Top podium places for Kay and Rob at Anglesey 10 Trail Race

Report by Don Hale

https://donhaleblog.blogspot.com

A quartet of North Wales Road Runners competed in the challenging Altra Anglesey 10k trail race last Sunday morning at Newborough with two members winning their respective age categories amongst more than 200 entrants.

Philip Moss narrowly missed out on a podium place after finishing 4th in his M60 cat despite a good run in 40th place in 55.45, but both Kay Hatton and Rob Fryer were worthy winners.

Veteran Kay won her F60 cat with another excellent display in 57th place overall, and was 11th female, in 59.26, whilst master vet Rob claimed a notable victory in his M70 in 61.24 in 69th place, but unfortunately Carol Moss didn’t finish.

Set in the beautiful surroundings of Newborough Forest, and well organised by Always Aim High, the course took athletes through the trees onto the stunning Llanddwyn Island, and onwards to beautiful winding woodland trails, which once hosted the Commonwealth Mountain and Ultra Distance Running Championships.

It also offered glimpses of the Llyn Peninsula, and the mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia) amongst other incredible views. In addition, the route utilised loads of single-track forest trails, quiet forest views and sandy trails.

*The 10k race was won by Steffan Sayer (Menai Track & Field), 1st M40 in 40.38, Rich Ryan (Nantwich RC) 2nd in 41.40, and Cai Llewellyn Williams claimed the 3rd place in 42.08. *The first female finisher was Olivia Bramwell (Ellesmere Port), in 47.51.

URGENT APPEAL TO HELP SAVE MENAI TRACK AND FIELD CLUB
Report by Don Hale

Georgina Seguin from Menai Track and Field is urgently appealing for support from the North Wales community to help save the club from folding.

She confirmed this week: “Menai Track & Field is a successful NW athletics club with over 170 juniors and 20 seniors, but unfortunately due to lack of volunteers the future of the club is uncertain. We need to fill key committee roles within the club including chair, treasurer, secretary, plus a number of other roles.

“Without these roles the club cannot run. If anyone is interested in becoming involved with the club, whether it be on an advisory basis, or as chair, please reach out to me.

“We are looking for any ideas and suggestions about how we can run going forwards and are open to any potential opportunities including partnerships with other clubs etc. Many thanks.”

Bernie Jones, secretary of the NW Cross-Country League added: “Clearly our sport needs help to survive. Menai have a great club developing many good youngsters. Without people stepping in, this club will fold. Menai needs your help. If you can help in any way, please do.”

*If anyone can help with support and/or ideas they can contact Georgina via Facebook messenger.

Cross Country championships

Entries are now open for the North Wales Cross Country Championships, which will take place at Treborth Track, Bangor on SATURDAY 4th JANUARY 2025. 
ONLINE ENTRIES VIA: www.entrycentral.com/NorthWalesCCChamps
Entry Fees – Under 11, 13, 15, – £6.00; All Others £10.00 ALL NUMBERS TO BE COLLECTED ON THE DAY. Closing date for online entries: Monday 30th December 2024. Entries on the day accepted provided space allows
Entry enquiries to Dave Peters, Brynmawr Bungalow, Kerry, Newtown, Powys SY16 4NQ
Tel: 01686 630344 / 07967 766754 or by e mail to jillanddave70@gmail.com

Hot pace and PB’s despite a cool morning at Conwy Parkrun

Report by Don Hale

https://donhaleblog.blogspot.com

It was a cool, dry and crisp day at Conwy Parkrun last Saturday morning, November 9, yet several elite runners set a hot pace right from the start and their efforts encouraged many of the 300 plus other club and social runners to record some excellent personal best times.

Jonathan Kettle from North Wales Road Runners just missed out on a top three placing, but he was pleased with 4th and won his VM50 cat in a very competitive section with a fine run in 18.43.

He led home a strong team of 14 members with Will Williams claiming 7th place in 19.32, and 2nd VM50.

Stuart Culverhouse had another consistent performance in 12th place in 20.16, with Steve Mason 52nd in 23.23, whilst master vet Rob Fryer enjoyed a superb run in 96th place and he won his VM70 age cat with his best time since July last year in 25.50.

Daniel Owens ran with his able guide Mark Jessett and took118th place in 26.42, with Mark just one place and one second behind.

Master vet Don Hale had a steady recovery run in 129th place in 27.14, and was 2nd VM70, and Daniel Hennell and Nia Lister ran together with Daniel 140th in 28.34, with Nia one place and second adrift.

It was good to note the rapid progress of Elizabeth Driscoll, with another determined run in 190th place in 31.01, her best time since last June, and a further minute plus improvement from last week.

Karl Morris was 248th in 35.06, and Mark Davies finished in 250th place, despite a fall, in 35.12, but still recorded his second-best parkrun time, whilst Gwen Charlton ran with her children in 258th place in 35.53.

*The first runner back at Conwy was SM18-19 athlete Cai Curtis-Roberts in 17.25, with young Alfie Shiland (Colwyn Bay AC) in hot pursuit in 2nd place, and he won his JM15-17 age cat with a new PB of 17.31, whilst Aled Hughes (GOG Triathlon) was 3rd in 17.44.
*The first female finisher was SW25 athlete Anna Drinkwater (Eryri Harriers), (5th overall), in 18.43, and VW40 Vicky Cole (GOG Triathlon) was 2nd (20th overall), with a new PB in 21.07, with Ellie Evans (Cybi Striders) 3rd female (35th overall), also with a PB in 22.19. There were 319 finishers in total.
*This is the link to the provisional results from Conwy Parkrun. Praise was given to the run director Gwyn Williams and to all the volunteers and marshals.
https://www.parkrun.org.uk/conwy/results/latestresults/