July Results

Hot, 26C, but dry heat with a breeze. Firm ground and short grass. Obviously the England v Columbia game was an alternative attraction – and I suspect that some were resting before the Ruthin 5K tomorrow – so numbers were down but this was great for the championship chances of those who were there.  My ‘man of the match’ was Tony B who got himself through six of the opposition and was a lot closer in time to Phil than usual. Nice to see Sioned and Ruth back and going well too. Note that Jeff knocked 4 minutes off his best previous time, and with  four races gone Phil is looking like the bookies favourite for the championship.

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

1st  Jeff…………….7.01.59………………….28m59…………….28/3

2nd Diane…………..03.57………………….33m57……………..40/4

3rd Sioned………….04.39………………….24m39……………..10/2

4th Ruth…………….04.48………………….34m48………………18/2

5th Tony B………….05.06………………….22m06………………18/3

6th Gerwyn…………05.25………………….24m25……………….6/1

7th Mel……………….05.43………………….24m43……………….11/2

8th Menai……………05.58………………….26m58………………13/2

9th Phil……………….06.15………………….21m45……………….26/4

10th Duncan………..06.31………………….24m31……………….16/2

11th Anwen………….06.46………………….28m16……………….26/3

12th Tony W………..06.50………………….19m50……………….32/3

13th Jon………………06.51…………………..27m21……………….13/1

Posted in Summer Handicap Series | Comments Off on July Results

Weekly round up 02.07.18

Four Harriers win North Wales Championship Trail medals as Harriers spend the weekend on the hills

Denbigh Harriers hosted their annual trail race, The Fairy Freckled Cow at Alwen Reservoir on Sunday on a glorious sunny day. The 12th running of this popular event saw its highest turnout with many on the day entries as in spite of the heat as 137 runners took to the route.

This is an 11k race with 177 metres of ascent. The race is run starting from the path to the right hand side of the dam, and this year was back to its official length with the gate 20m from the start line having been opened. The route consists of one lap of the reservoir crossing the bridge at the far end halfway through the race before the fabled hill.

After the safety briefing, the field were led out by many North Wales Elite runners as the route also served as a North Wales Trail Championship race. Given the heat, priority for the race was to ensure everyone got round safely with PB’s and course records not expected. The heat was an obvious tell with many more walking the hill than in previous years and all the lead runners taking water at the midway water station.

Last year’s winner Tom Roberts, Meirionydd, certainly didn’t appear to be affected by the heat. 38 mins and 22 seconds after he started Tom crossed the finish line 56 seconds ahead of Owen Roberts, Hebog in 39:18. Tom was a mere 6 seconds behind his record from last year and some would argue that the extra 20m would account for those seconds. Incredible running in these conditions from this talented young runner. Third place was taken Shaun Hughes of Denbigh Harriers beating his time last year by 16 seconds and finishing in a personal best of 41:32.

In the ladies race, Amie Bagnall, Prestatyn, was first lady and 13th overall in 47:27 taking 6 seconds off her previous best in 2016, followed in by Elliw Haf, Eryri in 48:12, taking an incredible 2 mins 11 off her time last year. Third place was Jen Adams, Buckley in 50:34.

A further 11 Harriers took part in the race with Glen Price finishing strongly in the top 20 in 17th 48:42. Breaking the hour mark Huw Williams 26th 52:54 led in Mat Jones 29th 53:54, closely followed by Fred Jones 36th and 2nd VM60 55:20. First lady home for Denbigh was Melina Morris well under the hour mark 45th and 3rd VF40 in 58:30. Mari Williams came in next completing the course 74th in 66:00 followed by Sali Powell 82nd 68:10 and Alaw Medi Evans 95th in 72:20. Ed Brown in his first race in 4 years was a little off his PB but happy with 104th and 77:16. Llyr Jones was not far behind in 116th 81:41. Dawn Marshall brought up the rear in 120th 84:22.

In the North Wales Trail Championships, eligibility is required by birth or residence meaning 4 Harriers took medals home. Shaun Hughes was promoted to second taking home a silver medal and was joined by Melina Morris also promoted to silver for VF40. Fred Jones collected his silver for VM60 and Glen Price was awarded bronze for VM40.

Thanks to Harriers and friends David Baugh, Katy Baugh, Menai Baugh, Tony Benton, Anwen Brown, Seren & Gwil Brown, Owen Conry, Ted Conry, Jacky Cox, Helen Davies, Rob Gotts, Duncan Jones, Ian Jones, Llyr Jones, Caroline Parry, Rob Parry, Glen Price, Hywel Roberts, Roger Snaith, Claire Spencer, David Spencer, Victoria Whitehead, Kate Wilson, Kellie Wynne Jones for giving up their time to stage the race and to Peak Marquee for the donation of the tents, Denbigh Army Cadets, St John Ambulance and Dwr Cymru for their support.

Many of the volunteers for the Fairy Freckled Cow clearly didn’t believe a weekend off racing was in order so on Saturday Denbigh Harriers had a fantastic turnout out on the Carneddau – it was another incredible hot day.

Six Harriers ran the Vegan 3000 ‘s Half race. This is a 13.8 mile race with 3,804 foot of ascent which runs over 6 of the mountains over 3000ft in the Carneddau . It is held at the same time as the Vegan 3000’s Ultra Race which visits all 15 summits over 3000ft. Victoria Whitehead had an excellent run, finishing 10th out of 39 runners and second lady overall. She was followed by Katy Baugh who just missed out on a podium position, finishing fourth lady.

Next Harrier to finish was Sioned Griffiths who despite having taken a wrong turning on this difficult -to- navigate terrain, finished 5th lady. 6th and 7th ladies to finish were Anwen Brown and Menai Baugh both having thoroughly enjoyed the ascents and the long 5 mile descent. Jon Whitehead found the heat on the last 3 miles whilst descending into the valley, intolerable.

The official results and positions  (which differ slightly from the runners actual times and positions recorded on their watches) are as follows Victoria Whitehead 10th & 2nd Lady 3 hr 09m, Katy Baugh 16th 3hr 33m, Sioned Lloyd Griffiths 21st 3hr 44min, Anwen Brown 23rd 3 hr 47 min, Menai Baugh 24th 3 hr 47 min, Jon Whitehead 26th 3 hr 55 min.

In the full Ultra race David Baugh had 5am start for this race over 36 miles and 13,000ft of ascent. In the early morning cool, the runners ran up Snowdon and then tackled the remaining fourteen 3,000ft peaks as temperatures soared. There were a high number of runners forced to retire as the day warmed up and the technical terrain took its toll. David completed the course in 13hr 58 min in 47th=.

Just 2 Harriers at Parkrun this week. Tony Benton was 23rd in 24:11 at hilly Wepre with Philip Hayes 84th at faster Conwy in 24:32.

 

Results

Fairy Freckled Cow Trail Race 11k Shaun Hughes 3rd 41:32 PB, Glen Price 17th 48:42, Huw Williams 26th 52:54, Mat Jones 29th 53:54, Fred Jones 36th & 2nd VM60 55:20, Melina Morris 45th & 3rd VF40 58:30, Mari Williams 74th 66:00, Sali Powell 82nd 68:10, Alaw Medi Evans 95th 72:20, Ed Brown 104th 77:16, Llyr Jones 116th 81:41, Dawn Marshall 120th 84:22

Vegan 3000s Full 36m David Baugh 47th= 13hr 58 Half 13.8m Victoria Whitehead 10th & 2nd Lady 3 hr 09m, Katy Baugh 16th 3hr 33m, Sioned Lloyd Griffiths 21st 3hr 44min, Anwen Brown 23rd 3 hr 47 min, Menai Baugh 24th 3 hr 47 min, Jon Whitehead 26th 3 hr 55 min

Parkrun Conwy Philip Hayes 84th 24:32 Wepre Tony Benton 23rd 24:11

Posted in Fairy Freckled Cow, Fell running, Parkrun, Trail Running, Weekly report | Comments Off on Weekly round up 02.07.18

Weekly round up 27.06.18

More triathlons, fell running, and a few personal bests broken – leading to championship winners and podium finishes!

Congratulations to Menai Baugh for consistently great performances in the Joe Brown Fell running race series, after the last race on Tuesday 19th, she was awarded with winning the series championship in her age category, having won her age category in 6 of the races she ran out of the 11 races held during the series.

On Saturday, a number of Harriers took part in the ‘Runfest Wales’ races in Rhyl. In the 5k race, Ron Birch was first in his age category (Male 75-79) with a time of 35:40. In the 10k race, Bob Neale was third in category (M65-69) with a highly creditable time of 48:37. Mari Williams also ran a good race, finishing in 52:57. In the Half Marathon, Joe Welch ran a fantastic race, finishing in second place overall with a time of 1:19:54. Nearly 5 minutes taken off his PB. Steve Gadd also broke the tough 1:30 barrier, coming in at 1:28:45, and 14th place overall. David Jones also ran a very good race, 53rd finisher, in a time of 1:43:17.

On Sunday, Shaun Hughes, running as part of the North Wales team, took part in the Stone 10k race. In a high-quality field, he ran a PB of 35:18, crossing the line in 14th place.

Also on Sunday, the Denbigh Triathlon took place. Victoria Whitehead, in her first triathlon, was 6th lady to finish, in a combined time of 1:41:02 closely followed by Philip Hayes, in a time of 1:41:40

Finally, Parkrun results for the week. In Aldershot, David Baugh ran a time of 21:37 (46th overall), and Menai Baugh completed the course in 26:45. At Conwy, Llyr Jones finished in 34:38. Finally, Ceri Belshaw was first lady finisher at Wepre, in a time of 24:14

Posted in 10k, 5K, Fell running, Half Marathon, Parkrun, Road running | Comments Off on Weekly round up 27.06.18

Weekly Round-up 17th June 2018

The penultimate race in the Joe Brown Tuesday Night Fell series was, once again, held in Abergwyngregyn but followed a different route to the last two races at Aber. This is a 4.5 mile race which climbs a steep 700 feet in the first mile before following a lovely, grassy track towards Aber Falls. After crossing the stream below the Falls, it continues to climb another 500 feet before descending for two miles resulting in a frantic, fast finish. Menai Baugh was the only Harrier to run and had a very good race, finishing in 52:51.

Two Harriers travelled to Coed y Brenin on Saturday. Although it was showery with occasional heavy downpours, conditions under foot remained good.
David Say finished the trail marathon 20 minutes faster than last year, showing a good improvement. He was 5th V60, 5:39:59.
Emma Collins ran the half, and was quite happy with a similar time as last year, 2:00:35, 8th lady, 1st V50.

In the Parkrun roundup, Manfredi Toraldo ran in Copenhagen, finishing 29th in 22:18.

In Oslo (and thus winning the award for most Northerly race of the week), David Baugh finished in a time of 21:42, crossing the line in 17th place.

At Conwy, Philip Hayes completed the course in 23:52. Angela Beedles ran a PB of 31:35

Craig Jones ran an impressive 19:12 at Warrington, finishing a very good 7th out of 370 runners.

Finally, Katy Baugh ran in Wepre, crossing the line as 2nd lady in a time of 26:01

Posted in Fell running, Half Marathon, Marathon, Trail Running, Weekly report | Comments Off on Weekly Round-up 17th June 2018

Weekly Round-up 10 June 2018

This week the report includes cycling and swimming, people racing against horses, along with more ‘normal’ running !
In Fell running, two Denbigh Harriers ladies braved the Tal y Mignedd Fell Race on Saturday. This was a North Wales Fell Running Championship Race, a Welsh Championship Race and a British Championship Race therefore mingling with the other runners at the start of the race was a pretty nervous experience. The women’s and men’s races were separate and it was quite interesting to see the front runners belting down as one was running up. The route, in the words of the organisers, followed a farm track for 0.8 miles before violently ascending a goliath 1800ft in just over a mile. On tapping Queen Victoria’s obelisk at the summit the route returned along the same kamikaze descent before arriving back at the farm. Despite the heat both Ceri Belshaw and Menai Baugh had excellent runs with Ceri finishing in  50 th position in a time of  56:11 and Menai Baugh finishing second F60 in 62nd position in a time of  1:03:37.
David and Katy Baugh took on the Man V Horse on Saturday after arriving home from 17 hours on a plane and both enjoyed the whole occasion. Conditions underfoot were much better than last year and mostly dry but it was hot and muggy for the 60 horses and 750 runners. Some run this as a relay and others as solo runners over the 36k course with 1162m of climb. The race between the people and horses was tight this year due to the hot conditions (apparently humans cope better with heat). The Marines relay team beat the first horse and the first solo runner was less than 30 seconds behind. David was 222nd amongst the solos, relay teams and horses and managed to beat 17 horses. Pleased with knocking 20minutes off last years time in 3.50 . Katy finished in 4.49 suffering with cramp as many of the field did in the heat.
 
Caroline Parry was doing Triathlon on Sunday, at Ironman 70.3 in Stafford. After a good 1.2 mile swim in 53:36 , she suffered with a number of problems (and the heat) on the 56 mile bike leg, unfortunately just missing the cut-off time for the run. 
 
Finally, our Parkrun roundup. 
Sarah Bayliis ran Wepre, with a new course PB of 26:31, and 5th lady finisher.
Tony Benton ran Wolverhampton, finishing in the top 10% with a time of 21:44
At Conwy, Emma Collins was third lady over the line in a time of 22:14. 
Manfredi Toraldo wasn’t that far behind, coming in in 22:40.
Elen Baugh crossed the finish in 25:07 (9th lady), and Paul Jones still finished in the top third of the field with a time of 27:05
Posted in Fell running, Parkrun, Road running, Trail Running, Weekly report | Comments Off on Weekly Round-up 10 June 2018

July Start List

One or two corrections to the start times, but overall everybody has recent performances (or expected improvements) to get them to within a minute of the notional finish time of 7.04pm. Frankly, we can’t cope with a blanket finish, so don’t take me too literally!

6.27 Ron

6.30 Ruth, Mari J, Diane

6.32 Kath S, Bronwen, Angela

6.33 Kellie, Wendy, Dawn, Jeff

6.35 Nicola

6.36 Helen D, Colin, Jill, Littlekath, Hannah, Paul J, Claire Sp, Rhian WJ

6.37 Andy M, Tracey

6.38.30 Anwen, Abigail, Mari W, Rob P

6.39 Roger, Bethan, Ed, David Sp, Menai

6.39.30 Jon, Ruari, Kate W

6.40  Sioned,  Sali, Katherine E, Rhian P, Bob, Ian J, Sarah

6.40.30 Elen, Llyr, David S

6.41 Mike Hb, Rhian GJ, Gerwyn, Rob G, Mel

6.41.30  Dan S, Katy B, Fred

6.42  Paul G, Duncan, Alaw

6.42.30 David D, Emma, Victoria, Ceri B

6.43 Ceri D, Tony B, Mat

6.43.30 Jon F

6.44 David B, Hywel

6.44.30 Owen, Brett, Huw, Phil

6.45 Tom, Craig, Steve

6.45.30 Dan J,  Vic

6.46 Joe W, Glen

6.47 Tony W

6.47.30 Shaun H

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

June Results

Completely different conditions this month, with ground so hard that the ruts made it tricky on the ankles and the grass was lengthy in places. However, it was warm (20C) and sunny with no wind, so the best conditions this year so far. Joe W took the opportunity to register much the fastest time of the night, which was only 40 seconds slower than Shaun’s record in July last year. Hywel won the race by virtue of being generously treated by the handicapper, while Steve and Huw were genuinely quick at the front of a lengthy queue to cross the line. Welcome to another Mari (a ‘W’ version) who said she was a 27 minute prospect and duly ran her expected time. Impressive on this really rather tough course. Other interesting performances were Mari J (another minute off), Sali (quicker than David S!) and Paul J (who complained about setting off behind Hannah but took 30 seconds out of her to reverse the situation at last Friday’s Deganwy Dash).

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

1st Hywel……………………7.02.43pm…………..21m43……………….1/1

2nd Diane……………………7.04.04pm………….35m04……………..38/3

3rd Steve………………………..04.10………………20m10………………14/2

4th Huw…………………………04.31……………….20m31………………8/2

5th Mari W…………………….04.34……………….27m34………………5/1

6th Joe W………………………04.37……………….18m37……………….6/1

7th Jeff………………………….04.47………………..31m47………………27/2

8th Phil………………………….04.54……………….20m54……………..17/3

9th Arwel……………………….04.57……………….23m57………………9/1

10th Sali………………………..05.00……………….25m00……………..27/3

11th Fred……………………….05.05………………..23m35……………..27/2

12th Tony B……………………05.27………………..22m27……………..13/2

13th Anwen……………………05.37…………………27m07……………..15/2

14th Ron………………………..05.45………………..38m45……………..36/2

15th Hannah…………………..05.49………………..29m49……………..15/1

16th David S…………………..05.49………………..25m19………………16/1

17th Mat…………………………05.53………………..22m23………………29/2

18th Rob P………………………05.54………………..26m54……………..20/2

19th Paul J………………………06.13………………..29m13………………31/2

20th Mari………………………..06.19………………..36m19………………41/3

21st Ian……………………………07.17………………..26m17……………….21/1

Posted in Summer Handicap Series | Comments Off on June Results

Weekly round up 04.06.18

Mountainous achievements on the Carneddau as Emma Collins shows her star quality in Deganwy

Fab turnout at local race the Deganwy Dash on Friday evening  where 11 Denbigh Harriers were among over 200 runners who lined up at the start. The course followed the bank of the river Conwy from Deganwy to the RSPB bird reserve and back affording spectacular views of Conwy castle and the Orme, at least for those with time and breath to look. Rain earlier in the afternoon saw to it that runners had plenty of puddles on the course to either negotiate or splash through, whichever was their want. The rain returned about half way through the race and provided a cool refreshing shower appreciated by most runners. At the finishing line, Philip Hayes was first Harrier home in 34:53 followed by Hywel Roberts 35:29. Run of the evening, however, must go to Emma Collins who won 1st lady vet 55 in 36:04 with a performance that not only saw her finish 6th lady overall but also ahead of the all of the men in her age category showing why she is such a consistent North Wales champion. Next Denbigh Harriers to finish were Tony Benton 36:09 and Duncan Jones 36:35 taking first and second male vet 55 places respectively. Not far behind them was Fred Jones 37:43 while a strong finish by Ian Jones 39:56 saw him dip across the line in just under 40 minutes. Bob Neale came in at 40:33 followed by Sali Powell 42:00, Hannah McDonell 44:34 and Paul Jones 45:42 to complete the Denbigh contingent.

By contrast a small group of Harriers, Glen Price, Victoria Whitehead and Ceri Belshaw set out for what seemed like a good idea on the Welsh 1000s metre fell race – 20.9 miles with 9,232 feet climb. Slightly apprehensive at the start they set off from Abergwyngregyn to run up to the top of Aber Falls and then the dodgy river crossing to trudge across the bilberry bushes & ‘tusocky grass’ (both technical terms for difficult terrain with no path making it very energy zapping) to reach the Carneddau. The low cloud made navigation very tricky. Ceri having tweaked her knee retired at Ogwen. Ticking the checkpoints off – Aryg, Carnedd Llywelyn, Carnedd Dafydd – and taking support from other runners – it was a shame the stunning scenery couldn’t be seen. A lovely descent to Ogwen before the steep climb up the Gribn was a real shock to the system after all the downhill running. The scramble and rock climbing was very hairy in parts – good job if don’t mind heights and into the mist in top of Glyder Fawr and followed a good line to descend to Pen y pass. With Glen and Victoria, regularly feeling Ceri might have had the right idea, it was “just” Snowdon left. The Pyg track felt endlesss and with one final last energy surge both managed to drag themselves up to the summit of Carnedd Ugain before retracing their steps to shuffle to the summit of Snowdon. With Glen was waiting at the summit finishing in 6 hours 24, with Victoria joining him completing the race in 6 hours 39. Though the race was over, the job of descending Snowdon was the last of the day and with extra layers & snacks carried up by Jon, Victoria’s husband both made it back to Llanberis in one piece – suggesting this might be a once in a lifetime race – or as Glen puts it – “I am taking up knitting. The pain has subsided, but the walk down will never be forgotten”.

Welsh 1000                      Deganwy

Glen Price & Victoria Whitehead       Tony Benton, Emma Collins & Duncan Jones
on Snowdon                                            encouraging DH team mates after finishing

Rounding up the week, Sarah Bayliss ran at Wepre Parkrun, coming home as third lady in 27:12, just 12 seconds outside of her PB.

 

Results

Deganwy Dash Phil Hayes 34:53, Hywel Roberts 35:29, Emma Collins 6th lady, 1st V55 & 1st VF55 36:04, Tony Benton 1st VM55 36:09, Duncan Jones 2nd VM55 36:35, Fred Jones 37:43, Ian Jones 39:56, Bob Neale 40:33, Sali Powell 42:00, Hannah McDonnell 44:34, Paul Jones 45:42

Welsh 1000s Glen Price 6 hours 24, Victoria Whitehead 6 hours 39, Ceri Belshaw Retired

Parkrun Wepre Sarah Bayliss 31st & 3rd lady 27.12

Posted in 20 Mile, 5 Mile, Fell running, Parkrun, Weekly report | Comments Off on Weekly round up 04.06.18

Weekly round up 28.05.18

Category course records for Menai Baugh and Vic Belshaw as their fantastic form continues

Before jetting off on holiday, Menai, Elen and David Baugh had a perfect evening for the Great Orme Fell Race on Tuesday 22nd May with wonderful views and a large field of runners for this evening midweek series. Menai successfully won the F60 category breaking the course category record that has stood for 6 years by 4 minutes in a time of 49.24. In front of her was Elen running her first fell Race of the year finishing strongly in 47.59. David held off his usual age group rivals to finish in 39.29.

Wednesday evening saw the Jubilee Relay race with 7 harriers turned out for this race on a very warm evening. In a 2 person race the 1st team member runs from the Golden Lion, Llangynhafal to the top of Moel Famau where the 2nd team member then takes the ‘baton’ and runs back down to the pub – team work and some fun. Shaun Hughes was the 1st harrier to the top with a fantastic run in 2nd position overall in 21.47. Next harrier to the top was Victoria Whitehead (1st lady) in 29.44 closely followed by Duncan Jones in 29.57. Shaun’s team mate Tony Wood descended very swiftly, in 14.57, to put them in 3rd place overall. Duncan’s team mate Tony Benton also in good form raced to the finish in 15.20 to put them in 12th position. Husband & wife team, Victoria and Jon finished in 18th out of a total of 38 teams. David Say and his team mate were fastest Vet 65 team. Duncan and Tony B won the unenviable prize of fastest team with combined age of 100+ years !

Duncan Jones raced again at the weekend as the only Denbigh Harrier at the Mynydd Myfyr Hill Run at Trefonen near Oswestry. The race managed to dodge a day of severe thunderstorms which seemed to affect the numbers running and certainly made for a very wet course on this scenic run over 4.5 miles with about 600 feet of ascent. Duncan came home first over 55 in a time of 28.52.

Parkrun produced some fantastic runs for the Harriers, none more so than at Wepre Park Run. Four Harriers turned out for the event making up a field of 192. This is one of the U.K.’s hilliest courses on forest paths. Sarah Bayliss was round in 52nd and 27:00  a new Personal Best, continually getting quicker on this course this season on her come back from injury. Emma Collins was 25th and 4th lady in 24:14, just 5 seconds outside her Personal Best and on the back of a heavy training week, Ceri Belshaw was 17th and 2nd lady in 23:24  a new Personal Best smashing her previous best time of 24:30 – what an exceptional run. Father Vic Belshaw was not to be outdown with 3rd in 20:49  a new Personal Best  and new course record for the VM55 age category.

At other parkruns near home, Tony Benton ran 23:59 in his first race at Dolgellau. At Conwy, Mari Williams ran 27:12 – her first time at Parkrun, and Dawn Marshall finished in 30:12 as she comes back from injury. Also running and most disorganised person of the week goes, Rob Parry, who would have had a parkrun PB of roughly 26:15 at Conwy, but forgot his parkrun barcode! Many thanks go to Helen Davies, Andy Morris and Hywel Roberts for assisting with marshal and timekeeper duties at Conwy.

On holiday but still racing were David, Menai, Katy and Elen Baugh running in Greenpoint Parkrun, South Africa. The best performance being David, in 20:59. Best in Category was Katy, 8th lady over the line (and 107th overall) in a time of 23:27. Elen finished in 24:36, and Menai ran 27:03, still finishing 211th out of a very large field of 886 people.

 

Results

Joe Brown Midweek Fell Series – Great Orme David Baugh 39:29, Elen Baugh 47:59, Menai Baugh 49:24 & new course record for VF60

Jubilee Relay Uphill leg: Shaun Hughes 2nd 21:47, Victoria Whitehead 1st lady 29:44, Duncan Jones 29:57 Downhill leg: Tony Wood 14:57, Tony Benton 15:20, Jon Whitehead 18:26 Overall Shaun Hughes & Tony Wood 3rd,  Duncan Jones & Tony Benton 12th & fastest team with a combined age of over 100,  Victoria & Jon Whitehead 18th, David Say & team mate 25th & 1st V65

Mynydd Myfyr Hill Run Duncan Jones 1st VM55 28:52

Parkrun Wepre Vic Belshaw 3rd PB & new course record for VM55 20:49, Ceri Belshaw 2nd lady PB 23:34, Emma Collins 4th lady 24:10, Sarah Bayliss PB 27:00 Dolgellau Tony Benton 23:59 Conwy Rob Parry 26:15, Mari Williams 27:12, Dawn Marshall 30:12 Greenpoint, South Africa Daivd Baugh 20:59, Katy Baugh 8th lady 23:37, Elen Baugh 24:36, Menai Baugh 27:03

Posted in Fell running, Parkrun, Trail Running, Weekly report | Comments Off on Weekly round up 28.05.18

Weekly round up 22.05.18

Bob Neale takes M65 crown at tough Snowdonia Half Marathon

In a week jam packed with racing in mostly gorgeous weather, we start the week at the Joe Brown Midweek Series, this week in Aber Falls. In fell races, no matter the conditions at the start the weather can be unpredictable and this was illustrated at Aber Falls with 5 runners getting lost in cloud and ending up in Llanfairfechan. Luckily all were ultimately accounted for and fine. 4 Harriers raced Aber Falls all picking different routes, none getting lost. David Baugh led the Harriers home in 19th 39:43. David was followed by daughter Katy Baugh still getting London out of her legs, 41st 48:07 with wife Menai Baugh not far behind in 44th & 1st VF60 50:39. Anwen Brown racing superbly on the hills this season finished in 48th 51:38.

On Wednesday, Vic Belshaw headed over to one of his favourite classic fell races – Latrigg Fell Race.  A beautiful evening to be on the northern Fells saw Vic, starting at the front with nostrils flaring and a stampede, this race is known for being fast and furious and this year was no different – no let up, what a competitive field. The route was about 950’ of ascent and 3 miles of fast track and open fell, with Vic 31st and 2nd VM50 in 23:56,  just five seconds ahead of third place!

Friday night saw Steve Gadd race his first 5k ever at the flat, fast and furious Christleton 5k. This prestigious race welcomed 425 runners and spurred Steve to a PB and an incredible 18:50 to finish in 190th.

Saturday dawned with a beautiful sunny morning sending nine Harriers to Ras y Gader – a 10.9 mile, tough, hot, mountain race up mighty Cadair Idris. This race has everything – over 3000 feet of ascent, steep, rocky, technical descents, bogs, a woodland with trip -risk tree roots and a fast road to the finish. The course follows an out-and-back course, following, more, or less, the same route up to the summit and down. Vic Belshaw, despite having run in The Lakes, three days previously, was first Harrier off the summit in 1:55:49. He was followed by Jonathan Fleming 2:10:06 who was closely followed by a smiling Ceri Belshaw 2:11:13, enjoying the splendid views and the sunshine. Emma Collins, running fast off the summit, tripped later, on the treacherous, rocky track and sustained an injury to her knee. It didn’t stop her, however, from finishing the race 3rd VF50 in 2:14:46. Victoria Whitehead 2:17:28, having been on fine racing form recently, struggled in the heat but finished close behind Emma. Sioned Griffiths had a terrific run considering that she has only recently returned from injury and finished very close to her time last year in 2:28:52. Katy Baugh, still recovering from the London Marathon had fun struggling to keep her mother, Menai Baugh, but managed valiantly to reach the finishing line 18 seconds ahead of her in 2:38:48. Menai finished 1st VF60 in 2:39:06. Anwen Brown 2:48:35, triumphantly brought home all the Harriers  and was delighted to have completed her first Cader race.

Ras y Gader

Menai Baugh at Ras y Gader

Sunday saw 3 tough races, particularly in this hot and sunny weather we’re having. Another triumph for the long distance Harriers this weekend despite the heat. In the very tough Snowdonia Half Marathon 630 runners took to the route taking in both Llyn Geirionydd and Llyn Crafant before descending back to Llanrwst. Bob Neale, who is just getting better and better with age, finished 1st VM65 in 2:09:08 with Ian Jones keeping him company, finishing in 2:13:11.

Over in hot, hot Liverpool, Abi Corfe continues her fantastic comeback from injury running in the Liverpool Rock ‘n’ Roll half marathon. It was Abi’s first time over this distance since coming back through her long recovery and she was thrilled to cross the finish line, finishing in 2:29:42.

The Sunday round up finished at the Great Manchester Run 10k, the third largest road race in the UK with competitors racing in waves to manage the number of runners on this tight course. 5 Members of the Denbigh Harriers braved the heat to complete this year. After a minute silence and a touching rendition of “Don’t look back in Anger”  and having had a warning from the race officials at the start to take things easy due to the sweltering heat, we knew that it may not be a day for PB’s. Philip Hayes was the first to set off and finish in 45:01. It was Hannah McDonnell 59:44 and David Spencer’s 1:01:54 turn next which saw them go off in the White Wave. Last but not least Sali Powell 57:49 and Hywel Roberts 51:06  went off in the Green Wave.

We finish as always with Parkrun. Elen Baugh ran in Woodhouse (Leeds), finishing 34th lady in a time of 26:03.Further afield in Warsaw, David Baugh finished in 21st overall, in a time of 21:16. Finally, and a lot closer to home at Conwy, Sarah Bayliss was 100th over the line and just behind here recent PB despite the heat (and 17th lady), in 25:40

 

Results

Joe Brown Midweek Fell Series – Aber Falls David Baugh 19th 39:43, Menai Baugh 44th & 1st VF60 50:39, Katy Baugh 41st 48:07, Anwen Brown 48th 51:38

Latrigg Fell Race Vic Belshaw 31st & 2nd VM50 23:56

Christleton 5k Steve Gadd PB 190th 18:50

Ras y Gader Vic Belshaw 70th 1:55:49, Jonathan Fleming 138th 2:10:06, Ceri Belshaw 148th  2:11:13, Emma Collins 159th & 3rd F50 2:14:46, Victoria Whitehead 174th 2:17:28, Sioned Griffiths 208th  2:28:52, Katy Baugh 236th  2:38:48, Menai Baugh 237th & 1st VF60 2:39:06, Anwen Brown 261th 2:48:35

Snowdonia Half Marathon, Bob Neale 236th & 1stVM65 2:09:08, Ian Jones 270th 2:13:11

Liverpool Rock ‘n’ Roll ½ marathon Abigail Corfe 2:29:42

Great Manchester Run 10k Philip Hayes 45:01, Hywel Roberts 51:06, Sali Powell 57:49, Hannah McDonnell 59:44, David Spencer 1:01:54

Parkrun Woodhouse (Leeds) Elen Baugh 34th lady 26:03, Warsaw David Baugh 21st 21:16, Conwy Sarah Bayliss 100th & 17th lady 25:40

Posted in 10k, 5K, Fell running, Half Marathon, Parkrun, Road running, Weekly report | Comments Off on Weekly round up 22.05.18