Weekly round up 19.11.18

Posted on 19th November 2018 by Dawn Marshall

 

Emma Collins and Menai Baugh run for Wales

As we draw to the end of a fantastic year for them both,  Emma Collins and Menai Baugh represented Wales in the British and Irish International Cross Country Championships in Singleton Park, Swansea on Saturday. Conditions were perfect – glorious sunshine and 9c. The course was 3.6 miles, three laps and hilly with 305ft of ascent but they both really enjoyed the experience of being part of the Welsh Team. Emma was 2nd counter for the VF55 team, 14/19 in her age category in a quality field finishing in 26:54. Menai, part of the Welsh team for the first time, had an excellent run in the open race, holding her position in front of two other Welsh ladies, and finishing in 32:51.

Emma & Menai

Also on Saturday was the Penmaenmawr Fell Race. It’s one of the longest running fell races on the North Wales calendar and is justifiably popular for a winter race. The race had over 170 entries and the six Denbigh Harrier runners had a beautiful clear, if cold, day to run the 10.5 miles of mixed terrain including the infamous bog between the top of Penmaenmawr quarry and Tal y Fan. The route climbs just under 2000’ feet mainly done in the first 2 miles. David Baugh showed consistency running this race in the same time for three years to within 20 seconds. Victoria Whitehead was pleased with her improvement on last years’ time and by beating a couple of rivals. Tony Benton was running this for the first time and loved the race despite taking a tumble. Sioned Griffiths improved her time on last year by over 4 minutes after a great run of form. David Say put in a strong performance despite only just having got back into his running after his epic Lakes in a day race last month. Jon Whitehead enjoyed the perfect running day with splendid views and some great company. Thanks to Katy Baugh and Ted for their support when most needed.

On Sunday, 15 Harriers took to Conwy to race and enjoy the beautiful Conwy Half Marathon. Starting at Conwy Castle and heading out to Llandudno to run the round the challenging Orme before following the road back to Conwy, the race had a great turnout with just shy of 3000 runners completing the course on this it’s 10th year. First home was Shaun Hughes finishing 8th  and 3rd SM in 1:19:47. Next was Philip Hayes 274th 1:35:44 with Mat Jones 466th in 1:42:02 and 6½ mins quicker than his last run here in 2016.

Bob Neale was delighted with his 1015th & 8th VM65 in 1:50:55 especially to be keeping company with Elen Baugh in 1135th and a PB of over 3 minutes in 1:51:26 and Melina Morris in 1145th  and 1:50:37 – not a PB but having never run Conwy before was happy to tick this tough course off her to-d0 list. Also coming in under the 2 hour mark were Hywel Roberts 1181st in 1:57:27 as he starts his training for next year’s London Marathon followed by Ian Jones in 1404th and 1:57:37 with Sali Powell 1587th in 1:59:24 not far behind.

Just over the 2 hour mark and running together were Kath Evans in a season’s best with Hannah McDonnell who got a massive PB by 6 mins in this her 2nd half marathon, both in 2:04:26 and 1843rd and 1844th respectively. Helen Davies and Nicola Field also training for London 2019 had great training runs in  2278th 2:15:41 and  2350th 2:17:29 respectively. Dawn Marshall was 2539th in 2:24:51 and Lisa Dafydd came 2543rd in 2:23:10. Thanks to David, Menai & Katy Baugh and Caroline & Rob Parry for their support!

Conwy half

A good turnout at Parkrun this weekend with Ruth Crowther finishing Conwy in 117th and 33:53. Chris Baldwin was at Nant y Pandy and 15th in 26:54. At Bodelwyddan Castle Glen Price led the Harriers home in 5th and a PB of 19:44. Huw Williams was 6th 20:35. Mark Jones was 25th with a PB of over 1min 30 in 23:56 citing having joined Denbigh Harriers and the club training sessions delivering his improvement. Thanks Mark! Sarah Bayliss was 44th & 7th Lady 27:00 and great to see Tracey Williams racing in 91st & 31st Lady in 33:46.

Last week saw the second Border league race in Upton. The 5 mile course had sections of mud/slurry covered lanes and was pretty messy compared to Wrexham XC the previous day. Three DH’s ran for second claim clubs – Craig Jones finished in 30:11, Vic Belshaw 32:30 & Emma Collins 35:39.

Finally, congratulations to 12 Denbigh Harriers, who in a new club record, have been selected to run for North Wales in the Welsh Inter-regional Cross country Championships in Llandrindod Wells on Saturday 8th December. Glen Price, Vic Belshaw, David Baugh, Ceri Belshaw, Alaw Evans, Katy Baugh, Rhian Pierce, Victoria Whitehead, Ceri Diss, Melina Morris, Emma Collins & Menai Baugh.

 

Results

BMAF British & Irish Masters Cross-Country International Team Race Emma Collins 110th & 14th VF55, 2nd counter for Wales VF55 26:54, Open Race Menai Baugh 19th 32:51

Penmaenmawr Fell Race David Baugh 41st 1:35:08, Victoria Whitehead 63rd (10th F) 1:42:05, Tony Benton 79th 1:47:26, Sioned Griffiths 97th 1:54:36, David Say 115th 2:03:02, Jon Whitehead 131st 2:10:02

Conwy Half Marathon (chip times) Shaun Hughes 8th & 3rd SM 1:19:47, Philip Hayes 274th 1:35:44, Mat Jones 466th 1:42:02, Bob Neale 1015th & 8th VM65 1:50:55, Elen Baugh 1135th PB 1:51:26, Melina Morris 1145th 1:50:37, Hywel Roberts 1181th 1:57:27, Ian Jones 1404th 1:57:37, Sali Powell 1587th 1:59:24, Kath Evans 1843rd SB 2:04:26, Hannah McDonnell 1844th PB 2:04:26, Helen Davies 2278th 2:15:41, Nicola Field 2350th 2:17:29, Dawn Marshall 2539th 2:24:51, Lisa Dafydd 2543rd 2:23:10

Parkrun Conwy Ruth Crowther 117th 33:53 Nant y Pandy Chris Baldwin 15th 26:54 Bodelwyddan Castle Glen Price 5th PB 19:44, Huw Williams 6th 20:35, Mark Jones 25th PB 23:56, Sarah Bayliss 44th & 7th Lady 27:00, Tracey Williams 91st & 31st Lady 33:46

Borders League Craig Jones 30:11, Vic Belshaw 32:30, Emma Collins 35:39

Posted in 5 Mile, Cross-country, Fell running, Half Marathon, Parkrun, Road running, Weekly report | Leave a comment

December 2018 Johnson’s Start List

Posted on 13th November 2018 by Alf Tupper

Sunday December 16th from the LC. The classic 6 miles (give or take a bit depending on any unexpected obstacles) starting on Ystrad Road, taking in Sparrow’s Field, Johnson’s Cottage (more than derelict), Johnson’s Monument, and Mr. McGregor’s Garden wall. Return by Trefeirion and Goblin Tower, finishing with the optional water jump over the ditch, round the usual concrete circle and back to the ‘Trespassers W’ sign (that reference is to Winnie the Pooh – but it just dates me even more). Lunch afterwards in the Llanrhaedr Chapel Hall. Injured people welcome to officiate…….please!

N.B. These start times are predicated on better conditions than either last December or last March and take account of all recent performances. I suspect that the most accurate guide to finishing times might be to double your Bodelwyddan parkrun PB and add a bit but the extent of that bit is the tricky part! Extra allowance has been given to those without a recent road 10K in sub 60. I strongly recommend doing a recce of the course and giving it a go if only to get an appetite for Tracey’s cooking……..

10.00 Bronwen, Mari J, Wendy, Cheryl, Miki

10.05 Diane, Jess, Kath S, Ron, Eurian

10.08 Claire Sp, Nicola, Sharon, Sioned R, Teleri, Colin

10.10 Rhian WJ,  Andy M, Paul J, Meinir, Helen

10.11 Ruth, Gwenan, Mari W

10.12 Caroline

10.13 Rob P

10.14 LittleKath

10.15 Hannah, Dawn

10.16 Katherine E, David Sp

10.17 Bethan, Martin J

10.18 Sian, Anwen

10.19 Roger, Rob G

10.20 Sarah, Menai, Ruari

10.22 Jon W, Sali, Llyr

10.24 David S, Gerwyn

10.25 Chris, Tracey (minus Freckle), Bob, Mark, Sioned, Elen

10.26 Mel, Ian J, Dan S, Paul G

10.27 Fred, Freckle (plus Tracey)

10.29 Katy B, Alaw, Victoria, Duncan, Tony B

10.30 Ceri D, Ceri B, Emma

10.31 Hywel, Steve

10.32 Richard, Rhian P, Huw

10.33 Mat, David B, Owen, Phil

10.34 Vic, Brett, Craig

10.36 Dan J, Glen, Tony W

10.37 Joe W

10.39 Shaun

 

Posted in Johnson's Handicap | Leave a comment

Weekly round up 12.11.18

Posted on 12th November 2018 by Dawn Marshall

It’s all about the off-road as the North Wales XC League hots up in Wrexham and Harriers race the trails in Betws

It was the 3rd fixture in the North Wales XC League Series on Saturday with the race taking place in Wrexham. Where the course is flat with only 15 feet of climb per lap. It was mainly dry but with enough mud on it by the end of the afternoon to make it energy sapping. The large and competitive ladies’ field set off at a lightening pace that had some coaches on the sidelines worried if their young runners would last the course of one small lap and two large laps over 3.5 miles.

As it happened they were right to worry as Rhian Pierce who set off sensibly picked them off to finish in an impressive 14th. Emma Collins was isolated for the second half of the race but put in a really competitive run beating the next runner in her age group by a minute. Katy Baugh and Victoria Whitehead stuck together like glue for the first two laps at a good pace picking off the opposition. Victoria pulled away on the third lap but Katy closed the gap again with a tremendous finish. Sioned Griffiths had a great run showing real progression and fitness for her 57th place. Menai Baugh had a PB on the course continuing her great form and holding her place in the age group. The team were 5th in Division 1 for the day.

The men ran four laps of the course making it about 5.5 miles. Despite having some of the faster Harriers unavailable for the race the team turnout showed great strength in depth and some real commitment. Dan Jones finished just in front of an under the weather Tony Wood with Glen Price seconds behind Tony in what must have been a furious finish. Close behind was Huw Williams who had an excellent run finishing as the 4th counter. Phil Hayes ran much of the first half of the race with Mat Jones only to pull away and just finish in front of a fast finishing Owen Conry.

Mat maintained a good pace and seemed to suffer in the later stages but kept in front of David Baugh and Richard Debicki who exchanged places a number of times during the race. Deprived of competition from Duncan Jones, Tony Benton chose Arwel Jones (2nd Claim Denbigh) as his target for the race and kept in front of him. Mark Jones and Ruari Benton found the pace and the going hard but stuck at it really well to finish comfortably. Denbigh finished 6th in Division 1 on the day.

Also on Saturday, 9 harriers made the short trip this year over the Denbigh Moors to Betws to run the 5km & 10km races at the Betws y Coed Trail Challenge 2018 in wet conditions. In the 10km Ian Jones took 108th leading the Harriers home in 57:30. Next just over the hour mark was Roger Snaith 152nd in 1:00:42 followed closely by Llyr Jones 167th in 1:01:24 and Sali Powell 182nd in 1:03:29. David Spencer took 200th in 1:04:50 with Sharon Griffiths 300th in 1:16:21. In the 5km Kathryn Snaith was 43rd in 44:07 with Miki Matthews and Cheryl Cuckson-Williams running together to finish in 55th 55:55 and 56th 55:56 respectively.

At parkrun, Sian Pritchard got a well-deserved PB and 76th Lady at Bushy in 25:57. Bodelwyddan continues to prove popular as Elen Baugh was 2nd Lady in 25:15, with Sarah Bayliss 6th Lady in 28:39 and Gwenan Johnson 7th Lady with a PB in 30:20.

 

Results

North Wales Cross Country League Wrexham Women 14 Rhian Pierce 00:24:30, 31 Emma Collins 00:26:02, 36 Victoria Whitehead 00:26:42, 38 Katy Baugh 00:26:51, 57 Sioned Griffiths 00:28:20, 100 Menai Baugh 00:31:09 Men 64 Daniel Jones 00:35:12, 68 Tony Wood 00:35:27, 73 Glen Price 00:35:38, 85 Huw Williams 00:36:39, 91 Philip Hayes 00:37:19, 92 Owen Conry 00:37:21, 97 Mathew Jones 00:37:52, 101 David Baugh 00:38:03, 102 Richard Debicki 00:38:03, 122 Tony Benton 00:40:33, 138 Mark Jones 00:44:38, 145 Ruari Benton 00:50:37

Betws y Coed Trail Challenge 2018 10km Ian Jones 108th 57:30,  Roger Snaith 152nd 1:00:42, Llyr Jones 167th 1:01:24, Sali Powell 182nd 1:03:29, David Spencer 200th 1:04:50, Sharon Griffiths 300th 1:16:21  5km Kathryn Snaith 43rd 44:07, Miki Matthews 55th 55:55, Cheryl Cuckson-Williams 56th 55:56.

Parkrun Bushy Sian Pritchard 25:57 Bodelwyddan Castle Elen Baugh 25:15, Sarah Bayliss 28:39, Gwenan Johnson 30:20

 

 

Posted in 10k, 5K, Cross-country, Parkrun, Trail Running, Weekly report | Leave a comment

Weekly round up 5.11.18

Posted on 6th November 2018 by Dawn Marshall

Sarah Bayliss becomes VF50 Wales Duathlon Sprint Champion, whilst Victoria Whitehead and Menai Baugh become North Wales 5 Mile Road Champions for VF45 and VF60 categories respectively

If you thought it was quiet in Denbigh on Sunday and there were less runners on the streets than usual, well there was a reason for that, 29 members of Denbigh Harriers headed along the coast to the Abergele 5 Mile Road Race. This relatively flat fast 5 mile race along the cycle path out towards Llandulas from Pensarn always welcomes a good field and has been welcoming Denbigh Harriers since the club was formed and raced this as their first ever road race as a club in 1991. Fast forward 27 years and the Harriers team spirit once again made itself felt with 29 of the 200 runners Denbigh Harriers with no one leaving until all runners were safely home. The race also hosted the North Wales 5 Mile Championships. With a strict cut off for entry and eligibility, the prizes are awarded to the fastest Welsh runners on the day.

Before

Abergele 5 before

Recently back to running and racing Vic Belshaw came home in 38th and 2nd VM55 with a season’s best of 32:04 with David Baugh shortly behind him in 50th and 4th VM55 also with a season’s best in 33:33. David also picked up the silver medal in the North Wales 5 Mile Championships VM55.

In a close race for positions for the next 3 Harriers home, Tony Benton finished in 76th and 36:07 with a bronze in the North Wales 5 Mile Championships VM55 taking the lead from Duncan Jones 82nd who finished in an equal season’s best of 36:35 followed by Victoria Whitehead. It’s fantastic to see Victoria back to form coming 83rd  and  2nd VF45 and being crowned North Wales 5 Mile Champion VF45 with a personal best by over 3 minutes in 36:46.

6th Harrier home and first time at this distance was Hywel Roberts 89th 37:57 who was jostling for position all the way round with Ian Jones who got a personal best by nearly 2 minutes to finish 91st in 38:05,  and just ahead of Fred Jones 92nd and 3rd VM60 in 38:11.

Halfway through the field Mel Morris was 100th and 4th VF45 and picking up the bronze North Wales 5 Mile Championships VF45 medal in 38:42 with Elen Baugh just behind in 102nd and 38:52, the first time at this distance for both these ladies. Bob Neale was 109th and 5th VM65 in a season’s best of 39:06, with Chris Baldwin just behind in 111th and 5th VM60 also in a season’s best of 39:14 and receiving a well-deserved bronze North Wales 5 Mile Championships medal.

First time at this distance for Jon Whitehead 126th in a super time of 41:03 followed by Menai Baugh 132nd as she continues to dominate her VF60 category finishing 1st VF60 and North Wales 5 Mile VF60 Champion with a personal best of 41:59, a minute and a half off her best as Menai shows no sign of slowing down. What a fantastic season Menai’s having.

IMG_0156

2nd Championship Gold for Menai Baugh inside a month

Anwen Brown racing well in her first time at this distance was 135th in 42:33 with Hannah McDonnell 148th and a personal best of 44:09 as she builds on her recent 10k PB. Dave Spencer, coming back from injury and using the course as a training run was happy to finish without any further niggles in 155th and 45:02. Dawn Marshall took 157th in a personal best of over 2 mins in 45:36 with Ruth Crowther in her first race in 160th and 46:00.

Andrew Morris building on last week’s parkrun was 165th in 47:30 in his first time at this distance with Rhian Jones also first time at this distance 166th in 47:47. Sioned Roberts running with Teleri Roberts came in  in 178th 51:47 and 179th & 6th VF50 51:48 respectively, also their first races for the club with Sharon Griffiths not far behind in 181th and 52:18, her first time at this distance.

Eurian Mitchelmore made a fantastic debut, her first race and finishing 187th and 2nd VF55 in 54:40, just ahead of Diane Roberts 189th with a season’s best of 54:56. Oldest club member Ron Birch also showing no signs of slowing down finished in 197th and 1st VM80 with a season’s best of 57:16.

Jessica Jones and Mari Jones ran together both in their first time racing this distance and Mari, having been encouraged by other club members, made this her first ever race. Mari – you picked a tough one, but we’re all so proud of you and for Jess running with you. And so finishing with a smile and in199th Jess & 200th Mari and a brilliant time of 58:25 you really worked hard for and deserved your medal and bottle of prosecco Mari.

After

IMG_0164

A further 3 harriers made the journey on Sunday over to the beautiful Coed y Brenin for the Individual and Team duathlons which also hosted the National Championships and came away with 3 wins. Based at the UK’s Number 1 trail centre the duathlon puts runners and riders through a tough but rewarding blend of famous trails and routes including those previously closed to cyclists and runners. Competing individually or as a team there is a choice of distances – the sprint and the full.

In the individual sprint distance Sarah Bayliss came home as 1st VF50 and was declared Welsh Champion having completed a 5k run in 33:45, followed by a 15k bike ride in 59:28 and a further 1.8k run in 13:55, total time 1:50:17. Also in the sprint distance, Katy Baugh (running) and team mate Will (cycling) had a fantastic race coming 11th overall and 1st relay team in 5km Run 27:12 15k Bike 45:47 and 1.8k Run 10:21 with a total time of 1:24:31.

In the full distance of a 9k run, followed by a 28k ride and a further 5k run, Emma Collins (running) and partner Ashley were also 11th and first team home in a time of 2:46:20, their splits being 9k run 45:13, 28k ride 1:32:02, 5k run 27:48.

Parkrun on Saturday was a quiet affair. David Baugh was in Tøyen, Norway stretching his legs before his flight home, 7 seconds off his PB on this course in 21:49 whilst down in London Sian Pritchard ran Bushy in 27:05. A little closer to home Paul Goffey finished in 23:27 in Chester, whilst Glen Price had a gentle run at Erddig in 30:16. Also very close to their PB was Richard Debicki, just 1 second behind in fact at Bodelwyddan Castle in 22:22.

 

Results

Abergele 5 mile Vic Belshaw 38th & 2nd VM55 SB 32:04, David Baugh 50th & 4th VM55 SB 33:33, Tony Benton 76th & 7th VM55 36:07, Duncan Jones 82nd & 10th VM55 =SB 36:35, Victoria Whitehead 83rd & 2nd VF45 PB 36:46, Hywel Roberts 89th & SM 15th 37:57, Ian Jones 91st & 11th VF55 PB 38:05, Fred Jones 92nd & 3rd VM60 38:11, Mel Morris 100th & 4th VF45 38:42, Elen Baugh 102nd & 24th SF 38:52, Bob Neale 109th & 5th VM65 SB 39:06, Chris Baldwin 111th & 5th VM60 SB 39:14, Jon Whitehead 126th & 13th VM45 41:03, Menai Baugh 132nd & 1st VF60 PB 41:59, Anwen Brown 135th & 7th VF40 42:33, Hannah McDonnell 148th & 13th SF PB 44:09, Dave Spencer 155th & 14th VM45 45:02, Dawn Marshall 157th & 11th VF40 PB 45:36, Ruth Crowther 160th & 11th VF45 46:00, Andrew Morris 165th & 14th VM40 47:30, Rhian Jones 166th & 13th VF40 47:47, Sioned Roberts 178th & 15th SF 51:47, Teleri Roberts 179th & 6th VF50 51:48, Sharon Griffiths 181th & 13th VF45 52:18, Eurian Mitchelmore 187th & 2nd VF55 54:40, Diane Roberts 189th & 14th VF45 SB 54:56, Ron Birch 197th & 1st VM80 SB 57:16, Jessica Jones 199th & 18th SF 58:25, Mari Jones 200th & 8th VF35 58:25

Coed y Brenin Duathlon Individual Sprint Sarah Bayliss 43rd, 5th Lady & 1st VF50 5km Run 33:45 15k Bike 59:28 1.8k Run 13:55  Total: 1:50:17 Team Sprint Katy Baugh (run) Will (bike) 11th & 1st relay team 5km Run 27:12 15k Bike 45:47 1.8k Run 10:21 Total: 1:24:31 Team Full Emma Collins (run) Ashley (bike) 11th & 1st relay team 9km Run 45:13 28k Bike 1:32:02 5k Run  27:48 Total 2:46:20

Parkrun Tøyen David Baugh 21:49 Bushy Sian Pritchard 27:05 Chester Paul Goffey 23:27 Erddig Glen Price 30:16 Bodelwyddan Castle Richard Debicki 22:22

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Weekly round up 30.10.18

Posted on 30th October 2018 by Dawn Marshall

Alaw Medi and Huw Williams show their strength in Snowdonia at the toughest road marathon in the UK

It was one of the highlights of the racing calendar this weekend, the Snowdonia Marathon Eryri. This epic 26.2mile race circumnavigating the Snowdon massif draws a big field, plenty of supporters on route and even gets its own show on S4C. And for those of you thinking, it’s just a marathon, well there’s a reason it gets billed as the one of the toughest road marathons – 838m/ 2749ft of climb.

For Alaw Evans, racing for the 2nd year in a row, there was unfinished business. Only 20 and Denbigh Harriers youngest member, Alaw was back on the course with lessons learnt from last year and a great summer of training and racing setting her up for another go at this great event. We all knew she’d smash it and smash it she did – 4:09:10 and an average pace of 9:30 – Alaw took over 38 mins off her run here last year. She was over the moon with her race and rightly so.

Also on the course and looking forward to see what he could do having raced here before, Huw Williams ran a fantastic race, with the temperatures having dropped and even hailstones at times, finishing in 4:21:35, also a PB of over 18 minutes. David Jones was hoping to take to the start line but had to withdraw so whilst the marathon distance wasn’t on the cards this time, David ran the Porth Eirias 10k instead finishing in 25th and 46:06

Alaw Snowdonia Huw Snowdonia  

Alaw Evans & Huw Williams (in green) looking comfortable at mile 6

Joe Welch is not a newcomer to running, we’re regularly reporting on his marathon and distance achievements. This weekend though Joe raced at a new distance for him – 5k. Usually the entry distance for most runners, Joe’s first 5k took place in Kilmarnock (we do have 5k races closer to home Joe!) where he took 3rd in Ruby’s 5k Road Race in the Kilmarnock Halloween Running Festival finishing in a fantastic debut time of 17:37.

Parkrun this weekend was full of PBs and best time this year achievements, despite the colder weather. The biggest turnout for the Harriers was at the new Bodelwyddan Castle parkrun now in its 10th week in a field of 67 on the course. 6 Harriers raced, 5 PBs with all 6 taking positions in the top 15.  David Baugh led the Harriers home in 3rd, just 9 seconds outside his PB in 21:59. Richard Debicki took 4th taking 4 mins 25 secs off his PB to finish iń:22:21 showing his recent addition to the club is only to our benefit. Tony Benton also smashed his PB by 2 mins 9 secs, finishing in 9th, and 23:11. The PBs continue, Katy Baugh 10th & 4th Lady in 23:26, a 33 second improvement, Victoria Whitehead 11th & 5th Lady, 46 seconds faster in 23:30 and 15th Duncan Jones, 32 seconds better in 24:16.

Vic Belshaw and Emma Collins headed over to Wepre for the 2nd toughest parkrun in the UK. Vic was 6th in 21:11 with Emma 17th & 1st Lady in 24:13. Also running locally Dawn Marshall & Andy Morris took part at Conwy with both achieving season’s bests. Dawn hoping to show further improvement as she continues to come back from injury was delighted with 26:55, her first time sub-27 minutes in 2 years, whilst Andy was equally delighted, hoping for sub-30, and finishing in 28:46. Joe Welch took things easy at Troon in 28:22.

 

Results

Snowdonia Marathon Alaw Evans 695th, 101st Lady & 45th SF PB 4:09:10 , Huw Williams 941th & 256 SM PB 4:21:35

Porth Eirias 10k David Jones 25th 46:06

Killieween – Kilmarnock Halloween Running Festival – Ruby’s 5k Road Race Joe Welch 3rd PB 17:37

Parkrun Bodelwyddan Castle David Baugh 3rd 21:59, Richard Debicki 4th PB 22:21, Tony Benton 9th PB 23:11, Katy Baugh 10th & 4th Lady PB 23:26, Victoria Whitehead 11th & 5th Lady PB 23:30, Duncan Jones 15th PB 24:16 Wepre Vic Belshaw 6th 21:11, Emma Collins 17th & 1st Lady 24:13  Conwy Dawn Marshall 98th & 19th Lady 26:55, Andy Morris 120th 28:46 Troon Joe Welch 56th 28:22

 

Posted in 10k, 5K, Marathon, Parkrun, Weekly report | Comments Off on Weekly round up 30.10.18

Weekly round up 23.10.18

Posted on 23rd October 2018 by Dawn Marshall

Women show their class at the North Wales Cross Country League

A beautiful Autumnal Saturday and it’s cross-country at new – well not used for over 30 years – course at Fox Hills in Colwyn Bay. Spectacular views from these hills – the course has previously been used for Fell races – so the race promised to be tough but well suited to our many fell runners with Menai Baugh (2nd VF60) and Vic Belshaw (3rd VM55) well up their respective fields.

The ladies raced first. A great turnout with 4 of our top 6 ladies racing as many return from injury supported by another 8 on the course, all hoping for a good race and support our team efforts in Division One by keeping our competitors at bay.

Leading the ladies home over this 3 mile course with 550ft+ climb was Rhian Pierce finishing in 10th, 22:50 in spite of a cold to keep her 2nd WV35 place. Emma Collins at home on the hills retained her 1st  VF55 place in 32nd and 25:15, followed by fellow fell runner Ceri Belshaw in 35th 25:28. Great to see Ceri Diss back from injury – what a comeback race –just behind Ceri Belshaw in 36th 25:30 and 2nd VF50.

It speaks volumes for how we have come on in the last few years versus our Welsh rivals. Eryri impressed here as they are well known for fell running but we beat Buckley because their 4th counter was behind Alaw Evans 40th 25:50 and Katy Baugh 6th 27:03 (our 5th and 6th counters) with Prestatyn’s 4th counter was behind Alaw too.

Melina Morris 68th 27:48 and 4th VF45 was home next with Sioned Griffiths just behind in 72nd and 27:55 and Elen Baugh 80th 28:15. Menai Baugh was next in 90th 29:26 and 2nd VF60 with Anwen Brown 115th 31:41 and Dawn Marshall 133rd 32:27 both showing determination and how to make progress after months of injury. The women’s team stay 5th in Division 1 and 4th in the Female Masters.

In the men’s race missing many of our usual counters this tough run – over 1000ft of climb over 5.3 miles for the men – was even tougher from a team perspective. Joe Welch 42nd 39:06, putting in a fast time so soon after Chester marathon was supported by fell runners Vic Belshaw 68th 41:46 and Tony Wood 74th 42:14. Also fans of the fells our 4th and 5th counters were Owen Conry 87th 43:49 and Mat Jones 92nd 44:23 with new member Richard Debicki pulling on a Denbigh Harriers vest less than a week after joining to finish in 121st 47:15 as our 6th counter.

Cross-country stalwarts and rivals Duncan Jones and Tony Benton were home next with Duncan 132nd 48:25 getting the better of Tony 140th 48:53 who came storming through the line refusing to let his nearest rival get the better of him. Another new member Mark Jones in his first Cross-Country race for the club had a real baptism of fire in 154th 54:21 with Chris Baldwin, delighted that next season it’ll be just the one hill lap over this course when he moves to the VM65 category and races the womens shorter course, finished strongly in 158th 57:00.  The men stand 8th in Division 1 and 9th in the Male Masters. Next race is the much flatter and faster Wrexham.

If there were a lot of Harriers racing on Saturday, there were almost as many racing in Flintshire on Sunday in the annual RunWales Flintshire 5k and 10k races. Usually multiple races are run concurrently, not so at Flintshire, meaning Ian Jones could do both. Hats off to Ian, who put thoughts of racing for himself aside to pace his daughter Jessica to a PB in the 5k before pacing fellow Harrier Hannah McDonnell to a PB in the 10k.

In the 5k, Craig Jones took 6th in 18:45, a massive improvement of nearly 2 minutes faster over this course than last year. Jessica Jones was next in 110th and 46th Lady with a PB by just shy of 4 minutes in 33:07 with Dad Ian 111th 33:07.

In the 10k, Mari Williams was first Harrier home with a PB of 52:27, followed by Sali Powell 52:49 and 86th. Ian Jones 259th 55:37 saw Hannah McDonnell safely over the line in 55:37 and 260th. Hannah hoping for just under 58 mins was delighted to take 2:37 off her PB. Good to see Helen Davies back racing as she returns from injury to train for the London Marathon in 366th 1:01:49 with Paul Jones in his first ever 10k race in 1:01:58 368th just in front of Meinir Hughes, in her first race in 18 months, in 1:02:00.

Flintshire

Left to right: Jessica Jones, Hannah McDonnell, Ian Jones, Paul Jones, Mari Williams, Sali Powell, Helen Davies, Meinir Hughes

Ceri Belshaw, her second race over the weekend, took to the hills again on Sunday morning to race the Clwydian Hills Fell Race. This 9 mile race with 3000ft climb is a tough one with Ceri once again showing her love of the hills finishing 3rd SF in1:46:40.

Over at Wepre Parkrun, Sarah Bayliss was 43th and 6th Lady in 29:21, whilst at Mole Valley in Dorking Hywel Roberts ran his parkrun PB in 22:54 to finish 27th.

 

Results

North Wales Cross Country League – Colwyn Bay Women Rhian Pierce 10th 22:50, Emma Collins 32nd 25:15, 35th Ceri Belshaw 25:28, Ceri Diss 36th 25:30, 40 Alaw Medi 40th 25:50, Katy Baugh 57th 27:03, Mel Morris 68th 27:48, Sioned Griffiths 72nd  27:55, Elen Baugh 80th 28:15, Menai Baugh 90th 29:26, Anwen Brown 115th 31:41, Dawn Marshall 133rd 33:27. Current standings: after 2 races Division 1: 5th 137 points. Female Masters 4th 43 points Men Joe Welch 42nd 39:06, Vic Belshaw 68th 41:46, Tony Wood 74th 42:14, Owen Conry 87th 43:49, Mat Jones 92nd 44:23, Richard Debicki 121st 47:15, Duncan Jones 132nd 48:25, Tony Benton 140th 48:53, Mark Jones 154th 54:21, Chris Baldwin 158th 57:00. Current standings after 2 races: Division 1: 8th  935 points. Male Masters 9th 263 points

Flintshire 5k Craig Jones 6th 18:45, Jess Jones 110th & 46th Lady PB 33:07, Ian Jones 111th 33:07 10k Mari Williams 176th PB 52:27, Sali Powell 186th 52:49, Ian Jones 259th 55:37, Hannah McDonnell 260th 55:37, Helen Davies 366th 1:01:49, Paul Jones 368th 1:01:58, Meinir Hughes 372th 1:02:00

Clwydian Fell Race Ceri Belshaw 39th & 3rd SF 1:46:40

Parkrun Wepre Sarah Bayliss 43th & 6th Lady 29:21 Mole Valley Hywel Roberts 27th PB 22:54

Posted in 10k, 5K, Cross-country, Fell running, Parkrun, Road running, Weekly report | Comments Off on Weekly round up 23.10.18

Weekly round up 15.10.18

Posted on 15th October 2018 by Dawn Marshall

Menai Baugh crowned 1st VF60 Welsh Fell Running Series Championship 2018

Having already won her category in the North Wales Series Fell Running Championship, Menai Baugh who’s been clearing up on the fells in her VF60 category this year, went one better this weekend taking the win for the VF60 category in the Welsh Fell Running Series Championshio 2018.

The last race of the series took place in Breidden Hills – a super tough course, not helped this year by Storm Callum, meaning the 7 mile race with 2300ft of ascent was very slippery underfoot with the rain showing no sign of letting up. Competing against athletes from across the country, many unknown to her, meant Menai had to bring her A game and that she did pushing herself to her limits and finishing in a course PB of over 1 minute in 1:34:34.

MB BH WFRSC2018

Menai Baugh, 2nd left in pink, shows fell running is not for the faint hearted!

In the no less wet Manchester half marathon on Sunday, 5 Harriers took to the course. First home was Phil Hayes. This is almost getting to be a weekly occurrence – 2 races over the weekend and a shiny new PB. Phil completed the course in 1:34:18, a PB of nearly a minute, a day after racing in the wet at Bodelwyddan Castle parkrun. Next in was Mike James in a great time of 2:08:56. First lady was Nicola Field with a whopping PB, taking 14 minutes off her previous race time in 2:11:48. Well done Nicola, that’ll set you up nicely for your first marathon in London next year. Lisa Dafydd, with a further long race to add to her already busy Autumn, finished in 2:18:13. Craig Jones also completed the course pacing his girlfriend to sub 2 hours in her first half marathon.

Six Harriers chose the tougher local parkruns on Saturday, and despite Storm Callum and the pouring rain, our runners weren’t letting the weather impact their performances. At Bodelwyddan Castle, Ceri Belshaw, 12th and 2nd Lady in 22:42, wasn’t hanging about, 33 seconds off her previous best, again proving herself able to climb hills better than she goes on the flat. Elen Baugh wasn’t hanging about either. 19th & 5th Lady in 24:51, Elen ran one of her best races ever taking another 33 seconds off her already impressive best on this course and only 30 seconds behind her sister Katy, 16th & 4th Lady in 24:19, in a fast time for her on this course. Phil Hayes in his aforementioned first race of the weekend was 4th overall in 21:35 whilst Chris Baldwin was in 24th in 26:06. Over at Wepre, Tony Benton was 26th in 24:41 in a close race, no doubt deploying his famed sprint finish against eight others who were just under the 25 minute mark. Good to see Sian Pritchard back at Bushy Park in 27:28.

It’s October so the start of the Borders League season where we report on Denbigh Harriers in disguise as members compete for their second claim clubs in a league we don’t participate in. The new season started in New Brighton with conditions perfect for the 411 runners racing a flat five mile circuit along the prom and round the coastal embankment. Vic Belshaw was 119th in 32:06 and Emma Collins 202th in 34:47 and 1st VF55.

 

Results

Breidden Hills Fell Race Menai Baugh 1st F60 1:34:34

Manchester Half Marathon Philip Hayes PB 1:34:18, Michael James 2:08:56, Nicola Field PB 2:11:45 , Lisa Dafydd 2:18:13

Parkrun Bodelwyddan Castle Philip Hayes 4th 21:35, Ceri Belshaw 12th & 2nd Lady PB 22:42, Katy Baugh 16th & 4th Lady 24:19, Elen Baugh 19th & 5th Lady PB 24:51, Chris Baldwin 24th 26:06 Bushy Park Sian Pritchard 156th 27:28 Wepre Park Tony Benton 26th 24:41

Borders League Vic Belshaw 199th 32:06, Emma Collins 202th & 1st VF55 34:47

Posted in 5 Mile, Fell running, Half Marathon, Parkrun, Weekly report | Comments Off on Weekly round up 15.10.18

Weekly round up 08.10.18

Posted on 9th October 2018 by Dawn Marshall

The Noel Morris Handicap Summer Series is decided as the Cross Country Season kicks off

It’s the first week of October, the nights are drawing in so it can only be one, well three things, the ultimate race in the Summer Handicap Series, the first Cross Country race of the season and the Cardiff Half Marathon. Let’s not forget Chester Marathon, Metric Marathon and parkrun – another busy week in the life of Denbigh Harriers.

We start the week on the fields on Tuesday night with the series to be decided by this final race. Needing to have raced 5 races to win, anyone having raced more than 5 gets to drop their worst performances. Tony Benton was the series leader going into this race with Phil Hayes second whilst Diane Roberts in third has a 19th place to drop. There was all to play, and race, for.

Contrary to the rest of summer, 13C and rain meant this was dreadful weather but still great and fitting conditions to end the series. Great to see returning faces and new faces meaning the top 3 was made up by a returning Tracey Williams who’s been out for well over a year, Ruth Crowther took second also returning from injury with newcomer Mark Jones on his first handicap outing in third.

With our stats man, organiser, handicapper and race referee Chris Baldwin watching the runners come home, Chris was furiously counting positions and places. How would Tony, Phil and Diane finish and would this change their places? Would an outsider sneak it at the finish?

Diane put in a storming run to finish first of the three in 4th (33:57), meaning her 19th position was dropped and the pressure on Tony and Phil. Next home was Phil (20:44) in 7th, another solid run, so where would be finish? Tony’s worst position going into this race was 12th – would he drop this position? Well Tony (22:34) did and finished in 11th.

Chris, frantically tallying, realised he was right this season couldn’t have been any closer – Diane and Tony both finished on 30 points and were declared joint winners. Phil took 3rd just 2 points adrift with Tony Wood, who’s efforts were hampered by a twisted ankle earlier in the season finished 4th with 45 points. Well done Diane & Tony well-deserved winners of the Noel Morris Handicap Summer Series.

Staying on the grass we head to Baschurch for the inaugural race in the North Wales Cross-Country League. 5 races competed in over winter with individual and team glory to be fought for. With a change in the fixture list this season, we headed to Baschurch with both teams competing for the first time in Division 1.

The women’s team were boosted having Rhian Pierce back. Having missed last season with injury Rhian is back on fine form and was ready to lead the women home. Fantastic turnouts for both men’s and women’s teams, though some key counters (first 6 men home and first 4 women home make up the team event) were missing due to marathon, amongst other, commitments, meant we were in a great position to get our team campaign off to a good start.

XC Baschurch 10.18 ladies

Left to right: Rhian Pierce, Emma Collins, Victoria Whitehead, Sioned Griffiths, Menai Baugh, Elen Baugh, Melina Morris, Alaw Evans

XC baschurch 10.18 mensLeft to right: Glen Price, Duncan Jones, Tony Benton, Tony Wood, David Baugh, Ruari Benton, Dan Jones, Mat Jones, Steve Gadd, Owen Conry

And it wasn’t just the Harriers with a fantastic turnout, with as many women as men turning out for the first time. This may have been the appeal of running Baschurch in October rather than January, typically characterised by snow, rain, mud and a refreshing wake up through the stream. October, with the promised hurricane keeping away, meant firm ground, a fast course and trickle of a stream. At least the wall kept everyone on their toes.

XC Baschurch 10.18

Left to right: Dan Jones, Steve Gadd

Individually, the women are off to a great start. Rhian in contention for the VF35 gold, Emma Collins the VF55 gold and Menai Baugh in the medals for VF60. In Division 1 the women stand on 137 points from Rhian Pierce (12th 25:02), Emma Collins (36th 27:25), Alaw Evans  (44th 27:52) and Victoria Whitehead (45th 27:52) in 5th just 7 points behind the 2 teams in joint 3rd. In the Masters, we stand 4th with 43 points.

Not to be outdone, the Men who run 3 laps to the Women’s 2 stand 6th in Division 1 with 452 points. Thanks to counters Tony Wood (54th 36:11), Glen Price (67th, 37:07) Dan Jones (74th 37:30), Owen Conry (83rd 38:14) Steve Gadd (86th 38:28) and Mat Jones (88th 38:54). In the Masters, we stand 10th with 140 points.

Excused from cross-country duty were Shaun Hughes and Joe Welch, both heading to the Chester Marathon to further push themselves as they both build up to London next year. Shaun with a championship place, Joe with a good for age place – both incredible accolades. Joe additionally was running in red as he’d been selected to run for the Celtic Nation Masters against the English Masters who organise the clash selecting the runners to race against them.

Both finished in the top 100 in this 2700 strong field, incredible enough and both getting PBs, Shaun dipping under 2 hours 44 minutes for 44th in 2:43:50, Joe took over 4 minutes off his PB in 93rd and 2:51:20. Competing in the Metric Marathon – 26.6k – Lisa Dafydd on her 3rd long race in consecutive weekend, stepped up from half marathon distance for her furthest race finishing in 3:00:46.

So down to Cardiff for the UK’s 2nd largest half marathon with 25,000 runners taking to the streets and whilst you might think this race is flat, it’s anything but. 7 Harriers on the start line, for many of them a culmination of summer training, for others a step on the road to the next race.

With both summer training and marathon training paying off, Huw Williams led the Harriers home with a PB in 1:34:58. Fellow runner at the upcoming Snowdonia marathon at the end of the month David Jones was next home in 1:39:24. Hywel Roberts took the third Harriers spot with a PB of 1:39:30. Ian Jones was next in 1:50:43, 2 mins faster than Lake Vyrnwy Half Marathon last month. Also in training for the Snowdonia marathon and running her second race in 2 days, Alaw Evans finished in 1:51:11. Mari Williams finished the course in 1:57:49, with David Spencer completing the course in 2:11:38 having contended with a calf injury before and during the race.

Cardiff Half 2018

Left to right: David Spencer, Alaw Evans, Ian Jones, Hywel Roberts

Given the level of racing it was a quiet week at parkrun with 4 Harriers running at Bodelwyddan Castle. Great runs for Ceri Belshaw and Sarah Bayliss, 1st and 3rd ladies respectively in a new PB of 23:15 for Ceri, 27:50 for Sarah. Mark Jones also finishing in 36:05, with Gwenan Johnson finishing in 36:34.

 

Results

Noel Morris Handicap Summer Series Tracey Williams 1st 25:28, Ruth Crowther 2nd 33:08, Mark Jones 3rd 24:52, Diane Roberts 4th 33:57, Elen Baugh 5th 25:05, Duncan Jones 6th 23:14, Phil Hayes 7th 20:44, Victoria Whitehead 8th 22:52, Menai Baugh 9th 26:54, Tony Wood 10th 19:26, Tony Benton 11th 22:34, Melina Morris 12th 24:44, Bob Neale 13th 25:51, Mari Jones 14th 36:20, David Baugh 15th 22:43, Ron Birch 16th 37:37, Rhian Pierce 17th 22:41

North Wales Cross-country League – Baschurch Women Rhian Pierce 12th 25:02, Emma Collins 36th 27:25, Alaw Evans 44th 27:52 Victoria Whitehead 45th 27:52, Sioned Griffiths 63rd 29:35, Melina Morris 64th 29:36, Elen Baugh 66th 29:34, Menai Baugh 114th 32:57. Current standings: Division 1: 5th 137 points. Female Masters 4th 43 points Men Tony Wood 54th 36:11, Glen Price 67th 37:07, Dan Jones 74th 37:30, Owen Conry 83rd 38:14, Steve Gadd 86th 38:28, Mat Jones 88th 38:54, David Baugh 97th 39:55, Duncan Jones 122nd 42:17, Tony Benton 123rd 42:37, Chris Baldwin 142nd 46:43, Ruari Benton 147th 50:08. Current standings: Division 1: 6th 452 points. Male Masters 10th 140 points

Chester  Marathon Shaun Hughes 44th PB 2:43:50, Joe Welch 93rd PB 2:51:20 Metric Marathon Lisa Dafydd 734th 3:00:46

Cardiff Half Marathon Huw Williams PB 1:34:58, David Jones 1:39:24, Hywel Roberts PB 1:39:30, Ian Jones 1:50:43, Alaw Evans 1:51:11, Mari Williams 1:57:49, David Spencer 2:11:38

Parkrun Bodelwyddan Castle Ceri Belshaw 8th & 1st Lady PB 23:15, Sarah Bayliss 17th & 3rd Lady 27:50, Mark Jones 50th 36:05, Gwenan Johnson 54th & 24th Lady 36:34

Posted in Cross-country, Half Marathon, Marathon, Parkrun, Road running, Summer Handicap Series, Weekly report | Comments Off on Weekly round up 08.10.18

October (Final 2018) Results

Posted on 2nd October 2018 by Alf Tupper

Rain, 13C, and relative to the rest of the summer this was dreadful weather. On the other hand, if one could re-programme the head to winter conditions, this should have been  very good for fast times and a fitting end to this year’s very close competition. Tony B had all the details in his head, being the series leader going into this race. He realised that if Diane came to this one she would be the only person to do the full 7 races this year and gain the right to drop her two worst positions – both of which (19th) were substantial drags on her overall score. Well, Diane did manage this – her 4th place giving her a total of 30 points. However, Tony’s 11th place allowed him to drop his 12th position in June which gave him……..(pause for effect, in best ‘British Bake-off’ tradition)……..30 points. The rules for separating a tie are lost in the recesses of my mind sometime in the late 1980s when Alan Catley and I (at North Shields Poly AC) invented them. Therefore, in order not to cause injustice, I declare that this year Diane and Tony are joint winners. Phil came close – only 2 points adrift – and is an honourable 3rd, ahead of Tony W whose chances were wrecked by a twisted ankle early in the season (quite apart from his newly married state) and finished with 45.

……………………………..Finishing time…….Actual time……….Points

1st Tracey………………….6.33.58pm………….25m28…………….1/1

2nd Ruth……………………..34.08pm………….33m08……………20/3

3rd Mark……………………..34.22……………….24m52…………….3/1

4th Diane……………………..34.27……………….33m57……………30/5*

5th Elen………………………..34.35………………25m05…………….36/3

6th Duncan…………………..34.44………………23m14……………..39/4

7th Phil…………………………35.14………………20m44……………..33/5*

8th Victoria…………………..35.22………………22m52……………..22/2

9th Menai……………………..35.24………………26m54……………..42/4

10th Tony W………………….35.26………………19m26……………..45/5*

11th Tony B……………………35.34………………22m34……………..30/5*

12th Mel………………………..35.44………………24m44……………..31/4

13th Bob………………………..35.51………………25m51………………46/4

14th Mari……………………….36.20……………..37m20………………64/5*

15th David B…………………..36.43……………..22m43………………25/2

16th Ron………………………..37.37………………37m37………………68/5

17th Rhian P..(late start)…37.41……………….22m41………………19/2

Anwen retired hurt.

Best score from five races indicated by asterisk.

2018 Fastest Man is Shaun with 17m36 in August.

2018 Fastest Woman is Rhian P with 20m31 in August.

Posted in Summer Handicap Series | Comments Off on October (Final 2018) Results

Weekly round up 23.09.18

Posted on 24th September 2018 by Dawn Marshall

Friendship, teamwork and new challenges on a busy weekend for the Harriers

We start on Saturday with Roger Snaith and David Spencer making the short journey over to Portmadog to take part in the Trailffest 2018 Mountains – Sea but this is no downhill race. The tough, enjoyable race which should be a half marathon, the route was cut short this year to 12 miles due the bad weather over the last few days bringing down trees etc. Seeing tumbles a plenty in the first few miles, Roger and David ran close to each other until mile 9 when David wasn’t feeling very well. So in true harrier spirit Roger and David stuck together to make sure they both crossed that finish line finishing together in a time of 2hrs 34 mins and 114th place.

Sunday dawned bright and hot or damp and drizzly depending on whether you were in Wales, England or South Africa. Dan Jones got the best of the weather and the toughest of races. Competing to celebrate 100 years of his company Sanlam, Dan was in South Africa for the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon for a race it was only confirmed 2 weeks ago that he’d have a place at. Now it’s not advised to run a marathon without training but Dan’s a seasoned marathon runner and having last run a marathon in April he was confident he could do it. And he did. Having run the 5k Peace run on the Saturday to loosen his legs and acclimatise to the heat, Dan joined the start line at 6:40am just as the sun was coming up with 11.500 runners singing the national anthem to get themselves underway. Fantastic atmosphere, warm, generally flat course with head or tail wind sections and unwavering support from the local crowd, Dan finished 599th in 3:19:58 and delighted with his run. This race is now on the bucket list for other club members.

Not quite as far afield, Emma Collins made her way to the Peak District to compete in the Biggin Trail Race, part of the Peak’s trail autumn series. On a beautiful day and with stunning surroundings, Biggin has 10 miles of scenic trail with Emma finishing as 3rd Lady and 1st VF50 in 1:21:24 and achieving a Gold certificate awarded to ladies completing the course in under 1 hour 30 minutes.

Back at home where the day dawned drizzly, 3 Harriers were delighted that the weather cleared just as they were starting the Bespoke Llyn Alwen Trail Race 11.5k. A clockwise circuit of Llyn Alwen, one of our greatest local runs, teamwork and friendship was out in full force. Sali Powell put her own race aside to run with Hannah McDonnell, supporting her all the way round as  she I wasn’t feeling all that great. They finished in great times of 69:28 and 69:30 and 21st and 22nd Ladies respectively. Dawn Marshall ran a solid race and remained strong all the way around and was delighted to finish 17th Lady and 1st Harrier home in 68:54.

Llyn Alwen Trail Race 2018

Left to right: Hannah McDonnell, Sali Powell, Dawn Marshall

Mat Jones and Tony Benton arrived in the land of chocolate and chips at for the National Trust 10k at Chirk Castle on Sunday morning. Finding a gap in the rain they set off with a field of 30+ for a very undulating – pretty sure that there was more uphill than downhill in spite of it being a circular course – trail race around the Castle Grounds. Mat finished 3rd in 45.45, Tony 50:15.

Also racing this weekend were Ceri Belshaw in the Elidir Fawr Fell Race on Saturday finishing this 8K with 853 metres of ascent in 1:18:42. Taking on the Abersoch Half Marathon as a training run before Cardiff Half next month, Hywel completed the course in 1:53:03. Over in Macclesfield, Menai Baugh ran the 5 k on Sunday in fresh autumnal weather. She was second lady 60 in a time of 25:55. Lisa Dafydd took on the half marathon, finishing in 2:13:21. And if running a marathon in the heat sounds hard, spare a thought for Rhian Pierce competing in the Sandman Classic Triathlon. 1,000 metres open water swim followed by a 60 km bike ride and finished off with a 10 km run, Rhian in her first triathlon, and first open water swim, finished brilliantly as 30th Lady in 3:43:39.

The long-awaited series results were published this week for the North Wales Fell Series 2018. Winning their categories were Emma Collins 1st VF50 and Menai Baugh 1st VF60 with Vic Belshaw taking 3rd VM50. Presentations to prizewinners will be at Breidden Hills on Sun 14th October.

3 parkruns for 4 Harriers this week. Sian Pritchard was at Kingston, getting back to her best form, just 9 seconds off her PB as she finished in 46th Lady in 27:51. At Conwy, it was another PB for Phil Hayes after his 10k PB last weekend, he took 17 secs off his course PB to finish in 15th and 20:09. At Wepre, Vic Belshaw was 10 seconds outside his PB and age record to finish 7th in 20:59 with Tony Benton in his first race of 2 this weekend in 18th and 24:29.

 

Results

Trailffest 2018 Mountains – Sea Roger Snaith David Spencer 114th 2 hours 34 mins

Sanlam Cape Town Marathon Dan Jones 599th 3:19:58

Biggin Trail Race Emma Collins 3rd lady &1st VF50 1:21:24

Bespoke Llyn Alwen Trail Race 11k Dawn Marshall  61st &17th Lady 68:54, Sali Powell 65th & 21st Lady 69:28, Hannah McDonnell 66th & 22nd Lady 69:30

Chirk Castle National Trust 10k Mat Jones 3rd 45:45, Tony Benton 50:15

Elidir Fawr Fell Race Ceri Belshaw 1:18:42

Abersoch Half Marathon Hywel Roberts 1:53:03

Macclesfield Half Marathon Lisa Dafydd 2:13:21 5k Menai Baugh 2nd VF60 25:55

Sandman Classic Triathlon Rhian Pierce 247th, 30th Lady & 18th SF, 3:43:29

North Wales Fell Series 2018 Category Results Vic Belshaw 3rd VM50 0.858, Emma Collins 1st VF50 0.986, Menai Baugh 1st VF60 1.203

Parkrun Kingston Sian Pritchard 46th Lady 27:51, Conwy Phil Hayes 15th PB 20:09, Wepre Vic Belshaw 7th 20:59, Tony Benton 18th 24:29

Posted in 10 Mile, 10k, 5K, Fell running, Half Marathon, Marathon, Parkrun, Road running, Trail Running, Weekly report | Comments Off on Weekly round up 23.09.18