Three letters fill the headline - WCR
WCR for those not in-the-know stands for Welsh Castles Relay. An event that runs for the tip of Wales, to the South, over two days. 55 teams. Each 20 members strong. It’s been in the pipeline for months. Gina has quietly soldiered on knitting our team together. Organising the troops. Travel. Logistics. Niggles and injuries.
This year marks the 37th running of the event, with 36 teams in the open category (the one we entered).
A handful and more of our team were making their WCR debuts: Leigh, Mark, James, Laura, Sadie, Steve, Jon, Sean.
Here’s our stage-by-stage recap.
Overall leg finish (open team position)
Stage 1 - Caernarfon Castle to Penygroes 9.1 miles
Leigh James 66:39
26th (22nd)
Leigh James finishing leg 1
“I had the dubious honour of opening the team’s account. But, I was spoilt by Team Hardman - a chauffeur services from my front door to the starting line, overnight accommodation, and a personalised set of drills to warm up by Seren. Despite a panicked reshuffle of the start, the race went off on-time. The noise from across the water (where we should have set off) raised a few smiles, and set the tone for the atmosphere of the day.
The wind was a challenge. I tucked in at the back of a train for the first few miles as much as possible. Had a sticky patch where I had to briefly stop. And a mostly solo run from midway. Not a vintage performance, but solid enough. And my work for the day over early.
From there on, it was a treat to support the day 1.”
Stage 2 - Penygroes to Criccieth Castle 10.7 miles
Mark Thomas 76:26
31st (24th)
Mark running strongly, and smiling.
Stage 3 - Criccieth Castle to Maentwrog 12.3 miles (mountain stage)
Evatt Cummings 1:42:12
53rd (35th)
Evatt negotiating the downhill finale.
Stage 3 NOT 4
Sometimes I do nice things. Sometimes. Just in case He is watching - I want to go Up NOT Down!!!!!
I wasn't asked to do stage 3 - I offered. Logistically the Castles is a nightmare and if you're trying, like Gina was going to, to get from the end of stage one to the start of stage 3 it's a bit of a rush and not ideal preparation for a mountain stage!!!!
Evatt on 3. Gina on 4. Potential problem avoided.
So, there I am stood by the boot of my car preparing to run from Criccieth to Maentwrog.
" Have you seen who's on this stage " an old Les Croups team mate says to me.
" I don't give a shit " I reply (I'm a Barry Boy and sometimes I remember that!!!!!!)
It doesn't matter how fast (or famous) your competitors are it all comes down to you and how you handle the occasion. I'm 53 and unable to run as fast as I once could so I spread the effort accordingly and settle into a pace I can keep for 9 miles. After running through, what can only be described as Holland (flat and uninspiring!!!!!), you reach the 9 mile point. You're sent left - I HAVE to go Up, Up, Up but, this time, I also HAVE to go Down..........
Well Done Everyone that played a part.
Stage 4 - Maentwrog to Harlech Castle 9.5 miles
Gina Hardman 73:33
38th (28th)
Gina moments before the start of leg 4.
“As ever, plenty of last minute changes were happening – and I wasn’t sure which leg I’d be doing until the last day almost. Evatt very kindly offered to “take one for the team” and do the Leg 3 Mountain Stage – I’m very grateful Evatt! This left me with the relatively flat Leg 4 – 9.5 miles from Maentwrog to Harlech.
One of the main problems with being part of the organising team on WCR is that you tend to forget to feed yourself in the rushing from start to finish to start again. This meant that I turned up on the start line at 1pm with a few curly fries nicked from Seren’s plate at the pub to sustain me on my run…. Not surprisingly, after setting off at a cracking pace, it ended up like a scene from “One Wheel On My Wagon” as I got progressively slower in the final few miles.
Huge thanks must go to Stephen Jenkins and the South Wales Police team, who not only encouraged me on my run, but also gave me a lift from the end to our car, abandoned as it was by Gareth at the start of his leg in Dolgellau.”
Stage 5 - Harlech Castle to Barmouth 9.6 miles
James Matthews 77:30
37th (28th)
James less than meter from stopping the clock on leg 5
Stage 6 - Barmouth to Dolgellau 10.7 miles
Laura Gush 79:24
35th (26th)
“First time runner at the castles relay this year. It has a reputation as a prestigious elite event so I'd built up quite some nervous energy. I camped Friday night at Hendre Mynach right at the start line of leg 6 so I was there and ready to go. The 10.7 mile section runs along the promenade, across the bridge with its clickety clack boards and then joins the Mawddach trail for a long, flat, almost entirely straight 7+ miles on gravel footpath. The public toilets at the start area were locked so I ended up nipping into the ones at the harbour 1.5 miles into the race - 30 seconds but enough to not know who had gone past and where I was in the field. Along the Mawddach trail, it would bend slightly then straighten out again and I'd see the same little pack in the distance - always keeping the same gap so running exactly my pace. I couldn't reel them in so apart from overtaking 2 runners completely, I ran the whole trail completely alone. But it was a nice route with beautiful views, I felt strong, and I was able to push along maintaining my pace to the end. Bring on 2023!”
Laura storming down the finishing straight.
Stage 7 - Dolgellau to Dinas Mawddwy 10.1 miles (mountain stage)
Gareth Hardman 77:34
40th (30th)
Gareth, with the wind behind him.
Another finish line in sight.
“When offered either Leg 3 (longer, then stupid hill) or Leg 7 (shorter, stupid hill from the go, then knee damaging downhill section) – it was quite a challenge to decide which of these beauties I was going to do. In the end – Evatt offered to do Leg 3 – leaving me with Leg 7 – one I’d done a couple of times before – so a known quantity in theory. Weird how the memory blocks out previous trauma though eh?
I decided on “steady she goes, stay with Ian Ogilvie from Brackla” strategy. Heading up the hill (all 1300 feet of it) – I was definitely in Ian’s slipstream, as we both steadily chipped away at a few of the hares that suddenly realised just how steep this leg was. We crested the pass some 20m apart – Ian then set off down the hill like a runaway train – and my nice new operated-on-last-year-knees protested sufficiently that I had to let him go…. Still there was a nice tailwind for us (unlike many who didn’t benefit in the same way) – and I hit the flat section with gusto – and felt good at the end. The course record broken this weekend – a combination of the tail wind and nice new techie daps I suspect.
The nerd in me made me check on the first time I did this course in 2012. It was a slightly different course back then – I did the then 9.1 miles in 1.08.31 – ending up in 43rd position. This year course was 9.9 miles – and I did it in 1.17.35, finishing in 40th. So - 9 mins slower on a course 0.8 miles longer, and I’m 10 years older – I think that’s a “win”?”
Stage 8 - Dinas Mawddwy to Foel 10.8 miles
Kartin Higginson 91:21
51st (33)
Katrin clicking off the miles.
“After a bit of a hiatus of racing in yellow and blue I was back for castles relay 2022 Leg 8. Perhaps driving the reverse of the route on the way to the start was a mistake because then I knew anything I drove down I would be running back up later on. Nearly 7 miles of up hill took it out of me and the last 3 and a half felt like a marathon to me. Definitely by far the toughest race mentally I’ve ever done but I hope I have proven myself and I’m proud that I made it to the finish.
Being part of team Bridgend over the whole weekend was a privilege. Supporting the team all the way down to Cardiff on Day 2 was inspiring especially seeing Sean Tobin absolutely smashing leg 13 up to drovers arms. Thank you to Bridgend AC for choosing me to run again and I’m looking forward to racing in yellow and blue a bit more next year.”
All smiles.
Stage 9 - Foel to Llanfair Caereinion 8.5 miles
Sadie Pemberton 69:07
48th (33)
Keeping hydrated…
“After asking for an easy leg the Foel to Llanfair Caereinion did not disappoint! This 8.5 mile route (although my Garmin recorded 8 miles) definitely had a great start, a nice down hill with a great tail wind to add even more pace. Although undulating this stretch had more descent than ascent 456 ft compared to 240ft. The middle section of the race had some beautiful views, this coined with the great support I had along the leg enabled me to run in a faster time than I had anticipated. Thank you again to everyone involved in the organisation. As a family we had a brilliant weekend.”
Stage 10 - Llanfair Caereinion to Newtown 13.1 miles (mountain stage)
Andrew Tuckey 85:05
24th (20th)
Great minds…
Stage 11 - Newtown to Llanbadarn Fynydd 10.5 miles (mountain stage)
Nick Grimell 68:22
10th (9th)
Nick on the ‘wrong’ side of the road for photos.
Stage 12 - Llanbadarn Fynydd to Crossgates 11.2 miles
Nick Stocker 79:00
34th (24th)
“After a night spent in a tent in Crossgates listening to the rural sounds of dogs barking and distant cars it was time to rise at 5.20am a bit bleary-eyed. Drove Nick G to his start at Newtown Sports Centre where we also met Laura and her dogs. Returned to Llanbadarn Fynydd next, the start of leg 12 after I had chance to check out the route on the way.
The stage started on time at 7.55am (without Ellesmere Port) at a reasonably quick pace which soon eased off a bit. The route was apparently downhill for a good section although it didn't feel like it. Some parts were a bit rough underfoot all on the main road to Crossgates. A few hills towards the end. Not a lot of overtaking going on. It was warm enough to have a few cups of water along the way and a bottle from Laura too.
The end came sooner than expected so mis-timed my sprint finish but Katrin said I looked strong coming in so I will take that! That was my 4th Castles and 4th different stage. Was a fantastic weekend. “
Nick, followed by Nick, on leg 12.
Stage 13 – Crossgates to Builth Wells 10.6 miles
Steve Summers 72:15
24th (22)
Steve nearly ‘home’.
Stage 14 - Builth Wells to Drovers Arms 10.8 miles (mountain stage)
Sean Tobin 67:06
10th (10th)
Sean striding out.
Stage 15 - Epynt Visitor Centre to Brecon 12.8 miles
Mark Emery 74:01
10th (10th)
Mark ‘pretty in pink’.
Stage 16 - Brecon Canal Basin to Torpantau 12.5 miles (mountain stage)
Jon Parry 86:19
21st (18th)
Jon on his debut castles.
“Really enjoyed my 1st WCR, Kate Roberts picked the perfect leg for me to do. Fast rolling front half with the hills bringing us home. Gave it a good push from the gun and staying strong on the way home. Bring on next year now. Thanks to the guys who put the work in behind the scenes as well, much appreciated.”
Stage 17 - Taf Fechan Railway Station to Torpantau Merthyr 7.8 miles
Helen Andrews 63:01
42nd (26th)
Helen thoroughly enjoying her run.
Stage 18 - Merthyr Tydfil (Rhyd-y-Car Centre) to Abercynon (Navigation Park) 9.1 miles
Cath Stephens 67:20
33rd (23rd)
Cath rounding off leg 17.
“I was looking forward to a down hill 9.1 miles but it was fairly flat the first half with a lovely big uphill around half way! This part was marshalled by the BAC crew so it was a tonic to see their lovely faces despite me not being able to speak ! The second half was mainly downhill and despite a close shave with a supporters bus blocking my vision where I lost sight of the runners in front and nearly went off piste , they kindly pointed me in the right direction! Down hill from there with a supportive beep from Jack and Nick as they passed in the car, I motored onto the end and finished in 1 hr 7.”
‘That’s not a hill!?’
Stage 19 - Abercynon (Navigation Park to) Nantgarw 7.7 miles
Gemma Roche-Clarke 57:00
28th (18th)
“My 4th WCR experience, this time leg 19, 7.7 miles, navigation park to Nantgarw. A route of 2 halves with some undulating street running and lots of support to start and then the taff trail under the shade of the trees to finish. The second half was up a gentle gradient, just enough of a hill to feel relentless! I picked off those closest to me and settled into my pace, passing the odd cyclist and Sunday walker! Great to see some BAC support at the start and finish. Another great event, well done everyone involved!!”
“Let’s go”
Stage 20 - Caerphilly Castle to Cardiff Castle 9.9 miles
Dave Murray 65:00
23rd (20th)
That’s a wrap - Dave rounding off our team’s efforts.
Dive into all the WCR results and stats you could ever want.
WCR shout-outs
A BIG Thankyou to:
All the kids who travelled to support. Their cheers were the loudest and I have no doubt they will run Welsh Castles in the future.
Marshalls Gareth says “Great to have Gareth Davies, Nick Grinnell, Stuart Davidson, Nick Stocker, Jack Ayoub, Gina Hardman providing the marshalling support for WCR today 👏👏👏👏. Couldn’t have done it without you.”
And Gina: “Stu, Jack, Gareth D, Nick G, Nick S and Gareth H for marshalling (if there were a prize for best marshalling team, we would easily win it!).”
Our reserves - Tony, Steve J and Cath H who were all on standby in case of emergency.
All the BAC runners, who each gave it their all … and everyone finished with a big smile. The BAC team spirit has shone all weekend and it was great to be part of
Supporting the WCRs is tiring work.
That’s not all
Swansea Bay 5k – 8th June
Stood with their toes milometers from the starting line, Rhydian and Katy put the club colours to the fore of the second Swansea Bay 5k. Katy had her usual fast start, and held strong in the challenging windy conditions – closely matching her time from SSAFA. It bodes well, particularly returning from an injury. And Rhydian, well, despite the conditions he still managed to dip under the 20 minute mark.
Rhydian Lloyd-Francis 19:59
Katy Griffiths 22:00
Earlier that day we’ve heard news that Rhydian was racing over 1500, competing at the Inter Schools. Naturally he won, in a nippy 5:16.
Cardiff tri – 11th June
Josh Morgan, 2nd
Josh’s words pinched from Instagram:
“Cardiff Junior Tri 2nd - 1st in heat then 2nd 🥈 overall - new and improved transitions making me have the fastest T1&T2 of the day and fastest bike and run leg - swim was alright need to improve.”
Podium photo.
British tri champs – Leeds – 11th June
Three of our members headed north to Leeds last weekend to take part in the British Triathlon Standard Distance Age Group Championships. Sean Petty, Richard Dando & Simon Osborne qualified to represent Welsh Triathlon’s ‘Tîm Tri Cymru’ and did the Welsh Tri suit proud! With a keen wind the race started with a 1500m swim in Roundhay Park, followed by a 2 lap 36km bike leg & rounded off with a lumpy 10km run around the park. All 3 had brilliant races but special mention to Sean for winning bronze in his 17-19 age group. Da iawn.
64th Sean Petty 2:12:08 (3rd 17-19)
74th Richard Dando 2:13:35 (13th 40-45)
269th Simon Osbourne 2:28:43 (6th 60-64)
TATA Steelman – 12th June
Evan John 10th in 25-29 age group 2:28:25
Swim 31:28 T1 1:26
Bike 1:15:09 T2 1:17
Run 39:04
Lucy John 5th in 35-39 age group 2:53:55
Swim 39:22 T1 3:23
Bike 1:24:48 T2 1:34
Run 44:46
In Lucy’s words:
“It’s a great event, very well organised, brutal head wind on the bike one side but lovely tailwind then on the return. Great finishes socks FairPlay, very happy with them! Ooo and I mustn’t forget the delicious bacon roll too 👌🏻”
Swansea half marathon – 12th June
Word from the race organisers is that it was a windy day. Scowling the results it looks like we had two who travelled West for the flat and fast half:
224th Ryan Bowan 93:56
1215th Jon Thiel 2:00:19
Welsh track and field championships - 11th & 12th June
Over the weekend the u15 age group and seniors were competing for Welsh medals in Cardiff. We’re thin on news on the ground, but have a scattering of results, and two fine photos. If you’d like to catch up, there should be a chance to re-play the events on Vinco (who were streaming live).
Lewis took home an impressive haul of three bronze medals. Sailing over the high jump, Alfie also took home a bronze.
Lewis Barnes 100 11.88 bronze
Noah Roberts 100 12.60
Alfie Osborne 100 13.20
Lewis Barnes 200 23.89 bronze
Lewis Barnes LJ 5.35 bronze
Alfie Osborne LJ 4.98
Alfie Osborne HJ 1.45 bronze
Mia Amerein: javelin 12.01
Annabelle Durrant javelin 12.13.
Florence Durrant javelin 10.05
Bethan Deeks 100 12.94 (PB)
Regan Mahoney 100 13.74
Ariane Smith 100 13.7
5Mia Jones 100 14.38
Bethan Deeks 200 26.68 (PB)
Ariane Smith 200 28.74
Martha Trivett 200 30.45
Annabelle Durrant 200 39.78
Mia Amerein 800 2:45
Florence Durrant 800 2:56
Annabelle Durrant HJ 1.25
Bethan Deeks LJ 4.70 (PB)
Regan Mahoney LJ 4.39
Martha Trivett LJ 3.87
Florence Durrant LJ 3.73
Proudly standing on the podium.
One of three Welsh Champs medals.
Most recent parkrun results
On what must contend as one of the busiest weekends for the club, we still had 17 athletes at this Saturday’s parkrun. Rich was seemingly warming up for his triathlon. Rhydian and Katy out over 5k again, albeit backing off the pace. Devin banked a first place at Exmouth parkrun with 16:36. And Adam Bowden making this week’s UK wide top 10, in 6th – 15:27.
Let us know if we’ve missed your result, and if you’re up for writing a report sometime – it’s a team effort.
This week’s report comes at you from Leigh James.
Photos Gareth Hardman, Mari Higginson, Laura Gush, Leigh James, Steve Summers, Krista Humphrey, Andrew Barnes, Peny Y Bont Tri club, and possibly more (our WhatsApp groups were flooded with images and videos).