Nick Beer 10k proved a huge success for runners and charities

Report by Don Hale

https://donhaleblog.blogspot.com

The 33rd annual Nick Beer Memorial 10k race proved another huge success for event organisers Always Aim High, the 744 finishers, and for a host of local charities, despite the bitterly cold weather and a blustery wind around the Great Orme.

Rhys Jones (Rhedwyr Hebog Runners) led from start to finish around this tough and very challenging course, and he ran home along Llandudno promenade to win in just 33 minutes and 9 seconds, but was pushed all the way by rivals Simon Cole (GOG Triathlon) 2nd in 33.27 and Alex Homei 3rd in 33.36.

It was a close finish too for the ladies, with Tinka Vinks (Eryri Harriers) the 1st female athlete in 39.08, and Emma Alofs (Cybi Striders) 2nd in 39.39, with Lucie Truett (Buckley Runners) 3rd in 40.53.

North Wales Road Runners only entered two members this time as the majority of the club were busy marshalling around the course – thanks to co-ordinator Hannah Griffith – or they supported the race via the lead car, or at both the start and finish, but Rob Haines and Nia Lister both performed well on the day.

Rob finished in 78th place in 43.14 minutes, whilst Nia was 436th with a new PB of 57.14.

Several other local athletes and parkrunners were pleased with their results including Simon Cole (GOG Triathlon), 2nd overall, and winner of his M40 age cat in 33.27, James Yarwood (Wrexham AC), 5th and 4th MSen in 35.01, Stefan Sayer (Menai T&F), 7th and 3rd M40 in 35.21, Nic Brook (Eryri Harriers), 15th and 2nd M50 in 36.20, with Simon’s wife Vicky Cole (GOG Triathlon) 43.09 and 2nd W40 cat, plus Josh Mottram (Colwyn Bay AC), 3rd MU20 in 43.41.

Special mention to Liz Evans (GOG Triathlon), who won her W70-74 age cat in 54.43 and Pam Grant, 3rd W65-69 in 64.40.

Always Aim High confirmed this was a non-profit event with money raised for local worthy charities and in particular for St David’s Hospice and St John’s Ambulance.
Praise was later given to all the marshals and volunteers.

This is a link to the provisional results from the Nick Beer 10k race:
https://my.raceresult.com/324530/results#0_3EF1B7

Back to a cold splash and dash at Conwy Parkrun for visiting athletes

Report by Don Hale

https://donhaleblog.blogspot.com

Conwy Parkrun returned on February 8 following a series of weather-affected postponements, attracting many visiting athletes from across the UK in readiness for the Nick Beer 10k race the following day.

The first two finishers overall were John Gardner and James Jones in this famous 5k splash and dash event through the puddles from the RSPB Nature Reserve, with both men recording new PB times.

VM35 runner John finished in just 19 minutes and 33 seconds, with NWRRC SM30 runner James also celebrating with a new PB of 20.10, whilst visitor Harry Kelly (Sports Feet) was satisfied with a time of 20.50 on his course debut.

North Wales Road Runners entered eight members, with James Jones leading the team home, and he was followed by Steve Bozier, 6th place in 21.23, and 2nd VM45. Paul Aubert finished16th in 22.39, and veteran Steve Roberts was 26th overall and 1st VM60 in 23.29.

Meanwhile, fellow vet, Steve Mason opted for a steady run in 25.05, and master vet Don Hale won his VM70 in 27.18 in 75th place, whilst vet John O’Shea, and super vet Edward Garner, were also in good form with John 131st in 31.07, and Edward 181st in 35.53, and he won his VM75 age cat.

And it was good to note the continual improvement in form for Mark Davies, who recorded a new PB of 31.56 in 140th place.

The first finisher at Conwy Parkrun was VM35 athlete John Gardner with a new PB of 19.33, followed by SM30 James Jones (NWRRC), with a PB of 20.10, and VM55 Harry Kelly (Sports Feet), was 3rd on his debut in 20.50.

First female finisher was SW20 athlete Llio Owens (18th overall), in 21.26, with Liberty Telling 2nd, (33rd overall), in 24.14, and Lizzie Irvine, (GOG Triathlon) was 3rd, (41st overall), in 25.12. There were 220
finishers in total.
*This is a link to the provisional results from Conwy:
https://www.parkrun.org.uk/conwy/results/latestresults/

Other parkrun results

*Widnes: Will Williams ran in the Victoria Park Parkrun at Widnes and was 8th on his course debut and 2nd in his VM50 age cat in 18.42.
*Penrhyn: Vicky Taylor finished in 88th place at the Penrhyn Castle Parkrun in 29.04, and was 3rd VW50.
*Pwllheli: Ben and Sarah Hudson ran along the golden sands at their new local Pwllheli Parkrun, and Ben finished 2nd in his VM45 cat with a new PB of 27.10, whilst Sarah was the tail runner in 22nd place and she the first VW45 athlete in 46.51.
*Luton: Richard Scamans recorded a time of 22.58 at the Luton Parkrun.