Sunday 28 June 2009

Great Lakes Run

This is a new Lakeland Long, with 13.5 miles, 7500ft of ascent,. It starts in Langdale and follows a logical route up the Band to Bowfell before going on to Scafell Pike via Esk Pike, Esk Haus, Great End, and Scafell (with a safe compulsary route section flagged between the Scafells). From Scafell Pike the route descends to Slightside and the next CP is Pike O Blisco, this area of the lakes is quite remote and untouched in other races so there is little knowledge of optimal lines, and then from POB it's a very very steep descent back to Stool End Farm in Langdale.

A race for the hill walkers of us. Superb route with very few fast runnable sections.

In the humid conditions the race was won by Simon Booth in 2:37, closely followed by Jim Davies, then Steve Pyke and Tom Brunt came in close together in around 2:58/2:59 with myself (Iain R), Matt Hulley, Mike Robinson and Rick Stuart in that order, all coming in within 2 minutes of each other in around 3:00-3:02. Kate Bailey won the womens in 3:30.

A race to do.

Results.

Thursday 25 June 2009

W/e 'local' fell running, 27/28 June ...

Sat 27th June, Ras Tyn-y-Groes, 2.1miles/700ft, Tyn-y-Groes Hotel, Ganllwyd. Start 13.00, £3 EOD. www.brodysynniac.com
Sun 28th June, Moel y Gamelin, AM, 9miles/2700ft, M: 1.13, F: 1.29. Ponderosa Cafe, Horseshoe Pass (SJ 193 481). Start 11.00, £3 EOD. www.wrexhamroadrunners.org.uk

Tuesday evening race 30th June. Last one ! best 4 to count, presentation & food after. Moel Eilio or nearby .... Start 7.15pm. The Heights Hotel, Llanberis. EOD £1.50. Please register at 6.30 if you can.

Weds 1st July, Vaynol Park 10k, race now full, entries closed, but go along and cheer !
Weds 1st July, Hot Foot Up Famau, AS, 3.5miles/1200ft, M: 35.12, F: 38.12. Car park SJ 163 605. Start 7.30pm, £3 EOD. www.wfra.org.uk

* Ras Y Garn, British Championship fell race, pre-entry only * see below ->

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

For the latest local running news, check this Eryri 'blog' site and WFRA

Advance notices:
Sat 4th July, Rhinog Horseshoe, AL, 15.5miles/5200ft, M: 2.50, F: 3.02. Victoria Hotel, Llanbedr (SH 585 268). Start 11.00, £7 EOD. www.rhinogfellraces.co.uk
Sat 1st August, Ras Y Garn, 3miles/1500ft, M: 26.05, F: 32.59. Outdoor Centre, Rhyd Ddu. Start 13.00, £4 pre-entry only by 30th June. www.wfra.org.uk

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: A rather misty start with outbreaks of showery rain along with plenty of hill fog, especially over eastern upslopes. Misty conditions with showery rain may linger during the morning, but it should become drier during the afternoon with sunny intervals developing with cloud bases lifting to 800 metres. Still the risk of one or two sharp showers developing in response to higher temperatures.
Sunday: Patchy mist clearing, then sunny spells developing and becoming very warm and humid. Medium to high risk of sunburn and dehydration. Isolated thundery showers may develop during the afternoon in response to high temperatures. Light to moderate winds, mainly from the east.

Tebay Brit Champs Round 3

On Saturday another bunch of Eryri travellers made the 8 hour round trip to Tebay for the 3rd round of the British champs and the only medium length race of the series.

A nice set of hills, located right on the M6, on the eastern side as opposed to all the main Lakes hills on the western side.

The race itself was around 9 miles with 3000ft of climb, a gradual climb over uneven grassy terrain, before some a couple of good steep climbs, some nice airy contouring before a killer steep climb up the last hill and finished off with a 2 mile run in on a grassy track.

Both Eryri's men and ladies got a team out which means that the men are now placed in 4th - best placing for a few years, whilst the ladies are in 2nd behind Calder Valley.

The race itself had a superb field and could well be the best quality field of the whole calendar as it was also an English champs counter. Race winner was. Mercia's Simon Bailey in a new record of 1.09.44.

Eryri results:

Rich Roberts 18th, 1.15.01
Math Roberts 53rd, 1.22.44
James McQueen 84th, 1.26.23
Russell Owen 109th, 1.28.49
Arwel Lewis 113th, 1.29.21
Andrea Roberts 133rd, 1.31.29
Iain Ridgeway - stomach cramps - 163rd, 1.35.58
Becky Law 164, 1.36.02
Kat Spinney 175, 1.37.17
Richard Borne 201, 1.42.46
Annie Williams 204th, 1.43.41
Mike Blake, 210, 1.45.08
Maggie Oliver, 277th, 1.59.11
Wendy Trimbel 299th, 2.17.00

There were 309 finishers

Results: http://www.fellrunner.org.uk/results/race09/09_tebay.pdf

Last race in the Brit champs is the only Welsh counter at Garn at the start of August.

Wednesday 24 June 2009

Race The Train - 22 July 2009

Entry forms now availabe at http://www.eryriharriers.org.uk/raceInfo/RACE%20THE%20TRAIN%202009.pdf

Great Arete Midweek Series Round 8

In the words of the legendary Fred Dibnah,”Did you like that?”

I discovered this course while working locally but when I told Ellie about it she said, no,cant be done,but hey what do I know,I’m just a hick builder, the rest is history!

Luckily 4 Matt the steep climbs ran out and he was able 2 get away from Rob G, & Chris while Tim Tân had a ‘scorcher’ 2 end Paul Jenks unbeaten 1st M40 run,what r these firemen on?,must b all junior racerunning up and down ladders rescueing all those damsels in distress!.In the M50 Arwel took advantage of SPJ’s holiday hangover by 2 seconds (11th &12th),Callum the u/16 (13th) & DWT the o/60 in 28th.

In the ladies Andrea, (14th)following her leading the ladies to 3rd team at Tebay British champs the previous sat, comfortably held off Kat (20th) (also a counter) and Miranda (25th) with Annie (27th) (also @ Tebay) taking the F40 and Lisa (50th)the U16.

In the C’fon Tyres John and Kes continued their winning ways while Catrin took her big sisters scalp for the 1st time.

Last round next week @ the Heights Llanberis, new route(again) followed by free soup & the series prizegiving for adults and juniors, don’t miss it, if u don’t intend running I have a job 4 u,call me! Mike.

Sunday 21 June 2009

WELSH CASTLES RELAY 2009

Well done to everyone who supported the club in the Welsh castles Relay during the weekend of 13th-14th June, we somehow managed to get the required twenty runners out just about!
There were some excellent performances during the 211.3 mile hike! with Brendan Rothery getting the club off to a good start on the first stage; Caernarfon to Penygroes 9.1 miles finishing 2nd in 55:01 just 41sec behind the stage winner, it was Gwyn Owen's turn next to Criccieth castle 10.75 miles, and though he crossed the line 2nd in 60:20 the stage winner was disqualified and placed last? still we were not complaining as it meant we led the relay! It was all downhill from there! Still Jordan Evans did well to finish 9th on stage 5 Harlech Castle to Barmouth 9.6 miles in a time of 60:30, his brother Chris finished 11th on the next stage to Dolgellau in 69:02 and Dylan Owen a veteran of the Castles Relay having run for other clubs in the past was our next top placed finisher on stage 9 Foel to llanfair Caereinion 8.6 miles finishing 7th in 53:16. Day two was more of a struggle with transport and getting to the stages on time, somehow we managed thanks to the help of other teams namely Prestatyn RC with our only female runner Tammy Lewis-Jones bringing the team home from Caerphilly Castle to Cardiff Castle 10.7 miles finishing 33rd in 73:04. Overall Eryri were placed 17th of the 57 competing teams with a total time of 24:07:39. A good effort all round.
Congratulations to les Croupiers Running Club for another excellent and well organised Castles Relay which was enjoyed by all that took part.

Friday 19 June 2009

W/e 'local' fell running, 20/21 June ...

Saturday 20th June, Red Kite challenge, Nant Yr Arian, (SN 718 813) on A44 east of Aberysywyth. Walk, 11am, 8+miles, £5. Run, 1pm, 11+miles (£100 for new record), EOD £10, M:1.12, F:1.19. Forest and moorland. www.redkite-barcudcoch.org.uk
Tuesday evening race 23rd June. '3 hills of Penmaenmawr'. Start 7.15pm. Craig Llwyd Kennels (SH 720 759). EOD £1.50. Please register at 6.30 if you can.

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

For the latest local running news, check this Eryri 'blog' site and WFRA

Advance notices:

Sat 27th June, Ras Tyn-y-Groes, 2.1miles/700ft, Tyn-y-Groes Hotel, Ganllwyd. Start 13.00, £3 EOD. www.brodysynniac.com
Sun 28th June, Moel y Gamelin, AM, 9miles/2700ft, M: 1.13, F: 1.29. Ponderosa Cafe, Horseshoe Pass (SJ 193 481). Start 11.00, £3 EOD. www.wrexhamroadrunners.org.uk
Weds 1st July, Vaynol Park 10k, race now full, entries closed, but go along and cheer !

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: Overcast with light rain and drizzle at first, and widespread hill fog. Late morning the cloud will start to lift and break a little, as isolated light showers replace the rain and drizzle. Then from late afternoon the showers will die away, leaving a dry and fine evening.
Sunday: It will be dry during the morning with plenty of sunshine and it will feel quite warm in the light northwesterly breeze. Any early patchy mist and fog clearing inland, but risk of mist, low cloud and fog affecting coastal areas all day.

Wednesday 17 June 2009

Garn British Champs Fell Race - Pre Entry Deadline Soon!

Only a few weeks to go so please get your entries in:

We need a good turn out from the blokes and the ladies to secure good positions.

This race is pre-entry only before June 30th. The race is on August 1st. With Tebay already full we need a big turn out here, the blokes have a good chance of securing their best finish for a good few years, with 4th a strong possibility. A classic short race

Fill out the standard WFRA entry form. http://www.wfra.org.uk/ http://www.wfra.me.uk/Y%20Garn.pdf1pm. £4, pre entry only by 30 th June,

Cheques payable to R Powell

Ross Powell
Pen y Buarth Farm,
Upper Llandwrog,
Caenarfon,
Gwynedd,LL54 7RD

Thursday 11 June 2009

Great Arete Midweek Series Round 7

Good finish eh? It’s nice to see pain on the runner’s faces.

Following is win in the “ras jibbar” on Saturday Becki’s boyfriend Chris Edis (Keswick) successfully held off the baying pack led by Chris Near, Paul Jenkinson in 3rd, 1St o/40 Henri W, 1st junior 5th , Arwel 1st 50 in 14th & DWT 1st 60 in 33rd. In the ladies Jenny took her 2nd win 20th overall from Andrea 26th & 1st 40 Annie 36th, Lisa 1st junior 57th, Maggie & Bridget 59th and 60th.

Caernarfon Tyres Junior Series

With 4 wins John Spill leads overall from Rhys & Margan, with 100% records from Henri (u16) & Kes (u8).

Note: No toilets @ the next race on 23rd. Normal story, if you are free 2 help, 07778 145 144.

W/e 'local' fell running, 13/14 June ...

Sat 13th June, Ras Moel Hebog, AS, 4miles/2400ft, M: 43.57, F: 54.26. Beddgelert TIC (SH 591 481). Start 13.00, £3 EOD. www.wfra.org.uk
Sat 13th June, Man v Horse, BL, 22miles/4000ft, M: 1.57.05, F: 2.30.38. Llanwrtyd Wells, Powys. £20 pre-entry, http://www.green-events.co.uk/
Sat 13th June, Welsh Castles Relay, Caernarfon, see below.
Sun 14th June, UK uphill trial race, Llanberis, see below.

No evening race Tuesday 16 June. Next race 23rd June, below.

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

For the latest local running news, check this Eryri 'blog' site and WFRA

Advance notices:

Tuesday evening race 23rd June. '3 hills of Penmaenmawr'. Start 7.15pm. Craig Llwyd Kennels (SH 720 759). EOD £1.50. Please register at 6.30 if you can.

Sat 20th June, Red Kite challenge, Nant Yr Arian, (SN 718 813) on A44 east of Aberysywyth. Walk, 11am, 8+miles, £5. Run, 1pm, 11+miles (£100 for new record), £8/£10UA, M:1.12, F:1.19. Forest and moorland. rhedwr@gmail.com, www.redkite-barcudcoch.org.uk
Sun 28th June, Moel y Gamelin, AM, 9miles/2700ft, M: 1.13, F: 1.29. Ponderosa Cafe, Horseshoe Pass (SJ 193 481). Start 11.00, £3 EOD. www.wrexhamroadrunners.org.uk
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: Some brightness at times, though generally rather cloudy for much of the day with isolated light showers and patchy hill fog on the higher ridges and peaks. A gentle southwesterly breeze.
Sunday: A little sunshine at times, but often rather cloudy with light and variable winds.

Wednesday 10 June 2009

Help needed for 3 Peaks Yacht Race

If you are interested in racing in the 3 Peaks Yacht Race this year, a team needs a runner. The event is on the 19-23 June. Please contact John on 07774107088

Tuesday 9 June 2009

WEEKEND RUNNING

WELSH CASTLES RELAY
The Welsh Castles Relay starts at 10:30am from Caernarfon Castle this Saturday with Brendan Rothery running the 1st stage to Penygroes where last years 1st stage winner Gwyn Owen will run the 2nd stage to Criccieth castle, we are okay with the stage runners for the first day, but we are seriously struggling to find runners for some of Sunday's ten stages: Runners required please for: Stage 14. 09:55am Builth Wells to Drovers Arms 11miles. Stage 16. 11:55am Brecon to Beacons Reservoir 8.8miles and stage 19. 14:25 Abercynon to Caerphilly Castle 10.8miles. Contact Arwel Lewis for further information.
LLANBERIS UPHILL TRIAL RACE
On Sunday 14th is the UK trial race for the 8th European EAA Mountain Running Championships & Welsh Trial race for the 1st Commonwealth Championships. The race is also a Welsh Athletics Championship event and is open to everyone.
Senior Ladies/Junior Men. Starts at 11:30am from Victoria Terrace (4.5m/3563ft). Finish at the summit of Crib Y Drisgl.
Junior Ladies. Starts at 11:45am from the sheds 410mtrs up from the cattle grid on the Llanberis Snowdon tourist track (2.46m/1414ft). Finish at the bottom of Moses hill.
Senior Men. Starts at 11:45 from near the Llanberis library just off the High Street. Finish at the summit of Crib Y Drisgl. (6.8m/3563ft).
Registration will be at The Legacy Royal Victoria Hotel Llanberis from 10am. Entries will be taken on the day.
Anyone free on Sunday and available to help with the marshalling, please call in at the race registration.

Sunday 7 June 2009

Stretton Hills English Champs race, Church Stretton

Whilst the choppers were out searching for the 1000 metres runners a crowd of Eryri runners made their way down to the superb Stretton Hills race in Church Stretton, Shropshire. The race was a counter in the WFRA North Wales series and also an English Championships (a new FRA ruling means Celtic runners and clubs can now count) counter which meant for a top quality field. The race route was superb, 5 and a bit miles with 2500feet of climbing, 4 steep climbs with equally steep descents.

In the men's:

Math Roberts 18th, 50.24
SPJ 64th, 56.33
Paul Jenks 76th, 57.58
Arwel Lewis 98th, 1.00.10
Don Williams 140th and 2nd vet 65, 1.06.30

In the ladies:

Andrea Rowlands 14th, 1.02.15
Maggie Oliver 61st and 2nd vet 60, 1.21.07

Results: http://dcn-mercia.make247.co.uk/node/1326

Thursday 4 June 2009

W/e 'local' fell running, 6/7 June ...

Sat 6th June, the FRA Calendar lists 11 events ! Here are two:-
Welsh 1000m Peaks Race, Abergwyngregyn to Snowdon, 20miles/8900ft, M: 3.27.20, F: 4.02.39. Pre-entry, some classes full.
Stretton Hills, AS, new route, 5.75miles/2500ft, Church Stretton. Start 13.00, £5.

Always bring: bumbag, map, compass, whistle, wind/waterproof top & trousers, hat & gloves, suncream ... (Ras Y Gader !).
E&OE, please make your own checks before travelling.

For the latest local running news, check this Eryri 'blog' site and WFRA

Advance notices:

Tuesday evening race 9th June. 'Moel Faban'. Start 7.15pm. Rachub, park by the swings (SH 622 682). EOD £1.50. Will it visit Moel Faban, Gyrn, Gyrn Wigau ?? (Please register at 6.30 if you can).

Sat 13th June, Ras Moel Hebog, AS, 4miles/2400ft, M: 43.57, F: 54.26. Beddgelert TIC (SH 591 481). Start 13.00, £3.
Sat 13th June, Man v Horse, BL, 22miles/4000ft, R: 1.57.05. Llanwrtyd Wells, Powys. £20 pre-entry.
Sat 20th June, Red Kite challenge, Nant Yr Arian, (SN 718 813) on A44 east of Aberysywyth. Walk, 11am, 8+miles, £5. Run, 1pm, 11+miles (£100 for new record), £8/£10UA, M:1.12, F:1.19. Forest and moorland. rhedwr@gmail.com.
Weds 1st July, Vaynol Park 10k, pre-entry only by 29th June or when 300 reached. Forms from eilir.felin@btopenworld.com
October 3rd, Exmoor 30:30 - a challenge for teams of 5 to carry 30lbs pp over 30 miles of Exmoor. Free entry, £1,000 to be raised for one of four charities.

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: Unseasonably cold, cloudy and windy, with frequent bursts of heavy rain, especially during the afternoon. the rain perhaps turning to snow above 900 metres at times. Hill fog will also become increasingly widespread, especially on north and east facing mountain slopes.
Sunday: Remaining rather cold and unsettled with showers or longer spells of rain, accompanied by hill fog and a strong northeasterly wind.