ARCHIVED NEWS FROM 2008

09/11/08
Rhobell Fawr Results - online now
With the jammiest of weather windows a race organiser could wish for, 89 runners took to the fells above Llanfachreth in overcast, windy but generally dry conditions. The race was won by Richard Roberts of Eryri in 50.01, a time 4 mins faster than his last visit to Rhobell, getting his Winter Series challenge off to a flying start. In second, despite improving his personal best over the course by 36 seconds, was last years Series champion Mathew Roberts of Eryri, finishing in 51.32. Third place, having travelled from South Wales for the race was Harry Mathews in a time of 53.13.
In the veterans categories first man 0/40 was Paul Beeson of Maldwyn Harriers in 57.31, first man 0/50 was Adam Haynes of Eryri in 57.10, and first man 0/60 was Don Williams of Eryri in 1.03.08.
In the ladies section less than 4 minutes seperated the first 5 finishers! Anna Bartlett of Shrewsbury returned to the course for the first time since 2005, taking 19 seconds off her personal best to win in 1.00.53. In second place, only 54 seconds behind and fresh from her victory in last weekends "Hellrunner", was Meirionnydd Running Clubs Kate Bailey, returning to her spiritual home to finish in 1.01.47. In third was Mary Gillie of Clwydian Range Runners in 1.02.14, and in fourth and fifth, continuing their battle Royal from the 2006 Winter Series, when a mere 39 seconds decided the title, were Phoebe Webster of Aberystwyth University (1.03.15) and Andrea Roberts of Eryri (1.04.16). Any one of these 5 could go on to take the ladies title in the Meirionnydd Winter Series - who has the staying power? only time will tell....
Age category victories went to Sandra Rowlands of Clywidian Range Runners in 1.10.39 (0/40), Sue Ashton of Chepstow, setting a new age category record of 1.11.34 (0/50), Maggie Oliver of Eryri, who broke Brenda Jones age record with a time of 1.21.33 (0/60), and finally Sheila Symmonds of Bro Dysynni who set a new age record 0/70 in 2.15.00.
In a good turn out for the host club nine team members completed the course in style, three of whom were virgins to the fell! Kevin Jones 1.06.43, John Smith 1.14.40, Adam Preston 1.15.25, Pete Nicholls 1.18.48, Alison Price 1.24.45, Margaret Roberts 1.28.15, Victor Gretton 1.30.00, Jan Preston 1.34.48, and Tracey Evans 1.44.49.
Winners of the Short/Junior Race were Owain Llyr James in 16.00 with Bronwen Jenkinson first girl in 17.42.
Next club race will be Tarren Hendre on Saturday 24th january 2009 - get it in your diaries now!

04/11/08
Winter Race Series 2008/09
Competitors will be kitted out for the fells this coming weekend as the 6th running of the Club's superb winter series kicks off with a short blast up Rhobell Fawr. Dates have also now been confirmed for Tarren Hendre and Ras yr Aran - full info elsewhere on the website. Entries for all 3 races is on the day only.

20/10/08
FLM 2009 - Urgent
BALLOT FOR CLUB PLACES - QUICK!! - TIME IS RUNNING OUT - REJECTED??!!
I F YOU HAVE ENTERED THE LONDON MARATHON
AS AN AFFILIATED CLUB MEMBER AND HAVE OFFICIALLY BEEN REJECTED, YOU
ARE ENTITLED TO ENTER THE BALLOT FOR A
CLUB PLACE IN THE MARATHON.

YOU NEED TO CONTACT ANN STYLES
(MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY) ON 01341 421028
BY 25TH OCTOBER AT THE LATEST

THE BALLOT WILL BE DRAWN BY A NEUTRAL INDIVIDUAL ON WEDNESDAY 29TH OCTOBER,
BEFORE THE CLUB RUN.

GOOD LUCK TO ALL WHO HAVE GOT IN SO FAR.

04/10/08
Trailworks - Penmaenpool 10 Mile Trail Race
Results
With the cloud level at 500ft and less, persistant rain and wind was the order of the day for the 92 hardy souls who undertook this year race. The race was won by Mark Garratt of Road Runners in 58.27 which also saw him set a new 0/35 age record. Second went to Mark Byrne of Wrexham in 1.00.38 with local runner Dafydd Roberts third in 1.01.17 (0/45). The ladies race was won by Louise Barker of Aberystwyth AC in 1.08.27 with Susan Davies of Presteigne Pacers second in 1.11.56 (0/40) and Sian Evans third in 1.13.29 (0/40). Age category wins went to Chris Yorke, NWRRC (0/40), Anthony Haycock, U/A (0/50), Peter Foale, Aberystwyth AC (0/55), John Evans, Aberystwyth AC (0/60), Jack Thomas, Buckley (0/65) and Barry Stanley, U/A (0/70), and in the Ladies section Gwenllian Parry, U/A (0/35), Kay Hatton, NWRRC (0/45), Anita Worthing, Aberystwyth (0/50), Glenda Roberts, Aberystwyh AC (0/55), Marj Griffiths, Bro Dysynni (0/60) and Sheila Symmonds, Bro Dysynni (0/70). The host club put out a strong field, thanks mainly due to the Rotary Club of Mawddach who took on the marshalling duties for the day. First home was Frankie Vaughan in 1.11.15, with Iori Jones in 1.15.44, and Nich Bradley close on his heels in 1.15.51 (they'd do well in a vet 50 team!), Tony Hodgson finished in 1.18.51, Kevin Evans in 1.19.54, with Alison Price first lady home in 1.26.56, followed by Margaret Roberts in 1.31.30, Andrea Edwards in 1.31.32, Janet Preston in 1.38.13 and Jaspa Wynne-Williams in 1.38.40. Results now on-line.
The fun run was won by Alex Lantz in 12.07 and first girl was Katie Sulwen Bailey in 18.21.

21/09/08
Race Update - Penmaenpool 10 +Rhobell Fawr
A quick reminder/confirmation that the Penmaenpool 10 mile trail race and fun run will take place on Saturday 4th October, and the Rhobell Fawr fell race (Race 1 in Meirionnydd Winter Race Series) is confirmed as Saturday 8th November. Further details in the "Our Races" section.

04/09/08
Social Run THIS Saturday!
Despite what it may say in the social calendar, the run is this Saturday, 6th October, not 14th as it may say elsewhere! many apologies. Meet at Precipice car park for run - then off to Tyn y Groes Hotel for beer (BBQ cancelled due to ongoing torrential rain!).

04/09/08
Flora London Marathon update
Contact Pete for information on FLM 2009 before end September. You need your rejection letter to qualify for a club place.

26/07/08
Dolgellau 5 Mile Road Race Results
An absolutely stunning day all round. 19 entrants for the new fun run route covering nearly 2 miles along the cycle trail and back saw Povey Connor win overall in a time of 14.17 with Cara Evans of Brithdir first girl home in a time of 16.58.
In the main race overall victory went to Mark Garratt of RRC in 26.12 with Tipton's Luke Northall, current course record holder (set as an 18 year old!) and currently returning to fitness after a 2 year lay off coming home second in 26.48. Third place was taken by Paul Wathan (Jnr) of Eryri in 27.14. Age category awards went to Lucas Jones (Jnr), Dewi Roberts of Bro Dysynni (Vet 35), Paul Targett of Clayton le Moors (Vet 40), Tim O'Sullivan of Les Croupiers (Vet 45), David Wright of Colchester Harriers (Vet 50), Jimmy Price of Liverpool RC (Vet 55), Dic Evans of Cardiff (Vet 60) and Emyr Davies of Eryri (Vet 65) who took 4 minutes off the age group course record.
In the Ladies race victory went to Lousie Barker of Aberystwyth in 31.33, with Lisa Morley (v35) of Wrexham second in 32.07 and Mary Taverner (v45) of Vale Royal third in 33.52. The age category prizes went to Gemma Morgans of Eryri (Jnr) in an age group record time of 36.33, Joanne Thatcher (Vet 35), Amanda Wilde (Vet 40) in her first outing for Meirionnydd Running Club, Sheila Jones (Vet 45) of Bro Dysynni, Anita Worthing (Vet 50) of Aberystwyth AC setting an age group record of 35.18, Helen Stretch (Vet 55) also of Aberystwyth and Marj Griffiths (Vet 60) of Bro Dysynni. For those of you interested in all things statistical, the first mens team was Eryri with 27pts and the first ladies team was Aberystwyth with 12pts.
Thank you one and all, hope to see you at Penmaenpool for the 10 miler in October.

01/06/08
Social Events - Summer 2008
This years event dates and details are now on-line, see you in the sunshine!

30/05/08
Cader Idris Race
A sunny and blustery day with an easterly wind greeted the S4C camera crew and the 192 runners for the main race sponsored by the Royal Ship Hotel. The town square was packed with spectators for the start of the main race, and the Barmouth Batala Samba drum band were rocking!
For the second year running Richard Roberts of Eryri won the main race, in 1.25.19, getting closer each time to Colin Donnely’s 12 year old course record. In second, third and fourth were the Mercia trio of Andi Davies, in 1.26.04, Tim Davies, who was racing on the mountain for the first time since winning the Wil Ramsbotham trophy as an under 18, in 1.28.05 , and Roland Stafford in 1.30.49. First Junior man U/20 was Dafydd Ywain in 1.42.50, first man O/40 was Steve Gilliland of Bro Dysynni in 1.35.43, first O/50 was Iwan Edgar of Eryri in 1.42.50 and first O/60 was Colin Williamson of Shropshire Shufflers in 1.57.17.
In the womans race a superb run by Janet McIver of Dark Peak not only saw her win the ladies challenge but also finish 5th overall in the main race in 1.35.39, just over a minute and a half outside of British International Mary Wlikinsons 1996 course record and a £100 bonus prize! Second lady was Claire Parker of Pennine in 1.52.25 and third was Lousie Barker of Aberystwyth AC in 1.52.46. First lady O/40 was Celia Mills of Calder Valley in 2.13.27, first O/50 was Ann Styles of Merionnydd in 2.48.05 and first O/60 was Eryri’s Maggie Oliver in 2.25.02.
Other Meirionnydd RC finishers were Dave Whittey (1.50.21), Tony Hodgson (1.59.37), John D.Smith (2.08.22), Nich Bradley (2.15.19), Juliet Edwards (2.19.31), Victor Gretton (2.34.36), Tracey Evans (2.48.05) and Margaret Roberts (2.52.26).
A total of 85 children took part in the morning’s junior races with Meirionnydd RC's Oliver Gallop winning the U/18 race.
Full results available on the Cader race website - see Links page.

06/05/08 (i)
Penmaenpool 10

This years Penmaenpool trail race will take place on Saturday 4th October starting at 12 noon. The race will this year be sponsored by Trailworks Ltd, and Garthyfog.co.uk (holiday accomodation, Arthog). Registration will be in the Signal Box at Penmaenpool and entry's are available on-line now.

06/05/08 (ii)
Many many updates!
Sorry for the recent silence - have been off line for 5 weeks, thanks tiscali !
Welsh Athletics Mountain Running Championships 2008 - Congratulation to Kate Bailey who gave the club its first outright senior race victory recently, coming home first lady at Ras y Moelwyn on 19th April, winning in a time of 1.36.27.
FLM - 5 club members completed this years London Marathon - Tony Hodgson 3.25.50, Tracey Evans 5.05.40, Sue Nicholls 5.11.23, Christine Owen 5.16.33 and Kevin Woods 5.31.49, well done one and all.
Welsh Road Rankings 2007 - Two club members made it onto the list for their age groups last year, Tony Hodgson, for his 41.24 (M55 <42 mins) 10k performance at Llandudno, and Pete Nicholls, for his 33.30 (M55 <35 mins) 5 mile result on home soil in Dolgellau.

23/03/08
Ras Yr Aran
A superb turn out of 116 runners headed to Llanuwchllyn for the Easter finale of the Meirionnydd Winter Series. Adverse weather, in the form of gale force winds and ice, led to the race being shortened - and no one complained, it was that cold!! Tim Davies of Mercia pipped Richard Roberts of Eryri by a mere second to win the race while Steve Gillilands 6th position on the day was enough to secure him his first victory in the 3 race series. The ladies race was won by Helen Fines of Calder Valley while Sarah Ridgway held on for victory in the series. Results now available.

07/03/08
Race Fixture list now update
Fell and Road race dates March - June 2008 now available.

06/03/08
Race updates
Just a reminder that the final race in the Winter Series, Ras yr Aran, will take place on Easter Saturday, 22nd March - current series results on-line. There are 33 competitors still in with a shout of completing the series. Steve Gilliland leads overall but only by 1min 20secs, while in the ladies race Sarah Ridgway (nee Kleeman) appears to have an unasailable 20 min lead but only 2 mins seperate the ladies in 2nd and 3rd.

The Dolgellau 5 mile race will take place on Saturday 26th July, entry forms available to download, and the date for the Penmaenpool 10 mile race will be announced as soon as the North Wales XC league have set their winter 2007/08 schedule at their AGM in April - but it is usually one of the first 2 Saturdays in October - pencil it in your diary!

02/02/08
Tarren Hendre Results

Whatever happened to the snow? A superb day for the 65 runners in the main race to scale the heights above Abergynolwyn. The overall winner was Steve Gilliland beating his own vet O/40 record in the process. Other age category records were set by Chris Taylor in the men O/50 section but the highlight of the day was seeing Maggie Oliver of Eryri smashing local golden girl Brenda Jones O/60 record by a massive 16 minutes!! watch out over the next 12 months as Maggie hopefully ups the standards for her new age group on the fells...... The results for the race are now available on-line.

01/02/08
AGM, Ship Hotel Dolgellau

The clubs second AGM and social evening will be held in the Ship Hotel in Dolgellau on Thursday 6th March 2008, 1930 start. Please make every effort to attend and show your support for the club and the committee



Click here for 2007 news archive.