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Sad loss of former Swansea Harrier and WMAA secretary Jonathan Kersting... Message from Mel James at Welsh Masters Athletics. Hi Don, I have received the sad news of the passing of a previous WMAA secretary Jonathan Kersting, on April 12th. Jon was secretary around the millennium time, alongside the great John Collins and Ken Bray. He competed for Swansea Harriers and WMAA within the B&I Cross Country International and many other masters events. I received this info from Ken Bray's daughter Yvonne, (Bullen) It was Jon's wife that informed her. I will attempt to find out more info, ASAP. Regards, Mel James, Welsh Masters Athletics.

Welsh Athletics teams for the forthcoming international events... TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT  - Master 10k and half marathon races... Report by Bernie Jones. We are delighted to share the team of athletes who will be representing Wales in the upcoming Masters 10km and Half Marathon Internationals this May! *Read the full team announcement here: https://tinyurl.com/welsh-masters-team

Report by Don Hale. https://donhaleblog.blogspot.com www.welshmastersathletics.co.uk It was a super-crazy, and very busy weekend for a host of North Wales Road Runners last week, as many were winding down their marathon training plans to concentrate on a few varied distance races, only to be hit by Storm Kathleen, and faced a succession of gale force winds, and driving hail, or rain. Tom Aindow faced mixed weather on the coast at Brighton where despite an injury collected near the start of his full marathon race, but he bravely continued to record a decent finishing time. And plaudits too, to Jon Evans at the Berlin half-marathon, where he too faced his demons following a debilitating illness, to complete his 'target race' in a good time. Ben and Sarah Hudson, also faced a tough encounter from strong winds, with Sarah also collecting some unwanted blisters just weeks before her London marathon race, and there were mixed feelings, and results, from numerous other Road Running members at a variety of UK parkruns. *Jon Evans (above), ran a good time at the Berlin half-marathon, following a period of ill-health, and (*below), Tom Aindow, finished well at the Brighton marathon despite injury. *Brighton: Tom Aindow ran in the Brighton Marathon at the weekend and recorded his second fastest marathon time of 3 hrs 27 minutes, despite suffering a slight injury. After his race, he confirmed: “Ankle problems from pretty early on, and so hobbling by the end. Still a lovely day, amazing crowds, and another marathon done!” *Berlin: Jon Evans enjoyed a good run in the Berlin half-marathon on Sunday and finished in 1.58.07. Afterwards he explained: “Stress tests of lungs and pins. All good this morning at Berlin. Great city, great race and 100% recommended. Thanks to my support crew (@kaz_hulme), and of course @rhianroxburgh, without who, it would be a shambles.“This was a target race, but regrettably I contracted pneumonia and was/am still recovering, but had done some light training and ran around as a health/fitness test - all good. Splits were consistent and looking forward to getting a training block in prior to pacing Chester half.” *Wantage, Oxfordshire: Ben and Sarah Hudson (pictured above), competed in the White Horse half-marathon in Oxfordshire, as one of their last races before the London Marathon, but like so many other runners last weekend, their efforts were hampered by Storm Kathleen. Ben finished in 1.37.08, and Sarah 1.49.36. Sarah confirmed: “We did the White Horse Half in Grove, Wantage, as a last long run before London… a great course and event which could have been quick without the gale force winds. Not really the times we wanted but just glad to get the miles in in those conditions. "Amazing weekend of running and catching up with super lovely friends, but the racedidn't quite go according to plan with crazy winds and blisters, but hopefully that’s got the bad run out the way before London.” Other parkrun results: Blackpool: Martin and Carla Green (pictured above), took part in the breezy Blackpool parkrun at Stanley Park on Saturday, with Martin finishing well in 3rd place in 19.21, and he won his VM45 age cat, whilst Carla was the first female finisher in 15th place overall in 22.12, and she too won her VW50 cat. *Prestatyn: Stuart Culverhouse ran with his young son Joe at the Nova Prestatyn parkrun, supported by several family members. Stuart finished 7th in 20.25, and he was second in his VM50 cat, and Joe was also second in his JM11-14 age cat, and in 26th place overall in 24.17, and later he admitted: "it was great to run with the wife and kids and sister in law." *Bala: Adam Lemalle finished 10th overall in the Pont y Bala parkrun with a good time of 21.51 and he was 3rd in his VM40 age cat. *Dunstable: Richard Scamans went on his travels again last weekend and ran in the Dunstable Downs parkrun, which he admitted was, ‘very hilly, muddy, and run around boggy fields.’ Despite his problems, Richard still ran very well and finished 10th overall, and he was 2nd in his VM50 age cat in 26.15.

*The NWRRC quartet pictured above (l-r): Nia Lister, Kay Hatton, Cheryl Frost and Mike Hayton. NWRRC quartet tackled an 8-mile challenge for the South Snowdonia Search & Rescue Team. Report by Don Hale. https://donhaleblog.blogspot.com www.welshmastersathletics.co.uk North Wales Road Runners entered a quartet of hardy athletes in the SSART Trawsfynydd Multi-Terrain 8-mile race last Sunday afternoon amongst an entry of 232 finishers who helped to raise essential funds for the South Snowdonia Search & Rescue team. Described as a beautiful multi-terrain race starting from the Magnox Power Station and then around Trawsfynydd Lake in the Eryri/Snowdonia National Park, the course was claimed to be fast, with just one challenging hill over a mixed tarmac and trail route. The NWRRC team performed well despite the very blustery conditions, combined at times with hail showers, but Cheryl Frost led her group home in 68th place, as the 9th female athlete, with an excellent chip time of just 1 hour 12 minutes and 41 seconds, to deservedly claim the 3rd spot in her FV50-59 age cat. Kay Hatton remained in close pursuit, and she had a strong finish in 70th place, and won her FV60-69 cat, as the 10th female in 1.12.53. Nia Lister also performed well, and she was 166th overall and the 65th female in 1.28.24, whilst master veteran Mike Hayton put in a determined run to finish in 195th place in 1.36.20, and he was 4th in his MV70 age cat, and the 109th male athlete. *Cheryl Frost and Kay Hatton, performed well at the 8-mile multi-terrain event. *The overall race winner was Ben Porter (Cerist Triathlon Club), in 51.49, and he won his MU40 age cat, with Steffan Sayer (Menai Track & Field), 2nd in 52.16, and Aled Hughes (GOG Triathlon Club) finished 3rd in 55.10. The latter two athletes were also 2nd and 3rd respectively in the same age cat as Ben. *The first female athlete was Fiona Corrick (18th) in 1.02.17, and the FU40 age cat winner, with Amanda Bailey 2nd (28th), and she won her FV50-59 age cat in 1.05.06, and Margot Sayer ran well in 3rd place (31st), in 1.06.08, and she also won her FV40-49 cat. *NOTE:All proceeds received were in aid of the South Snowdonia Search and Rescue Team. This important team is run entirely by volunteers, who are on call-out 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to help those in need in the local area. The team is a charity, dependent on donations from the public, and the proceeds of this race will provide vital funds. *This is a link to the provisional results: https://sssart.niftyentries.com/Results/North-Wales-SSSART-Trawsfynydd-Multi-Terrain-8-Miler#

*Pictured above - Jonathan Kettle at Conwy parkrun. Conwy parkrunners battled against Storm Kathleen. Report by Don Hale. https://donhaleblog.blogspot.com www.welshmastersathletics.co.uk It was wild and extremely windy at Conwy parkrun last Saturday as nearly 300 mixed ability athletes braved Storm Kathleen on this blustery riverside 5k course. Once again, this popular event attracted a host of visiting runners from across the UK, but they all faced the usual swamp-like, waterlogged course, following several days of heavy and unrelenting rain, combined with 40-mph plus head and side winds! North Wales Road Runners entered eleven members and Jonathan Kettle led the team home with an amazing performance considering the atrocious conditions under foot to finish in 3rd place overall, and he also won his VM45 age cat in just 18 minutes and 19 seconds. Will Williams was also in good form, and he won his VM50 cat in 6th place in 19.02, with Steve Mason 10th in 19.45, and 3rd in his VM45 cat. Sion Thomas, meanwhile, had another consistent run in 39th place in 22.26, and Jamie Tharme was 42nd, and just eight-seconds adrift of Sion in 22.34. Will Williams (above), in good form at Conwy. Master veteran Sandy Johnston turned in another excellent performance in 67th place, and he also won his VM70 cat in 24.36, with fellow master vet Don Hale finishing 90th in 26.17, and he was 2nd in the same age cat as Sandy. In addition, veteran Rob Fryer claimed the 2nd spot in his VM65 cat in 97th place in 26.41, and Barrie Wells was 138th in 28.23, and his 3rd place in the VM70 cat ensured the club secured all three top placings in this tough master vet section again. *Pictured above - Welsh Master Sandy Johnston with another excellent run. Nia Lister was the only female club representative at Conwy this week and she enjoyed her result finishing in 149th place in 28.49, and claimed the 3rd spot in her VW35 age cat, whilst veteran John O’Shea was 193rd in 31.27. The first three male finishers at Conwy parkrun included course debutant Robert Parker in 17.54, with James Perry(Macclesfield Harriers & AC), 2nd with a new PB in 18.12, and Jonathan Kettle (NWRRC), finished 3rd in 18.19. Emily Hanlon was the first female finisher on her debut in 20.58 (18th overall), with junior athlete Bethan Buckley (Keighley & Craven AC), the 2nd female, (20th), in 21.09, and Jo Buckley (Bingley Harriers) was 3rd (21st), in 21.20. *Praise was given to the run director Anthony Howe, and to all his hardworking team of volunteers and marshals at Conwy in very trying weather conditions. This is the link to the provisional results: https://www.parkrun.org.uk/conwy/results/latestresults/ Other parkrun results: *Blackpool: Martin and Carla Green took part in the breezy Blackpool parkrun at Stanley Park on Saturday, with Martin finishing well in 3rd place in 19.21, and he won his VM45 age cat, whilst Carla was the first female finisher in 15th place overall in 22.12, and she too won her VW50 cat. *Martin and Carla Green (above), enjoyed the breezy Blackpool parkrun. *Prestatyn: Stuart Culverhouse ran with his young son Joe at the Nova Prestatyn parkrun, supported by several family members. Stuart finished 7th in 20.25, and he was second in his VM50 cat, and Joe was also second in his JM11-14 age cat, and in 26th place overall in 24.17. *Dunstable: Richard Scamans went on his travels again last weekend and ran in the Dunstable Downs parkrun, which he admitted was, ‘very hilly, muddy, and run around boggy fields.’ Despite his problems, Richard still ran very well and finished 10th overall, and he was 2nd in his VM50 age cat in 26.15. *Bala: Adam Lemalle finished 10th overall in the Pont y Bala parkrun with a good time of 21.51 and he was 3rd in his VM40 age cat.

*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