North Wales athletes tackle iconic Marathon Eryri on its 40th anniversary

Report by Don Hale

https://donhaleblog.blogspot.com

Nine North Wales Road Runners were involved with the gruelling challenge of the famous Marathon Eryri last Saturday morning.

The event started and finished at Llanberis in the Snowdonia National Park, and this year celebrated its 40th anniversary.

Run over mountain trails, farm tracks, and tarmac, it’s one of the toughest ever marathons, yet it also included some of the most spectacular scenery in the UK.

The event has twice been voted the Best British Marathon, and the demanding course which encircles Yr Wyddfa – the highest peak in Wales – has served to makes this an iconic event in the running calendar.

Road Runner Steve Bozier was back to his best following some recent injuries and he led home the NWRRC team to finish in 3 hrs 54 mins and 31 seconds.

He was followed by Cheryl Frost, who had a determined run in 4.28.42, whilst Adam Lemalle ran his first ever marathon, clocking 4.31.13.

Steve Roberts, who recently celebrated his 60th birthday also seemed satisfied with his run in 4.38.00, and club chairman Kevin Slattery was also on song in 4.53.50.

Gwen Charlton claimed a new marathon PB 5.19.47, and Rachel Morris put in a gritty and determined performance to finish in 6.59.51.

*There were plaudits too for the race organisers, and all volunteers and marshalls, with additional praise for NWRRC couple Ben and Sarah Ferguson, who bravely acted as race sweepers, and ensured that everyone returned home safely. The couple eventually recorded a time of 7 hours and 14 minutes,

Conwy Dark Run massive success for Hope House and Ty Gobaith

Report by Don Hale. Summary of the event by MC and fundraiser John Hatton

https://donhaleblog.blogspot.com

The ever-popular Conwy Dark Run held last Saturday night proved a massive success with over 400 runners and walkers supporting the event in brilliant weather and raising tens of thousands of pounds for Hope House and Ty Gobaith children’s hospices.

Promotion organiser John Hatton, from North Wales Road Runners and Conwy Parkrun, is an incredible supporter of numerous local charity events and said he was absolutely delighted by the response.

He confirmed: “My role at Penrhyn Castle Dark Run was MC for the evening, with £8.5k raised.  And at Conwy, I help set up the venue, including using parkrun equipment, which I supplied, and I was also the MC for the evening.

“I carry out a lot of promotion via parkrun and at local sports facilities. It’s hard work, but so pleased that it seems to have paid off. Interviewing participants was fascinating, with people from Surrey, Lincoln, and around the Manchester area, who saw the promotion at parkrun whilst on holiday. 

“This is the 3rd year of the event. I also organised marshals from parkrun, and all the volunteers were amazing, offering their services without asking. The event raised a staggering £8.5k, and in fact people who were just passing by were giving me donations as I set-up in the afternoon.

“There are links on the Ty Gobaith website for donating.  On the evening, we had Michelle and Peter with their small child who is severely handicapped. I managed to get them on to the stage to say how Ty Gobaith had been so amazing in supporting their daughter Matilda.

“I also asked them to start the run. That was very moving. Many people said it was a great social evening for a great cause, many having done three at Conwy which started in 2022. The event has fantastic sponsors and supporters. I was tired after parkrun, then the Dark Run, but so-so pleased to support this amazing charity.”

*Many thanks were expressed to the Dark Run event sponsors and supporters. Sponsors included: Event Bright, Capalona, Conwy Town Council, Lanyon Bowdler, Supertemps and Llandudno Lions. Supporters were: Aspire fitness, Kellogg’s, Brakes, Bookers, Gerrards, Haribo, Brandon tool Hire, Orb & Med Aid.
*This the link to Hope House for details of additional sponsorship:
http://www.hopehouse.org.uk

Podium places for Road Runners trio at Porth Eirias 10k race

Report by Don Hale

A trio of Road Runners took part in the Porth Eirias 10k race last Saturday morning and they all gained podium places and some excellent results.

Stuart Culverhouse finished 8th overall in 41.24 and 2nd in his M50 age cat, whilst Carla Green was 1st female finisher (11th overall) and won her F50 age cat in 42.14.

Master veteran Mike Hayton took 99th place and was 1st M70 in 59.42.

After the race, Culverhouse confirmed: “Porth Eirias 10k. Chip time was one second slower than when I last ran this race 5 years ago, but my gun time was three seconds quicker today! 8th overall. Happy with that.”

Lots of half-term visitors and mixed ability athletes at Conwy Parkrun

Report by Don Hale

Conwy Parkrun attracted the usual mix of half-term entrants, visitors and both social and club runners to another sunny but cool morning at the RSPB Nature Reserve.

The Road Runners had a dozen members involved with Jonathan Kettle making a welcome return after a holiday break, and he finished 4th overall and 1st VM50 in just 19 minutes and 10 seconds.

Colleague Will Williams was just one place and 23 seconds behind Kettle in 19.33, and 2nd in the same age cat.

Steve Mason finished 24th in 22.09, Karl Morris 28th in 22.19. Sion Thomas 39th in 23.05, Tony Price-Jones 49th in 23.44, with Daniel Hennell 50th place in 23.45

Master vet Don Hale won his VM70 age cat with his best time since July last year in 96th place in 26.53, and the masters’ trio claimed all three cat places, with Rob Fryer 2nd VM70 in 112th place in 27.47, Mark Mason 3rd VM70 and 150th in 31.01, and Vicky Taylor, back at Conwy after a break, 155th and 4th VW45 in 31.20. Meanwhile, Mark Davies continued his recovery with his 5th consecutive parkrun, taking 243rd in 44.15.

*The first finisher at Conwy parkrun was SM18-19 athlete Cai Curtis-Roberts in 17.22, with VM35 Dave Hughes 2nd with a new PB of 17.32, and SW30 Sara Ismail-Sutton 3rd overall on her course debut in 18.39. Second and 3rd female finishers were SW30 Naomi Sutton (Vegan Runners), on her debut in 20.14, and SW20 Amelia Anderson (Tristars Conwy), with a new PB of 22.09.

*There were 266 finishers. The event also marked the 2nd Your Way, Move Against Cancer gathering and promotion.

Other parkrun results

*Prestatyn: Karen Butler won her FV65 age cat in the Nova Parkrun at Prestatyn with a new PB time of 24.45 in 31st place overall, and the 4th female finisher.
*Penrhyn: Hannah Griffith and Elizabeth Driscoll took on Penrhyn Castle Parkrun. Hannah finished 133rd and 2nd FV50 age cat in 27.43, with Elizabeth 223rd in 37.23.

Oldham: Richard Scamans finished 17th overall and 3rd in his age cat in 23.08 at the Oldham Alexandra Parkrun on Saturday over a very hilly course.