On the evening of 8th May 2019, the picturesque surroundings of the Hafod Estate saw Ras y Hafod, part of the Red Kite Challenge series, with trail races for senior and junior runners.
In the seniors 10k trail, 29 runners set out from the ruins of the Hafod Mansion house and followed a route stretching along the river Ystwyth, with climbs through woodland, across bridges and along forestry tracks; taking in bluebell banks and cascading waterfalls. Four Sarn Helen runners competed, with results as follows: Mick Taylor (51:22), Marc Davies (1:00:53), Rebecca Doswell (1:12:07) and Jane Holmes (1:12:07).
Sarn Helen juniors recorded excellent times and trophies all round, Rhys Williams achieving first boy (yr 7 & 8), Nia Williams achieving second girl (yr 5 & 6) and Eva Davies achieving first girl (yr 3 & 4).
Warming up for the forthcoming club hill race, on 11th May 2019 Sarn runners Glyn Price and Mike Davies took on the Beast Bach, one of the Preseli Beast fell races set in the stunning scenery of North Pembrokeshire. This 11 mile race, with 1700 feet of assent, includes a climb to the summit of Foel Cwmcerwyn, the highest point in the Preselis, and takes in views of Carn Ingli and the coast. 202 runners took to the hills, and with Price achieving 5th overall with a time of 01:23:25 and Davies achieving 7th overall with a time of 01:32:29.
On Saturday 18 May, the Royal Welsh Trail Running Festival took place in the Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells. The route included valleys and tracks, woodland and field. Sarn Helen runner George Eadon achieved 10th in his category and 16th overall with a time of 43:53. Our very own junior Maddy Eadon ran a very strong race over a 1 mile (hilly) route to find her way onto the top spot on the podium, finishing first girl.
In the bright sunshine of Sunday 19 May 2019, a record number of entrants took to the hills surrounding the Teifi valley for the 40th anniversary Sarn Helen Hill Race, the third Club race of the season. Founded by Wish Gdula, a familiar face and stretching for 16.5 miles across Cellan, Farmers and Llanfair, the race comprised steep climbs, craggy outcrops, woodland and spectacular views.
Complemented by a 9 mile non-competitive run along the Teifi valley floor and through Long Wood; as well as 1.5 mile and 800 metre junior races, the day was a resounding success with fantastic support, atmosphere, results and trophies for club runners at senior and junior levels. The 16.5 mile race attracted 83 competitors from Wales and beyond. Congratulations to the overall winner, Lee Shannon, from Pembrokeshire Harriers with a time of 01:48:50. Sarn Helen Running Club results for the 16.5 race were: in the Male Open, Kenneth Caulkett recorded a time of 01:59:36.1, with Irfon Thomas at 02:12:27.2 and Mitch Readwin at 02:38:40.2. In the Female Open class Caryl Wyn Davies was second, with a time of 02:15:35.3, with Elisha Jones at 03:11:48.1 and Nicola Davies at 03:13:13.5. In the Male 40, Dan Hooper took second in his category with a time of 02:05:51.5, with Nigel Davies at 02:08:48.1, Mark Rivers at 02:22:00.5, Andrew Edgell at 02:33:51.1, Eric Rees at 02:38:46.8m, Carwyn Davies at 03:05:49.0 and Dorian Rees at 03:08:28.4. In the M50 category, Glyn Price was second with a time of 01:56:43.9, with Mick Taylor at 02:33:21.6. Murray Kisbee took second in the M60 category with a time of 02:36:02.6. Heather Hughes took second in the F35 category, with a time of 02:44:04.9, closely followed by Sian Roberts-Jones at 02:45:24.2 and third in category, Joanna Rosiak at 02:50:18.6, Pamela Carter at 03:10:09.5 and Emma Gray at 04:18:58.1. In the F45 category, Eleri Rivers took the trophy for first in her category with a time of 02:21:59.0, followed by sisters Delyth Crimes at 02:36:00.4 and Enfys Needham-Jones at 02:56:48.8. Carol Rees achieved a time of 03:07:41.2, followed by Liz Pugh with 03:11:46.4 and Jane Holmes with 03:31:04.2.
Trophies were awarded to Kenneth Caulkett and Glyn Price (sub 2-hour finish) Eleri Rivers, Caryl Wyn Davies and Heather Hughes, first in their categories, with Heather Hughes awarded the outstanding achievement award for the most improved Sarn Helen runner.
In the juniors 1.5 mile race, Dafydd Lloyd was first in the Secondary boy category, with a time of 00:10:49, closely followed by Rhys Williams (00:11:44.5) second in category and Jack Caulkett (00:12:56.6) third in category. Close on their heels were Owen Davies (00:14:09.5), Iestyn Stephens (00:15:29.2) and Johnathan Price (00:23:10.7).
In the Secondary Girl category, first was Violet Caulkett (00:14:26.6), second was Lucy Davis (00:14:51.3) and Maddie Caulkett took third place with (00:15:54.4). They were followed by Beca Jones (00:17:40.9), Elin Evans (00:18:23.7) and Nia Williams (00:19:08.5).
In the Primary classes, Tudur Lloyd was second in the boys’ class with a time of 00:13:51.9. He was followed by Jacob Burton (00:15:09.3), Jeston Wyn Allan (00:15:37.7), Ryan Davies (00:16:05.0), Tomos Green (00:16:27.5), Steffan Rivers (00:16:50.0), Ben Hall (00:17:05.6), Jac Rees (00:18:11.2) and Christopher Readwin (00:18:42.8).
In the girls’ class, Eva Davies took first with a time of 00:14:08.0. Abigail Green took third with 00:17:19.0, followed by Poppy Caulkett (00:21:41.2) and Mari Rees (00:23:21.1).
Whilst club teammates tackled the craggy hills and green valleys of West Wales, Steffan Thomas and Nicola Williams competed in the 38th Essar Chester Half Marathon, one of the UKs longest established half marathons on a city and rural route. Thomas recorded a time of 01:32:28 and Williams achieved 01:45:16
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