Weekly roundup 20th Jan 2019

Posted on 21st January 2019 by admindh

Five Denbigh Harriers took to the start line of Twin Piers 10 K With  434 other runners racing. There was the usual headwind but none of the dreadful conditions Twin Piers can be famous for. First Harrier home with Joe Welch in 39:30, 36th overall and 5th MV35 and delighted to feel comfortable racing coming back after two months of injury. Next over the line and improving on his time last year by well over a minute was Bob Neale in 49:55, 172nd overall and also took the M65 first place. Next two Harriers were Ruth Crowther and Andy Morris both aiming for sub 60 and for Ruth this her first 10 K. We’re pleased to report both of them absolutely smashed it. Ruth coming home in 56:49, 272nd and Andy coming home in 58:31, 296th – congratulations to them both! Returning from illness and injury was Dawn Marshall one hour and 40 seconds, 318th nowhere near her PB on this course but in line with last year and used as a fitness test. A great day out for all 5 Harriers.

Pos Gun time First name Last name Category position
36th 39:30 Joe Welch 5
172nd 49:55 Robert Neale 1st Vet 65
272nd 56:49 Ruth Crowther 13
296th 58:31 Andrew Morris 37
318th 01:00:40 Dawn Marshall 19

Two Denbigh Harriers took part in the Shropshire Mercia Hill Trial 2019 on Sunday. 

Superb mountain navigation event; thick freezing fog down to the valley base made for a technical course, especially for non-locals like us to the Shropshire Hills. We were in the third tranche of starters and taken on a coach to a secret location for the start of the linear course. Each team and individual competitor was started at a one minute interval and given their map. There were two courses, one medium and one long Tony Wood and Vic Belshaw opted for the medium which didn’t disappoint. Although they made one serious navigational error early on (along with several others) after that they were on were pretty much perfect lines and consistently moved up the field. It was a cracking day out and a big day as well with almost 10 miles and 3,000′ of ascent; and great team work. Vic was overall in the team category and Tony was placed 10th overall in the individual category.

On a cold, wet misty morning, three Harriers made their way over to Helsby to run in the 4 Villages Half Marathon. Thankfully the rain stopped about 15 minutes before the start time, and then stayed off for the race. Hywel Roberts was the first Harrier home in 1:50:50, Ian Jones finished in 1:57:54 and Rob Parry crossed the line in 2:00:09. It was a nice, well-organised race with plenty of support and great marshalling.

 

Vic and Tony arrive at a foggy checkpoint

Vic and Tony arrive at a foggy checkpoint

Brett Jones completed the 2019 Buff Winter Trail Wales in a time of 01:43:03 Pos-23 – 6th M40- he managed to knock 6 minutes off last years time.

Nine Harriers ran Saturday morning Parkrun in New Zealand, England and Wales. 

Kingston Parkrun

202nd Sian PRITCHARD 00:29:0

Conwy Parkrun

40th Philip HAYES 00:23:37
211th Joanne WHITE 00:40:2

Newborough Parkrun

26th Chris BALDWIN 00:25:0

Foster Parkrun (New Zealand)

11th Ceri BELSHAW 00:23:11

Bodelwyddan Castle Parkrun

6th David BAUGH 00:21:45
14th Tony BENTON 00:23:10
17th Duncan JONES 00:24:04
19th Katy BAUGH 00:24:3
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Weekly round up 14.01.19

Posted on 14th January 2019 by Dawn Marshall

Cross-Country League hots up as Denbigh Harriers Men’s and Women’s teams fight to stay in Division One

This week it was all about Cross-Country – the fourth and penultimate race in the North Wales league series and with the Men’s and Women’s teams in Division 1 for the first season – the fight is on to stay up.

Both teams are still in a fragile position and both have our neighbours Prestatyn Running Club as our nearest target – it’s not personal, just the way the season is shaping up. The men closed the gap by 128 points but are still in the relegation zone and need to beat Prestatyn by 139 points in the last match next month at Oswestry to finish 6th. The women are more comfortably in 5th, 127 points ahead of Prestatyn, 78 points behind Buckley, but with Prestatyn scoring 88 in this race versus Denbigh’s 157, nothing is certain.

Both races were indecently fast and it was great to see Shaun Hughes have a go at staying with the front group and then defending his 12th place to the end despite being isolated and a chasing group of four working hard together to catch him in this 4 lap race with 450ft+ climb. Huw Williams has improved a lot to finish as 6th counter with Owen Conry, seventh Harrier home, closing fast. With Vic Belshaw, our fifth counter and 2nd VM55, unable to race at Oswestry we’ll need to go even faster. Hopefully on the tougher, longer course marathon men Dan Jones, second counter and Joe Welch, fourth, can get further up the field while Glen Price, third, holds on as well again.

David Baugh, eighth Harrier home, ran a well-judged race and will be better placed to cope with the Oswestry hills than most. Phil Hayes, ninth, Mat Jones, tenth and Steve Gadd  eleventh ran well, they may find the Oswestry Hills a shock but they certainly have the speed to have great races. Tony Benton, thirteenth, still has some speed in the aged system and picked off half a dozen rivals on the last lap but missed out on catching his greatest rival, Duncan Jones, twelfth, who steadily widened the gap on the gradients.

Mens XC Northop
Left to right: Shaun Hughes, Team Captain Chris Baldwin, Vic Belshaw, Phil Hayes, Huw Williams, Steve Gadd, Tony Benton, Glen Price, Owen Conry, Mat Jones, David Baugh, Duncan Jones, Joe Welch, Dan Jones

In the women’s race of 2.5 laps and 300ft+ of climb, we have a number of special mentions. Rhian Pierce ran a carefully judged solo run up front to finish 14th, 2nd VF35 and Denbigh’s first counter, with our next 5 (4 to count), finishing in the top third of the field, led in by a very determined Mel Morris from the fast-improving and exceptionally well-running Elen Baugh. An astonishing final lap by Tracey Williams gave her the honour of being 4th counter just ahead of Katy Baugh and Sioned Griffiths.

In her second cross-country Mari Williams looked comfortable ahead of Sali Powell in a reverse of the North Wales Championships at Rhug last week. Menai Baugh cemented her VF60 category win just behind them and Sarah Bayliss zoomed through back after a 5 year break from cross-country. Dawn Marshall, saw the Harriers home, demonstrating that there is no substitute for getting stuck in at every opportunity.

 

Ladies XC Northop

Left to right: front row – Sali Powell, Sarah Bayliss, Menai Baugh, Rhian Pierce, back row – Mari Williams, Dawn Marshall, Sioned Griffiths, Mel Morris, Elen Baugh, Katy Baugh

A quiet parkrun this week saw Sian Pritchard set a new PB at Bushy as she trains for the London Marathon whilst Jon Whitehead was just off his PB in 26:33 at Bodelwyddan Castle. Dawn Marshall in her first run of the day, paced her sister around Stretford parkrun in 35:59.

 

Results

North Wales Cross-Country League Northop

Women: Rhian Pierce 14th 21:53, Melina Morris 45th 25:02, Elen Baugh 47th 25:12, Tracey Williams 51st 25:39, Katy Baugh 52nd 25:43, Sioned Griffiths 53rd 25:44, Mari Williams 67th 26:22, Sali Powell 79th 27:26, Menai Baugh 85th 28:08, Sarah Bayliss 92nd 28:36, Dawn Marshall 122nd 32:33 Women’s Division 1: Race 4:  157 points, 6th overall. After 4 races 526 points 5th overall. Female Masters: Race 4: 61 points, 5th overall. After 4 races 4th points, 4th overall

Men: Shaun Hughes 12th 28:52, Dan Jones 52nd 32:09, Glen Price 60th 32:32, Joe Welch 63rd 32:36, Vic Belshaw 66th 32:44, Huw Williams 88th 34:22, Owen Conry 89th 34:26, David Baugh 92nd 34:36, Phil Hayes 95th 34:42, Mat Jones 98th 34:59, Steve Gadd 102nd 35:29, Duncan Jones 125th 37:26, Tony Benton 130th 38:05 Men’s Division 1: Race 4: 341 points, 6th overall. After 4 races 1750 points 7th overall. Male Masters: Race 4: 112 points, 9th overall. After 4 races 521 points, 10th overall

Parkrun Bushy Sian Pritchard PB 25:27 Bodelwyddan Castle Jon Whitehead 26:33 Stretford Dawn Marshall 35:59

 

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Christmas & New Year round up 07.01.19

Posted on 7th January 2019 by Dawn Marshall

Vic Belshaw & Menai Baugh crowned category champions at the North Wales Cross-Country Championships at Rhug

You’d expect most people to ease back and put their feet up over Christmas and New Year, not so if you’re a Denbigh Harrier, races on Boxing Day, pre-New Year and the opportunity for double parkruns on New Year’s Day kept our runners busy with a few eyes firmly on the North Wales Cross-Country Championships at Rhug on 5th January.

Duncan Jones took part in Boxing Day’s Dash to the Devils Chair on the Stiperstones. 3 miles / 800 feet. Very much part of the Christmas running scene in Shropshire and probably the usual 300 runners on course. Duncan a regular at this fixture was pleased with 32.03 and nearly 40 seconds quicker than last year though no ice this year. Short but steep slopes and a rocky and muddy ridge run keep it interesting.

On the 30th of December, several Santa Claus, complete with a decorated tree, and elves were alongside the 5 Denbigh Harriers who among the 74 runners who made their way up to Moel Famau to the start of this year’s Jubilee Plunge, the aim – get back to the pub in Llangynhafal 2.2 miles away as quickly as possible in this local race organised by Harrier Tony Benton. Low cloud and limited visibility at the top made for a tentative start to the descent, however, once clear of the cloud, soft to firm conditions underfoot made for a quick race down to the finish. The Harriers were led home by Tony Wood taking 13th in 13:48. Katy Baugh was 32nd and 3rd Lady in 15:18 with Ruari Benton 40th in 16:19. Menai Baugh was 54th and 1st VF60 18:15 with Dawn Marshall 72nd in 24:33. Great fun!

And so to Rhug for the 2019 North Wales Cross Country Championships where we saw the highest standard in this race for a long time. 3 miles for the ladies and 65+ men, 4.5 miles for 60-65 men and 6 miles for the under 60 men over the fields – this is a tough race. In the ladies race, Rhian Pierce took 7th in this bigger field, on a par with her previous win here, taking 3rd in the VF35 category and confirming her return to form. Next in was Elen Baugh 23rd  in 25:07 – a significant breakthrough in her racing and great to see her so far up the field. Melina Morris was 27th in 25:56 and laying her demons from Llandrindod Wells to rest to take 3rd VF45. Katy Baugh was just behind in 29th and 26:05. Great to see a rejuvenated Sali Powell back on the fields finishing in 38th and 27:22 with Mari Williams just behind in 39th and 27:48, this her first cross-country race. The unstoppable winning machine that is  Menai Baugh won her category comfortably in 41st and 28:28, whilst Dawn Marshall’s progress back to fitness is particularly welcome with more to come, we’re sure in 53rd and 31:51.

After the ladies and over 65 mens race at Rhug

Left to right: Bob Neale, Sali Powell, Dawn Marshall, Rhian Pierce, Mari Williams, Melina Morris, Menai Baugh, Katy Baugh, Elen Baugh

In the men’s race, Shaun Hughes was first Harrier home in 11th and 36:01. Great to see Shaun back at cross-country. The battle for 2nd Harrier was fierce for 4 laps with the position changing as the race progressed. Ultimately it was Vic Belshaw who was triumphant securing not just 2nd Harrier but his category win VM55 as he finished in 35th and 41:02 followed closely by Glen Price 36th 41:13 and Tony Wood 37th 41:16. There’s wasn’t the only Harrier battle. David Baugh won out over Mat Jones, with David taking 3rd VM55 and finishing 42nd 43:33 and44th 44:10 respectively. In the final Harriers battle, at times it looked as though  Duncan Jones and Tony Benton were holding hands as they ran – they were that close. Duncan edged it in the end with only 8 seconds between the 2 of them in 50th 46:34 and 51st 46:42 respectively. In the 60-65 category Fred Jones was 6th  in 37:58 whilst in the M65+ race it was great to see Bob Neale back on the fields taking 5th in 28:16

Preferring a slightly longer run, Rob Parry and Hywel Roberts made their way over the Dee to run in The Wirral Way Half Marathon (Winter Edition). Held largely on the route of an old railway, the route is moderately flat – though (according to Garmin) nowhere near as flat as reckoned. Weather was quite benign for a long run, about 7 C and cloudy. The route itself is largely hard-packed trail, with a few squelchy bits. Hywel, taking it easy on pace with his London training, came in at 1:44:35. Rob who’s aiming for a half marathon a month in 2019 banked his first of the year and finished in 2:01:26. Rob is no doubt going to break the 2 hour barrier this year.

With limited races, attendance at parkrun was high with the ‘doing the double’ draw on New Year’s Day proving popular.

Vic Belshaw ran the furthest from home at Ganavan Sands in Oban with a run with a view to Mull and Lismore out to sea. Ben Cruachan unfortunately was in cloud at the top of the course. It felt a tough one on the day despite only 250’ of ascent (two climbs and undulating). I was given a run for my money to come in second. The position changed quite a few times and I kept retaking it on the climbs. My opponent finally broke in the final 1000m so much for the holiday Vic.

Parkrun highlights closer to home include course PBs for Jon Whitehead Wepre 28:26 and Elen Baugh Chester 25:56 on New Year’s Day as they along with David Baugh, Tony Benton and Katy Baugh did the double – Wepre at 9am and Chester at 10:30. Also at Chester Shaun Hughes set his parkrun as he came 4th in 17:54.

 

Results

Dash to the Devils Chair Duncan Jones 32:03

Jubilee Plunge Tony Wood 13th 13:48, Katy Baugh 32nd & 3rd Lady 15:18, Ruari Benton 40th 16:19, Menai Baugh 54th & 1st VF60 18:15, Dawn Marshall 72nd 24:33

North Wales Cross-Country Championships 2019 Men under 60 Shaun Hughes 11th 36:01, Vic Belshaw 35th &1st VM55 41:02, Glen Price 36th 41:13, Tony Wood 37th 41:16, David Baugh 42nd & 3rd VM5543:33, Mat Jones 44th 44:10, Duncan Jones 50th 46:34, Tony Benton 51st 46:42 Men 60-65 Fred Jones 6th 37:58 Men 65+ Bob Neale 5th 28:16 Women Rhian Pierce 7th & 3rd VF35 21:49, Elen Baugh 23rd 25:07, Melina Morris 27th & 3rd VF45 25:56, Katy Baugh 29th 26:05, Sali Powell 38th 27:22, Mari Williams 39th 27:48, Menai Baugh 41st &1st VF60 28:28, Dawn Marshall 53rd 31:51

The Wirral Way Half Marathon Hywel Roberts 1:44:35, Rob Parry 2:01:26

Parkrun

22/12 Bushy Sian Pritchard 26:52 Ganavan Sands Vic Belshaw 2nd 20:28 Conwy David Baugh 26th 21:21, Phil Hayes 71st 24:21, Elen Baugh 85th & 10th Lady 25:01, Menai Baugh 102nd & 18th Lady 26:29, Joe Welch 206th 32:44

29/12 Conwy David Baugh 23rd 21:10, Duncan Jones 59th 23:20, Elen Baugh 85th & 15th Lady 24:40, Jon Whitehead 95th 25:34, Sarah Bayliss 326th 45:03 Wepre Vic Belshaw 6th 21:49, Emma Collins 20th & 2nd Lady 23:59

01/01 Wepre David Baugh 16th 22:29, Tony Benton 55th 24:56, Elen Baugh 104th & 16th Lady 27:15, Katy Baugh 105th & 17th Lady 27:15, Jon Whitehead 128th PB 28:26 Chester Shaun Hughes 4th PB 17:54, David Baugh 29th 21:26, Tony Benton 112th 24:30, Paul Goffey 162nd 25:42, Elen Baugh 172nd & 30th Lady PB 25:56, Katy Baugh 173rd & 31st Lady 25:56, Jon Whitehead 209th 27:11

Posted in Cross-country, Fell running, Half Marathon, Parkrun, Trail Running, Weekly report | Comments Off on Christmas & New Year round up 07.01.19

Weekly round up 19.12.18

Posted on 18th December 2018 by Dawn Marshall

Tracey Williams makes an epic comeback winning the Denbigh Harriers Johnson’s Monument 10k Club Handicap Race

This weekend saw the Denbigh Harriers annual Johnson’s Monument 10k Club Handicap Race. Not quite midwinter and not quite as cold (6C) or wet as expected given the previous day’s high wind and rainfall. Mud was definitely on the ground but not as thick as last year, so altogether one of the better years for record chasing. The 24 who turned out were  a selection of the top thirty in the club, though this is meant to be an event for everyone, the handicap means the slowest or fastest runner can win on the day with their handicap start time determined by their current performance. This race is a hard 6 miles with over 400 ft of climb and the dreaded laryngitis bug had slayed a few, and others have had a tough last few weeks of racing so actually 24 was good turnout. In the end no records were broken – but Shaun Hughes 40:09 and Rhian Pierce 46:56 who took a detour again got quite close and there were eleven sub 50 minute performances with Shaun, Phil Hayes 47:39, Huw Williams 48:17, Steve Gadd 49:26 joining the all-time great list.

Tracey Williams’s phenomenal return was certainly unexpected, and she even out-kicked Rhian Pierce into the finish. A year ago she was so disappointed at her lengthy injury that she threw away her cross country shoes (the ones which previously won her the W50 League championship) so this performance on the mud had to be achieved in road shoes. She was confident into the finish straight holding off those behind her and beating Rhian into second by 4 seconds. The top 6 finished within 30 seconds of each other – hats off to our handicapper Chris Baldwin.

Tony Benton won the men’s race, taking third overall in 49:59. Menai Baugh took another record this year, this time fastest VF60 for this race in 60:51. It was a good day for most of family Baugh. David finished ahead of all he was handicapped with in spite of usually being behind them in XC races. Elen had an excellent race recording a faster time than sister Katy for the first time.

IMG_0504

Full results Tracey Williams 1st 53:52, Rhian Pierce 2nd 46:56, Tony Benton 3rd 49:59, Shaun Hughes 4th 40:09, David Baugh 5th 46:14,  Jon Whitehead 6th 57:22, Anwen Brown 7th 61:25, Owen Conry 8th 46:39, Glen Price 9th 43:58, Huw Williams 10th 48:17, Steve Gadd 11th 49:26, Phil Hayes 12th 47:39, Mat Jones 13th 47:47, Menai Baugh 14th 60:51, Elen Baugh 15th 56:58, Chris Baldwin 16th 59:07, Ian Jones 17th 56:23, Dan Schraibman 18th 56:59, Sali Powell19th 61:52, Roger Snaith 20th 64:55, Fred Jones 21st 57:06, Tony Wood 22nd 48:23, Bob Neale 23rd 60:02, Katy Baugh 24th 57:27 (despite short-cut when she realised it wasn’t her day!)

Sadly missing the Johnson’s two Denbigh Harriers travelled to Ludlow for the fantastic Mortimer Forest Trail Run, a tough but fantastic race with 8.75 miles with around 1400 ft ascent – the ambition to tick this race off the list. The first 2 miles climb through woods leading to Poison Bank, 300 feet climb in 3/8 of a mile. A nice running section leads to the ‘Big Dipper’, 3 steep slippery downhill slopes each followed a very steep uphill, then a gradual mile climb to the course’s highest point. From here it’s downhill through a mixture of twisting forest trails, a final climb then a mad fast dash downhill through woods to the finish. Sounds a great day out! Vic Belshaw had a stormer of a race taking 1st MV55 as he finished in 34th in 73:10. Emma Collins, in an exceptional pace continuing her fantastic year, was 1st veteran lady in 79:43 and 76th overall in a field of over 400. Well done both!

Mortimer forest

Ceri Belshaw won the prize for furthest race from Denbigh this week as she ran Whangarei parkrun in New Zealand. She was 2nd lady in 22:14. Hywel Roberts took the trip to Nant y Pandy and came away with a parkrun PB of 21:43 as he continues his training for next year’s London Marathon. Dad David and daughter Katy Baugh took their first runs of the weekend at Conwy Parkrun. David was 11th in 21:20 and Katy 8th Lady in 26:20.

 

Results

Johnson’s Monument Club Handicap Race Tracey Williams 1st 53:52, Rhian Pierce 2nd 46:56, Tony Benton 3rd 49:59, Shaun Hughes 4th 40:09, David Baugh 5th 46:14,  Jon Whitehead 6th 57:22, Anwen Brown 7th 61:25, Owen Conry 8th 46:39, Glen Price 9th 43:58, Huw Williams 10th 48:17, Steve Gadd 11th 49:26, Phil Hayes 12th 47:39, Mat Jones 13th 47:47, Menai Baugh 14th 60:51, Elen Baugh 15th 56:58, Chris Baldwin 16th 59:07, Ian Jones 17th 56:23, Dan Schraibman 18th 56:59, Sali Powell19th 61:52, Roger Snaith 20th 64:55, Fred Jones 21st 57:06, Tony Wood 22nd 48:23, Bob Neale 23rd 60:02, Katy Baugh 24th 57:27 (despite short-cut!)

Mortimer Forest Trail Run  Vic Belshaw 34th & 1st MV55 73:10, Emma Collins 76th & 1st veteran lady 79:43

Parkrun 26:20 Whangarei Ceri Belshaw 13th & 2nd Lady 22:14 Nant y Pandy Hywel Roberts 4th PB 21:43 Conwy David Baugh 11th 21:20, Katy Baugh 56th & 8th Lady

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Johnson’s Handicap Results December 2018

Posted on 16th December 2018 by Alf Tupper

Not quite midwinter and not quite as cold (6C) or wet as expected given the high wind and rainfall yesterday. Mud was definitely on the ground but not as thick as last year, so altogether one of the better years for record chasing. The 24 who turned out were  a selection of the top thirty in the club, though this is meant to be an event for everyone – encouraging people to get suitably fit for what I acknowledge is a hard 6 miles with over 400 ft of climb. In fact the dreaded laryngitis bug had slayed a few, and others have had a tough last few weeks of racing so actually 24 was pretty good. In the end no records were broken – but Shaun and Rhian got quite close and there were eleven sub 50 minute performances and the all-time lists will be amended.

Tracey’s phenomenal return was certainly unexpected, and she even out-kicked Rhian into the finish. A year ago she was so disappointed at her lengthy injury that she threw away her cross country shoes (the ones which previously won her the W50 League championship) so this performance on the mud had to be achieved in road shoes. Back in 2002 she won this event, including its road sections, in spikes – so getting the footwear right is clearly challenging for her. We know a man with a 3D printer who might help……(Fred).

Tony B won the ‘Battered Cup’ but will need to mug Emma for it sometime after Xmas.

Very many thanks are due to Rob P and Dawn for officiating, coping with a much closer finish by the top eight than ever before – and Rob produced immaculate results in time for the prize-giving.

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

1st Tracey……………………11.18.52 am…………..53m52

2nd Rhian……………………11.18.56……………….46m56

3rd Tony B…………………..11.18.59………………..49m59

4th Shaun…………………….11.19.09……………….40m09

5th David B………………………19.14………………..46m14

6th Jon W…………………………19.22……………….57m22

7th Anwen…………………………19.25……………….61m25

8th Owen…………………………..19.39……………….46m39

9th Glen…………………………….19.58……………….43m58

10th Huw…………………………..20.17………………..48m17

11th Steve…………………………..20.26……………….49m26

12th Phil…………………………….20.39……………….47m39

13th Mat……………………………..20.47………………47m47

14th Menai…………………………..20.51………………60m51

15th Elen……………………………..21.58………………56m58

16th Chris…………………………….22.07………………59m07

17th Ian………………………………..22.23……………..56m23

18th Dan………………………………22.59………………56m59

19th Sali……………………………….23.52………………61m52

20th Roger…………………………..23.55……………….64m55

21st Fred………………………………24.06………………57m06

22nd Tony W………………………..24.23………………48m23

23rd Bob………………………………25.02………………60m02

24th Katy B…………………………..26.27………………57m27 (despite short-cut!)

NB North Wales Championships is on 5th January at Rhug. Entries close on 28th December so if you want to run please enter now – see the North Wales Cross Country website for the link.

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Weekly round up 11.12.18

Posted on 11th December 2018 by Dawn Marshall

Mud, mud and more mud as 6 Harriers pull on North Wales vests at the Welsh Inter Counties Cross Country Championships

It’s a great honour to run for your region and 6 Harriers were recently selected to do just that in the Welsh Inter Counties Cross Country Championships. Cross Country generally means one thing – mud and this race by all accounts was mud on an epic scale. This tough course brings the best Wales has to offer and our Harriers acquitted themselves well on this tough course and in this exceptional field. Special mention to a very sensible Victoria Whitehead, retiring after 200m with hip pain, a very difficult, but correct, decision to make. Results: Men – Glen Price 13th M45 43:36, Vic Belshaw 15th M55  45:00, Duncan Jones 32nd M55 52:20. Ladies – Ceri Diss 10th W45 31:56 and Melina Morris 25th W45 35:53. Well done all!

Rhian Pierce was 3rd at Llandegla’s Dash in the Dark. Pipped to the post in the last 200m by a Buckley runner who having previously raced this course unlike Rhian, had the advantage of knowing that the end was near! A great course, even the stream crossings were fun but racing in the dark is very different to the light!

At the popular local Vale of Clwyd half marathon it was another soggy day but that didn’t deter 6 hardy Harriers. Mat Jones had a fantastic race finishing 9th and 2nd VM50 in 1:38:16, 4 mins faster than his run at Conwy last month. Next was Hywel Roberts continuing his London Marathon training and finishing in 1:44:08 for 17th place. Mel Morris on her second run of the weekend was 27th and 3rd VF40 in 1:50:51, just outside her Conwy time which is incredible thinking how much Cross Country would have taken out of her. Rob Parry getting ever closer to sub-2 hours finished in his fastest time in 3 years in 2:01:24 and 48th. Helen Davies was paced by Ian Jones, again sacrificing his own race to help another. Helen working towards her London place put in a great performance to finish in 2:17:16, 73rd with Ian 2 seconds behind in 2:17:18 and 74th.

A few parkruns this weekend. Sisters Katy and Elen Baugh took a trip to Leeds with Katy completing Woodhouse Park parkrun in 22:36 for 10th Lady with Elen not far behind in 24:27 and 21st Lady. At Kingston, Sian Pritchard ran a PB in 26:59 as she trains for the London Marathon. Phil Hayes put in a consistent performance of 24:00 at Conwy whilst at Bodelwyddan Castle, David Baugh was 6th in 21:43 and Tony Benton 16th in 23:36.

At the 3rd border league race, Emma Collins and Vic Belshaw ran for their second claim clubs.  Conditions were dry with strong headwinds. in the remote & exposed location on the Anglesey coast at Trac Mon. 280 runners turned out to race round 5 undulating miles. Vic Belshaw having slogged round in the mud at Cross Country the day prior breezed round 33:56 for 3rd MV55 in a competitive category whilst Emma finished in 36:06 and 1st LV55.

 

Results

Welsh Inter Counties Cross County Glen Price 13th M45 43:36, Vic Belshaw 15th M55 45:00, Duncan Jones 32nd M55 52:20 Ceri Diss 10th W45 31:56, Melina Morris 25th W45 35:53

Llandegla Dash in the Dark Rhian Pierce 3rd Lady

Vale of Clwyd Half Marathon Mat Jones 9th & 2nd VM50 1:38:16, Hywel Roberts 17th 1:44:08, Melina Morris 27th & 3rd VF40 1:50:51, Rob Parry 48th 2:01:24, Helen Davies 73rd 2:17:16, Ian Jones 74th 2:17:28

Parkrun Woodhouse Moor Katy Baugh 60th & 10th Lady 22:36, Elen Baugh 107th & 21st Lady 24:27 Kingston Sian Pritchard 129th & 24th Lady PB 26:59 Conwy Phil Hayes 34th 24:00 Bodelwyddan Castle David Baugh 6th 21:43, Tony Benton 16th 23:36

Borders League Vic Belshaw 3rd MV55 33:56, Emma Collins 1st VF55 36:06

Posted in 5 Mile, Cross-country, Half Marathon, Parkrun, Road running, Trail Running, Weekly report | Comments Off on Weekly round up 11.12.18

Weekly round up 26.11.18

Posted on 26th November 2018 by Dawn Marshall

Run for Fun graduates shine at parkrun whilst Emma Collins takes another age category record

Denbigh Harriers latest Run for Fun class graduated with honours on Saturday at Conwy Parkrun with the class were supported on this 3.1mile/ 5k course by Run Leaders and previous graduates.

IMG_0357

First home Elen Baugh, 10th Lady in 23:51 just behind her PB. Then Bob Neale 24:25 followed by Sali Powell who graduated in March 2017 in 24:58. Sarah Bayliss finished in 26:34 with run leader Ian Jones pacing Julie Roberts another Run for Fun graduate getting back to running after injury to sub-30 mins in 29:28.

Roger Snaith paced the first of this year’s graduates Eileen Williams home in 30:06 (which would have been sub-30 as a chip time). Well done Eileen! Graduate Sonia James completed the race in 31:45. Two previous graduates, Eurian Mitchelmore took 2 minutes off her PB to finish in 32:01 with Diane Lloyd finishing in a PB of 35:52.

Next graduate home was Lowri Davies in 38:19 supported on the course by Menai Baugh with Lydia Clynch running with Dawn Marshall finishing in 44:09. Many of our graduates had never run before but have achieved this 5k race milestone by following a 10 week couch to 5k programme delivered by Denbigh Harriers passionate and dedicated run leaders. Our next course will start in January.

Over in Wepre and after several attempts at the Ladies V55 course category record, Emma Collins was finally successful on Saturday finishing in 23:23; and bettered her previous PB by a substantial 46 seconds and was First Lady home. Denbigh Harriers now holds two of the age category records for this very hilly course which is one of the UK’s most challenging park runs. Congratulations Emma Collins!

Over in Nant y Pandy Chris Baldwin bettered his time from last week in 25:39. At Bodelwyddan Craig Jones stormed home in third and 19:55. David Baugh produced a PB in 21:24 with Tony Benton getting a PB in 22:54. Another PB for 4th woman Victoria Whitehead in 23:30. Jon Whitehead finished in 26:50 with Sian Pritchard getting a PB to finish in 28:49.

 

Results

Parkrun Conwy Elen Baugh 10th Lady 23:51, Bob Neale 24:25, Sali Powell 24:58, Sarah Bayliss 26:34, Ian Jones 29:27, Julie Roberts 29:28, Roger Snaith 30:05, Eileen Williams 30:06, Sonia James 31:45, Eurian Mitchelmore PB 32:01, Diane Lloyd PB 35:32, Lowri Davies 38:19, Menai Baugh 38:20, Lydia Clynch 44:08, Dawn Marshall 44:09 Wepre Emma Collines 1st Lady PB 23:23, Vic Belshaw 19th 23:24 Nant y Pandy Chris Baldwin 16th PB 25:39 Bodelwyddan Craig Jones 3rd 19:55, David Baugh 11th PB 21:24, Tony Benton 19th PB 22:54, Victoria Whitehead 4th Lady =PB 23:30, Jon Whitehead 37th 26:50, Sian Pritchard 8th Lady PB 28:49

 

 

Posted in Uncategorised | Comments Off on Weekly round up 26.11.18

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 | Comments Off on Weekly round up 19.11.18

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 Llanrhaeadr 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, Dawn

10.15 Hannah

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

10.23 David S, Gerwyn, Chris

10.25 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 | Comments Off on December 2018 Johnson’s Start List

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 | Comments Off on Weekly round up 12.11.18