BORDER LEAGUE TATTENHALL

The third fixture of the 2009-10 Borders Road Running League season takes place this Sunday 3rd January 2010 at Tattenhall, Cheshire. A good way to blow away the Christmas and New Year's over indulgence and get the New Year off and running.

Our men seriously need to get their Border league season back on track following an indifferent start to date as we currently occupy one of the relegation positions, 51pts from safety while our women are placed mid table 100Pts from the promotion positions in the 2nd Division.

The 10k race will start from the "Flacca" Tattenhall Recreational Club in Field Lane. Post Code: CH3 9QF.

Toilets/Changing Rooms and Showers along with Refreshments will be in the "Flacca Club".

There will be a mini bus going to the event, leaving Parc Menai at 08:30am.

For further details contact Arwel Lewis: 07977 601029.

W/e 'local' fell running, 1/2/3 Jan ...

Thurs 31 Dec, see 2009 out, meet at 11.15am, Vic Hotel, Llanberis. Optional lunch at Pete's Eats afterwards.

Fri 1 Jan, see 2010 in, Llyn Llydaw race, 10am Pen y Pass Youth Hostel. EOD, soup & roll. http://www.gorphwysfa.org.uk/

Fri 1 Jan, Cyrn y Brain Hangover Hobble, cancelled due to weather.

Sun 3 Jan, Sunday run, about 2 hours, various speeds, meet at 10am, Capel Curig, car park up beyond Joe Brown's (fills up quickly if the weather looks good!).

With very best wishes for 2010 !

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' and WFRA

Advance notices:

Cross-Country 2009/10: Jan 16 Wrexham, Feb 6 Oswestry. North Wales Champs, Jan 30th (pre-entry, contact Maggie Oliver if you would like to run, 01286 871494).

Eryri Harriers annual club membership runs from the end of March. If you would like to join, re-join or renew, please contact: eryrih@gmail.com

Weekend weather
Thursday: A cloudy start with a few outbreaks of light rain or sleet but these will clear leaving drier and brighter conditions through the afternoon. Cold though, especially in a brisk northeasterly wind.
Friday: A mostly dry day with some good sunny spells and just a few wintry showers over the peaks at first. Very cold, despite winds easing (northerly 10 - 15mph), and a freezing level between 100 and 300 metres.
Saturday: A mostly dry and bright day with plenty of sunny spells and just the odd light wintry shower over the peaks. Feeling cold, despite light winds. Good visibility with a freezing level between 200 and 400 metres.
Sunday: A cloudier day but remaining dry with winds strengthening from the east. Generally moderate or good visibility and a freezing level between 100 and 300 metres.

Jubilee Plunge - CANCELLED

Message from Martin:

"Bit late I know but I'm calling it off tomorrow. Rock hard iceunderneath a smearing of slippery mud. Doesn't make any sense to race it - but come overfor a pint by all means - I'll be there!"

MERRY CHRISTMAS

A MERRY CHRISTMAS & A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OUR CLUB MEMBERS, THEIR FAMILIES & FRIENDS

ARWEL LEWIS

CHAIRMAN

UKA LEVEL 1 COACHING COURSE

Anyone interested in coaching? UKA are holding a Level 1 coaching course at Maes Glas
Bangor
Date: Sunday 24th January 2010
Venue: Maes Glas Sports Centre, Bangor, LL57 2EH
Course Code: W0127
Cost: £60
Closing Date: Tuesday 12th January 2010
We are encouraging more club members to take up the opportunity to go on these courses and set up a coaching structure for the club. the cost will be paid for by the club.
More details of the course can be found on the Welsh Athletics web site: www.welshathletics.org

W/e 'local' fell running, 26/27 Dec ...

Sat 26 Dec, Tyn-y-Groes Hill race, AS 2.5 miles / 700 feet, 12 noon, Tyn-y-Groes Hotel, on A470 just south of Ganllwyd, Coed y Brenin. £3 EOD, check WFRA site below before travelling.

Sun 27 Dec, Jubilee Plunge, 2pm, summit of Moel Famau. 2.5 miles, 1350 ft downhill only ! see WFRA below.

With the very best wishes of the season !

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 site and WFRA http://www.wfra.org.uk/.

Advance notices:

Fri 1 Jan, Llyn Llydaw race, 10am Pen y Pass Youth Hostel. EOD, soup & roll. http://www.gorphwysfa.org.uk/

Fri 1 Jan, Cyrn y Brain Hangover Hobble, 12 noon, Llandegla Forest nr Wrexham, 6m/800ft, see WFRA above.

Cross-Country 2009/10: Jan 16 Wrexham, Feb 6 Oswestry. North Wales Champs, Jan 30th (pre-entry, contact Maggie Oliver if you would like to run, 01286 871494).

Eryri Harriers annual club membership runs from the end of March. If you would like to join, re-join or renew, please contact: eryrih@gmail.com

Weekend weather
Saturday: Breezy, with strong or gale force winds over hill tops. Sunny spells but also occasional showers which could be heavy at times. These could also fall as snow above about 500 metres. Occasional hill fog is expected in association with heavy showers.
Sunday : Breezy with sunny spells but also occasional wintry showers. Occasional hill fog is expected in association with showers. The wind a fresh west to northwesterly, increasing to strong over hill tops.

AELODAETH/MEMBERSHIP

Cyfeiriad e-bost newydd/New e-mail address:
eryrih@gmail.com

Christmas Fun Run

Despite the snow and the icy conditions there was a good turnout for the annual Eryri Harriers Fun Run on Sunday 20th December at Llanberis, though because of the inclement weather conditions the race route had to be shortened from the usual 5.5miles around Padarn Lake to a 3.26kms race to the old quarry hospital and back with Richard Roberts winning in 12:25 with Anna Bartlett the first female finisher in 14:27, still a few of the fun run entrants did run the whole route at a much more leisurely pace while a few walked the route. Santa, alias John Carson completed the race in 24:22.

In the London Marathon Club Entries Draw the four names drawn from the hat were: Stuart Mason. Richard Roberts. Ashley Wager and Merfyn Williams. We wish them all the best in their training for the April 25th 2010 event.

Thank you to our hosts once again The Legacy Royal Victoria Hotel Llanberis for their welcome and for supplying the soup/rolls and mince pies.

Christmas fun run

Helpers are needed on the day, don't leave until the morning to volunteer, call me asap if you are prepared to stand around for 10 - 20 minutes, thanks.

Mike

01286 831115 or 07778 145 144 (no e-mails please)

Trawsgwlad Llanelwedd-Builth X/C

1, 2, 3 i Ogledd Cymru/for North Wales M65+
1. Don Williams 2. Pete Roberts(Buckley) 3. Emyr Davies.

Eryri Harriers Christmas Fun Run

Sunday 20th December, start 11am, Vic Hotel, Llanberis.
An anti-clockwise circle of Llyn Padarn 5.5 miles (shorter course for under 16s); starts from the Vic at 11am; register from 10am (queue builds-up); £4 adults, £1 under 16; soup and mince pie included for all entrants; draw for London Marathon places; Christmas raffle. If you'd like to walk round, you'll need to leave between 10 and 10.30.

Mortimer Forest Hill Race 10 miles, 1600foot, Sunday 13th December

Cold, clear and crisp conditions for this roller coaster mixed terrain race down near Ludlow in the midlands.

362 finishers.

1st Eryri in 23rd was Crewe based Martin Cliffe in 1.20.59,

2nd Eryri in 24th was on-form Trefor Jones in 1.21.12 and 2nd male vet 45.

Definitely a worthwhile journey for Jenny Hemming finishing in 46th overall but 1st lady in 1.25.12.

Results:

http://www.ludlowrunners.org/results/mortimer2009.htm

ALLS WELLS THAT ENDS WELLS FOR ROB AT BUILTH

Eryri's Rob Samuel was to the fore again, leading from start to finish to comfortably win the senior men's race in the Welsh Inter-Regional Cross-Country Championships at Builth Wells on Sunday 13th December completing the 10.2km course in 32:34 as he led the North Wales team to Gold in what was a very successful day for the North Region. Rob's win earns him automatic selection for the Welsh Cross Country team along with 2nd placed Cardiff AC athlete Andy Hunt for the Cardiff Cross Challenge Inter Area Match on Sunday 17th January 2010 followed 6 days later by the Belfast Challenge & Celtic International on Saturday 23rd january 2010. Well earned Rob.

In the Male Welsh Masters Championships there was more success for Eryri athletes who were also representing the North Region. In the 9.6km 40-69 race Eryri's Russell Owen finished 10th overall (2nd M/V50) in 36:00 with 30th Arwel Lewis 38:23. 56th Paul Jenkinson 41:27. 60th (1st M/V65) Don Williams 42:29 and 65th (2nd or 3rd M/V65?) Emyr Davies 43:29. Both the North's MV/40 and MV/50 teams won Gold. There were 79 Finishers.

In the Female Welsh Masters Championships 5.3km race Eryri's Annie Williams just missed out on the medals finishing 11th overall (4th F/V45) in 23:52 with 21st Ellie Salisbury 25:04 and 46th (3rd F/V60) Maggie Oliver 29:36. The North Regions F/V40 and F/V 50 teams also won Gold. There were 56 Finishers.

The Royal Welsh Showground's challenging course is certainly an excellent venue for such an event.

Well done to everyone who helped organise the event.

On the roads meanwhile and competing in his first race for a while, Eryri's Matthew Roberts missed out by two seconds of 3rd place in the Stockport 10 mile on Sunday 13th December finishing in a time of 55:50, mind you, the 1st lady was just behing him! There were 693 finishers.

W/e 'local' fell running, 12/13 dec ...

Fri 11 Dec, Christmas pizza & pint social, 8pm at the Galt Y Glyn pub in Llanberis.
It may be too late to get a seat at the 'party table', but the pub is still open to all.

Sat 12 Dec, Pre-Christmas Wyddfa run. Meet in the Vic car park ready to leave at 11am.

Sun 13 Dec, Mortimer Forest, 10 miles / 1600 feet CM, 11am, nr Ludlow. http://www.ludlowrunners.org/

Sun 13 Dec, Welsh Inter Regional and the Welsh Masters Cross Country Championships 2009, Builth Wells, Contact Maggie Oliver if you would like to run (01286 871494).

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 and WFRA.

Advance notices:

Sun 20 Dec, Christmas Fun Run, Llanberis.

Cross-Country 2009/10: Jan 16 Wrexham, Feb 6 Oswestry. North Wales Champs (pre-entry), Jan 30th.

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 weather
Saturday: A dry day (!) in the north and west with some mist of fog patches at first clearing through the morning to leave some hazy sunshine. To the south and east largely dry but with extensive mist, fog and low cloud for much of the day.
Sunday: Frost and some fog patches in the valleys, slowly clearing through the morning. Then a generally fine (!) and dry day but cold with mainly light northeasterly winds.

ROB DOES IT AGAIN!

Eryri's Rob Samuel can do no wrong these days with another impressive performance in the Helena Tipping Memorial 10k at Wrexham on Sunday 6th December where he not only set another personal best time for the distance by winning the event in 30:23, Rob also broke the old course record of 30:46. The weather conditions though not too cold were wet underfoot after heavy downpours during the night and before the race which left large puddles along the race route. Still nothing can stop Rob these days as he finished over three minutes clear of 2nd placed club colleague Brendan Rothery 33:27 with 43rd (3rd MV/50) Arwel Lewis 38:20. 90th (1st MV65) Emyr Davies 41:32. 108th (2nd MV/65) Don Williams 42:40. 129th Geraint Jones 44:09. 168th Mervyn Williams 46:18 and 257th Iorwerth Roberts 52:25.

There were 334 finishers.

Cerdyn Cofrestru AC/WA Registration Card

Wedi derbyn fy ngherdyn cofrestru Athletau Cymru o'r diwedd. Os 'rydych yn aelod hawl cyntaf o Rhedwyr Eryri, ac heb dderbyn eich cerdyn erbyn ganol mis yma, a fyddwch cystal a chysylltu a mi.
I've at last received my Welsh Athletics registration card. If you are a first claim member of Eryri Harriers, and have not received your card by the middle of this month, please contact me.
Emyr Davies 01286 830 651 membership-eryri@tiscali.co.uk

CHRISTMAS PIZZA AND PINT
oops guys sorry didn't put the time down, have booked the table for 8pm (but of course anyone wanting a few drinks before hand welcome to turn up earlier). All the best, Hannah.
Fri 11 Dec, Christmas pizza & pint social, 8pm at the Galt Y Glyn pub in Llanberis. If you would like to go, please let Hannah know by Monday by email: hannahtoberman@hotmail.com or text: 07765 036 589.

W/e 'local' fell running, 5/6 dec ...

Thu 3 Dec, Night Hill Run #2, Outside Pinnacle Cafe, Capel Curig, with Iain, 6.30pm prompt. Bring a good torch/headtorch ! Iain and Sarah will organise more in January, but if anyone wants to do night runs in between, let us know.

Sun 6 Dec, Cardington Cracker, 9 miles / 2600 feet AM, M: 1.09; F: 1.25. 11am Cardington Village Hall, near Church Stretton. EOD, £4, over 18. http://www.telfordathleticclub.co.uk/

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

Accommodation for Ireland British Champs race - 9th / 10th April 2010.
If anyone want to stay at Tory Bush Cottages http://www.torybush.com/ for the Ireland BC race, can they please email Sarah at sarah@runsnowdonia.co.uk by December 6th. If we get enough people to fill the houses, the price per night would be around £20-25 (so thats £40-50 for the weekend). To secure the accommodation, bookings will need be made by December 6th so you will need to confirm to me by then. A full deposit is required from each club member by end of December. Because prices depend on club members filling the houses, the deposits are non-refundable (however if you find someone else to take your place that's fine).

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

Advance notices:
Fri 11 Dec, Christmas pizza & pint social, 8pm at the Galt Y Glyn pub in Llanberis. If you would like to go, please let Hannah know by Monday by email: hannahtoberman@hotmail.com or text: 07765 036 589.
Sun 13 Dec, Mortimer Forest, 10 miles / 1600 feet CM, 11am, nr Ludlow. http://www.ludlowrunners.org/
Sun 13 Dec, Welsh Inter Regional and the Welsh Masters Cross Country Championships 2009, Builth Wells, Contact Maggie Oliver if you would like to run (01286 871494).
Sun 20 Dec, Christmas Fun Run, Llanberis.

Cross-Country 2009/10: Jan 16 Wrexham, Feb 6 Oswestry. North Wales Champs (pre-entry), Jan 30th.

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 weather
Saturday: Cloudy, with rain becoming more persistent and heavy, and with hill fog becoming widespread. South to southwest winds increasing to gale, and later probably reaching storm force.
Sunday: Cloudy with heavy rain and strong to gale southwesterly winds. Hill fog widespread at first. Generally turning brighter during the morning, with cloud breaking and lifting and with winds easing somewhat. Heavy showers are then likely to follow in during the afternoon.

W/e 'local' fell running, 28/29 Nov ...

Thu 26 Nov, Night Hill Run #1 with Sarah, 6.30pm prompt, Vic Hotel car park, Llanberis. Bring a good torch/headtorch !

Sat 28 Nov, Stel's 50th Birthday run, about 2 hours over Moel Eilio. Meet 10.50am for 11.00 start, Vic Hotel car park, Llanberis. Bring a small bottle of 'bubbly' / 'sparkling' for summit refreshment if you can !

Sat 28 Nov, Sleepwalker 20-mile Night Time Trail Race, Powys, see WFRA.

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

Penmaenmawr race results, photos on WFRA.

Accommodation for Ireland British Champs race - 9th / 10th April 2010.
If anyone want to stay at Tory Bush Cottages for the Ireland BC race, can they please email Sarah at sarah@runsnowdonia.co.uk by December 6th. If we get enough people to fill the houses, the price per night would be around £20-25 (so thats £40-50 for the weekend). To secure the accommodation, bookings will need be made December 6th so you will need to confirm to me by then. A full deposit is required from each club member by end of December. Because prices depend on club members filling the houses, the deposits are non-refundable (however if you find someone else to take your place that's fine).

Eryri AGM news, Cotswold 20% discount etc on the Blog, below.

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

Advance notices:
Thu 3 Dec, Night Hill Run #2, location tba.
Fri 11 Dec, Christmas pizza & pint social, see Eryri 'blog' site.
Sun 13 Dec, Welsh Inter Regional and the Welsh Masters Cross Country Championships 2009, Builth Wells, Contact Maggie Oliver if you would like to run (01286 871494).
Sun 20 Dec, Christmas Fun Run, Llanberis.

Cross-Country 2009/10: Jan 16 Wrexham, Feb 6 Oswestry. North Wales Champs (pre-entry), Jan 30th.

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 weather
Saturday: A slight frost in the valleys at first. Bright with just a few showers around at first, with perhaps more in the way of cloud and rain for the afternoon, with the risk of sleet or snow over the highest peaks. Winds also picking up by the afternoon. Good visibility but falling to moderate in rain, poor or very poor in sleet or snow, with patchy hill fog down to 500 metres at times.
Sunday: A frosty start likely in sheltered valleys, then a bright, mainly dry day with sunny spells. Generally clouding over later in the afternoon and becoming windy again with gales. Generally good or excellent visibility, but with some patchy hill fog at times, down to around 500 metres.

ROB'S LEEDS DASH

Eryri's Rob Samuel certainly gets around these days! following his Cross Country race at Gateshead last week, Rob was back on the road and had a superb run in the Leeds Abbey Dash 10k today, slicing over a minute off his pb for the distance finishing 11th overall in a top quality field with a time of 30:33 only five seconds from 8th place! The best time for the distance by an Eryri athlete since Gwyn Owen's 30:50 in the Cardiff 10k in 2007. Well Done Again Rob.

In the same event Paul Wathan finished 75th overall in 35:03 and one to look out for is Deeside youngster Phil Edge who recorded a time of 31:41 for 22nd place overall.

There were 5904 finishers.

TREBORTH MUD BATH!

After the first two races of the North Wales Cross Country League had been held on comparatively hard grounds in dry sunny weather at Colwyn Bay and Bridgnorth, the third league race at Treborth Bangor on Saturday 21st November was certainly much more like it with mud! mud! mud! The wind and rain made the conditions tough for all the competitors. because of all the heavy rain recently, the course was shortened to just under 5 miles which was to Bangor University's Nick Swinburn's liking as he eased to victory in 26:33 with Mercia's Tim Davies 2nd in 27:24 ahead of 3rd Richard Roberts 27:36 who led a large contingent of Eryri Harriers home with Iwan Morton making a welcome return to racing finishing 12th in 30:06 followed by new recruit Saul Lovatt very close on his heels, 13th in 30:07. 17th Russell Owen in a rich vein of form at the moment 30:48. 34th Arwel Lewis 32:00 and 42nd Cai Pierce 32:34 the six counters for the club. Other Eryri placings were: 56th Rory O'Donnell. 57th (and our 3rd Veteran Counter) Trefor Jones. 79th Paul Jenkinson. 82nd John Harold. 87th Sam Smith. 91st Don Williams. 92nd Jeremy Williams. 97th Dave Jones. 98th Richard Bourne. 108th Gareth Buckley. 112th Phil Pilbeam. 116th Maldwyn Evans. 117th Emyr Davies. 119th Eurwyn Edwards. 126th Mike Blake. 129th Dei Jones. 139th R. Clarke and 148th Steve Pilbeam. There were over 160 finishers.

There was a good turnout from our women as well with Andrea Rowlands as she has in the previous two league races leading the team home in 10th place with: 12th Becky Law. 15th Jenny Hemming. 19th Annie Williams. 21st Miranda Grant. 36th Wendy Trimble. 38th Ellie Salisbury. 56th Allison Donnelly. 58th Maggie Oliver and 59th Jenny Williamson while competing in the same race over 70 athlete Ron Hird finished 77th.

An excellent turn out for the event despite the atrocious conditions, at least it was quite warm!

Spare a thought to Maggie Oliver and all her helpers who as usual did an excellent job in organising the event. Well Done Everyone.

W/e 'local' fell running, 21/22 Nov ...

Sat 21 Nov, cross-country, Treborth playing fields, Bangor.
Women's race at 2pm, men's at 2.45pm. Offers to marshal and donation of cakes very welcome (Maggie Oliver, 01286 871494).

Sun 22 Nov, Wrekin Wrecker, details http://www.eryriharriers.org.uk/race_calendar.html
Sun 22 Nov, local run, about 2 hours, meet at 10am in the free car park (SH 588 482) between Warws and the bridge, Beddgelert.

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

Becki's Welsh Perimeter Ride Update
Becki Law completed the 805-mile ride and raised £1,300 for a centre for the disabled in Vietnam. She thanks everyone for support and donations. There is a letter of thanks and a ride blog with photos. (See, also, in Blog, below).

Eryri AGM news, Cotswold 20% discount etc on the Blog, below.

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

Advance notices:
Sat 28 Nov, Birthday run, Moel Eilio.
Fri 11 Dec, Christmas pizza & pint, see, also, in Blog, below.
Sun 13 Dec, Welsh Inter Regional and the Welsh Masters Cross Country Championships 2009, Builth Wells, Contact Maggie Oliver if you would like to run (01286 871494).
Sun 20 Dec, Christmas Fun Run, Llanberis.

Cross-Country 2009/10: Jan 16 Wrexham, Feb 6 Oswestry. North Wales Champs (pre-entry), Jan 30th.

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 weather
Saturday: A cloudy day with outbreaks of rain becoming heavier and more persistent through the morning and with strengthening winds. Some heavy rain at times with southerly gales or severe gales. Perhaps becoming drier later in the afternoon.
Sunday: A day of sunny spells and occasional blustery showers, some heavy. Strong southwest winds. Occasional hill fog.

Plea for club newsletter contributions!
Hi guys, am hoping to focus the club newsletter to be much more weighted toward inspirational writings of people's running experiences, races, trips, advice etc. in future. It has been suggested that perhaps we have less editions of the newsletter per year so that they can be longer and to give time to collect gems of writing from you guys eh!
So anyone willing to write up some words for the next newsletter please pass them over to me (typed up preferably to hannahtoberman@hotmail.com, but am also happy to type up people's hand written accounts if that suites), any accompanying photos would also be great (again digital files makes them easier to use, but I can also scan in from hard copy photos if you pass them onto me).
Ta Guys
Hannah

BORDER LEAGUE UPDATE

Following the 2nd race of the 2009/10 season at Birkenhead Park on Sunday 15th November and despite an improvement on the first fixture, Eryri's men find themselves in the 2nd from bottom relegation spot in the 1st Division, 51 points behind Prestatyn while our women are currently placed fifth in the 2nd Division. Still there were some good individual performances at Birkenhead with Brendan Rothery's 3rd place finish and Angus Mackay's solid debut for the club in 20th place, Emyr Davies 1st MV/65 with Don Williams 2nd MV/65.

We have a long wait to put things right before the next race which is at Tattenhall on Sunday 3rd January 2010. A good race to get back into the swing of things after the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

TRACK AND FIELD ANYONE

Message from Bob Frost for anyone who is interested in Track & Field.

Hi. Our club is anxious to field full teams in the Welsh and Northern England Track & Field Leagues again in 2010. We don't want to tread upon any toes but you may have athletes who are willing to have a go at track & field next year and as your club does not offer these events then maybe some athletes could join us as first claim t&f only. We would offer club membership for £15 per year and as an extra incentive we would give free entry to our club races ie. Helena Tipping 10k, Village Bakery Half Marathon, Llyn Brenig, Moel y Gamelin and Ponderosa (a total saving of at least £27). Please give this your consideration and inform any interested athletes. Bob Frost, Club Secretary, Wrexham AAC.

A very generous offer for any member to take up.

ROB AIMS HIGH

Rob Samuel has certainly set his standards high these days by mixing it with the big boys (Internationals athletes that is!) in finishing a very respectable 21st in the McCain UK Cross Challenge race in Gateshead on Saturday 14th November with some of the best UK, Eritrean and European athletes for company, Rob completed the 9km course in 29:56 beating some fine athletes in the process.

Well Done Rob.

Christmas Pizza and Pint

Hi everyone, after last year's successful evening, I have booked in for another Eryri Christmas Pizza and Pint on Friday 11th Dec at the Galt Y Glyn pub in Llanberis. If people wanting to come along can please let me know as soon as possible (either by email: hannahtoberman@hotmail.com or send me a text: 07765036589) so I can finalise numbers, that would be great.
Hope lots of you can come along .

All the best Hannah

(and as the new club social secretary, please pass me on any bright ideas for social events, ta guys).

BORDERS LEAGUE BIRKENHEAD PARK

Our men are really struggling to get going this season, with so many other events on which have clashed with the first two B/L races and an over reliant on some of our leading athletes to turn out time and again on the road, cross country and fell, it is understandable that they deserve a restpite now and again. Still fourteen men and four women represented the club at Birkenhead Park on Sunday 15th November on a fast four lap 5.5mile course the consistent Brendan Rothery led the team home in 3rd place followed by: 20th (making his Border league and club debut) Rob Mackay. 47th Tony Woodall. 53rd Arwel Lewis. 66th Jos Jones. 69th Gwyn Williams. 99th (a day after his storming run to win bronze in the British & Irish Masters XC Championships at Birmingham) Emyr Davies. 117th Ashley Wager. 170th (on her Border league and club debut) Suzy Blandford. 124th Don Williams. 177th Ian Rothery. 178th Peter Lewis. 215th Mervyn Williams. 248th Ian Blakemore. 263rd Roy Jardine. 269th Jenny Blakemore. 277th Allison Donnelly and 281st Jenny Williamson.

There were 310 finishers.

Full results/times to come.

Becki's Welsh Perimeter Ride Update

Just a quick post to say that I managed to complete the ride and raise £1,300.89 in total so I am very happy!

For your interest, please see the following link for thank you letters and ride blog:

http://eryriharriers.org.uk/raceresults.html

A big thank you to everyone for support and kind donations,

Becki Law

CROSS COUNTRY SUCCESS

At the British and Irish Masters Cross Country International at Perry Park, Birmingham on Saturday 14^th , in the wind and rain, Emyr Davies ran a storming race to finish 3^rd overall M65, so gaining a bronze medal. An excellent feat in this high quality event. Emyr was the first Welsh M65 finisher, so helping the Welsh M65 team to the bronze medal as well.

Russell Owen, in his masters Welsh debut, ran well to be the fourth counter in the M50 team with the team Finishing fourth. Sue Hughes and Maggie Oliver also helped their respective W55 and W60 teams to the bronze medal position.

A final reminder about Treborth on Saturday 21^st November, womens race at 2pm, mens at 2.45pm. Offers to marshall and donation of cakes very welcome.

The Welsh Inter Regional and the Welsh Masters Cross Country Championships 2009 will be held on Sunday December 13^th at the Royal Welsh Showground in Builth Wells. A club entry will be made for the Masters event, so if you interested in taking part, please inform Maggie Oliver.

Please note that the Rhug Organic North Wales Cross Country Championship is now being held on the traditional end of January weekend i.e. January 30^th.

Ras Penmaenmawr 2009 / Pen Race 2009

Despite the extreme weather there were 188 finishers in Saturday's legendary Pen fell race. Unfortunately race organiser Chris Near had to change the route slightly due to the forecasted 60mph plus gusts and driving rain, this still meant a good length of around 9 miles.

On form Tim Lloyd of Menai T&F was the winner with super-talented Iwan 'the bike' Morton clinching a superb 2nd. 3rd place went to another - we think Eryri new boy - Saul Lovatt, running in only his 2nd fell race!! This all meant that form king Dr Sam Smith (photo) ended in 4th, without even getting lost this time?! Big James McQueen running in only his 2nd vet 40 race came 2nd vet with SPJ 1st vet 50, and big Mike Blake 1st vet 60. In the ladies race unstoppable Andrea Rowlands was the winner, she was followed by an army of Eryri ladies, Jenny Hemming, Becki Law, Hannah Toberman and Miranda Grant, Annie Williams and Ali Thomas came 1st and 2nd in the vet 40's..............surely further evidence that the Eryri ladies have the strongest team in Britain.

Once again there were a number of notable absences which time is not going to wait for!!

Cheers to Chris and family for a exquisite race!

W/e 'local' fell running, 14/15 Nov ...

Sat 14 Nov, Penmaenawr Fell Race 11m/1500ft, start 10.30am * Pre entry only, entries now closed *

Winter is approaching, first snow on the tops last Saturday, and the first general ground frost on Monday. Always bring: bumbag, map, compass, whistle, wind/waterproof top & trousers, hat & gloves ... E&OE, please make your own checks before travelling.

Eryri AGM news, Cotswold 20% discount etc on this Blog, below.
For the latest local running news, check this Eryri 'blog' site and WFRA.

Advance notices:
Sat 21 Nov, cross-country, Treborth playing fields, Bangor.
Sun 22 Nov, Wrekin Wrecker, details http://www.eryriharriers.org.uk/race_calendar.html
Sun 20 Dec, Christmas Fun Run, Llanberis.

Cross-Country 2009/10: Nov 21 Bangor, Jan 16 Wrexham, Feb 6 Oswestry. North Wales Champs, Jan 9th.

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 weather
Saturday: A very windy day with stormy conditions on the higher ground and squally showers or longer spells of rain at times, possibly sleety at times on the highest ground. Some brief sunny intervals are also likely, more so later in the afternoon.
Sunday: A better day with less windy conditions and some bright or sunny intervals at times. A few showers are also likely. Fresh or strong west to southwesterly becoming south to southeasterly winds.

AGM Committee Alterations

Following last nights Eryri Harriers AGM at Y Caban Brynrefail which was well supported by our club members, there are a few changes to the committee:

Arwel Lewis is to remain as the club's chairman but he will be ably assisted by vice-chairman Steve P Jones. Emyr Davies has stood down as our membership secretary to be replaced by Jenny Hemming though Emyr will assist Jenny until she is comfortable in the post. Mike Blake will continue as our equipment officer but after too many years to mention, Mike has stood down as our Mountain Running secretary to be replaced by Iain Ridgway and Matthew Roberts, Iain will remain as our Welfare officer. Jenny Williamson has stood down as our newsletter editor, though Hannah Toberman will carry on with editing and publishing of the newsletter, Hannah will also step in as our Social Secretary. Cross Country - Maggie Oliver. Road Running - Arwel Lewis. Secretary - Alex Fletcher. Treasurer - Andrea Rowlands. Web Site Administrator - Sarah Ridgway. Archivist - Dafydd Whiteside-Thomas. We also have three ordinary members: Ellie, Iorwerth and Jim who have the opportunity to attend our committee meetings on behalf of our club members.

Membership fees are to remain the same: £20.

Students and Over 65's: 50% discount.

Juniors Under18: Free membership!

The club's web site is to be reconstructed (If that is the correct word?) by Sarah.

It has also been decided that the club's constitution should be updated and brought inline with the 21st century! Noel Craine has been handed the enviable! task of going through the constitution and coming up with what amendments should be made, to be brought up at a committee meeting. Note: The constitution can only be amended at the club's AGM or an EGM.

I think that's about it! Any errors will be amended and published in our next newsletter early in the new year.

Thank You to to everyone who has served on the committee throughout the past year.

A special mention to the staff at Y Caban for being our most welcoming of hosts and the excellent food.

Don't forget our Christmas Fun Run from "The Vic" Llanberis on Sunday 20th December 2009. 11am Start. Might have some new running shoes from Cotswolds by then!

COTSWOLDS 20% DISCOUNT

With Christmas just around the corner why not take up the generous offer from Cotswolds Betws Y Coed who are offering all Eryri Harrier members a 20% discount on their merchandise throughout the month of November 2009.

UKA LEVEL 1 COACHING COURSE

For those who are interested: There is a Level 1 Coaching Course being held at Deeside College on Saturday 16th January 2010. 09:30 - 5:30pm. The club are currently looking to send some of our members on such courses.
Contact Shane Parry Tel: 07021338953 For further details about the course.

BORDERS ROAD RUNNING LEAGUE

The second fixture in the Borders Road Running league 2009/10 season takes place this Sunday 15th November at Birkenhead Park Wirral. Start 11am. The race will start and finish in the Park opposite Birkenhead 6th form college on Park Road West. The course is 4 laps of the upper park including the path around the lake and will be approx 5.5 miles in distance. There are toilets and changing facilities available at the College and there will be also be hot drinks available after the race in the College canteen area.
A limited amount of parking is available in the college car park but it would be better to park on the roads around the Park – there should be plenty of space but it will help if athletes could car share. There will be no vehicles allowed inside the Park. We will have a mini bus going to the race departing Parc Menai at 08:30am. Following the opening race of the season at Christleton our men and women have some work to do to make an impression on the current league leaders, so please make the effort to support your club. No race numbers required, no entry fees, just turn up in your Eryri colours and run!

For further information contact Arwel Lewis: 07977 601029.

ENDURANCE WORKSHOP

For those aspiring athletes who want to improve their performances and learn more about endurance running, there is a free workshop being held this Saturday 7th November at Deeside College from 10am-4pm. Bashir Hussain and Jackie Newton who have a wealth of international experience will be hosting the workshop with the charismatic new head of coaching at Welsh Athletics John Dakata also in attendance.

Not to be missed!

For further details contact: Donna Welsh 01244 831531 Ext 4778.

ERYRI HARRIERS AGM

The club's AGM is being held next Tuesday 10th November 2009 at Y Caban in Brynrefail with free food from 7pm. The meeting will start at 7:30pm.

Open to all Eryri Harrier members to attend.

There are a few committee posts to be filled and any club member can apply for any of the current committee positions.

Join us at the AGM and have your say on how the club should be run.

ROB'S HIGH FIVE!

Eryri's Brendan Rothery and Arwel Lewis got off their sick beds to help the club to the team title in the Abergele North Wales 5 mile championships on Sunday 1st November, the other part of the Morbegno trio Gwyn Williams was still in his sick bed after they all picked up a virus on the Italy trip! Still star of the show again was the impressive Rob Samuel who just gets better and better winning the race in a championship best time of 25:09 nearly a minute ahead of runner up Ricky Challinor 26:07 with Nick Swinburn 3rd in 27:31, Brendan did well in the circumstances to finish 4th in 28:07 while Arwel Lewis coughed and spluttered round finishing 25th in 32:23 over two minutes down on what he would have expected! with Paul Jones the other team prize counter in 34th place in a time of 33:27. Paul also had the satisfaction of winning the MV/35 category with the evergreen Emyr Davies adding the umpteen North Wales title to his vast collection with the MV/65 award with a time of 34:07. Conditions for the well organised event were wet underfoot, dry and windy.

There were 175 race finishers.

MORBEGNO TRIO CATCH A COLD!

All three Eryri Harriers who represented the club in the Trofeo Vanoni Relays on Sunday 25th October returned home a bit worse for wear, and no it wasn't the beer but a virus that was going around! The relay's held in our twinned club town of Morbegno was again well represented by several international teams. The Eryri team of Brendan Rothery who ran the 1st (7km) leg in 35:36 followed by Arwel Lewis on the 2nd leg 37:41 with Gwyn Williams 40:48 on the last leg finished 51st of the 128 teams competing, the Snowdon race team of Danny Hope 31:35, Ian Holmes 31:16 and Murray Strain 31:41 finished 5th, Julien Rancon ran the fastest leg 29:31. Not satisfied with only running the one leg, Arwel also ended up running the third leg for Adrian Woods team having just completed his own 2nd leg! despite losing a couple of minutes changing race numbers Arwel clocked 43:21 as Adrian's team were placed 78th. Except for the virus! the Eryri trio were well received at the Hotel Margna by the proprietor Marco whom Arwel presented with a Welsh slate clock and CSI Morbegno whom Arwel presented with a picture of Llyn Padarn. To cap it all lovely sunny weather throughout the trip.

Marathon Eryri 2009 / Snowdonia Marathon 2009

Once again the weather delivered for this year's Snowdonia marathon with most of the 1325 finishers experiencing the delight of heavy rain bursts and gale force torrents.

The excellently organised race proved a good day for the Eryri members. The race was won by Julian Macdonald of Chester Tri in 2.46.56. Eryri's Gwyn Owen had an excellent run to finish 2nd despite 3 falls on the final descent in 2.47.37 and with Math Roberts and Rich Roberts in 5th and 7th this gave Eryri men's the first team prize. In the ladies Andrea Rowlands had a superb run to come home 2nd lady in 3.17.22 and with Sarah Ridgway and Ali Thomas finishing well, Eryri's ladies picked up the team prize aswell. First local runners were running couple Iain and Sarah Ridgway of Nant Peris. And worth a mention is Eryri's Iorwerth Roberts who has ran every single Snowdonia Marathon, Iorweth finished in 5.35.30.

Results: http://www.tdl.ltd.uk/results.php?checked=1&race_id=272&submit=sent&submit_x=137

VIRGIN LONDON MARATHON 2009

We have four club entries for the Virgin London Marathon 25th April 2009. This year there will be an open ballot for all club members who wish to take part in the event at our annual Christmas Fun Run at Llanberis on Sunday 20th December 2009. We usually only accept London Marathon rejection slips for our club entries, but due to last year receiving a fraudulent rejection slip, this year's ballot will be open to all club members.

MORBEGNO ITALY

As part of our twinning arrangement with CSI Morbegno, the Eryri Harriers will be represented by a three man team in the 52nd Trofeo Ezio Vanoni Relay's in Morbegno Italy this Sunday 25th October. Brendan Rothery will be running the first leg followed by Arwel lewis on the 2nd with Gwyn Williams on the last leg.

Representing the Snowdon race team will be: Danny Hope, Ian Holmes and Murray Strain.

Full event report on their return.

Mountain Coaching Course

The Fell Runners Association in conjunction with UKAthletics will be holding a Fell/Mountain Running coaching Level 2 course on the weekend of 14/15th November 2009, We are looking for two or three members who are willing to attend and pass on the knowledge they will have gained from the course to club members in future training sessions, we are especially looking to encourage more junior athletes to take up the sport. The course and travel fees will be paid for by the club. Anyone interested please contact Arwel Lewis for further details.

COTSWOLDS OFFER

Get your Christmas shopping in early! Cotswolds of Betws Y Coed are very kindly offering a 20% discount to all Eryri Harriers club members throughout the month of November 2009.

W/e 'local' fell running, 24/25 October ...

Sat 24th October, Snowdonia Marathon, pre-entry only, start 10.30 Nant Peris. Men finishing in Llanberis around 1.00pm, women around 1.30pm. Spectators welcome around the course. www.snowdoniamarathon.co.uk

Sat 24 & Sun 25, OMM, Builth Wells / Elan Valley. Pre-entry only. Good luck to all local runners, live updates on www.theomm.com

Chris Near is looking for marshals for the Penmaenmawr Fell race on Sat 14 Nov (below). It passes through scenic areas of the Carneddau and Conwy Valley. If you are able to help, please contact Chris on 01492 621189 or pilarchris@tesco.net

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 and WFRA

Advance notices:
Sun 1 Nov, Clwydian Hills, 9m/3100ft, 11am Cilcain Village Hall SJ 177 653, New course, over 18, £5. Peter Taylor 07711 390 624.
Sat 7 Nov, Rhobell Fawr, 6m/1900ft, 12 noon, £4, Llanfachreth SH 756 225, Coed y Brenin. Tony Hodgson 07789 915 488.
Sat 14 Nov, Penmaenawr Fell Race 11m/1500ft Sat 10:30 am £5 * Pre entry only* at www.fabian4.co.uk Race details www.eryriharriers.org.uk
Sat 21 Nov, cross-country, Treborth playing fields, Bangor.
Sun 22 Nov, Wrekin Wrecker, details www.eryriharriers.org.uk

The next WFRA Navigation Course will be on Sunday 15th November in Llanberis, see WFRA site (above).

Cross-Country 2009/10: Nov 21 Bangor, Jan 16 Wrexham, Feb 6 Oswestry. North Wales Champs, Jan 9th.

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 weather
Saturday: It will be a cloudy day with occasionally heavy rain and widespread hill fog. South to southwest winds will be strong, perhaps gusting to gale force at times, especially over higher peaks and ridges.
Sunday: It will be brighter with sunny spells and scattered showers, perhaps heavy in the west especially. Southwesterly winds will be strong and gust to gale force near showers.

CYLCHLYTHYR HYDREF-OCTOBER NEWSLETTER

**PWYSIG** Mae'r Cylchlythyr diweddaraf 'nawr ar ein gwefan. Mae copi wedi'i anfon yn y post ers rhai diwrnodiau i bob aelod (ond D.Wh.T. a M.Y.) sydd wedi DEWIS derbyn un. Os nad ydych wedi derbyn un, ac eisiau un trwy'r post, gadewch i mi wybod.
**IMPORTANT** The latest Newsletter is now on our website. A copy has been sent by post a few days ago to all members (except D.Wh.T and M.Y.) who OPTED to receive one. If you have not received one, and wish to do so, please contact me.

Emyr Davies. membership-eryri@tiscali.co.uk 01286 830 651

CROSS COUNTRY UPDATE

A small but valiant band of club members made the long journey to Bridgnorth on October 10^th to keep the club in contention. The mens team were all veterans bar one and they were 6^th position on the day and overall, with the masters men team being 5th team on the day and overall. Russell Owen led the team home and was the third M50(by 3 sec!), Emyr Davies was first M65 and Don third M65. Ron Hird improved on his 5^th position in Colwyn Bay to come 3^rd in the M70 category.

The ladies team fared slightly better, being 3^rd team on the day, 2^nd position overall with the veterans team being 3^rd on the day and 4^th overall. Andrea Rowlands led the team home again finishing 8th, followed y Annie Williams (1^st W45 again), Wendy Trimble and Ellie Salisbury, with Sue Hughes being 2^nd W55.

Many thanks to Merfyn Williams for driving the minibus and then running.

Feedback wanted from the clubs about the suitability 0f the course and venue compared to Lilleshall.

There is also a new web site for cross country for results, notices and details of venues.

The site address is : www.northwalescrossc.webs.com

The Rhug Organic North Wales Cross Country Championship will now be held on Saturday January 30^th, 2010, and not as previously advertised. It will be held at the Rhug Estate, just to the west of Corwen on the A5.

The Welsh Athletics Championship will now be held on the weekend of February 20th/21^st.

2010 British Championships

It starts again. Dates for the diary. Same format as last year. 3 races to count, 1 from each distance.

10th April Slieve Binnian (Medium)
19th June Sedbergh 3 Peaks (Short)
31st July Dollar (Medium)
25th September Black Mountains (Long)

9 eiliad o'r medal efydd i dynion Eryri / 9 seconds from the bronze for Eryri's men

Once again the strength of Eryri's travelling clan was on show this weekend as only 1 of the entered 4 teams made it to the big fell running event showdown of the year - The UKA British Fell Relay championships.

This year the event was hosted by Cumberland fell runners up in the North West Lakes, which meant a long-ish journey for the ever present Eryri male sextet. The team was made up of new man Martin Cliffe, the Doc Sam Smith, Chris Near and the regular and reliable travelling trio of Rich Roberts, Iain Ridgeway and Math Roberts.

Rich gave the fella's an amazing start by coming home in 4th and only seconds behind 1st place Gareth Raven of Sale Harriers. Martin Cliffe and Iain Ridgway ran well on the paired second leg to bring the club home in 14th, by now the weather had come in and most of the route was thick fog. Luckily nav king Chris Near ran superbly with Sam Smith to bring the club back in 8th, the last leg was ran by Math Roberts who unbeknown to him was in 3rd place overall for most of the run (as the first 3 of Mercia, Bingley and Pudsey had all been disqualified). Unfortunately Math was passed on the final steep climb by Calder Valley which left the club finishing a mere 9 seconds off the bronze medal spot.

Still a good day out and once again the first Celtic club home!

Results: http://www.sportident.co.uk/results/2009/BritishFellRelay/full_splits.html

CYNGHRAIR Y GORORAU - CANLYNIADAU. BORDER LEAGUE - RESULTS

Canlyniadau llawn ddoe ar eu gwefan. Cael trafferth creu linc. Rhowch BorderLeagueResults yn Google. Wedi cael i'r wefan, safiwch yn 'Favourites' er mwyn cael mynediad hawdd yn y dyfodol.
Yesterday's results on their website. Having problem creating link. Put BorderLeagueResults in Google. After accessing website, save in 'Favourites' for future easy access.

BORDERS LEAGUE CHRISTLETON

Eryri's Harriers men made an inauspicious start to the defence of their title in the first race of the 2009/10 season at Christleton on Sunday 18th October with most of their elite athletes competing elsewhere the team were placed 5th of the seven teams in the 1st Division with 902 points against them, a deficit of 549 points on early leaders Wirral. On the mainly flat 9.3km course the consistent Brendan Rothery ran very well to finish 2nd in 31:40 with: 42nd Arwel Lewis 35:15. 44th Chris Evans 35:25. 59th and making a welcome return to the club Gary Rees Williams 36:12. 91st Gwyn Williams 37:52. 117th (1st MV/65) Emyr Davies 39:14. 130th Jos Jones 39:40. 142nd Don Williams 40:24. 145th Ian Rothery 40:35. 210th Mervyn Williams 43:17. 261st Ian Blakemore 46:28 and 274th Roy Jardine 48:03. Eryri's women meanwhile made a solid if unspectacular start to the season in their quest to retain their 1st Division status following last season's relegation, led by 209th Becky Riddings 43:16. 234th (On her Eryri debut) Bridget Ripley 44:55. 265th Alison Donnelly 46:53 and 283rd Jenny Blakemore 48:31.

There was a league record of 322 finishers in the race.

The next race will be at Wallasey on Sunday 15th November 2009. Start 11am.

Eryri's 2008/09 Borders League individual champion Rob Samuel set himself a new personal best for the Half Marathon distance with a time of 66:49 at Cardiff on Sunday 18th October finishing 4th overall.

There were 8,767 finishers.

Eryri, due to a late spate of withdrawals only sent a men's team to compete in the British Fell Running Championships at Ennerdale Cumbria on Sunday 18th October where they just missed out on the bronze team medals by nine seconds! finishing fourth.

Full report to follow on their return.

W/e 'local' fell running, 17/18 October ...

Sat 17 Oct, *New Race* ‘Ceiriog Canter’ Fell Race, AS 5 miles/1200 feet. Start: 11am, Canolfan Ceiriog Centre, Glyn Ceiriog. LL20 7HE. EOD £5 from 10am. Prizes. Details from Joe 01691 718200 joe.fitness@yahoo.com

Sun 18 Oct, FRA Relays, Ennerdale (club pre-entries only, contact Mike Blake on 07778 145 144).

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

* Snowdonia Marathon * Saturday 24th October.
Jayne has an urgent need for marshals, Particularly for the last section from Bwlch y Groes down to Llanberis (the exciting bit !). If you can help, please contact Jayne Lloyd on 01286-677785 or .

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

Advance notices:
Sun 1 Nov, Clwydian Hills, 9m/3100ft, 11am Cilcain Village Hall SJ 177 653, New course, over 18, £5. Peter Taylor 07711 390 624.
Sat 7 Nov, Rhobell Fawr, 6m/1900ft, 12 noon, £4, Llanfachreth SH 756 225, Coed y Brenin. Tony Hodgson 07789 915 488.
Sat 14 Nov, Penmaenawr Fell Race 11m/1500ft Sat 10:30 am £5 * Pre entry only* at www.fabian4.co.uk Race details http://www.eryriharriers.org.uk/race_calendar.html
Sun 22 Nov, Wrekin Wrecker, details http://www.eryriharriers.org.uk/race_calendar.html

The next WFRA Navigation Course will be on Sunday 15th November in Llanberis, see WFRA site (above).

Cross-Country 2009/10: Nov 21 Bangor, Jan 16 Wrexham, Feb 6 Oswestry. North Wales Champs, Jan 9th.

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 weather
Saturday: A chilly start with valley mist and ground frost. Then a dry day with long sunny periods.
Sunday: Dry through the morning with bright or sunny spells. Cloud will increase later with outbreaks of rain or drizzle by late afternoon. Southwesterly winds will freshen.

BORDERS ROAD RUNNING LEAGUE 2009/10

Here we go again! The Borders Road Running League 2009/10 season is off and running this Sunday 18th October at Christleton. Start 11am. The race HQ will be based at the Cheshire View in Plough Lane. Post Code: CH3 7PT. The same venue as last years race opener which hopefully will turn out to be a good omen for our men who are seeking a hat-trick of championship titles.

There will be a mini bus going to the event, departing Parc Menai at 08:30am.

For further details contact Arwel Lewis: 07977 601029.

KAISERMARATHON

While the rest of us were having a leisurely stroll in Bridgnorth, Eryri's Iain Ridgway and Richard Roberts were a bit further away in Austria representing Wales along with Wrecsam Tri's Matt Gilbert and Cardiff AC's Dic Evans in the tough Kaisermarathon a 26.2mile mountain marathon which was fairly flat for the first twenty miles before getting seriously steeper for the last six! Matt Gilbert was the first Welsh athlete to finish in 3:40 with Iain pipping Richard in the finishing funnel with 20 yards to go as both finished in a time of 3:54. Dic meanwhile had a good run to finish 1st MV/60 in 4:25, Dic said it was the hardest race that he had ever done!

The times are approximate, full results to follow. I am sure Iain will do a full report when he limps home!

Well done lads.

BRIDGNORTH A TRIP TOO FAR?

The long trip to Bridgnorth for the 2nd race of the Grand Prix Express North Wales Cross Country League proved to be a trip too far for the Eryri Harriers, though Eryri's women put up a good showing, the men had to rely on their veteran athletes to keep their season alive.

Eryri's women were first off completing one lap of the playing fields at Oldbury Wells School before completing two Large laps encompassing a very undulating of what could be best described as a "Cow" field as well as the playing fields, leading the ladies home as in Colwyn Bay in the first race was Andrea Rowlands in 10th place followed by 18th Annie Williams. 28th Wendy Trimble. 33rd Ellie Salisbury. 51st Allison Donnelly. 52nd Sue Hughes and 64th Jenny Blakemore while Male Vet 70 Ron Hird competing in the same race finished 73rd.

The men's course included one lap of the playing fields plus four large laps encompassing the "Cow" field and the playing fields, first Eryri Harrier home was MV/50 Russell Owen who had another good run to finish 34th with: 43rd Arwel Lewis. 70th Chris Evans. 93rd Emyr Davies. 105th Richard Borne. 107th Don Williams. 114th John Harold. 126th Eurwyn Edwards and 142nd (Bus Driver) Mervyn Williams.

Well done to everyone who made the long journey to support the club at Bridgnorth.

The next race in the league is a bit closer to home at Treborth Bangor on Saturday 21st November 2009.

W/e 'local' fell running, 10/11 October ...

Sat 10 Oct * XC * The Telford venue for the cross country has been changed from Lilleshall to Oldbury Wells School, Bridgnorth WV16 5JD.
Sat 10 Oct, Langdale Horseshoe, Lake District. http://www.amblesideac.org.uk/
Sun 11 Oct, Breidden Hills, Shropshire Fell Running http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/fellrunner/

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

* Snowdonia Marathon * Saturday 24th October.
Jayne has an urgent need for marshals, Particularly for the last section from Bwlch y Groes down to Llanberis (the exciting bit !). She is also looking for volunteer(s) to cycle in front of the race all the way round (easier than you might think). If you can help, please contact Jayne Lloyd on 01286-677785 or timjayne.caeathro@btopenworld.com

For anyone attempting the 14/15 Peaks ... Carnedd Uchaf may become Carnedd Gwenllian ... -> http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/north_west/8275729.stm

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

Advance notices:
Sat 17 Oct, *New Race* ‘Ceiriog Canter’ Fell Race, AS 5 miles/1200 feet. Start: 11am, Canolfan Ceiriog Centre, Glyn Ceiriog. LL20 7HE. Postal Entries - £4, EOD. Prizes. Details from Joe 01691 718200 joe.fitness@yahoo.com
Sun 1 Nov, Clwydian Hills, 9m/3100ft, 11am Cilcain Village Hall SJ 177 653, New course, over 18, £5. Peter Taylor 07711 390 624.
Sat 7 Nov, Rhobell Fawr, 6m/1900ft, 12 noon, £4, Llanfachreth SH 756 225, Coed y Brenin. Tony Hodgson 07789 915 488.
Sat 14 Nov, Penmaenawr Fell Race 11m/1500ft Sat 10:30 am £5 * Pre entry only* at www.fabian4.co.uk Race details http://www.eryriharriers.org.uk/race_calendar.html
Sun 22 Nov, Wrekin Wrecker, details http://www.eryriharriers.org.uk/race_calendar.html

The next WFRA Navigation Course will be on Sunday 15th November in Llanberis, see WFRA site (above).

Cross-Country 2009/10: Oct 10 Bridgnorth, Nov 21 Bangor, Jan 16 Wrexham, Feb 6 Oswestry. North Wales Champs, Jan 9th.

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 weather
Saturday: A dry and bright start with some sunshine and only an isolated shower but becoming cloudier late in the afternoon, perhaps with some more general rain by dusk.
Sunday: Rain and periods of hill fog at first, soon clearing, then dry with sunny spells. Moderate or fresh northwesterly winds.

Arenig Fawr Photo's

Pictures, from Emlyn, of yesterday's Arenig Fawr fell race. Eryr's Sam Smith won. Results to come.

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=REmlyn&target=ALBUM&id=5389060189574520449&authkey=Gv1sRgCLW7w4T94f_oGQ&feat=email

Post Marathon Pizza night

There's a plan have a club social following the marathon. The idea is to go for Pizza and a Pint at Gallt y Glyn in Llanberis after the Snowdonia Marathon and then head into Llanberis for a few beers.

Places need to be booked, please let me know ASAP (email: iain.ridgway (at) bangor.ac.uk) if you want to come along. Places will be limited. I'll confirm numbers by the weekend of the 18th.

Cheers

Iain

CROSS COUNTRY UPDATE

The Telford hosted cross country on October 10th has switched venue from Lilleshall to Oldbury Wells Scholl, Bridgnorth WV16 5JD. Allegedly a hillier course! Bus leaving Parc Menai at a revised time of 10.00 am. To book a place contact Maggie Oliver.

Good team results at Colwyn Bay, mens were third (only 4 points behind Wrexham, mens masters 6th, ladies 2nd and masters 4th.


many thanks maggie

MORBEGNO ITALY

Eryri Harriers have been invited by our twinned club from Italy CSI Morbegno to send a male team of three runners to compete in the 52nd Trofeo Vanoni International Relay Race and one female runner to compete in the 25th Vanoni Femminile race on Sunday 25th October 2009. Our hosts offer free full board accomodation in the hotel Margna from Thursday 22nd or Friday 23rd until Monday 26th. They will also provide free transport to and from the airport in Italy.

Please see the original invitation below:

Subj: 52nd Trofeo Vanoni, international mountain running relay race, and 26th Vanoni femminile, international mountain running ladies (single not relay) race Morbegno 24-25 October 2009
CSI Morbegno is glad to invite Eryri Club to the 52nd Trofeo Vanoni, international mountain running relay race, and 26th Vanoni femminile, international mountain running ladies race (single not relay), which be held in Morbegno (SO) - Italy on 25th October 2009.
I attach the race rules&regulations.We can offer you full board accomodation from Thursday 22nd or Friday 23rd October evening (depending on your flight) until Monday 26th October morning for 1 male team (3 runners) and 1 woman
Please, contact us for forward informations.
Many regards
Cristina Speziale
G.S. CSI Morbegno

If any club member wishes to participate, please contact: Arwel Lewis Tel: 07977 601029 for further information.

Note: Though you will have to pay for your own transport to and from your departure/return UK airport and pay for your own air fare, the club will subsidise some of the costs.

FRA Relays info pack

Information for the forth coming relays is available here:

http://c-f-r.org.uk/node/777#attachments

Scafell Pike Fell Race

4 Eryri Harriers travelled up to this race, the final round in the 'King and Queen of the Mountains' competition (adding up of places in Snowdon, Ben Nevis and Scafell races), which Ali Thomas finished 3rd lady in this year. In the race Nick Fish of Borrowdale won in 54 minutes, I (Iain Ridgway) was 12th in 64 mins, Sarah Ridgway 1st woman in 70 mins, Noel Craine a few minutes behind and Ali Thomas 2nd Vet 40 (I think). In the Jack and Jill competition (fastest couple), Sarah and I were 2nd. Plenty of Pete Bland vouchers to be had. Classic little race, only 4.5 miles but 3000ft ascent, a classic straight up and down.

COLWYN BAY XC REPORT

There was a good turnout from the club for the first race of the North Wales Cross Country League at sunny Colwyn Bay on Saturday 26th September, the hard ground made for a fast paced Women and men's race. Andrea Rowlands in a rich vein of form at the moment led the women's team home in 6th place followed by: 14th Becky Law, 18th Annie Williams, 22nd Jenny Heming, 34th Ellie Salisbury, 39th Heather Burrows, 57th Sue Hughes, 67th Maggie Oliver and 84th Jenny Blakemore. Ron Hird running in the race as a MV/70 finished 106th..

Richard Roberts led the men's team home finishing 4th in a high quality field behind 1st Chris Davies (Telford), 2nd Rob Samuel running for Bangor University as per North Wales XC rules and 3rd Tim Davies (Maldwyn). Gwyn Owen is showing signs of getting back to his best with 5th place with Russell Owen having a storming run (for a MV/50) with 26th place followed by: 42nd Arwel Lewis, 52nd Jordan Evans, 55th Chris Evans, 68th Tony Woodall, 75th SPJones, 79th Rory O'Donnell, 85th Eilir Evans, 92nd Gwyn Williams, 96th Gary Porter-Jones, 107th Emyr Davies, 115th Don Williams, 138th Paul Jenkinson, 140th John Harold, 149th Stephen Edwards, 155th Eurwyn Edwards, 102nd Mike Blake, 181st Steve Pilbean and 186th Iorwerth Roberts.

Leading race positions/times will be published in the Daily Post next Tuesday along with the team results.

Unfortunately there was an issue with dogs infringing on the course again causing some runners to take evasive action! Well it was a big black Labrador with his big white teeth showing! But what can you do? it is a public park and people are allowed to walk their dogs there. I just wish they would keep them on a leash!

The next race will be organised by Telford AC at Lilleshall? or is it Bridgnorth as someone mentioned today? If it is Bridgnorth then all the better for us mountain runners! There will be a mini bus going to the event departing Parc Menai at 10:30am on Saturday 10th October.

XC COLWYN BAY

The Cross Country season is off and "running" again this Saturday at Colwyn Bay's Eirias Park.
Start Times: All Women plus Under 17 Men and over 70 men at 2:00pm with the Under 20 Men, Senior Men and all other Male Masters at 2:45pm.

Club vests must be worn.

Commonwealth mountain running champs, Keswick

The first ever Commonwealth Mountain and Ultra running championships were held in Keswick last weekend. Eryri had 6 runners representing Wales in the championships, with events including the 24hr race, 100k road race, uphill and up and down mountain races. The highlight of the weekend was a bronze for John Pares for Wales in the 24hr race and the sight of the big Kenyan beating the Commonwealths best in the uphill and and up and down mountain races.

Results:

http://www.cumbriacommonwealthchampionships.org/Results.htm