Weekly round up 15.10.18

Posted on 15th October 2018 by admindh

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 admindh

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 admindh

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

Weekly round up 17.09.18

Posted on 17th September 2018 by admindh

1st category win for Mat Jones as Menai Baugh and Emma Collins continue to dominate their categories on the fells and roads

After last week’s full on schedule this week by contrast was a quiet one.

Saturday dawned bright and early with the annual King John’s Castle Fell Race with stalwarts of this course husband and wife Victoria & Jon Whitehead and Menai Baugh joined on the start line by newcomer Mat Jones. A perfect day on the fells – weather started out chilly but the sun soon came out…conditions underfoot were good with a relatively modest field of 36. Post-race chips in The Raven along with the race, of course, are the highlights of the day.

Mat led the Harriers home in 50:15 winning his VM50 category – though the race organisers would like to see his birth certificate next time! Next in were Victoria in 53:04 and Jon with a PB of 58:55. Menai couldn’t resist trundling slowly around – it’s a race she loves. Unfortunately she got lost!! Again!! And after last week’s ultra in the Alps, probably shouldn’t have run but enjoyed more of a walk than a run this time around. No matter she still won her VF60 category.

King Johns 2018

Left to right:  Menai Baigh, Mat Jones, Victoria Whitehead, jon Whitehead

Sunday morning saw the Guilden Sutton 10k and the promise of a fast 10k course. PB and UK rankings seeking on the agenda, along with comebacks and training runs. The race was billed as 2 undulating laps followed by a fast flat downhill section. What everyone failed to register (even those who’d run it before) that after that glorious downhill, there is a rather long steady climb to the finish.

Phil Hayes was first Harrier home, 47th and running a PB in 42:04 though disappointed not to get under 42 mins. Phil, having run this course before, blames that last climb. This will be a theme. You will break 42 minutes Phil – you have the ability! Next home and running together were Vic Belshaw and Emma Collins. Vic returning from a chest infection was having a training run whilst Emma took her category by 8 minutes from her nearest rival – 77th 44:52 & 78th 44:53 respectively.

Making up the quintet were Chris Baldwin chasing the VM60 UK rankings which require VM60 runners complete a 10k in under 49:30. Chris, in his last year as a VM60, was just outside the cut-off in 49:34, that last climb featuring again in the post-race analysis. Dawn Marshall was last home, chasing under 1 hour as she returns from injury, was delighted to hold her target race pace for the majority of the race (yup! That final climb again!) to finish in 58:15.

And so to parkrun, reflecting the quiet week, the Harriers were quiet at parkrun attending only our two local races. Nice to see Sarah Bayliss putting in another strong run at Conwy in 16th lady and 25:57 and great to see Andy Morris stretching his legs in 30:44. Slightly closer to home was Vic Belshaw, in spite of the tail end of his recent illness, put in a PB taking 6th in 20:33 at Bodelwyddan Castle with Elen Baugh just short of her best in 26:17 as 3rd Lady.

 

Results

King John’s Castle Fell Race Mat Jones 1st VM50 50:15, Victoria Whitehead 53:04, Jon Whitehead PB 58:55, Menai Baugh 1st VF60 65:11

Guilden Sutton 10k Phil Hayes 47th 42:04, Vic Belshaw 77th 44:52 , Emma Collins 78th & 12th Lady & 1st VF55 44:53, Chris Baldwin 125th 49:34, Dawn Marshal 193rd & 53rd Lady & 58:18

Parkrun Conwy Sarah Bayliss 87th & 16th Lady 25:57, Andrew Morris 160th 30:44 Bodelwyddan Castle Vic Belshaw 6th PB 20:33, Elen Baugh 28th & 3rd Lady 26:17

Posted in 10k, Fell running, Parkrun, Weekly report | Comments Off on Weekly round up 17.09.18

Weekly round up 10.09.18

Posted on 10th September 2018 by admindh

Happy 80th Birthday Ron Birch as the Harriers have a busy week racing across all terrains and disciplines

We start our round up with the Noel Morris Handicap Summer Series whilst celebrating the 80th birthday of one of our founder members. Ron Birch turned 80 on Tuesday and celebrated by racing the penultimate race of the 2018 series in perfect conditions – 16C and sunny with little wind, short grass and dry ground. Diane Roberts made a very good effort to win this one but was caught with only 200m to go and finished 5th. It gave her points total for the series a considerable boost though, and continued her challenge for the title.

Classy runs from Emma Collins, Tony Wood (despite seized quads from racing Ben Nevis the previous weekend), and Joe Welch finishing only 36 seconds outside Shaun Hughes record, but all were overshadowed by birthday boy Ron who can be excused for not being quite as fast as last month when he was only 79. Of those with 5 races completed, Tony Benton is comfortably in the lead with Phil Hayes second though Diane has another 19th position to drop, so there is all to play for in October.

Ron 80

On Wednesday afternoon, new member Mark Jones competed in the Police Sport UK National 10 mile race. The race is hosted in a different part of the UK each year with this yeasrs race hosted by North Wales Police. Mark completed the 10 mile through in Bangor in 1:25:31.

Fresh off the back of his OCC race at the Ultra Trail Mont Blanc Chamonix last week, David Baugh updated the Harriers that to continue their Alps adventure he and wife Menai were attempting the 170k (106miles) Ultra Tour of Monte Rosa on Wednesday. This is a 4 day stage race starting in Switzerland crossing the Alps under the Matterhorn into Italy and eventually back into Switzerland to the finish via Saas Fee. This includes 11300m (37,000’) of ascent. The intention to run this together and “enjoy” this as a holiday.

Already sounding like one of the toughest races anyone at the club has ever attempted, day 1 saw the route lengthened from 37 to 43k due to rockfall including unforgettable climbs, tunnels and via ferrata’s. Day 2 took in 2 major mountain passes, serious scrambling and a glacier with both in great form beating the cutoffs at the checkpoints by a huge margin. Day 3 started with a 1400m climb in 10k over a high path – a very steep climb. 30k and 2000m ascent in the afternoon which David completed solo, billing it as one of the gruelling afternoon’s running he’s ever experienced and he should know.

Day and Stage 4 saw the normal 6am start with David & Menai heading up to Mount Moro and climbing steeply 1500m in 6.8k to a checkpoint and a scramble over icy rock to the summit using ropes and pegs, both loving the icy descent to Saas Fee 18k away overtaking masses of runners. Menai finished her running there and David took the hard run back to where the race started on Wednesday. There were some superb paths to run on but also boulder fields, tunnels and some precipitous roped sections – oh and yes a ladder. For David a 45.8 k day with 9000’ of climbing finishing a fantastic 48th place 9 hours 38mins for the Stage. Over the 4 days, David ran for 41 hours and 36 mins, Menai 33 hours and 7 mins. We’re not sure everyone would agree this classes as a “holiday” but we’re all incredibly impressed by them.

MB DB UTMR

MB UTMR

DB UTMR

Back to the UK and “normal” races then and it was a busy weekend. Tony Benton ran the last of the Deestriders Off Road Summer Series on Friday night taking 2nd in his VM55 category for the series. Emma Collins didn’t race but had already wrapped up 1st in her VF55 category with 3 strong races.

2 half marathons on Sunday. The televised and prestigious Great North Run alongside the scenic Lake Vyrnwy Half Marathon. Making the trip to the North East and lining up on the start list was Katherine Edwards, delighted to make it to the race and tick it off her bucket list. Chip time 2:24:16. At Lake Vyrnwy the weather was wet and warm with 5 runners taking to the start line, many of them using this as part of their training programmes for future events.

First Harrier home and 21st overall was Shaun Hughes, equalling his half marathon PB in 67:27 as he prepares for next month’s Chester Marathon. Next home was Steve Gadd, also in training for an October Marathon – the slightly hillier Snowdonia Marathon – delighted with his 3rd sub 90 min half this year and finishing in 1:29:07 and 18th VM45. Ian Jones was next 31st VM55 in 1:52:42 delighted with his time as he continues to train for next month’s Cardiff Half Marathon. The only lady Harrier on the field was Lisa Dafydd finishing 87th SF and smashing her previous best by 4 mins with a new PB of 2:08:22. Robert Parry completed the quintet in 2:09:59.

Over on the hills, Ceri Belshaw chose 2 disciplines rather than one completing the Conwy Mountain Marathon Duathlon and coming 6th & 2nd Lady in 3:00:55. Sticking to running and taking on Ras Cyrn Y Brain, the last of the NW Fell Series with 7 miles and 1200 ft were 6 Harriers racing in blustery but dry conditions. The race starts and finishes from the Ponderosa Cafe on the Horseshoe Pass has two climbs with the second seeming to go on forever. This race is balanced out with two fast descents, if you don’t get held up in the single track section of course!

Vic Belshaw was first home in 15th and 57:18 taking  2nd in his VM55 category on the day but awaiting the final series results. Emma Collins was 32nd in 1:02:41 and 1st in her VF55 category. Mathew Jones was 39th in 1:04:30 enjoying another venture onto the fells and finding it less arduous though than his 15 miler on the Clwydians last week. Tony Benton took 50th in 1:07:56 in his 3rd race of the week. Great to see Victoria Whitehead back on her favourite terrain 62nd in 1:10:36 as using the race as a training run whilst husband Jon Whitehead brought the Harriers home in 72nd and a great time of 1:16:39.

As we get to Autumn, we’re all looking forward to cross-country season starting. So what better way to get acclimatised than to get down and dirty at Tough Mudder. A great event promoting teamwork and achieving more than you think you can saw Harriers Anwen Brown, Hannah McDonnell, Caroline Parry, Alaw Evans, Claire Spencer, Mari Williams, Sali Powell and Nicola Field have a fantastic day out in the mud!

TM teamwork 2 TM teamwork

TM

As usual we finish with Parkrun. At Bodelwyddan Castle Parkrun only on its 4th week but proving a big draw for the Harriers, the first taste of autumn rain and a much smaller field than previously made for bigger gaps and more individual racing. Ceri Belshaw (12th) looked altogether meaner than last week as she did 23:29 and lopped nearly 90 seconds off her PB. That is impressive considering that almost everyone else who has done this course before was slower. Phil Hayes was quicker too, getting a taste of what it is like to be at the front in 3rd with 21:33. Duncan Jones and Chris Baldwin were close together on the first lap but Duncan cruised home in 17th  and 24:48 with Chris dropping back to 22nd 25m52. Next in was new member Chris Davies 31st in 27m52 on his very first parkrun, while Gwenan Johnson was taking it easy for 91st in 39m29.

Sarah Bayliss opted to travel to Newborough Parkrun finishing in a time of 26:37 which she’s delighted with given the wet and windy conditions and loving the single lap course. Shame it’s too far to go every week. Down in Kingston, Sian Pritchard was two minutes faster than last week in 28:30

 

Results

Noel Morris Handicap Summer Series 1st Joe Welch 18:06, Chris E (guest) 24:45, 2nd Arwel Jones 23:20, 3rd Tony Wood 18:52, 4th Ruari Benton 24:55, 5th Diane Roberts 33:58, 6th Ian Jones.24:34, 7th Ceri Belshaw 22:14, 8th Emma Collins 21:46, 9th Tony Benton 21:57, 10th Bob Neale 25:01, 11th Phil Hayes 20:33, 12th Fred Jones.23:50, 13th Elen Baugh 25:41, 14th Vic Belshaw 20:12, 15th Ron Birch 35:16, 16th Sarah Bayliss, 26:32, 17th Mari Jones 36:42

PSUK National 10 mile Road Race Mark Jones 1:25:31

Ultra Tour Monte Rosa 170k 4 stage Mountain Race David Baugh 48th 41:36:20, Menai Baugh Ret. Saas Fee 33:07:17

Deestriders Off Road Summer Series Emma Collins 1st VF55 ,Tony Benton 2nd VM55 for the Series 

Lake Vyrnwy Half Marathon Shaun Hughes 21st 1:16:27, Steve Gadd 135th & 18th VM45 1:29:07, Ian Jones 578th & 31st VM55 1:52:42, Lisa Dafydd 905th & 87th SF PB 2:08:22, Robert Parry 915th & 113st MF45 2:09:59

Great North Run Katherine Edwards 2:24:16

Conwy Mountain Marathon Duathlon Ceri Belshaw 6th & 2nd Lady 3:00:55

Ras Cryn y Brain Fell Race Vic Belshaw 15th & 2nd VM55* 57:18, Emma Collins 32nd & 1st VF55 62:41, Mat Jones 39th 64:30, Tony Benton 50th 67:56, Victoria Whitehead 62nd 70:36, Jon Whitehead 72nd 76:39   *awaiting final results

Tough Mudder North West Finishers Anwen Brown, Hannah McDonnell, Caroline Parry, Alaw Evans, Claire Spencer, Mari Williams, Sali Powell, Nicola Field

Parkrun Kingston Sian Pritchard 52nd Lady 28:30 Newborough Forest Sarah Bayliss 19th & 9th Lady 26:37 Bodelwyddan Castle Philip Hayes 3rd 21:33, Ceri Belshaw 12th & 2nd Lady 23:29, Duncan Jones 17th 24:48, Chris Baldwin 22nd 25:52, Chris Davies 31st 27:52, Gwenan Johnson 91st & 45th Lady 39:29

Posted in 10 Mile, Cross-country, Fell running, Half Marathon, Parkrun, Road running, Summer Handicap Series, Trail Running, Weekly report | Comments Off on Weekly round up 10.09.18

Weekly round up 04.09.18

Posted on 6th September 2018 by admindh

This week sees some extreme mountain running : local, the Scottish Highlands, and even the Alps

In the annual Ben Nevis race, Tony Wood managed a highly respectable time of 2:16:24, finishing in 244th place on the very tough 9 mile, 4400 feet of climb and drop route. 

In the Alps, David Baugh competed in the OCC, one of the UTMB (Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc) races, the race being 36.7 miles with nearly 11,000 feet of climb. He finished in just over 10 hours in 649th place, and managing to be First in his GB age group classification.

A lot closer to home, the ‘Clwydian 15’ fell race took place in hot and humid conditions on Saturday. The race involves close to 16 miles, and 3600 feet of climb. Matt Jones came home in a fraction over 3 hours – position unknown. Katy Baugh was just 4 minutes behind, and crossed the finish line as Second lady. A further 5 minutes back, Sioned Lloyd was third lady.

In the Caernarvon 10k (also the North Wales Championships for that distance), Emma Collins won her age group outright, Shaun Hughes managed to collect the second place in Senior Men’s. Chris Baldwin ran a very respectable 50:05, which was unfortunately just outside the medal placings. 

A reminder that our next ‘Run for Fun’ starts on Monday 10th September at 6:30pm. A fully supported 10 week introduction to running, where you will build up to being able to run for 30 minutes or more. Details on Facebook (search ‘run for fun denbigh’) if you’d like to know more.

Posted in 10k, Fell running, Weekly report | Comments Off on Weekly round up 04.09.18

October Start List

Posted on 4th September 2018 by Alf Tupper

The final race of the 2018 series. The top three all have chances to win it outright, and Tony W is a mathematical possibility for a podium spot (though not for the gold). NOTE 6pm START (due to the gathering gloom).

5.59 Mari J

6.00 Ron

6.00.30 Diane

6.01 Ruth

6.02 Kath S, Bronwen, Angela

6.03 Kellie, Wendy, Dawn

6.05 Nicola

6.06 Helen D, Colin, Jill, Littlekath, Hannah, Claire Sp, Rhian WJ

6.07 Andy M, Kate W, Jeff, Paul J

6.08.30 Abigail, Mari W, Rob P, Jon, Menai, Tracey

6.09 Roger, Bethan, Ed, David Sp, Anwen, Sarah

6.09.30 Elen, Mike Hb, Mark

6.10  Sali, Katherine E, Bob, Ian J, Chris, Llyr, Ruari

6.10.30 David S

6.11 Rhian GJ, Gerwyn, Rob G, Mel, Sioned

6.41.30  Dan S, Katy B, Fred, Duncan, Arwel

6.12  Paul G, Alaw

6.12.30 David D, Victoria, Ceri B,

6.13 Tony B, Emma, Ceri D

6.13.30 Jon F, Mat

6.14 David B, Hywel, Rhian P

6.14.30 Owen, Brett, Huw, Phil

6.15 Tom, Craig, Steve, Vic

6.15.30 Dan J

6.16 Glen, Tony W

6.16.30 Joe W

6.17.00 Shaun H

Posted in Summer Handicap Series | Comments Off on October Start List

September Results

Posted on 4th September 2018 by Alf Tupper

Perfect conditions – 16C and sunny with little wind, short grass and dry ground – the only problem being that the ditch had been dredged and made deeper. Diane made a very good effort to win this one but was caught with only 200m to go and finished 5th. It gave her points total a considerable improvement though, and continued her challenge for the title. Classy runs from Emma, Tony W (despite seized quads from Ben Nevis), and Joe W (only 36 seconds outside Shaun’s record), but all overshadowed by birthday boy Ron who can be excused for not being quite as fast as last month when he was only 79.

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

1st Joe W………………….7.04.06pm…………18m06………………..16/3

Chris E (guest)…………..7.04.15 pm………..24m45

2nd Arwel………………………4.20…………….23m20…………………27/3

3rd Tony W…………………….4.22……………18m52………………….56/5

4th Ruari………………………..4.25……………24m55………………….4/1

5th Diane………………………..4.28…………..33m58………………….45/5*

6th Ian……………………………4.34…………..24m34………………….27/2

7th Ceri B………………………..4.44…………..22m14…………………..7/1

8th Emma……………………….4.46…………..21m46………………….21/3

9th Tony B………………………4.57……………21m57…………………..31/5

10th Bob………………………….5.01…………..25m01…………………..33/3

11th Phil…………………………..5.03………….20m33…………………..37/5

12th Fred…………………………5.20…………..23m50………………….49/4

13th Elen…………………………5.41……………25m41…………………..31/2

14th Vic…………………………..5.42……………20m12…………………..27/3

15th Ron………………………….5.46……………35m16…………………..52/4

16th Sarah……………………….6.02……………26m32…………………..16/1

17th Mari J………………………6.42……………36m42…………………..70/5

* Best of 5 races.

Of those with 5 races completed, Tony B is comfortably in the lead and Phil is second but Diane has another 19th position to drop, will keep the same start time, and seems to be getting quicker. If she finishes 5th next time her total will equal Tony’s at 31. Of course Phil and Tony may go quicker from their unchanged start times too. All to play for in October (which will be at 6pm in fading light).

Posted in Summer Handicap Series | Comments Off on September Results

Weekly round up 28.08.18

Posted on 28th August 2018 by admindh

Craig Jones smashes sub-18 for 5k whilst Rhian Pierce takes 1st lady at Ras y Mynydd

Wednesday night, midweek Ras y Mynydd Fell Race, Llandegai saw Rhian Pierce complete her comeback from a career-threatening injury to take 10th overall and 1st Lady home in 33:47.

Thursday night, 3 Harriers headed to Mid-Cheshire to race the summer Mid-Cheshire 5k on a promised PB delivering fast course. The temperature had dropped a little delivering a great temperature to race in. A big turnout for this race and a fast course with the winner finishing in 13:45 – this race attracts an elite field.

First Harrier home was Craig Jones, who’s been on a promise for sub-18 for 5k for a while, not only got sub-18 but smashed it in 17:43. There’s more to come from this great athlete. Emma Collins was next home in 20:40, 20 seconds faster than last week’s race and taking her VF55 category, 59 seconds ahead of the second placed 55-59 lady. Finishing the field was Dawn Marshall, back from injury and happy to finish in 27:30 ahead of her targeted time.

Parkrun dominated the weekend with 12 Harriers running at 5 parkruns. Making the furthest trip to Brighouse saw Sarah Bayliss finish 79th and 12th lady in 25:43. Also heading over the border to Shrewsbury saw Tony Benton lead 3 Harriers home 73rd in 22:19. Bob Neale finished 138th and 1st VM65 and a PB on this course in 24:24. Ruari Benton completed the trio in 209th and 26:12.

Along the North Wales coast, Sali Powell raced at Conwy finishing in 88th and12th Lady in 25:42, whilst at Newborough Forest Chris Baldwin finished 66th with a course PB of 25:27.

It was another great turnout at new local parkrun Bodelwyddan Castle. David Baugh was 9th with a course PB of over 90 seconds in 21:52 followed shortly by Victoria Whitehead in 32nd and 4th Lady in 24:43. Husband Jon Whitehead was next in 55th and 27:28. Two Roberts finished closely together with Robert Gotts in 71st, 28:38 and Robert Parry in 73rd taking over a minute off last week’s run in 28:46. Sian Pritchard completed the field in 107th and 31st Lady in 31:52.

Final race of the weekend saw Steve Gadd at the Run Ellesmere 10k in the pouring rain. Official results are not available yet but Steve completed the course in 40:13, a fantastic time, particularly considering how treacherous the last 2k were along the canal.

 

Results

Ras y Mynydd Fell Race Rhian Pierce 10th & 1st Lady 33:47

Mid-Cheshire (Summer) 5k Craig Jones 152nd 17:43, Emma Collins 341st & 1st VF55 20:40, Dawn Marshall 536th 27:30

Parkrun Brighouse Sarah Bayliss 79th & 12th lady 25:43 Shrewsbury Tony Benton 73rd 22:19, Bob Neale 138th & 1st VM65 PB 24:24, Ruari Benton 209th 26:12 Conwy Sali Powell 88th & 12th Lady 25:42 Newborough Forest Chris Baldwin 66th PB 25:27 Bodelwyddan Castle David Baugh 9th PB 21:52, Victoria Whitehead 32nd & 4th Lady 24:43, Jon Whitehead 55th 27:28, Robert Gotts 71st 28:38, Robert Parry 73rd PB 28:46, Sian Pritchard 107th & 31st Lady 31:52

Run Ellesmere 10k Steve Gadd 40:13

Posted in 10k, 5K, Fell running, Weekly report | Comments Off on Weekly round up 28.08.18