Sat 23/6. Colby Woodland Gardens 5k near Amroth, Pembrokeshire.
This is an amazing Park Run held in the beautiful National Trust grounds and woodlands of Colby Manor that is just off the coast at Amroth. All off road this 3 lapper has 2 hills per lap but the scenery is stunning as we ran through woodlands, trails, tracks and grassland areas. Around 90 turned up for the run which celebrates its 100th in June so well done Colby and the National Trust.
We started outside the café and souvenir shop area where the leaders sprinted off over the bridge and open heath land never to be seen again until they lapped me but at the end we were all still there coffeeing and bacon batching.
Massey time: Dave Phillips 31.34
Mon 25/5 Dinas Head 4.5 mile race, Pwllgwaelod, Nr Fishguard, Pembs.
Another cracker for the 49 runners but what a killer. Dinas Head is a headland that juts out into Cardigan Bay and is a major attraction for walkers because of its remoteness and beauty. But the “paths” are just stone and boulder strewn trails where running is dangerous and difficult. The 1st mile takes in a 1 in 4 hill to the top of the cliffs then straight back to sea level again at the sea jetty start point. Time 19 mins. Hmm I thought. Then it’s all uphill for 2 miles round the cliff edge path that’s about 2 feet wide at the most with the sheer cliffs on your left down to the sea some 300 feet below you. One slip and it’s “race over-DNF”. This is where you “run” leaning inwards-very difficult. Keep your head down but watch out for boulders is the advice.
Eventually we reached the top at about 460 ft where the views are unbelievable. You can see for miles in each direction L and R along the Cardigan and Pembrokeshire coast, straight out is the sea horizon and behind are the Preseli Mountains at 1200 feet (fortunately you don’t have to do these-not till Ras Beca in August anyway).
So a quick stop to admire the views then the last section is along the top of the Head with fabulous views, loads of sea birds nesting, bluebells, gorse a plenty and of course rocks and boulders to trip on.
Then the finish came into view in the last mile and a dodgy 400+ foot descent to the rapturous applause of the well wishers at the jetty finish. Then to the café by the small beach for tales and coffee and prize giving.
Google Dinas Head and see what you have missed.
Massey time: Dave Phillips 63.01 (position 49th-see 1st sentence but who cares?)