The iconic Sarn Helen Hill Race took place on Sunday May 19th, it is probably one of the oldest races on the race calendar dating back to 1979. Aptly named after the old Roman Road, the route showcases rhe local stunning landscape highlighted by the Cambrian Hills. Whilst the weather conditions may have been perfect for spectators it definitely added another challenge to the already gruelling 16 miles that lay ahead for the 41 brave runners that took to the start line.
The only runner to finish in under 2 hours was Owain Schivone from Aberystwyth A C, 2nd overall and 2nd M40 was Simon Hall from Sarn Helen in an equally great time of 2:06:28. Matthew Walker was 3rd in the M Open category, Sarn Helen runners had a clean sweep in the M50 category with Glyn Price in 1st place, Nigel Davies in 2nd and Steven Holmes in 3rd all having good times.
Sarn Helen ladies also posted amazing performances with Polly Summers crossing the line as 2nd Lady and 1st Open Female, Polly also received the cup for most improved runner. Sara Davies had 2nd OF, Dee Jolly 2nd F35, Delyth Crimes 1st F55 and Lou Summers 2nd F55.
Arwyn Davies, Rhodri Williams, George Eadon, Llyr Rees, Mitch Readwin, Eric Rees, Pamela Carter, Kerry Irwin-Hall and Rachel Stoddart were all relieved to finish with commendable times.
This year also saw the return of the Relay Race with 6 teams comprising of 3 runners to cover the 16.5 mile distance. The winning Sarn Helen Team were Simon Hall, Carwyn Davies and Mike Davies. Teifion Davies, Llyr Jones and Liz Pugh came 3rd.
The Primary School Race was a 800 metre undulating course, Jacob Hall came home in 1st place with Aron Russell in 2nd for the boys whilst Evelyn Eadon was 1st, Molly Rose 2nd and Efa Russell 3rd in the girl’s race.
The Senior School Race covered a distance of 1500 metres and saw Leighton Davies finish in 1st place with Ben Hall 2nd whilst Sioned Kersey was the 1st girl.
Clashing this year with the Hill Race was the Cardiff Bay 10K, 2 Sarn Helen runners who opted for this race were Sarah Puetz and Kevin Jones, the temperature in Cardiff Bay was equally hot and both were very pleased with their times.
4 runners travelled to Abercych in Pembrokeshire to take on the 10K race, a fast and flat out and back race along country lanes. Nigel Davies was 2nd in the M50 category, Rhodri Williams, Kevin Jones and Kerry Irwin-Hall were all pleased with their finishing times.