge for the bus and can only be used if pre booked.
Baggage: Facilities are provided to transport baggage from the start, for collection at the finish area on Colwyn Bay Promenade. Please look out for Grand Prix Express liveried vehicle at both start and finish area. Bags will be provided from race headquarters; please collect prior to bus departure.
*A special ‘Fun Run’ will take place at 11am from Colwyn Bay Promenade, starting and finishing at the 10k finish. It is an out and back course which heads 1500m west along the promenade to a turn point on the promenade. Runners must be at least 9 years of age to take part. Results will be available, free of charge, at the race headquarters as soon after the last runner finishes.
The Tom Watson Memorial Trophy: Tom Watson was a proud member of Colwyn Bay Athletic Club who sadly passed away on 5th March 2012 after an 18-month struggle with Leukaemia aged 30 years. Tom was a big part of the club, enjoyed life to the full and was very well-liked by all who came into contact with him. In order to commemorate Tom, CBAC are hosting a team challenge for the competitors. A special award will be donated to the combined winning Men’s and Women’s team from the Watson Family. Furthermore, CBAC will donate £1 of each entry fee to Tom’s chosen charity, Hope House Children’s Hospice – Charity No 1003859.
*For race entries please us this link: https://colwynbayac.niftyentries.com/Arthur-Bebbington-Twin-Piers-10k-2024