So, the weather just about held off for the 2023 race. The forecast was supposed to be clearing, but it was still raining somewhat at lunchtime, and it was still pretty gloomy and horrible when we left with a car full of stuff from Maenclochog! When we drove over the hill, Carn Ingli itself was just about in view, and that’s how it remained whilst I was out marking the course at approx 5.30pm. Although it was a bit blustery, there was a beautiful rainbow nearby to the east. By the time I arrived back at race HQ, Rachel, Carz, and Sharon and Pete were busy taking in entries, and I was really surprised to see so many runners about the place! In the end there was a record number of 49 entrants! Waw, amazing! Amongst some of the newbies young and old, were some well known supporters of the race.
Domi and Shan were marshalling the top, and sent back a photo of their view. A proper white out! The cloud had descended onto the very top, and you could barely see more than 100metres! Ha, was I going to have some lost runners even though I’d marked the route???
After a quick pep/briefing talk at the startline, and of course I had to enlighten them that I’d won the Four fans fell race last Sat……outright!, it was a Ready, Steady, GO! And off they all went.
Julia and Bruce were marshalling the first road bit, before moving over to the decsent hill/junction. Whilst Karen was on the gate further up which leads out ontot he open ground.
It didn’t feel that long before Ollie Minton arrived back taking the top spot a minute clear over local Jonny Sable. I do feel for Jonny. He’s ran the race probably more than anyone else. He’s come top 5 in each of the races he’s run, but never 1st! As I know too well, it will come one day. Just hoping you don’t have to get as old as me before you do! It was pretty close between 3rd and 4th, and M50 winner Steve Williams wasn’t too far behind either, finishing 5th overall. It was good to see past overall winner Heddwyn Evans return, and he took the M40 win in 6th overall. Kitty Robinson is also still flying, and easilly took the OF win, and 9th overall. A fantastic battle behind took place between two juniors. Local lass Tabitha Curtis flew around in a time of 37.02 and 13th overall, beating her dad even by some 20seconds! He was closely followed by 2nd junior female Maisie Foster. Oscar Patrick was 1st Junior male in 38.44, 19th overall. These juniors are definitely ones to look out for in the future. 1st F50 winner was Ailinor Evans and 23rd, whilst Jo Vandermulen was 1st F40 and 24th. Mark Underhill was 1st M60, and 26th. Hazel Davies ran a fab race again to take the F60 win and 32nd, even though she is actually a F70!
Everyone in my eyes ran brilliantly. It’s not the easiest of 5k ‘Park runs’!!! Once everyone was back in, we strolled back to the ‘event centre’, and enjoyed tea and cake, before I announced the results and some photos. Rach couldn’t help herslf by trying to embarace me by announcing that I’d won the Four Fans fell race. I did try telling her that I’d already announced that, but let her carry on again in case someone didn’t hear it!!!!
Thanks to everyone who came and ran, but more so to all the marshals and helpers who without their support would not allow this race to happen – Rachel, Carz, Sharon and Pete, Domi and Shan, Karen, and Julia and Bruce. Diolch/Thanks.
Don’t forget, I’ve still got two more races that I’m organising this year! Next up is the 7mile Ras Y cerrig Glas race, on Sunday 6th August at 12pm. There will be some junior races here too, probably starting at 11.30.
Then last but certainly not least, the 5mile Ras Beca! It’s a huge honour to take this on, and I think this will be the 44th event! The date is a week earlier than usual, and is on Sat 19th August at 1.30pm. There will also be junior races here too.
More details on these races are on the Races tab.