Race Report by Dave Phillips
Where else would always you go on the 1st Sunday in August (or any other day for that matter)? To God’s own country of course and as always I popped down (2+hr trip) to Brecon for the usual trudge around the foothills of the majestic Brecon Beacons. Fortunately this is a road run unlike many of the orienteering Beacon trail (or trial as they call them) runs done in the past.
The start is on the athletics track but that’s the end of the flat bits as at the 2 mile marker it’s been all uphill. Also at the 2 mile mark I was on my own with just a few plodders in my wake-one an 82 year old marathon runner who is still at it.
The lanes were virtually traffic free as the only buildings en route are farm houses so it was a real pleasure being looked down on by the magnificent Beacons. At the 4 mile mark we crossed over the River Usk and Brecon Newport canal both of which I canoed down (a week on each) in my 13/14 year old days. So a nostalgic event made more so because of the family farms in the area. Should have been a farmer I reckon but accountancy got in the way. Never too late to change mind you.
Also at the 4m mark loads of runners were coming back towards me as they had done the loop and were on their way home- I still had the loop to do.
From 6 to 8 was mostly uphill with a killer at 9 but then the Leisure Centre and track came into view and “flat ruled” at last.
One final track lap and the usual super medal and T shirt made it all worthwhile. Then the 2 1/2 hr trip back home.
Guess what? Robina and I are going to our place in Penally near Tenby tomorrow for a week’s holiday to join Anna and her family for a day or so before they come home. Yes you’ve guessed it we go via Brecon to get there!!
Next Tues evening is Poppit Sands (near Cardigan) 3 m beach and estuary race (2nd out of 3) then Stratford Summer 6 next Sat and hopefully we will be back for that. Then the Corp 5.
Massey time (wearing Pembroke Harriers vest) and only PH and Massey runner there:
Dave Phillips 2hrs 13 mins.