The Rhayader Round The Lakes 30K race is a popular race on the running calendar. The challenging route takes the runners around the beautiful Elan Valley, arguably one of the most scenic courses in the British Isles. Weather conditions on the day were favourable and made for great finishing times.
Simon Hall had an amazing run to finish in 2:06:28 and 4th in M45 category, Mike Davies secured 1st position in the M55 category for the second year in sucession in 2:12:21
Lou Summers, brilliant as ever had a superb time of 2:31:26 and was 1st F55, supporting and encouraging Lou on her run was daughter Polly who finished in 2:31:27.
The Ras Dewi Sant 10K saw the welcome return to races for Irfon Thomas, out injured for several months Irfon had a great run to finish in 49:45.
St Joseph’s City of Newport Half Marathon takes runners through the heart of the city and out to the historic village of Caerleon following the River Usk back to the finish in Newport. 2 runners represented Sarn Helen on the day, the ever consistent Eleri Rivers had a superb run to finish in 1:36:40 and was 3rd in the F50 category whilst Carwyn Davies had a fantastic race to finish in 1:25:00.
The 5th and final match of the J H Collins Gwent League took place at Brecon. Mother and daughter Hannah and Talia Jones have competed in all 5 matches and both had great runs in their respective races, Talia crossed the line in 15:18 with Hannah finishing in 29:39.
Lisbon Half Marathon is one of the six Super Halfs which many runners are now aspiring to complete. The race starts on the Bridge 25 de Abril which is the only opportunity runners get to cross this iconic bridge on foot giving runners one of the most beautiful views of Lisbon, a flat, fast and scenic course following the shoreline.
Another mother and daughter duo Lou and Polly Summers made the journey to Lisbon along with 5 other runners who are members of Lou’s running group. Polly had an impressive run in a time of 1:33:34 despite having a niggling foot injury and the ever consistent Lou finished in the top ten of the F55 category with an amazing time of 1:43:28
Tor Y Foel Hill race is a 4.6 mile fell race located near Talybont on Usk, a moderately challenging route ran over mixed terrain with a total elevation of over 1800 feet. Alix Arndt was the sole representative from Sarn Helen, she had a great run to finish in 48:22 and was 1st in the F45 category.
Partners Wyn and Ceinwen travelled to Spain to take on The Zurich Barcelona Marathon.
A fully urban route which takes runners through the main landmarks of Barcelona, taking in views of some of the most iconic architecture in the world. Wyn had a superb race to finish in 3:02:47 whilst Ceinwen did great to finish in 5:18:04.
Pembrey Country Park was the venue for the Great Welsh Half Marathon and 10K races,a fast and flat route which takes runners along georgeous green space and woodland park before heading out onto the Millienium Coastal Path on an out and back route. Weather conditions were dry but windy. 7 Sarn Helen runners took the start line in the Half Marathon not forgetting Carwyn Davies who took on the role of 1:40 pacer which he did in style in 1:39:11. Lou Summers was 10th lady overall and 2nd F55 in an impressive time of 1:37:31 having also done the Lisbon Half Marathon last weekend. Eleri Rivers had a superb run to finish in 1:38:22 and was 1st F50, new member Eirlys Evans had a fantastic race and a new PB in 1:54:18 and was 3rd in the F60 category having also ran in Lisbon last weekend. Jane Holmes had a new PB following her lung cancer diagnosis in 2015 with a great time of 2:12:32. Stephen Kenworthy 1:38:06 with Ian Williams and Steven Holmes following closely and crossing the line together in 1:38:57.
3 runners took on the 10K, Kevin Jones had a great run and claimed 2nd M50 in a time of 43:03, Sarah Puetz 56:41 with another new member Heiddwen Tomos taking 3rd in the F45 category in 57:49.
In contrast to last year the weather was kind to runners competing at this year’s Nant Yr Arian Silver Trail Half Marathon and 10K races. Set in the heart of Mid Wales in the stunning Cambrian Mountains the challenging route saw runners having to navigate streams, hills and muddy bogland on their way to the finish line. This was another great day for Sarn Helen runners with Ollie George finishing 5th overall in a spectacular time of 1:31:19, Glyn Price had another superb run to claim 2nd in the M50 category in 1:48:09, Becky Atkinson had another impressive run to finish 3rd female overall and 1st in F40 category in 1:50:11, not far behind was Dan Hooper having a great run to finish in 1:50:50 and 3rd M50. Emma Palfrey had another amazing run to finish 5th female overall and 3rd in F40 category in 1:53:38, Steven Holmes 2:02:41 and Michelle Billing 2:51:49 who also won berself a free entry to next year’s race with the aim to improve on this year’s time.
7 runners took on the 10K race with David Casso-Davies in his first trail race taking 2nd in the M40 category in a great time of 59:40. Emma Nurse was pleased with her run to finish in 1:06:14 along with Kelly Allen in 1:07:51, Kerry-Irwn Hall had a good race to finish in 1:09:03 with over a 5 minute PB and 3rd F50, closely followed by Jane Holmes in 1:09:36 over 10 minutes faster than last year. Corinna Robinson and Claire Morgan Hall crossed the line together in 1:34:01.
The Forest of Dean Spring Half Marathon is set in the heart of the forest on well maintained forest trails. Organised by The Rotary Club proceeds are used to support charities both locally and nationally. Sole representative for Sarn Helen was Carwyn Davies who had a fantastic race to finish in 1:31:44 and was 93rd out of 1091 runners.