WREXHAM BORDER LEAGUE START

CHAMPIONSHIP DOUBLE FOR ERYRI'S MEN

Eryri's men emphatically retained their Borders Road Running League title at Wrexham on Wednesday 29th April with Rob Samuel proving to be unbeatable, winning all six races that he competed in to become Eryri's first overall B/L champion, though he will have to share that honour with the outstanding Sarah Ridgway who won the overall female title, Sarah ran at Wrexham only four days after her success in the 53mile Highland Fling ultra race in Scotland!

Arwel Lewis was so confident of retaining the title, he left the championship trophy at home!

Full report to come

The Montane Highland Fling 53 miler

Last Saturday, Iain Ridgway, Clive King and I ran the 53 mile Highland Fling race - a wonderful event that starts in Milngavie and ends in Tyndrum.

234 competitors ran this year, some from as far afield as Australia and Canada. This is definately a race to consider if you are thinking about getting into ultras. There are 4 support stations where runners can access their food bags and water, so can be run without the need to organise a support crew.

Iain had a strong run coming in 8th in 8:24:01, I came in first lady (25th overall) in 9:19:01 and Clive King showed true endurance completing the course in 14:42:00

Results and information on the Highland Fling website: http://www.highlandflingrace.org/

I've written my report of the race on my blog: http://sarzmountainrun.blogspot.com/2009/04/montane-highland-fling-53-miler.html

cheers,
Sarah Ridgway

LONDON MARATHON RESULTS

Eryri Harriers times for the Flora London Marathon 2009

LEE EVANS - 3:25:13
EDWARD HAWLICZEK - 4:12:39
EDWARD EDWARDS - 4:19:42
STEFFAN JONES - 4:22:25
LYNN ROBERTS - 5:36:42
PAUL PHILLIPS - 6:04:57

Sarah's Highland Fling Win

Eryri's Sarah Ridgway on her way to winning (1st Female) at the Scottish Highland Fling 53mile race on Saturday 25th April in 9:19:01 earning herself UKA selection for the World Trial Challenge at Sierre Chevalier France on 12th July, Sarah's other half Iain finished 8th in 8:24:01. Clive King finished just as darkness arrived in 14:42:00 after a good battle. Full race report on Sarah's blog http://sarzmountainrun.blogspot.com/2009/04/montane-highland-fling-53-miler.html.

Results: http://www.zen31010.zen.co.uk/highlandflingrace/files/flingresults2009.pdf

RUNAWAY ROB WINS AGAIN

There was more road success for Eryri at the Wrexham North Wales 10mile championships on Saturday 25th April where Rob Samuel ran away with the title in 53:31 with 2nd Brendan Rothery 56:44. 4th Paul Wathan 58:43 and 14th (1st V/50) Arwel Lewis 63:03 (incidentaly, exactly the same time that he ran in the Lampeter 10mile two weeks ago!!) ensured Eryri also won the 1st team prize, while Arwel along with 37th (1st V65) Emyr Davies 68:03 and 39th (2nd V65) Don Williams 68:59 took the Veteran Bronze medals. Completing the Eryri contingent were: 48th Geraint Jones 74:15. 80th Roy Jardine 88:57 and 81st Alwyn Williams 89:39. Pride of place must also go to 51st overall Gemma Morgans 75:47 who won the Ladies North Wales title.
There were 88 finishers.

Welsh Castles Relay Race 2009:

I know it seems a long way off, but the Welsh Castles relay race will soon be upon us, (13th-14th June).

It’s a fantastic race and weekend, culminating in a good drinking session in Cardiff, Sunday night. For those who are staying over!!!

I know the race clashes with Moel Hebog on the Saturday and the Uphill trial on the Sunday; however this should definitely be a priority for a lot of the club members, especially those who are fast on the road. Can you please email us soonest, as to whether you would like to do the race? I have organised this several times before and a lot of administration, planning and time goes on beforehand, so having the 20 names in advance will help enormously and will also allow us to place people on appropriate legs.

Anyone who was not involved last year the website for the Castles Relays is: http://www.lescroupiersrunningclub.org.uk/castles/

Regards

Arwel & Paul H (Domestique Deluxe)

ROAD RUNNING

The North Wales 10mile championships take place this Saturday 25th April at the Wrexham Industrial estate. 2pm Start.

At the same venue on Wednesday 29th April is the final race in the Borders Road Running League 2008/09 season. 7:15pm Start. Eryri's men currently lead Buckley by 56 points in their quest to retain their title. The B/L League presentations follow the race along with a free buffet and a few beers!
There will be a mini bus going to the race, leaving Parc Menai at 4:30pm.
Contact Arwel Lewis for further information.

W/e 'local' running, 25/26 April ...

Sun 26 April, Ras Mynydd Swtan, AS 1.5m/470ft, M: 0.11, F: 0.13. Start 12.00, Church Bay, Anglesey SH 892 303. EOD £3.

Sun 26 April, Vic Hotel, Llanberis, 10am, groups of various speeds going out for about 2 hours.

Tuesday 28 April, 7.15pm, Nant Peris evening race, Vaynol Arms, Nant Peris, EOD £1.50. (Please register at 6.30 if you can).

Always bring: bumbag, map, compass, whistle, wind/waterproof top & trousers, hat & gloves.
E&OE, please make your own checks before travelling.

For the latest local running news, check this Eryri 'blog' site: http://eryriharriers.blogspot.com/ and WFRA http://www.wfra.org.uk/

Advance notices:

Sat 9 May, Ras Foel Fras, BL 13.5m/3100ft, M: 1.17, F: 1.56. Start 13.00, Abergwyngregyn. EOD £5.

"Possibly the most classic 8-mile fell race in Wales ..."
Sat 16 May, Ras Moel Eilio, AM 8miles/3000ft, M: 58.36, F: 72.44. Start 13.00. Walking event starts 11.00. Registration from 10.00, Heights Hotel, Llanberis. www.saabsalomonoutdoorteam.com EOD minimum donation £4, proceeds to Cancer Research. Marshals needed, if you can help, please call Tim on 07500 927 037.

Fri 29 May, Deganwy Dash, 5miles, 7.15pm, £6, pre-entry forms on WFRA site.

Weds 1st July, Vaynol Park 10k, pre-entry only by 29th June or when 300 reached. Forms from http://www.gwylfelin.org/ or eilir.felin@btopenworld.com

Eryri Harriers annual club membership runs from the end of March. If you would like to join, re-join or renew, please contact membership-eryri@tiscali.co.uk

Weekend Mountain Forecast for Snowdonia
Saturday: Generally mild with rain or showers, possibly thundery at times. Winds will be cyclonic and locally gusty. Hill fog will be occasionally widespread in showers with cloud bases down to 500 metres.
Sunday: Continuing unsettled with sunny spells and some scattered showers, these heavy and thundery at times. Hill fog will be patchy in showers.

Snowdonia Mountain Forecast: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/loutdoor/mountainsafety/snowdonia/snowdonia_latest_weather.html

Ras Y Moelwyn

With perfect running conditions Tim Davies and Jackie Lee both knocked a few minutes off the respective records for this classic race taking in Moelwyn Mawr, Moelwyn Bach and Moel yr Hydd.

Although quite warm and sunny there was enough breeze to make it perfect running conditions with no cloud at all. Tim Davies won in 1:15:48, Richard Roberts and Lloyd Taggart were joint 2nd in 1:18:42 with Math Roberts 4th for the second year running. Noel Craine, SPJ and Don Williams were the V40, V50 and V60 winners respectively.

In the womens race Jackie Lee won in 1:31:55, Sarah Ridgway 2nd in 1:34:45, Jenny Hemming 3rd in 1:42:16 with Maggie Oliver the ist female V60.

104 runners. Results.

Thanks to the organisers and their helpers for another excellent race and hospitality.

Great Arete Midweek Series - Foel Lus

Well what a difference a week makes.

A dozen less runners, a longer course, Ellie's management and everything went like clockwork.
Rob Greenwood was away, winning in 24.03 ahead of Scott Butterwoth 25.02 and Paul Jenkinson having an absolute flier and taking 3rd & 1st vet in 25.16. 1st 50 went to Steve P Jones (6th), v60 Dafydd Whiteside Thomas, with Callum Muskett taking the under 16 passing Willaim Sheridan on the descent.

In the ladies Becky Law continues 2 improve 1st & 13th overall in 27.23 ahead of Kat Spinney & Hunters Bog Trotters (long way to travel) Miranda Grant, while Ali Thomas piped Eli for the F40, Bridget took the F50, Maggie the F60 and Lisa taking the junior lady.

Mike.

Stuc a Chroin - Campsite

For those doing this upcoming British Champs race if you are planning on camping you need to book the campsite.

The number is 01877 384285. Immervoulin camping. A £10 deposit is requred, payable by cheque or over the phone.

Thursday runs cancelled for the summer

As above. Should be updated on www.runsnowdonia.co.uk, runs are stopped because too much on racing wise through the summer, starting again September/October time.

W/e 'local' running, 18/19 April ...

Sat 18 April, Ras y Moelwyn, AM 10.5m/2800ft, M: 1.17, F: 1.33. 14.00, School playing field, Oakley Sq, on left off A496 as it enters Blaenau from the south. SH 695 460. EOD £5.

Tuesday 21 April, 7.15pm, Mynydd Mawr evening race & junior race, Bron Y Foel School, Y Fron, SH 508 548. EOD £1.50, junior race £1. (Please register at 6.30 if you can).

Always bring: bumbag, map, compass, whistle, wind/waterproof top & trousers, hat & gloves.
E&OE, please make your own checks before travelling.

For the latest local running news, check this Eryri 'blog' site: http://eryriharriers.blogspot.com/ and WFRA http://www.wfra.org.uk/

Advance notices:

Sunday 26 April, Ras Mynydd Swtan, AS 1.5m/470ft, M: 0.11, F: 0.13. 12.00, Church Bay, Anglesey SH 892 303. EOD £3.

Tuesday 28 April, 7.15pm, Nant Peris evening race, Vaynol Arms, Nant Peris, EOD £1.50. (Please register at 6.30 if you can).

Saturday 9 May, Ras Foel Fras, BL 13.5m/3100ft, M: 1.17, F: 1.56. 13.00, Abergwyngregyn. EOD £5.

British Fell Champs, Tebay, Cumbria, June, enter soon, see below.

Weds 1st July, Vaynol Park 10k, pre-entry only by 29th June or when 300 reached. Forms from http://www.gwylfelin.org/ or eilir.felin@btopenworld.com

Eryri Harriers annual club membership runs from the end of March. If you would like to join, re-join or renew, please contact membership-eryri@tiscali.co.uk

Weekend Mountain Forecast for Snowdonia
Saturday: Cloudy with outbreaks of rain at first, this becoming more fragmented and showery through the morning and clearing away southwards. Drier during the afternoon with some bright or sunny spells developing. Winds generally a light east to north- easterly.
Sunday: It should be a mainly dry day with sunny spells developing with well broken cloud. Winds will be generally light and variable throughout the day, so feeling rather warm in the sunshine.

Snowdonia Mountain Forecast: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/loutdoor/mountainsafety/snowdonia/snowdonia_latest_weather.html

Tebay British Champs Fell Race

Entries are now open for this years medium counter, it's at Tebay, Cumbria, not a huge drive away so we should get strong teams out.

It's a counter in the English and British Champs so may fill up.

SAT.JUN 20. TEBAY (R). AM. 1.00 p.m. 8m/3000' from Tebay Recreation Ground (GR NY618045). £5 pre-entry, only accepted if received after 1st April and before 13th June, use FRA Universal entry form, or on day if race limit not reached. Limit 400. Teams free. ER/LK/NS/PM. Over 18. Records: 1.10.39 M.Roberts 1993; f. 1.24.10 N.Davies 1995. English and British Championship counter. Details: Gary Murphy, The Laurels, Tebay, Penrith, CA10 3XG. Tel: 01539 624788.

Make cheques payable to Tebay Fell Race.

Foel Lus evening race

Tuesday 14 April, 7.15pm, Foel Lus evening race & junior race, Dwygyfylchi Inn, Dwygyfylchi nr Penmaenmawr. EOD £1.50, junior race £1. (There was a huge crowd at the first race, so register at 6.30 if you can).
Always bring: bumbag, map, compass, whistle, wind/waterproof top & trousers, hat & gloves.
E&OE, please make your own checks before travelling.

ROB'S SILVER LINING

Five Eryri Harriers made the journey South to Lampeter for the Welsh 10mile Championships which were incorporated into the Teifi 10 race on Sunday 12th April on what turned out to be one of the warmest days of the year so far on the tough undulating course, Rob Samuel did well again finishing 3rd overall in 53:43 with 7th Brendan Rothery 55:58. 22nd (a pale looking Paul Wathan having been very ill on the journey down) 61:24. 25th (2nd Vet/50) Arwel Lewis 63:03 and 96th Gemma Morgans 77:19. Rob Samuel was again amongst the Welsh Championship medals with Silver while Arwel Lewis also took silver in the V/50 category, there were also silver medals for the men's team, though Eryri's men did win the open team prize. There were 150 finishers.

Great Arette Midweek Series - Moel Tryfan

Well what a night that was, shorts and sun when I set out the course in the afternoon and wellies and waterproofs for the race, how so many records got broken I’ll never know!

Due to
A) an unprecedented 100 runners turning up;
B) the atrocious recording conditions; and
C) my inability to cope
means that only the bare bones of the results are available at this moment.

Rob Samuels, 2nd last year, took 23 seconds off the record to win 17.54 ahead of Matt Roberts 18.24, Alun Vaughan 18.41 and Rob Greenwood 19.14 .

1st vet 40 was John Williacy 20.22 (new record), SPJ was 1st vet 50 20.47 (new record), Dafydd Whiteside was 1st vet 60 23.37 (new record) and Calum Musket took the 1st under 16 in 11th place in 20.26 (5 seconds outside his record, must try harder).

In the ladies Becky Law won in 21.55, 37 seconds inside Andrea’s record (Andrea’s last race as a spinster and “Blake’s Babe” before she gets married on Saturday), Annie Williams 1st over 40 in 24.24 (new record), Bridget Ripley first vet 50 in 26.54 (new record), Maggie Oliver 1st vet 60 in 28.03 whilst Lisa Peters won the under 16’s in 24.40.

Due to the recording conditions a provisional result sheet will be available at Foel Lus but I will need the runners help in ascertaining the true times and positions.

Thanks to those who braved the conditions to stand on the mountain and to cheer on your kids and Alison Donnelly, bless her heart, without whom I wouldn’t have the timings that we have got and to Fron School, still under threat of closure, for hosting us.

The Caernarfon Tyre’s Junior Races

During the process of some senior runners retrieving they’re clothing from my car the junior time’s are now spread over Rhosgadfan mountain, but the positions are:

1st under 8 was Kes Thomas

1st Rhys James (u14)
2nd John Spill (u12)
3rd Anthony Granton (u12)
4th Jessica Williams (u16)
5th Megan Lloyd (u14)
6th Callum Porter Jones (u14)
7th Bronwen Jenkinson (u12)
8th Barney Broath (u14)
9th Michael Peters (u12)
10th Jack Williams (u12)
11th Clare Donnely (u14)
12th Catrin Donnely (u10)
13th Daniel Peters (u14)

Due to the mayhem none of the children got they’re traditional goodies, see me at Foel Lus kids.

Mike, must do better, Blake

Weekend Road Racing

The Welsh 10mile championships take place this Easter Sunday at Lampeter where Eryri will be hoping for a share of the medals with four men competing. Rob Samuel will be hoping to add to his bronze medal achieved at the Welsh 10km Championships last month while Paul Wathan will be hoping for more of the same following his Under 23 Gold medal performance at the Welsh 10km Championships, Paul also did well to finish 5th in last weeks Blackpool Half Marathon in a time of 78:25, the race winner clocked 75:50. The consistent Brendan Rothery also makes the journey South along with Arwel Lewis. Among the favourites for the Gold medal is Telfords Chris Davies along with Cardiff's Nathaniel Lane, though local runner Carwyn Thomas could feature, hopefully our lads can get amongst them with Rob Samuel in the form of his life at the moment.

Not forgetting Gemma Morgans who also ran in the Blackpool H/M last week (1:40:25), Gemma will be competing in the Under 23 category.

On Bank Holiday Friday we have the annual Salford 10km on the usual fast two lap course where several Eryri Harriers have achieved PB's in the past.

Happy Easter Running to Everyone

W/e 'local' running, 11/12 April ...

No local races, that we know about, this w/e.

Sunday 12th April. 10am, Beddgelert (& surrounding hills). Meet in the 'free' car park (SH 588 483) on the left below Warws shop as you enter Beddgelert from Rhyd-Ddu on the A4085. Route of up to 2 hours will depend on local weather as found.

Tuesday 14 April, 7.15pm, Foel Lus evening race & junior race, Dwygyfylchi Inn, Dwygyfylchi nr Penmaenmawr. EOD £1.50, junior race £1. (There was a huge crowd at the first race, so register at 6.30 if you can).

Always bring: bumbag, map, compass, whistle, wind/waterproof top & trousers, hat & gloves.
E&OE, please make your own checks before travelling.

For the latest local running news, check this Eryri 'blog' site: http://eryriharriers.blogspot.com/ and WFRA http://www.wfra.org.uk/

Advance notices:

Sat 18 April, Ras y Moelwyn, 10m/2800ft, 14.00, Blaenau. EOD or ONLINE at http://www.anturstiniog.com/english/ras-y-moelwyn-2009.html

Wednesday 1st July, Vaynol Park 10k, pre-entry only by 29th June or when 300 reached. Forms from http://www.gwylfelin.org/ or eilir.felin@btopenworld.com

Eryri Harriers annual club membership runs from the end of March. If you would like to join, re-join or renew, please contact membership-eryri@tiscali.co.uk

Weekend Mountain Forecast for Snowdonia
Saturday: After a chilly start it will be a day of sunny intervals with the likelihood of some showers. Risk of a few heavy showers during the afternoon. Mainly moderate westerly winds on the higher ground.
Sunday: Another chilly start, possibly with a few mist or fog patches in the valleys, although these will disperse during the morning to leave a day of sunny intervals with the likelihood of scattered showers, possibly heavy. Light to moderate winds.

Snowdonia Mountain Forecast (seems to have moved to): http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/loutdoor/mountainsafety/snowdonia/snowdonia_latest_weather.html

British Champs Round 1 Slieve Bernagh

The first British Champs race of the fell running season took place over in the Mourne mountains in Northern Ireland on Saturday. A fantastic race which was only 3.5 miles, 2500 foot of climbing with 3 summits, with some very steep climbing and descending.

Eryri sent a strong team and won the prize for most runners outside of Ireland doing the race - a bottle of wine, which Paul Jenks drank all himself! - Eryri's men got a good 6th place with the womens in 3rd place.

Individual results were:

19th Math Roberts; 22nd Rich Roberts; 39th Iain Ridgeway; 46th Paul Jenks; 80th Jackie Lee; 83rd Adam Haymes; 95th Sarah Ridgeway; 98th Noel Craine; 118th Pete O'Brien; 132nd Becky Law; 141st Arwel Lewis; 146th Jenny Hemming; 162nd Mike Blake; 176th Ali Thomas; 188th Annie Williams; 202nd Ruth Metcalfe; 214th Emily Woods. DNS - Paul Howarth; DNF - Trefor Jones. There were 228 finishers.

Next champs race is Stuc a Chroin, 14 miles with 5000 foot of climbing on the Saturday of May bank holiday weekend. Once again the Eryri travelling stalwarts will be travelling but more always welcome, camping will be the accommodation type.

Results:

http://www.nimra.org.uk/results.asp?rID=381

W/e 'local' running, 4/5 April ...

Sat 4 April, Llantysilio AM 6.2m/2100ft, 11.00, Sun Inn on B5103, Rhewl nr Llangollen (SJ 179 448). Over 18, M 47.30, F 57.13. Nick Holmes 01829 782711.

Always bring: bumbag, map, compass, whistle, wind/waterproof top & trousers, hat & gloves. E&OE, please make your own checks before travelling.

Sunday 5th April, native woodland tree planting at Craig's house, Conwy Valley. 1500 small trees to plant, contact Craig if you can help rowlyn@yahoo.co.uk

Advance notices:

Tuesday evening short race series begins with 'Moel Tryfan' 7.15pm, 7th April, from Bron Y Foel School, Y Fron, SH 508 548. EOD £1.50, junior race £1.

Tuesday 14 April, 7.15pm, Foel Lus evening race & junior race, Dwygyfylchi Inn, Dwygyfylchi nr Penmaenmawr.

Sat 18 April, Ras y Moelwyn, 10m/2800ft, 14.00, Blaenau. EOD or ONLINE at http://www.anturstiniog.com/english/ras-y-moelwyn-2009.html

Wednesday 1st July, Vaynol Park 10k, pre-entry only by 29th June or when 300 reached. Forms from http://www.gwylfelin.org/ or eilir.felin@btopenworld.com

Eryri Harriers annual club membership runs from the end of March. If you would like to join, re-join or renew, please contact membership-eryri@tiscali.co.uk

Weekend Mountain Forecast for Snowdonia
Saturday: Some rain at first during the morning, with some heavy bursts likely. Becoming much drier and brighter later in the morning with cloud breaking to give some good spells of sunshine. Generally dry and fine through the afternoon with plenty of sunshine. West or southwest winds, 15 to 20 mph.
Sunday: Mostly dry, fine conditions are likely throughout the day with generally small amounts of cloud. Just a small risk of an isolated light shower during the afternoon. Thin, high cloud may make the sunshine hazy at times. South or southwest winds, 20 to 25 mph.

Snowdonia Mountain Forecast (seems to have moved to): http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/loutdoor/mountainsafety/snowdonia/snowdonia_latest_weather.html