From the opening cross country fixture at Pembrey to the streets of Amsterdam, Sarn Helen runners have been celebrating strong performances, championship medals and an impressive marathon debut.
Cross country season gets underway
A strong contingent of senior, youth and junior runners travelled to Pembrey Country Park for the opening round of the J H Collins Gwent Cross Country League.
In the U14 girls’ race, Alaw Freeman, Hawys Gruffudd and Molly Rose all ran well, helping the team finish 23rd. In the U14 boys’ race, Jacob Hall finished 24th overall, with Alfie Clarke in 74th.
Manon Gruffydd finished 57th in the U16 girls’ race, followed by Kacee Nolan in 66th.
Ollie George finished 14th in the U24 category and placed in the top 10% of runners, earning himself a Gwent League T-shirt.
The senior men also produced a strong set of results:
| Runner | Time |
|---|---|
| Matt Clarke | 39:02 |
| Kevin Jones | 40:37 |
| Geraint Thomas | 42:27 |
| Simon Reed | 47:26 |
| Thomas Newcombe | 49:45 |
In the senior ladies’ race, Emma Palfrey finished in 31:02, placing in the top 10% and earning a Gwent League T-shirt. Becky Atkinson also earned a T-shirt, finishing in 31:44.
| Runner | Time |
|---|---|
| Emma Palfrey | 31:02 |
| Becky Atkinson | 31:44 |
| Dee Jolly | 32:14 |
| Hannah Jones | 37:23 |
| Sarah Puetz | 46:18 |
The event also incorporated the West Wales Cross Country Championships, bringing further success for the club. Becky Atkinson won gold in the F45 category, while Kevin Jones claimed silver in M55.
Podium finish at Her Tybie 10K
Carwyn Davies competed in the new Her Tybie 10K, a multi-terrain race starting at the village rugby club and following a route highlighting Llandybie’s industrial heritage.
Carwyn enjoyed a great run, finishing in 51:03 to claim third in the M40 category.
Category victory at Twin Peaks
Organised by Aberystwyth Athletics Club, the Twin Peaks Race takes runners up Pen Dinas and Constitution Hill before a fast descent to the finish on the promenade.
Wyn Evans won the V35 category in 50:25, while youth runner Osian Jones also ran well, finishing in 58:40.
Marathon success in Amsterdam
Three Sarn Helen members joined thousands of runners for the TCS Amsterdam Marathon. Starting and finishing at the historic Olympic Stadium, the fast, flat course takes in the city’s picturesque streets and landmarks.
Mother-and-daughter duo Lou and Ceri Summers both produced excellent performances. Ceri finished in 3:26:21, while Lou crossed the line in 3:37:39, securing sixth in the V55 category.
Making his marathon debut, Sion Tansley delivered an outstanding performance to finish in 3:04:35.
Congratulations to everyone who represented Sarn Helen, from our youngest cross country runners to our marathon finishers!