Weekly roundup 20th Jan 2019

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.

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

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

Conwy Parkrun

Newborough Parkrun

Foster Parkrun (New Zealand)

Bodelwyddan Castle Parkrun