Weekly Roundup, November 6th – 12th
Winter Wolf Run
Owen Davies competed in the Winter Wolf Run last Sunday. Voted the best OCR in the UK, it’s a hardcore 10k run across raw natural terrain, including open ground, woodland, lakes & thick mud.
Owen’s Report:
“The Wolf Run obstacle trail race is put on 4 times a year with the Winter event being by far the toughest. Wet, cold, muddy and miserable. Fantastic!
This year the lake swim was straight off the start and brought about instant brain freeze. A further 2 dunkings within the first 3km gives you plenty of motivation to speed up
through the woods and fields to generate some heat.
Completing all four seasons in the year awards you the Alpha Wolf medal, which is a neat marketing trick but also very satisfying!
A lovely scenic trail run with roughly two obstacles a KM and a few hills scattered here an there.
My favourite race of the year!”
Nigel’s Welsh XC Relay Championship Photos
Club photographer Nigel Pearce did a cracking job capturing the best side of the ladies team. Thankfully he had left by the time the men ran!
Nigel also captured some other crackers.
Steve Jones in the News
Steve Jones was featured in this week’s Brecon and Radnor Express after a local business owner met him at the Chicago Marathon a few weeks ago. Steve mentioned that the next big race he’s involved in will be the Newport Marathon.
“The next big event I’m involved in in Wales is the Newport Marathon on April 29 and I look forward to welcoming a big field.”
Severn Bridge Night Race
The annual Severn Bridge Night Race organised by Rogue Runs took place on Wednesday and Friday nights. With so many entering the Wednesday race and it selling out in advance, a second race was organised for the Friday night. This allowed an additional 400+ runners, including club members, to enjoy the experience of running over the bridge at night.
Results
Wednesday
| Name | Time |
|---|---|
| Robert Gale | 00:32:49 |
| Gary Bartram | 00:35:38 |
| Laura Hire | 00:44:59 |
| Lydia Cawsey | 00:52:11 |
Thursday
| Name | Time |
|---|---|
| Liz Carpenter-Davies | 00:39:47 |
| Suzie Tew | 00:41:15 |
| Sian McGoldrick | 00:44:35 |
| Katie Hamer | 00:57:41 |
| Stephen Hamer | 00:57:42 |
Gallery
Why Do Men Run Further in XC?
Ever wondered why the men run further than the women in XC? Apparently it’s always been that way but some club members have a few ideas as to why.
Darren Swift, however, would much prefer to run the shorter distance and would be prepared delighted to dress accordingly.
And after almost having to run 3 laps in Bobbie’s vest, I can believe that!
parkrun
There were two PBs to report at parkrun on Saturday with Sarah Jeremiah finishing as first female in 23:36 and Lesley O’Connell finishing in 31:38. Lesley O’Connell also organised a Poppy Run in aid of the Royal British Legion. The run was well attended by members of the club and First Strides and ran along with the regular parkrun.
GLXC: Brecon
It’s wet, it’s muddy, it’s cross country time!
The second fixture in the Gwent League 2017/12018 season returns to Brecon. In addition to the standard cross country race the East Wales and South Wales Regional Championships were being held and many club members entered both.
The Green Army had heard the rally calls and over 80 stepped up to the plate to attack what was a very tough and energy-sapping course. With some short and very steep hills and patches of thick mud, the course was relentless but everyone gave it their all despite the pain that some experienced. As much as some may hate it, myself included, there are some great rewards from competing.
Honours
We came away with a clutch of East Wales medals with Lee Aherne and Nicola Jukes taking silver in the V45 category, Damian Williams a bronze in the same category, Sharon Woods took a silver and Margrett Monk a bronze in the V55 category and Lauren Cooper a bronze in the SW category.
Dark Valley Half Marathon
Up to her crazy antics again, Sam Standerwick ran the Dark Valley Half Marathon in Ringwood on Saturday night. Organised by White Star Running, Sam ensured that she would definitely be seen whilst running along the dark trails. Along the way I’m sure she made good use of the Lovestation with its beer, cider and blackberry vodka!
Thanks to friend and fellow runner Helen for the photos of the Lovestation.
MoRun Cardiff
The annual MoRun in Cardiff is a laid back event with a 5K and 10K race around Bute Park. Participants grow or wear moustaches (regardless of gender) and fancy dress is actively encouraged.
A number of club members participated in the race some opting for the 5K and others the 10K. Many ran for the enjoyment of a race without a worry of a time and others saw it as an opportunity to go for a PB. Rob Bennett was one that aimed for a faster time and beat his previous best by almost 2 minutes.
Aiming for a long Sunday run I headed down to the race to photograph our runners before running back home. It’s difficult enough looking out for green vests in a sea of runners but looking for familiar faces wearing moustache disguises becomes almost impossible, especially at the start. I managed to catch the majority of club members over the course of the race although Rob Bennett slipped through the net despite my best efforts to spot him.
Rock ‘n Roll Half Marathon: Las Vegas
Cathy Johnson travelled to Sin City this weekend for the Rock ‘n Roll series. She ran the 5K race on the Saturday and the Half Marathon on the Sunday. Due to the time difference I’ll have to include any photos from the HM in next week’s roundup.
Tatton Half Marathon
Alison Holton was in Tatton racing with her sister in the Tatton Half Marathon.
“It was described as flat and fast but not sure I would agree! It was undulating with some off road sections. A nice route on a cold but beautifully sunny autumn day. Lots of deer spectating! Smashed my PB so happy with my time for once.”
The Gurner’s Gallery
Welcome to the new weekly Gurner’s Gallery – a showcase of our most awkward moments during a race. This week’s sacrificial lambs are from the GLXC fixture in Brecon.
Want to Feature in the Gallery?
It’s so easy to feature in a future gallery, just turn up to a race and run. We’ve go so many photographers at each race there’s a good chance at least one will capture you during you’re most ‘gurniest’.
Got something to say?