Can you tame this Beast?
It’s been busy busy in Beast HQ the past few days. Sorting out entries and placing orders for various Beastly things. The designer queen that is Mrs P and myself(with some help from Rhyds!), have come up with a different slogan and got the designs for the Tees done too! So, what do you think?
Thanks to The Globe Inn, and Fishguard Chiropractor clinic for their generosity in helping to sponsor the Tee shirts.
Yes, more updates from Beast HQ. Firstly, the entries update shows that the Beast Bach has reached 74 and is closing slowly on the Preseli Beast which has today reached 84! Thanks to all of you who have entered, and please check details on the list if you’ve entered.
Beast Bach 2017 Compatible version Preseli Beast 2017 compatible version
Sponsorship letters have gone out to the fabulous local businesses this week, and we’ve already have a 1/3rd of the trophies sponsored for! The race numbers have kindly been sponsored by Etts electrical, and we have a Tshirt sponsor by ‘The Globe’. Handy for refreshments after a hard day in the hills!!! Thank you all.
We’ve come up with this years branding around the slate coaster? In the past we’ve had ‘Can you tame the Beast’, ‘Return of the Beast’, ‘Burden of the Beast’, and ‘Desolation of the Beast’. This year however is the 5th year, and although we’re not using the word Beast, it sort of suits our sense of humour………Flit of the Five Fanged Fiend! The Beast will have lost one of it’s fangs, and they’d also have grown too!!!
We’ve also been busy coming up with a design for the Tshirt, and although we don’t have a design to show you yet, we reckon you’re going to like it.
Check back for more updates in a week or two. 😉
So entries are continuing to come in at a steady flow. The Beast is storming ahead, and it’s already surpassed previous years entries. If you’ve entered, please check all your details are correct on the list by clicking on either of the respective races in blue below.
Preseli Beast entrants 2017 Beast Bach entrants 2017
Cotswolds Carmarthen have agreed again to support the event by giving Solomon sports bags to the winners, giving discount vouchers for their store as well as helping to fill the goody bags. Thank you Cotswolds Carmarthen. 😉
Etts electrical have already signed up to sponsor the race numbers. Thank you. 😉
A taste of what the race is about. Thanks Jacob Martin for making this video last year. 😉
No need to worry if you can’t find where to enter. The page has been taken down for the time being as entries will open in February. Please check back then. Thanks.
First the good- I’m honoured to announce that the 24 mile Preseli Beast race has been chosen to be in the Welsh champs fell series for the first time…….ever! It’s been part of the South Wales series before, but not the welsh champs. The series comprises of six races-3 in the North, 3 in the South, and it’s a great excuse of running in some new races. To qualify for the champs series you need to take part in at least 3 of the 6 in the series, and there’s a very good chance of coming away with a prize as not many can manage 4 of the 6. The Beast also happens to be the first in the series, and is the only long category race! Welsh Champs series
Now for the ‘sort of’ not so good news…….I won’t be running the UltrabeasT in 2017! Why? Three reasons; 1-It will hopefully boost numbers for the 24 miler and make it into a cracking champs race; 2- It will hopefully make you think about doing the series and boost numbers for the other races in the series; 3-I have the biggest race in my life a few weeks after and will be trying to save as much time to train and rest for that. It’s going to be tough enough anyway!!! I hope those wanting to do the UB will understand my reasons. For those who have never done the Preseli Beast, then enter it as even that’s tough enough!!! And if you still want to run a bit more than 24 miles, then why not run back up to the highest top via the ‘wall of death’!!!
Yes, the final race in the series is Sat 15th at 1pm. Registration is at the Tourist Information centre in Long street, Newport. The start is just up the road at the top of Market st. Entry is £3, which includes tea and cake. 😉
A huge THANK YOU to Bluestone Brewery who have agreed to sponsor the category winners prizes……..of their finest ales. Thank you.
There will also be a social run after clearing up of the TIC along the coastal path, and up onto Ingli common at a more relaxing pace to sample the views out over Newport bay. All abilities welcome.
Sorry to say that the last race of the series which was due to be held on Wed 14th Sept will be postponed until further notice. I will hopefully come up with a new date soon.
Thanks,
Caz the hat.
So, there have been two races so far…….
We had great weather for the first race in April which was won by Aled Jones-Davies(TROTs) in 30:23, some 20 secs in front of Heddwyn Evans(Emlyn flyers/WCT). There was even less of a gap between 3rd placed Jonny Sable( Rhedwyr Preseli) and 6th with only 20 secs between the 4 positions. David Warren(1st M50), who was actually late starting, finished a cracking 5th and might have won overall if he’d have started on time! Jason Wilkins(Cardigan RR was 1st M40 in 7th, whilse M60’s little powerhouse Malcolm Clash(Rhedwyr Preseli) was 10th. He was closely followed by 1st lady Nerys Jones(TROTS)11th, whilst 1st F50 was Helen Williams(TROTs). Carn Ingli killer April results
June’s 2nd race saw brilliant conditions with a sea mist cooling things down over Newport. It warmed up as they climbed up to the summit, with some cracking views over Newport bay…..if you dared to look!. Times were smashed with newbie to the race Alan Latter(Team Cemais) coming in 28:13, whilst Heddwyn was 2nd again but in a better time than previously in 28:23. Heddwyn currently leads overall as he’s done two races so far, but all that could change on the final race. Another newbie to the race was David Cole(WCT) who was actually 1st to the summit, but his off-roading skills weren’t quite fast enough to keep the pack at bay and finished a very credible 3rd in 29:44. Rhedwyr Preseli’s M60’s running man on fire Malcolm Clash came in 6th overall, whilst M50’s TROTs runner Andrew Clement just pipped M40’s Cardigan RR Jason Wilkins for 9th. Only female to run this time around was CardiganRR Jane Wilkins who was 2:40 quicker than her first outing. Carn Ingli killer June ’16
Most runners were a minute or so quicker than their first race, and everyone enjoyed the usual post race cuppa and cake back at the visitor centre on Long st. Thank you to the visitor centre for letting us the venue.
This was the view I had whilst picking up the markers after everyone had eaten all the cake and gone home! 😉
Huge thank you to the helpers and marshals out on the course. These races would not happen without their help.
Last of the three races is on September 14th at 7pm.
The 2016 Beastly write up.
So, were you desolated by the Beast? Did you actually feel as if you tamed it, or do you need to come back for more……….cake?
It’s taken me a while to write this as I was completely wiped out post-race day, and after all the excitement I felt a bit down as it’s all over for another year. So apologies for the lateness of my write up.
The weather on the day was quite warm for the runners, and I think most were glad of all the water stations that were dotted around the route. The UltrabeasT runners would have been very welcome of the 40litres of water that was carried up to Foel Drygarn’s top as nearly all of it went! Although it was warm it couldn’t have been better for the huge army of marshals and helpers, villagers with their hooters and drums, supporters, and I suppose for you runners to enjoy the views…..and to see the markers!
Although this is the fourth year of the event, it doesn’t seem to get any easier as trying to organise each of the three races is quite demanding. From course marking, preparing the finish area, keeping up with late entries and emails, Making sure all the orders for everything are sorted, as well as everything that needs doing on race day itself. One of my biggest headaches is trying keep on top of where all the runners are and if some drop out. So it’s a huge relief when everyone manages to get back for cawl, tea and cake…….even the marshals!
I’ve always wanted to run the race myself, but there’s just too much to organise. It’s also my job to sort things out if something goes wrong. It must be an amazing feeling being out there encouraged by the many volunteers that really make this event happen. Many of you runners comment on the amazing atmosphere that they feel not only within the village, but whilst out on various parts of the route. So a massive thank you has to go to the marshals and villagers who give you the encouragement you deserve. Another huge thank you has to go to the other army of people who aren’t out there watching you run(suffer!). From tea and cake ladies, providers of the cawl, admin and timekeeping ladies, and also to Roland and Pat for their hardwork in doing the results sheets. My hat goes off you to you all.
So race day itself saw a total of 311 runners toe the line, which included a superman and a manly pink tutu runner! 62 entrants took up the mighty UltrabeasT which was double the field of last year! Last years winner Gancho Slavov from Aberystwyth AC led from within the first mile, and carried on increasing his lead to finish 28 minutes clear of second placed James Thomas. He also finished in the same time as last year in 4hrs 56mins! Not bad for an over 40! In fact two of his teammates finished 4th and 5th, and took 1st male40 trophy, and 1st male50 trophies respectively! A new lady was to win the Ultra this year with Alli Grundi from Tattenhall runners finishing in 6hrs 4mins. She did have some company early on from Louise Barker from Aber AC. First locals home were Martin Everett, Narberth and Jane Rees from Clunderwen. Jane finished the same time as Rhedwyr Preseli runner Sanna Duthie as they had both run around together chatting away as if out for a jolly. Sanna took the Open female trophy, and they were closely followed by fellow Rhedwyr Preseli runner Chris Welton from Brynberian. Great to see a total of 8 DDMT runners finish the Ultra with a few of those coming down for their first Beastly experience!
The 24mile Preseli Beast saw 65 runners starting. Marcus Pinker from MDC was out on his own from the start finishing in 3hrs 28mins, and a clear 23 minutes ahead of Swindon runner Richard Newman in second. First overal female was Jane Ward, Dorset Doddlers, (F45!) who was competing in one of her first fell races! Obviously a natural and one to watch out for on the fell running scene. Second overall female was St Dogmaels runner Sarah Tagg, who also received first local lady. First local male and 1st M50, was Rhedwyr Preseli runner Richard Thompson who was fourth overall in 4.07.26. 1st Open female winner was Rhedwyr Preseli runner, Rosie Thomas. Rosie was actually leading female coming over the last top, but struggled on the long descent back to the finish. MDC took home the male team trophy as their three runners were 1st, 8th, and 9th.
In the Beast Bach race, an amazing 184 runners toe’d the line! 30minutes before the start there was still a large queue for registration, and I was starting to wonder if they’d all get their race numbers in time, but it was alright. After my briefing and a quick hug to send them on their way I looked up the road as they set off, and the whole road was flooded by runners! They even got an escort from Sarah Eynon in her work quad! Hope you weren’t speeding Sarah!
Gareth Payne(M40) from Sarn Helen club, Lampeter had gained a good lead even by the time he reached Rosebush quarries. He must have been a little scared of the Beast as he managed to pip the record set by his club mate last year by a minute as he crossed the line in 1.18.04. A super fast time over this 11 mile ‘hilly’ course. Gareth was 7mins ahead of 2nd placed Arthur Camps who was one of the 11 Dutch who had travelled over for the race. And I thought there were no hills in Holland?
First female overall, and 1st local was Ltr coaching runner, Celia Boothman of Narberth(F35) in a time of 1.36.17. She was closely followed by Lottie Chant of St Davids. Aled Morgan from Eglwyswrw was first local and 11th overall. Oldest female was 71yrs old, whilst oldest male was 64yrs old!
The overall female and male winners of each distance took home a Salomon race which was kindly sponsored by Cotswolds outdoors, Carmarthen. They also provided an energy gel, and a discount voucher for each of the goody bags. Thank you Cotswolds.
A huge thank you has to go to all the sponsors of the Race. Etts electrical sponsored the race numbers, The Globe, and Fishguard chiropractor clinic helped sponsor the T-shirts, Cor Harmo-Ni helped sponosor the slate coasters, whilst there were many sponsors of the trophies, and the goody bags. Thank you to you all.
Jacob Martin was busy on the day as he was rushing around various points of the course taking videos. His “The charge of the Beast tamers” video is his end result. Thank you also to Refreshing North Pembrokeshire for their support in publicity and promotional items towards the event. Diolch.
Many thanks to Ubershoot photography who were busy snapping away all day at various points. Please take a look at their photos that they have for purchase.
Thank you to Bluestone brewery for your spot prize of beers.
Here are just some of the comments I’ve received from many of you lovely runners.
“Just a quick message pal, the event was a credit to you, one of the cheapest ultras I have done, but by far the toughest, all the marshals were spot on, the course was well marked out and only a pure muppet would get lost, definitely will be back next year but I’ll be getting more runs done up the preselis first! Again, thanks to yourself and all the team.” Local UB runner
“Thanks to all the organisers and Marshalls today. What an amazing event and well organised. Definitely coming back next year for the Beast. Thoroughly enjoyed. Toughest run I’ve ever had the pleasure of doing… loved it.”
“Would just like to say thank you for putting on such a great event. The route was amazing, the best running event I have done. Big shout out to the marshals out on the course, and I will be back next year….once my legs recover. Thank you again!”
“Thank you so much for such an amazing day on Saturday. Never in my life have I been so challenged and loved every minute of it. I can’t believe it’s all over and we have to wait another year to do it again!”
“All of us did enjoy the race very much and we want to thank you for that. I do hope to be back next year!” The Dutch group!
“A big thank you to the organisers and helpers of the Preseli Beast run 2016. It was a great day and tough course. The route marking, helpfulness and encouragement from the marshals was superb. I look forward to seeing the results and any photos anyone may have got. Ubershoot seem to have missed me crawling across the finish line!”
“Thanks for an awesome race on Saturday, it was amazing, really loved it!! Top event.” Female winner of PB
“Thanks for organising a fantastic race. It’s great to see the local community so involved and you are a very relaxed race organiser! All of the little touches make it such a brilliant event; the cawl, cakes, drummers, the finish barrier, and the course are all excellent. A great race, and will be back next year!” “Thanks Carwyn, and everyone.” PB runner from Frome. “Just a small thank you for the most wonderful day on Saturday. The whole thing was magical and I’m still buzzing. It was so well organized, well done to you and your army.” “This event has more soul, community spirit and camaraderie than all the commercially driven events in Pembrokeshire put together. Do yourself a massive favour and enter next year! Carwyn will even give you a hug on arrival :)” “I ran the Beast Bach on Sat, and just thought I’d let you know I really loved it despite it being a tough course, and I was left with only 1 leg!
You should be proud of the event you’ve created and so should your helpers, marshals, tea and cake ladies, and in fact the whole village showed a huge enthusiasm in supporting a load of strangers staggering through their streets. I wrote a quick review on my blog (and nicked some photos from your website as I didn’t have a camera so I hope you don’t mind) https://bluegreengoldgreytrails.wordpress.com/2016/05/08/ahhh-so-thats-why-they-call-it-a-beast/
Cheers again for a great day and event, hope to run the full beast next year!” Mr Davies
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So, just like that, it’s over for another year for the Beast. There are other smaller races that I organise too, so please check out the other races section.
Since Beast day there have been a few suggestions of a double UltrabeasT, a winter Beast, and little Dave wants to incorporate ‘The Hill’! If you think the Beasts Back was steep enough then it’s just a teaser to what’s around the corner!!! A proper ‘Sting in the tail’! But we’ll see!!!
One last thing, and that’s to say a big huge thank you to you the runners, my family and friends, and most importantly Rachel, for putting up with my craziness for creating this ‘little’ Beast.
Diolch, Caz the hat.