Weekly round up 19.12.18

Posted on 18th December 2018 by admindh

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

Posted in 10k, 5K, Cross-country, Johnson's Handicap, Parkrun, Trail Running | Comments Off on Weekly round up 19.12.18

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 admindh

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 admindh

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

 

 

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Weekly round up 19.11.18

Posted on 19th November 2018 by admindh

 

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

 

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Weekly round up 12.11.18

Posted on 12th November 2018 by admindh

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

 

 

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Weekly round up 5.11.18

Posted on 6th November 2018 by admindh

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.

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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

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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

Posted in Uncategorised | Comments Off on Weekly round up 5.11.18

Weekly round up 30.10.18

Posted on 30th October 2018 by admindh

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 admindh

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