Search Results

*Pictured above and below - volunteer and photographer John Hatton captures the unique atmosphere as the large number of runners begin their Easter dash at Conwy parkrun last Saturday morning. Bumper Easter turn-out at Conwy parkrun boosted by a host of visiting UK club and social entrants. Report by Don Hale. Main photos by John Hatton. https://donhaleblog.blogspot.com www.welshmastersathletics.co.uk It proved to be another bumper Easter attendance at Conwy parkrun last Saturday as some 435 entrants from all parts of the UK, tackled the picturesque but soggy 5k riverside route to help celebrate the Bank Holiday weekend, and they just missed out on setting a new attendance record! Parkrun official Mark Jessett confirmed: "Saturday was our second highest attendance, and our highest since we restarted post-2020. Our highest attendance was at Easter in 2019. "Overall, across the UK, parkrun saw its highest attendances since the restart. Many parkruns in North Wales (Dolgellau, Nant y Pandy, and Nova Prestatyn, that I know of so far) set attendance records yesterday." This latest event was unusually and additionally boosted by bright sunshine, and a relatively light breeze, which enhanced the unique atmosphere on this special date for both club and social runners. And Conwy parkrun volunteer John Hatton repeated his recent efforts to help clear many large puddles from the start area, but the route still lived up to his unenviable reputation as one of the most challenging, and soggy parkruns in the region. *Pictured above (l-r): John Hatton, with Peter Knight-Griffiths, and Glenn Grant. Josh Keogh, shown (right): North Wales Road Runners entered fifteen athletes, and won three age cats, three second placings and two thirds. with Josh Keogh once again the first man back with following an outstanding performance in just 17 minutes and 18 seconds, his fastest time this year, to additionally win his SM30-34 age cat. And Will Williams continued with his good form to finish 9th in 18.58, and he was second in his VM50 cat, with Steve Gardner 14th, and the winner of his VM60 cat in 19.33. Sion Thomas finished well in 37th place in 21.32, and Adam Lemalle recorded another course PB after finishing 40th in 21.39, with Steve Roberts 54th, and second in his VM55 cat in 22.25. Jamie Tharme returned from his recent marathon duties in Rome to enjoy a good result in 66th place in 23.03, and newcomer Sandy Johnston, celebrated his club debut, following his recent move from the Les Croupiers club, to win his master veteran’s VM70 age cat in 82nd place overall in 23.54, with fellow master Don Hale finishing 2nd in the same cat in 25.55, in 125th place.Veteran Rob Fryer was 142nd in 26.43, and Sarah Jones and Daniel Hennell ran the course together with Sarah 175th in 28.10, and Daniel just one place and one second behind. Hannah Griffith also ran around with a family member, and she finished 184th in 28.26, and claimed the third spot in her VW50 age cat. Master veteran And Mark Mason finished 3rd in his VM70 age cat in 186th place in 28.31, and his result also secured all top-three positions in that same respective age cat, and Steve Mason ran with his dog Coco again as the appropriate tail walker! *Pictured above left - Newcomer and master veteran Sandy Johnston, who won his VM70 age cat, with Rob Fryer, and Hannah Griffith. *Top male and female placings: Josh Keogh (NWRRC) was the first male runner in 17.18, and he also won his SM30-34 age cat, with Hamish Morton, (Cambridge and Coleridge AC), second in 17.47, and Conor Donaghy (Sale Harriers), took the third place in 17.56. The first female finisher was Gemma Moore (Eryri Harriers) - *pictured right - who won her VW40 age cat in 25th place overall in 20.37. And it was good to welcome back, Alice Johnston (Les Croupiers), who was second in 21.46, in 44th place overall, and she won her SW30-34 age cat, whilst Bethan Griffiths (Cardiff AAC), won her VW35 cat in 50th place overall, as the third female, on her course debut in 22.12. (*Plaudits were also given to Colwyn Bay AC youngsters Alfie Shiland and Ella Grundy, who both finished 4th in their respective male and female categories. Alfie won his JM11-14 age cat in 18.10, and Ella also won her JW15-17 cat in 22.16.) *Praise was given to the run director Gwyn Williams and his team of volunteers and marshalls, and this is the link to the provisional results: https://www.parkrun.org.uk/conwy/results/latestresults/ Special report by Gwyn Williams, the run director at Conwy Gwyn confirmed: “Blimey! Mam bach, that was a big one! We thought we’d broken our attendance record with 435 finishers. A huge number swelled by tourists from Nottingham, Portsmouth, Plymouth, and Leeds to name just a few. “We didn’t break the record though, that still stands at 453 set at the Easter weekend in 2019. I was concerned today that we wouldn’t have enough finish tokens, our set only going up to 500, but we were fortunately well under that number. “Congratulations to Daniel Calvert who joined the Cowell Club today running his 100th different parkrun. Thanks for choosing us to complete your challenge Daniel and well done, on to the next 100. I did mention the ‘donate’ page on our official Conwy parkrun website, if you feel flush at any point and are able to chuck a few quid our way it would be appreciated but please don’t feel obliged to donate. “Any money donated comes straight to us at Conwy parkrun and our core team carefully decide what to spend the money on, this week a new set of finish tokens but there is also the ongoing costs of servicing the defibs and other equipment items etc. “The link can be found here https://www.parkrun.org.uk/conwy/aboutus/ "And finally, I’d just like to thank our fabulous volunteers. A tougher job today with the increased numbers but they stuck to the task and put on another fabulous event. And a special mention this week to John ‘the golden egg’ Hatton who was out on the course at 7.15 am this morning, brushing out the puddles on the home stretch. We have a fantastic team of volunteers, makes being an RD a pleasure and an honour.” Gwyn Williams. *Volunteer Michael Finnie (*above left) with the Conwy run director Gwyn Williams.

*Carla Green (above) finished as the first female at the Nova parkrun. North Wales Road Runners travelled to various parkruns. Report by Don Hale. https://donhaleblog.blogspot.com www.welshmastersathletics.co.uk It was another very busy weekend with many club runners travelling to take part in numerous parkruns around the country. *Prestatyn: Carla Green was the first female finisher at the Nova parkrun at Prestatyn last Saturday, in 13th place overall, and she also won her VW50 age cat with another excellent performance in 21.39, and she was just ten-seconds off her PB. This result mirrored her run the previous week at the Aberystwyth parkrun, where she also claimed the first female title, and she was 12th overall, in 21.05. *Pictured above - Ben Hudson and Sarah Hudson. *Keswick: Ben and Sarah Hudson made their course debuts at the Whinlatter Forest parkrun near Keswick but faced mixed results on a very tough and challenging route. Ben finished 21st overall in 25.54, and he was 2nd in his VM45 age cat, whilst Sarah was disappointed with her time after a long hard training run the previous day, and eventually came home in 84th place in 35.16, but she claimed the 3rd spot in her VW45 cat. After the run, Sarah confirmed: “We have just run the Whinlatter Forest parkrun. It was brutal My slowest 5k ever! However, we did run 20 hilly miles though yesterday in my defence!” *Pictured above (l-r): Mandy Owen, Vicky Taylor and Kelly Marie Alford at Penrhyn Castle parkrun. *Penrhyn Castle: Kelly Marie Alford and Vicky Taylor joined their friend Mandy Owen at the Penrhyn Castle parkrun, with the trio running the course together. Kelly was 207th in 32.25, with Vicky just one place and once second behind, and she shared the exact same time with Mandy. Richard Scamans (*above) ran at the Woodbank parkrun at Stockport *Newborough: Darren Griss and Kevin Higgins took part in the Newborough Forest parkrun on Anglesey. With both members making their course debuts, Darren was happy with 155th place in 28.43, whilst Kevin finished 170th in 29.36. *Stockport: Richard Scamans travelled to the Woodbank Memorial Park near Stockport on Saturday to make his debut in the Woodbank parkrun, and he finished in 42nd place overall in 24.57.

*NWRRC member Will Williams (above), called-up for double Welsh date. Easter surprise - Double date Welsh selection for Will Williams - and international call-ups and news for other NWRRC athletes. Report by Don Hale. https://donhaleblog.blogspot.com www.welshmastersathletics.co.uk North Wales Road Runner Will Williams received a welcome Easter surprise this week with confirmation that he has been selected to represent Welsh Masters in two varied international distance races next month against the old enemy England! He is now one of three top-level club athletes who have recently had their talents recognised by the sporting authorities following some consistent and outstanding performances. Will, who has just recovered from a niggling knee injury, confirmed that he will compete in the Masters’ International 10k race at Birmingham on Sunday 5th May, and then again for the Masters’ International half-marathon event at Manchester on Sunday 26th May. Following news of his selection, based on several previously outstanding efforts in the red vest on both the road, and at cross-country events, confirmed: “I am super-proud to have been selected to represent my country (Wales), for the two forthcoming international races against England.” This latest exciting selection news for Will Williams, follows hot on the heels from last week’s announcement that his club colleague Llyr Ap-Geraint-Roberts, was selected for the GB team for next year’s Duathlon Championships, following his qualification success last week in Edinburgh. *Pictured above (left) - Steve Gardner misses out due to injury. Disappointment for Steve Gardner. And, in addition, we have further confirmation from the NWRRC M60 veteran and track colleague Steve Gardner, that he also received news of his own selection for the GB team after previously qualifying for this year’s European Sprint Distance Duathlon Championships at Coimbra, in Portugal on 15th June 2024. Steve, however, has unfortunately had to decline the offer, as he is still recovering from injury, and explained that he needs some more time to regain full race fitness. He confirmed: “I have just seen the good news about Llyr. I was also selected for the GB team for this year’s European Short Course Championships in Portugal but have had to decline.” Steve said he received a congratulatory letter from Rosemary Hayward, the team manager for the British Triathlon age group team but replied: “I feel honoured to have been selected. This was a goal of mine after returning to the sport after 25-years of inactivity. (I came 4th in 1994 world champs in Hobart), but my winter training hasn't gone to plan, so it is with reluctance that I will have to decline the offer on this occasion. “I am intending to concentrate on running in 2024 and will hopefully be back racing in duathlons in 2025. Many thanks for the offer, all the best to you and the team in the champs.” Sandy Johnston join NWRRC from Les Croupiers club. *NWRRC members welcomed Welsh international athlete Sandy Johnston, who joined the club this week following his transfer from Les Croupiers at Cardiff. Sandy, who is a prolific Masters M70 Veteran and Welsh Athletics representative at many varied events, is very well-known from numerous local events since moving to North Wales, and is also a regular entrant and age category winner at Conwy parkrun. He made is debut for the Road Runners last Saturday in the 5k dash at Conwy and won his VM70 age cat in 23.54. *Sandy Johnston (pictured above), made his new club debut for NWRRC.

*Carolyn Arber pictured above at Colwyn Bay after winning her age cat. Welsh Masters newbie Carolyn Arber celebrates Metric Marathon race success on former home patch. Intro by Don Hale. https://donhaleblog.blogspot.com www.welshmastersathletics.co.uk It’s always good to receive notifications from Welsh Athletics members, and this week I was pleased to read a note from Carolyn Arber, who is a WMAL newbie, who coincidentally took part in a longer version of the same Metric marathon, and half marathon races as myself, last weekend. The following report is based on her own personal experiences. Running down Memory Lane by Carolyn Arber: I am a new member of Welsh Masters and last Sunday I ran in the Colwyn Bay Metric Marathon. I was born in Colwyn Bay but live in Cheshire so was determined to have a medal and T shirt with my place of birth on. It was a windy old course to Penrhyn Bay, twice, but was lovely to take a trip down Memory Lane. Starting in Eirias Park, Colwyn Bay, where my grandpa used to take me to sail little boats on the lake and then let me roll down the hills. Those hills looked much smaller than I remembered them! Passing my sister’s apartment in Rhos and then the golf club where my dad’s ashes are scattered. An added bonus was winning the ladies Over 65 age category and receiving that huge gold medal! I celebrated with Prosecco and sausage rolls on the fabulous new prom at Rhos. Thank you, Carolyn Arber *This is the link to my sports blog about the race with the full results list: Don Hale Blog: Medals galore for NW Road Runners at Colwyn Bay Me... https://donhaleblog.blogspot.com/2024/03/medals-galore-for-nw-road-runners-at.html?spref=tw

*Juliet Sidney (back left) is pictured with her team mates in Poland. Medal winner and 'pocket rocket' Juliet Sidney talks about her recent success at the European championships at Torun in Poland. Report by Don Hale. https://donhaleblog.blogspot.com www.welshmastersathletics.co.uk Welsh Master sprinter and medal winner Juliet Sidney has recalled her exploits from the European Championships at Torun in Poland from last week. Juliet, who is perhaps better known as the ‘Pocket Rocket,’ competed in the 60m, the 200m and relay events. Although she was a little disappointed with her efforts in the earlier heats for the 60m race, Juliet deservedly made it to her first ever 200m indoor W55 final, and later ran as part of the bronze medal winning relay team. She later confirmed: “It was a week of ups and downs. I finished with a bronze medal in the W50 4 x 200 relay, with thanks to my team mates Fiona Steele, Sarah Loades, and Stefano Dornbusch. They all ran amazing legs to finish on a high with a bronze medal. “And a big shout out to Sian Elizabeth Rees @elite82high www.elite82.co.uk for all her support and guidance at the event, plus all the laughs. “To amazing fellow athletes and our medical support team and all the officials and organisers that make the event what it is. Looking forward to a week off before getting back to training for Sweden in the summer.” *Some of the Welsh Masters Athletics and GB team (*pictured above) at the European Championships in Poland. Season’s best results for thrower Sharon. And newbie Welsh Master athlete Sharon Hutchings also spoke about her own experiences at the same event and said: “I came 11th in the shot-put competition with a season’s best (SB) of 9.15, and 14th in weight with another SB of 8.27 14th in the javelin with a rubbishy distance, and finished 16th in hammer with 23.47. On the whole, I’m pleased with my performances, against tough opposition.” *Thrower Sharon Hutchings (above), recorded several season's best throws. *If you have a story to tell about participating in the recent European Championships, or in any other events, please let us know, and we will be happy to put the news on the Welsh Masters Facebook page, and/or our main website.

*Llyr ApGeraint-Roberts (pictured above) wins qualification to the GB Team for 2025 Duathlon Championships. Report by Don Hale. https://donhaleblog.blogspot.com www.welshmasterathletics.co.uk North Wales Road Runner and Welsh Master Llyr ApGeraint-Roberts has gained qualification to the GB Team after finishing 3rd in his respective age category during a 2025 Duathlon Championships qualifying event, held last Sunday on the East Fortune Race Circuit, near Edinburgh. Welsh master Llyr competed in a 5k run, followed by a 21k bike ride, and a final 2.5k run, with his excellent times, and age cat position ensuring him an automatic qualification. His very fast times for each event included his first run of 5k in just 18 minutes, the 21k cycle race in 36 minutes, and the final 2.5k run in 9 minutes. After the event, he confirmed: “I secured my qualification for the 2025 championships by finishing in the top-four of my age group at this event (I missed out at Castle Combe at the beginning of March). “Overall, I came 24th out of 110 entrants, and I was 3rd in my age group, which ensured automatic qualification, however, I don’t yet know, where, or when, in 2025 the Euro Champs will be held.” NW Road Runners on their travels...Plus the Valetta half-marathon, Cheshire Elite, Newborough, and Nova parkruns. It was another busy weekend for NWRRC members with Llyr ApGeraint Roberts winning selection to the GB team for the 2025 Duathlon, Stuart Culverhouse adventuring abroad to Malta to run in his first overseas race, and drama for Will Williams in the Cheshire Elite 10k, plus other parkrun results. *Stuart Culverhouse competed in the Valetta half-marathon last Sunday in Malta, and he ran home in a very good time of 1 hr 36 minutes. Afterwards he said: “My first race abroad but not my quickest, but it was never going to be. I have had calf niggles for a while, plus it was so hot out there, but a great experience.” *Pictured above (l-r): Stuart Culverhouse in Malta. *Cheshire: Will Williams took part in the Cheshire Elite 10k race on Sunday but unfortunately, he was not at his best due to a chest infection but bravely continued after a brief stop, and eventually finished in 211th place in 41.39. *Newborough: Sion Thomas ran well at the Newborough Forest parkrun and he finished 7th overall in 21.40, and he won his VM40 age cat. Prestatyn: Tony Price Jones made his debut at the Nova Prestatyn parkrun last Saturday and won his VM40 age cat with a strong performance, finishing 8th in 22.40.

*Some of the NWRRC team pictured above at Colwyn Bay (back row l-r): Dave Jones, Phil and Carol Moss, Rob Fryer, Rachel Morris, Sarah Jones, Daniel Henley, and (front row), Don Hale, Mike Hayton and Cheryl Frost. Medals galore and PBs for NW Road Runners at the Colwyn Bay Metric races... Report by Don Hale. Most photos by Lesley Goodson. https://donhaleblog.blogspot.com www.welshmasterathletics.co.uk Nearly three-hundred mixed ability runners took part in the challenging Colwyn Bay Metric Marathon, and Metric Half-Marathon races, run together last Sunday in cool and very breezy conditions. Well-organised by RunWales, and well supported by numerous volunteers and marshalls, including a generous number from Porth Eirias Runners, the entrants had to battle with very strong and blustery headwinds on the re-routed four-mile outward course towards Penrhyn Bay from the start on the running track at the Eirias Park Stadium. The Metric half-marathon (13.1 kms/8.13 miles), attracted 87 runners including five North Wales Road Runners, who collected three prestigious age category wins, and one second place, in addition to recording new course PB times. Veteran Rob Fryer led the team home with a strong and determined performance to win his M65-69 age cat as the 17th male (21st overall), in 1 hr 11 minutes and 19 seconds. Master vet Don Hale also won his M70-74 cat as the 18th male (23rd), in 1.13.00, which was his longest run for over four years, and confirmed a surprise age cat double, following his win at Conwy parkrun the previous day; and Carol Moss confirmed a welcome hat-trick of age cat victories at Colwyn Bay, after deservedly winning her own W55-59 cat as the 12th female athlete (41st), in 1.18.15. * Pictured above left - Rob Fryer, and Carol Moss. Master vet, Mike Hayton also enjoyed another good run finishing as the 37th male (57th), in 1.24.52, and he was 2nd in his M70-74 cat, and Rachel Morris finished as the 40th female (81st overall) in 1.40. Twelve NWRRC members competed in the Metric Marathon (26.2 kms/16.3 miles), and celebrated four age cat wins, two second places, and one third, with Steve Mason celebrating a podium place in 3rd place overall in 1.48.21, and he also won his M45-49 age cat, with Iwan Evans 7th, and 2nd in the same cat as Steve in 1.50.29. Newcomer Michael Roberts was the 9th male athlete (10th overall) in 1.53.13, and he won his M55-59 age cat, with Mal Preece 17th (21st), and he also won his M60-64 cat in 2.03.25, and Ben Hudson also enjoyed a good result after finishing 19th (24th), and he was 3rd in his M45-49 cat in 2.04.19. *Above - Iwan Evans, and Mal Preece. Veteran Kevin Slattery was 2nd in his M65-69 cat with another positive run finishing as the 23rd male (29th) in 2.07.06, and Sarah Ferguson Hudson ran well as the 10th female athlete (39th), in 2.09.21, and she was 4th in her W45-49 ag cat. Dave Jones was the 32nd male, (43rd overall), in 2.11.34, with Cheryl Frost finishing as the 14th female (53rd) in 2.15.10, and she won her W55-59 age cat. Pictured above right - veteran Kevin Slattery and Ben Hudson, and Cheryl Frost, and (*below right) Sarah Ferguson Hudson, with Sarah Jones and Daniel Hennel. Another newcomer Philip Moss was the 72nd male runner (112th) in 2.38.66, whilst Sarah Jones and Daniel Hennel ran together, with Sarah finishing as the 52nd female athlete (131st), in 2.46.13, with Daniel just one place, and one second behind. Pictured above left - Dave Jones and his wife Julie, from Dalzell Runners, and (above right), Cheryl Frost receives her award from Tracey Yorke at Run Wales. *Pictured below (l-r): John Jones (Eryri Harriers) 1st M65, Michael Roberts (NWRRC) 1st M55 Marathon, Julie Jones (Dalzell Runners), 1st F45 Half M, and Carol Moss (NWRRC), 1st F55 Half M. The Metric half-marathon was won by Daniel Williams (Abergele Harriers) in 52.28, with Nick Houghton (Cybi Striders) second in 55.05, and Shane Jones (Hebog Runners) third in 56.04. The first female athlete was Katie Baldwin (Beaumaris Town Runners) in 1.01.33, and Eleanor Francis (Buckley) finished second in 1.02.55, with Sue O’Brien (Widnes RC) third in 1.06.32. *The Metric Marathon was won by Matthew Crehan (St Helens/Sutton AC), in 1.29.27, with Paul Tatler (City of Stoke), second in 1.33.25, and Steve Mason (NWRRC), finished third in 1.48.21. The first female was Gemma Moore (Eryri Harriers) in 1.48.39, and Lizzie Slater (Nantwich), finished second in 1.58.38, whilst Catherine Jones (Denbigh), claimed the third place in 1.59.56. *Gemma Moore (above right), with Steve Mason in the Metric marathon. *Colwyn Bay Metric half-marathon provisional results: https://www.runwales.com/files/user_uploaded/results/535/Metric%20Half%20Marathon%20Overall%20Results.pdf *Colwyn Bay Metric Marathon provisional results: https://www.runwales.com/files/user_uploaded/results/535/Metric%20Marathon%20Overall%20Results%20(1).pdf

*Adam Lemalle (above) was the first NWRRC club runner at Conwy parkrun. Fast times and a good turn-out at Conwy parkrun despite the cold and blustery conditions... Report by Don Hale. https://donhaleblog.blogspot.com www.welshmasterathletics.co.uk Despite a bitterly cold day, and a strong blustery wind, nearly two-hundred entrants still braved the elements and recorded some fast times over the challenging but relatively dry 5k course at Conwy parkrun last Saturday morning. The event once again attracted a large number of visiting club and social runners from across the UK and Ireland, as part of an early Easter break, and plaudits were again handed to NWRRC member and parkrun volunteer John Hatton, for his sterling efforts to help improve part of the start area. GOG Triathlete Simon Cole was the first runner home with an impressive time of just 17 minutes and 35 seconds to additionally win his VM40 age cat, and at the time of writing, the second placed runner remained unknown, but visitor Paul McKenna (Bray Runners), marked his course debut with another good time of 18.33, and he won his VM35 cat. Nat Van Hessing was the first female finisher in 30th place overall in 24.27, with visitor Caoime De Frein second (45th overall), on her course debut in 25.40, and talented local youngster Lucy Parsley finished well as the third female (47th overall), in 25.55. *Pictured above, Stuart Culverhouse at the Conwy . North Wales Road Runners entered thirteen members, and collected three age cat victories, plus three second, and one third age cat placing. Adam Lemalle was the first NWRRC man back in 21.54, in 15th place, and he was 2nd in his VM40 cat, with Stuart Culverhouse 21st overall, and he too finished 2nd in his VM50 cat in 23.42.Master veteran Don Hale won his MV70 age cat after finishing 46th in 25.41, and Richard Scamans was 53rd in 26.30. Veteran Rob Fryer enjoyed a steady run in 58th place, and he was 3rd in his MV65 cat in 27.02. Hannah Griffith and Elizabeth Driscoll ran the course together, with Hannah finishing in 65th place, and she was 2nd in her VW50 age cat in 27.25, whilst Elizabeth won her VW55 cat, and she was just one place and one-second behind Hannah. Kelly Marie Alford and Gethin Wyn Jones also ran around together, with Kelly finishing 84th in 28.43, with Gethin again, just one place and one-second adrift, and it was good to see master veteran Mark Mason heading back to fitness again, with a determined run in 87th place in 29.45, and he was 2nd in his MV70 age cat.Veteran John O’Shea also enjoyed a good work-out after finishing 106th in 30.25, with Helen Hannam 112th overall, but she won her VW45 age cat in 30.47, and Steve Mason was a tail walker volunteer again this week, finishing 190th in 47.58. *This is a link to the provisional results from Conwy parkrun and praise was given to the run director and to all the volunteers and marshall’s on such a cold and windy day: https://www.parkrun.org.uk/conwy/results/latestresults/

*North Wales Regional Outdoor Championships will be held at Deeside this year. Contact Details: amy.edwards@welshathletics.org Please contact the organiser, not OpenTrack, for all queries North Wales Outdoor T&F Championships https://donhaleblog.blogspot.com www.welshmastersathletics.co.uk Saturday 11th May @ Deeside Stadium. *Link to entries: https://wales.opentrack.run/en-gb/x/2024/GBR/nwrac/?fbclid=IwAR2Lav-BHvDo8tge4EJDiW0japunlxFuhyY40sFVQEFl-U3tOSlD1aVyROI Masters will compete in Senior events using appropriate equipment. (U11's not eligible for Regional Championships therefore strictly no u11's entries). NORTH WALES Eligibility 1. Birth: born within the area covered by N.W.R.A.C.2. Residence: Continuous current residence within the area covered by N.W.R.A.C. for at least 9 months.3. Retention: An athlete may retain his/her existing qualification to represent N. Wales and compete in the N. Wales Regional Championship, provided that he/she has not represented another Region or County, nor competed in a different Regional or County Championship in the same year of competition.4.Where an athlete competes for a club not based in Wales but does qualify on one of the above three criteria. THERE WILL BE NO ENTRIES ON THE DAY Automatic selection for the Inter Regional team  for all athletes placing 1st in events included in the inter regional competition. Trials in field events.  Under 13 and Under 15 athletes will be allowed 3 trials in the jumps and throws.  All older agegroups will be allowed 4 trials in the long and triple jumps and throws, with 2 warm up trials. All entrants shall be deemed to have made him/herself familiar with and agreed to be bound by the UKA Anti-Doping Rules and to submit to the authority of UK Anti-Doping in the application and enforcement of the Anti-Doping Rules. The UKA Anti-Doping Rules apply to entrants participating in the sport of Athletics, for 12 months from the date of entry, whether or not the entrant is a citizen of, or resident in, the UK. Timetable will be sent to all paid entries w/c - 6th May

*Jamie Tharme (above), enjoyed his sight-seeing marathon in Rome. NWRRC weekend results and reports round-up - Rome, Nantwich, and the Wirral. Report by Don Hale. https://donhaleblog.blogspot.com www.welshmastersathletics.co.uk It was another busy weekend on the road for several members of the North Wales Road Runners including Jamie Tharme's trip to Rome for the marathon. Jamie Tharme competed in the Rome Marathon on Sunday and enjoyed his run, finishing well in 3 hours and 52 minutes. After the race he said: “Rome marathon, nice and chilled taking in the sights, but that extra 1.5km was the hardest few miles of my life. It was tough in that heat too, but the views were spectacular!" Carla Green back in action at the Nantwich 10k. *Nantwich: Carla Green made a welcome return to racing after a long absence and performed well to finish in 114th place overall in 42.57 in the Nantwich 10k, and she also claimed the 2nd spot in her FV50 age cat. *Pictured above - Carla Green - back in race action again at Nantwich. Double runs for Will at Shrewsbury and Hoylake. *Will Williams took part in the latest Borders League race at Hoylake on the Wirral on Sunday, but he seemed disappointed with his result despite running the 7.5k course in 28.55, and seemed fatigued after his brave efforts. And the previous day, Will visited the Quarry parkrun at Shrewsbury and finished 12th in 18.26, and he was 2nd in his VM50 age cat. Afterwards he confirmed: “I went to the Shrewsbury parkrun with my son in law and granddaughter, and it involved a couple of spicy hills on this one!” Will Williams in race mode (above left), and pictured (*right) with his son in law and granddaughter at the Shrewsbury parkrun.

*Steve Gardner (pictured above), ran well at the XC champs. Team prizes and some notable NW results at the BMAF cross country champs at Corwen, in North Wales. Report by Don Hale. https://donhaleblog.blogspot.com www.welshmastersathletics.co.uk The British Masters Athletics Cross-Country championships was held last Saturday at Rhug Farm, near Corwen, and included some exceptional performances by many North Wales runners. The event attracted 97 top club and elite athletes in the Veteran Men’s up to M60 age cat event, and a further 94 runners in the combined Women’s and Male Masters aged 65-plus race. The championships were well organised by officials and members of Prestatyn RC, and this was the fourth time the club had been asked by Welsh Athletics to host the event. *North Wales Road Runner and veteran Steve Gardner, finished 52nd overall in the Male open event, and he was 10th in his MV60 cat, and covered the approximate 8k course in 35.37. After his race, Steve confirmed: “I was very pleased with my performance today, finishing 10th MV60 and the 4th placed scorer in the Welsh team, which finished in 3rd place.” *Many North Wales clubs also grabbed some prestigious podium team places, with Wrexham finishing as the 2nd team in the M35-44 cat team, which included Gareth Chaloner, Glyn Wise, and Richard Westwood; whilst Steven Gadd, Glen Price, and Owen Conry, celebrated by winning the 3rd team placing for Denbigh in the M45-54 age cat. There were also plaudits to several Welsh Masters in the race, including Huw Evans 4th overall, and the 1st M50 cat winner in 31.10, with Mike Whyatt (Eryri) winning his M60 cat in 32.43, and Ifan Lloyd, who finished 3rd in his M60 cat in 30th place. Some other local results within the provisional result list, also recorded some other worthy performances: Tony Wood (Denbigh) 33rd in 33.59, Thomas Carter (Prestatyn) 43rd in 34.45, and a hat-trick of other Denbigh runners with Steve Gadd 64th in 37.06, with Dafydd Evans 65th in 37.23, and Glen Price 67th in 37.39. Ben Thomas (Prestatyn) finished 82nd in 40.45, with Owen Conry (Denbigh) 84th in 40.56, and Glyn Griffiths (Eryri) 91st in 46.15. In the Women’s and M65 plus race, run over about 7k, several Welsh age cat teams enjoyed success with Prestatyn runners finishing 3rd in the M65 cat, and included Martin Corvriend, Mark Dakeyne, and Michael Davis. And in the W35 section, Prestatyn members Helen Ashworth, Sophie Johnson, and Mandy Cartwright, won the overall team prize; and in the W45 cat, Denbigh claimed the 2nd team prize, which included Joanne Henderson, Melina Morris, and Lee Evans, whilst Prestatyn claimed the 3rd team prize, with Allison Reid, Susan Hughes, and Glenda Roberts. *Ann d'Albuquerque (above left) fell over twice but she still won a silver medal in her W70 age cat, and (*right), Emyr Davies, who won his M80 cat. In addition, there were some other notable individual veteran ladies, and master vet performances, with a brief selection that includes: Joanne Henderson (Denbigh) 9th in 27.16, and she was 2nd in her W45 cat, but a special mention goes to Ann d’Albuquerque (GOG TC), who finished 2nd in her W75 age cat in 84th place in 44.02, despite falling twice, and she also retained a silver medal placing that she has held since 2020. There was also praise for Neil Owen, from the Llangollen based Run Free club, who won his M70 age cat in 28th place in 30.44, and also for Emyr Davies (Rhedw) by winning his M80 cat in 60th place in 46.08, Don Williams (Eryri) 76th, and 2nd in his M80 cat in 39.43, and Martin Corvriend (Prestatyn), who enjoyed a good run in 53rd place, and he was 4th in his M70 cat in 33.51. *A full list of the provisional results can be found via this link: https://data.opentrack.run/en-gb/x/2024/GBR/bmaf-xc/event/ *This is the link to the pre-publicity blog article: Don Hale Blog: Entries open for British Masters Cross-country cha... https://donhaleblog.blogspot.com/2024/03/entries-open-for-british-masters-cross.html?spref=tw

*John Hatton (above) performed a clean sweep at Conwy parkrun to help reduce numerous large puddles at the start of a waterlogged course. Clean Sweep by John Hatton at Conwy Parkrun. Report by Don Hale. https://donhaleblog.blogspot.com www.welshmastersathletics.co.uk Over two-hundred mixed ability runners took part in last Saturday’s Conwy parkrun, but once again they had to contend with very muddy and waterlogged conditions underfoot, with the start area only improved late on due to volunteer John Hatton sweeping out some of the large puddles! John’s determined action with a stiff brush improved the safety of this popular event, and for the second time in recent weeks, only the innovative actions of willing individuals meant this popular run could begin on time! Despite the challenging conditions, this run attracted several top juniors, and senior athletes, who ran hard to record new course PB’s, and ensured a fast pace was maintained from the off!At the time of writing however, the name of the first runner home still remained unknown but there was only eleven seconds between the next three finishers, and they all recorded new PB’s!Youngster Alfie Shiland (Colwyn Bay AC) was 2nd in just 17 minutes and 36 seconds, and he also won his JW11-14 age cat, with Alastair Canaway (NWRRC), 3rd, and the 1st VM35 cat in 17.43. *Alastair Canaway (above left), with Sion Thomas, and Adam Lemalle. And it was good to note that the 4th spot went to the 1st female athlete, Alison Campbell, who won her SW30 age catin 17.47, with junior Catrin Evans (9th), as the 2nd female on her debut in 20.34, and she won her JW11-14, and Ella Grundy (Colwyn Bay), (15th overall), won her JW15-17 age cat in 3rd place in 21.38. North Wales Road Runners entered thirteen members and collected three age cat victories, in addition to one second place, and two thirds. Alastair Canaway was the first club runner to finish, and he led the team home. He was followed by Sion Thomas, who celebrated a new course PB of 21.23, in 12th place overall, and he was 3rd in his VM40 cat. Adam Lemalle also claimed a new sub 22 minute PB with a determined run and he was 16th in 21.41, with Karl Morris hot on his heels, and he was just one place and seven-seconds behind Adam in 21.48. *Pictured right - Veteran Kay Hatton. Kay Hatton won her VW60 age cat with an impressive display, and she finished 35th overall in 23.53, and master veteran Barrie Wells was also on top form and won his MV70 cat, finishing 37th overall in 24.07, and fellow master vet Don Hale was 56th, and the 2nd MV70 cat in 25.30. Veteran Rob Fryer had a good run, and he was 72nd in 26.47, whilst Stuart Culverhouse and his young daughter Sophia ran together and finished 94th in 28.30. Nia Lister was 96th in 28.34, and recovering master vet Mark Mason,finished 104th and 3rd in his VM70 age cat in 29.01. John O’Shea was another club veteran who was pleased to finish 117th, following a recent back injury in 30.00, with Rachel Morris enjoying a steady run in 162nd place in 34.16. *Praise was given to the run director Mark Jessett, and to all the marshall’s and volunteers, and especially to John Hatton for sweeping out some of the puddles from the early part of the course. *This is the link to the provisional results from Conwy parkrun: https://www.parkrun.org.uk/conwy/results/latestresults/ *Other results: Shrewsbury: NWRRC member Will Williams visited the Quarry parkrun at Shrewsbury last Saturday and finished 12th in 18.26, and he was 2nd in his VM50 age cat. Afterwards he confirmed: “I went to the Shrewsbury parkrun with my son in law and granddaughter. It involved a couple of spicy hills on this one!” Pictured (above left), Welsh Master Will Williams with his son in law and granddaughter, and (*right), Will in action with the pack at the Shrewsbury parkrun.