So, the weather gods were certainly on our side for the 2023 Cerrig Glas race. Some events had been cancelled the day before because of the weather, with heavy rain and strong winds! Was this really August??? As it was, we had high cloud and a slight breeze. Perfect. 😉
We had 22 runners enter online before the day of which 18 turned up and a further 17 runners entered on the day. So 35 in total which I think is a record! 😉 However, before they went off, we had the Junior races to sort out!
This year I set up two courses. A nice, testing little 1.5mile route for the over 11’s, and a 0.7miler for the under 11’s. Four older juniors took up the challenge of the 1.5mile route, and when the first two came over the brow of the hill together, it was certainly game to see who’d take top spot! What a battle of a sprint it was and it’s a pretty tough descent at that. However, Tabitha Curtis’ daring ability to let rip downhill left Iestyn Colnet destined for second overall. Definitely talent here for the future. Ryan Block was 3rd, closely followed by Tali Wright.
The younger juniors saw five have a bash. There was three in close contention nearing the highest point of the route, with Theo beating Deian Watkins by 7 seconds. He in turn beat his older brother Hari by 8 seconds. Little under 8s winner Beau was fourth, with Bryn coming in 5th. Well done/Da iawn to all the juniors.
Once the Juniors’ presentation was over we had the adults race. After a quick briefing on the start line, they were soon off into the distance on a nice gentle slope. By roughly halfway at Foel Drygarn there were two at the front. The bookie’s favourite Ollie Minton certainly had his work cut out by an unknown to me, Gareth Venables. It was only through Gareth’s misfortune at having stumbled and fallen a few times which allowed Ollie to break away. That, and this being unknown territory for Gareth meant Ollie got the win by just over a minute at the finish. Great bit of racing. There wasn’t a huge amount of time between the next few. Mike Munro held off M50 winner Steve Williams for 3rd overall. Heddwyn Evans was 1st M40 male, but was chased down by Liam Phillips (2nd M40 only 20 seconds behind.) 1st lady overall in 7th was F40 winner Tasha Sexton. I love how much effort she puts into this race, and has won overall female on several occasions. Katie Harrower was 8th overall and 1st OF. ‘Big’ Malcolm was 1st M60, and 11th overall. Tenby aces Tracy Thomas took home 1st F50, in 26th overall.
Everyone enjoyed free tea/coffee and cake afterwards, and the category winners took home a alcoholic beverage.. 😉
Huge massive thanks to the marshals, helpers, cake makers, the runners, and the farmer for allowing us to race there. Diolch pawb/Thanks all.
Next up is Ras Beca on Sat 19th August. An iconic and historic race. 😉 Hopefully see you there peeps. 😉