Race reports by David Phillips.
Well 2 weeks down at our Penally home in Pembrokeshire meant a lot of races in my Pembrokeshire Harriers vest. Sorry Massey but “when in Wales etc”.
Tenby 10k – 29.7.18
A great event that had sold out started in the town centre and then headed out to Penally and back past out house where I could easily have popped in for a drink but thought better of it. Then it finished in the Square where we finished the marathon just a couple of weeks earlier so very familiar territory.
Time: 79.07 mins.
Poppit Sands 3 miles, St. Dogmaels, Cardigan – 31.7.18
This 2 lapper was the 2nd in the series of 3 evening races that takes place on the beach and river estuary. It is a hard event as much of it involves running on the river bank, crossing it on large stones on a small inlet then a long beach run on soft sand. Great fun however.
Time: 36.50 mins.
National Trust Colby Gardens 5k – 4.8.18
The usual 09:00 hrs start for this 3 lapper with 4 hills per lap was very full with holiday makers (many with dogs). As usual it was hard going as it is all on rough stony trails through the woods but I was 1st in my age category so I heard afterwards.
Time: 39.04 mins.
Brecon 10 miles – 5.8.18
Well Brecon is 75 miles from Penally but as much of the run goes near several old family farms that is why I do it every year (many times travelling there from Wrks). The start is on the athletics track then into small roads in the foothills of the Brecon Beacons, going over the river Usk, Brecon and Newport canal and meandering through wonderful countryside. But it is very hilly and in the heat was a real killer and for most of the run I was on my own with only a couple of ladies behind me but we all finished safely back on the track for our medal and T shirt.
Time:2 hrs 17 mins.
Ras Myddfai 5 miles 1900 hrs – 10.8.18
You could do the 5 or 8 miler here from the most remote village of Myddfia between Llandeilo and Llandovery in the shadows of the Black Mountain and Myddfai Mountain at the end of the Brecon Beacons. I chose the 5 as much of it is on trails and tracks in the woods but the whole course is as hilly as any anywhere and there were about 20 of us in the 5 and about 30 maybe in the 8. So another killer of an event but who cares- just finish and return next year.
Probably the friendliest event anywhere but do Google Myddfai as it is historically famous for its Physicians and Herbalists.
Time: 65.04mins.
Colby Gardens 5k – 11.8.18
Again a very full event but this time in awful wet weather but those 12 hills were still there on the 3 lap course through the beautiful wooded trails.
Time: 38.31 mins.
So that’s 6 races over the last 2 weeks down here plus of course the sand dune and beach training with Pembs Harriers so what more could anyone want on holidays? Good news is that we are back again soon for more toughies.