A dozen hardy Road Runners competed in the tough Eryri Marathon - plus welcome news about Mark Davies.

By Don Hale don hale blog


*Some of the NWRRC team at the Eryri Marathon (*l-r), Kelly Alford, Steve Bozier, Karl Morris, Stuart Culverhouse, Cai Roberts and Vicky Taylor.

A dozen hardy Road Runners competed in the tough Eryri Marathon...plus Mark Davies seen near the start line!

Report by Don Hale. https://donhaleblog.blogspot.com



*Some other Road Runners (*above), with their friends and supporters.


A dozen hardy and determined North Wales Road Runners competed in the popular Eryri Marathon last Saturday and additionally celebrated news of seeing their club colleague Mark Davies positioned near the start line following a serious accident earlier this year.

This extremely tough encounter was run in very good conditions and attracted 2,228 endurance athletes, including many from top fell running and mountain racing clubs, with entrants all praising the incredible support from marshals and volunteers enroute, together with the spectacular scenery.


*Pictured above (*left), Sarah Fergie Hudson and her husband Ben, and (*right) Cai Roberts, Vicky Taylor and Kelly Marie Alford enjoyed a celebratory drink.


Husband and wife team Ben and Sarah Fergie Hudson were the first NWRRC finishers with Ben running home in 381st place in 3 hours 54 minutes and 15 seconds, and Sarah confirmed another great run in 3.56.18, to claim 419th place.

Steve Bozier said he found this marathon ‘very tough’ but ran well in 450th place in 4.07.06, with endurance athlete Karl Morris – running with Mark Davies’s special race number – finishing 608th in 4.12.43, whilst Stuart Culverhouse also admitted a battle with fatigue, but finished strong in 697th place in 4.17.39.


 
*Steve Bozier (*above left), with Rachel and Karl Morris, and Stuart Culverhouse.


Jamie Tharme was 1,160th in 4.47.13, whilst Hannah Griffith, running with her sisters Siwan Kalatzi and Angharad Ruskin, finished 1,838th in 5.35.47. 

Meanwhile, Gwennan Charlton had a good run despite her charity Dark Run the previous evening with her family, but she too was pleased to claim 1,993rd place in 5.53.23.

Cai Roberts and his partner Kelly Marie Alford ran together, along with club colleague Vicky Taylor, and they all finished about the same time in just over six-hours in 2,022 places onwards, whilst Rachel Morris celebrated a tremendous effort in 2,126th place in 6.28.37.




*Pictured above left and top right, Hannah Griffith with her two sisters and (*far right) Jamie Tharme.


The race was won by Marshall Smith (Ashford AC) in 2.31.19, with Alaw Evans taking the 1st female prize in 2.58.03.

 

*After the marathon, Steve Bozier said: “It was amazing to see Mark Davies before, and during the race today. That smile cheered everyone up who saw it, and Karl Morris did him proud running in his race number and name too.

“Massive congratulations to the speedy couple Sarah Fergie Hudson and Ben Hudson, who left me for dust around Waunfawr Hill, and also to Rachel Morris who was unbelievable. 

“My race didn't go to plan, although I felt so good and comfortable till miles 16/17, then my body decided enough was enough, and only through gritted teeth and lots of swearing and grunting completed it.”

Sarah Fergie Hudson confirmed: “Ben was first for the club, and I did 3.56, and I’m over the moon, plus a little pleased to beat all those boys.”

Jamie Tharme added: “This was one tough marathon, but my existing injuries soon reared their head, and quickly put me in my place. There were some beautiful views, but that’s got to be one of the hardest marathons ever. Eryri chewed me up and spat me out!”

Hannah Griffith said: “I completed the marathon with my two lovely sisters Siwan Kalatzi and Angharad Ruskin. Fantastic support, marshals, and stunning views helped to get us round the tough route. We did it, got around, chatted, sang, laughed, and even had tears at the end as we finished outside the house that we grew up in.”

Rachel Morris also confirmed: Wow! This was hard but I loved it. The support was amazing. Karl ran with Mark Davies’s number, that he won in the auction raising money after Mark’s accident. 

"I enjoyed the marathon, and I’m glad I did. It’s a fantastic race, marshals and supporters are all amazing. Especially the mile twenty-four feed station, music playing marshals dressed up, offering tea, coffee sandwiches biscuits. The cup of tea went down a treat.”

 

*This is the link to the provisional results from the Eryri Marathon:

https://www.tdleventservices.co.uk/en/results-embed.php?event=3984#1_7AAEAD



Comments

Post a Comment

Your comments are welcomed on all posts

Most popular posts

Very busy final parkrun at Conwy as construction work is set to begin on the new riverside cycle trail from the RSPB site.

By Don Hale don hale blog
Image
*Pictured above and below - the start of the final Conwy parkrun event for several months due to construction work on part of the course. Very busy final parkrun at Conwy as construction work is set to begin on the new riverside cycle trail from the RSPB site... Report by Don Hale.  Parkrun photos courtesy of Bethan Wyn Roberts, John Hatton and Don Hale. https://donhaleblog.blogspot.com Nearly 400 runners packed the Conwy parkrun course on a near perfect day last Saturday morning for an emotional final event for several months due to the start of some extensive construction work covering part of the existing 5k riverside course from the RPSB site. This latest parkrun therefore attracted a host of visiting club and social runners from across the UK, including representatives from Cardiff, Ripon, Oswestry, Widnes, Sandbach, Pitreavie, and Brecon, to name but a few. And there was also a large presence of some 26 travelling athletes from  Littleborough Runners , plus a generous co...
Read more

Winner Gavin Roberts broke the V40 record at the Dolgarrog Pipe Dream fell race...

By Don Hale don hale blog
Image
*Pictured above - the  tough climb for runners at the Pipe Dream race. Winner Gavin Roberts broke V40 record at the Dolgarrog Pipe Dream fell race... Report and photos courtesy of race official Craig Jones. https://donhaleblog.blogspot.com   Last Saturday (St David’s Day, March 1st) saw the very  successful  completion of the challenging  21st Dolgarrog Pipe Dream fell race, and the first counter of the North Wales Series.  It was a record turnout, with 139 runners in total. The weather was perfect, with sunny skies and no wind, and a course that was ideal underfoot. Gavin Roberts  ( Calder Valley ), won overall, breaking the V40 record, taking 44 seconds off the mark set by Math Roberts last year. Gavin ran home in 33.26. Placed third overall by the top of the steps, he overhauled the front two to take the lead and the win.  Kieran Wynne-Cattanach  was 2nd in 34.05, with  Rhys Jones  ( Hebog ) 3rd in 34.31. The ladies race was won ...
Read more

MY FINAL MEDIA REPORT FOR NORTH WALES ROAD RUNNERS.

By Don Hale don hale blog
Image
MY FINAL MEDIA REPORT FOR NORTH WALES ROAD RUNNERS. Special note from Don Hale. https://donhaleblog.blogspot.com This is my final post and newspaper report for North Wales Road Runners after about 8 years of extensive coverage and publicity. This is a copy of my report in the NW Weekly News today, including a good story about the controversy concerning the new cycle track at the RSPB Nature Reserve, that will affect the Conwy parkrun for about 14 weeks, and may even put the future of this popular event into jeopardy. My thanks to all the club members for their support. I will continue to write about athletics and other sports and business features on my blog, but this is my sign-off from NWRRC. Thanks.
Read more

North Wales ‘Bobbies’ beat the course at Gwrych Castle National XC championships.

By Don Hale don hale blog
Image
*Pictured above - athletes are pictured at the impressive start of the races. North Wales ‘Bobbies’ beat the course at Gwrych Castle National XC championships... Report by Don Hale. Photos courtesy of Gwrych Castle . https://donhaleblog.blogspot.com   More than 300 police officers, backed by a host of supporters, volunteers and marshals, enjoyed a spectacular running event last Wednesday during the PSUK National Cross-Country Championships held at Gwrych Castle, near Abergele. Officers past and present representing about 19 male and female athletic teams from counties as far apart as Devon & Cornwall, Humberside, Wiltshire, Cheshire, South Wales, and Warwickshire, plus representatives from the Metropolitan Police and the National Crime Agency, all competed to deliver an exciting series of races. *A tough climb (*above) for competitors along several laps of the Castle. The men ran four challenging laps around the Castle and the surrounding woodland area, whilst the ladies ran th...
Read more

NW Running quartet prepares for London Marathon and Happy Faces children’s charity appeal…

By Don Hale don hale blog
Image
*Pictured above (l-r): Pete Brocklehurst, Jon Hayward, Dougie Graham and Dylan Williams, outside the Happy Faces charity store at Rhos on Sea.   NW Running quartet prepares for the London Marathon and Happy Faces children’s charity appeal…   Special sporting feature: Introduction by Don Hale. https://donhaleblog.blogspot.com   This is another special community-based story within a new series of unique features looking at the life, careers, hopes and ambitions, of many talented and dedicated athletes, sports people, and fundraisers within North Wales.   This particular feature highlights the dedicated training and fundraising activities of four popular North Wales athletes who are currently preparing to run the iconic  London Marathon  next month, whilst hoping to raise thousands of pounds for  Happy Faces,  a local charity based in Rhos, that raises funds to support sick, disabled and disadvantaged children in North Wales.  The four charity r...
Read more

Welsh Masters and UK Masters Open Track and Field Competition at Avon/Yate & District AC in June 2025.

By Don Hale don hale blog
Image
  Welsh Masters and UK Masters Open Track & Field Competition...8th June 2025... Attention all Welsh Masters Athletics members and all UK Masters for the next major masters track and field events. Introduction by Don Hale. https://donhaleblog.blogspot.com www.welshmastersathletics.co,uk   The Masters Open will be held for the third consecutive year on Sunday the 8th of June at the Yate Outdoor Sports Complex, BS37 7LB.   DATE & TIME 08/06/2025, 10:00   REGISTRATION DEADLINE 30/05/2025, 23:59 VENUE NAME Yate Outdoor Sports Centre ADDRESS Broad Lane (Behind Brimsham Green School) CITY & COUNTRY BS37 7LB   Yate, United Kingdom ORGANISER Yate & District Athletic Club   All athletes must be 35 or over on the day of competition and entries will be on a first come, first served basis. Any entries from athletes aged under 35 will be rejected and we look forward to welcoming you when the time comes.    Para athletes are welcome to enter thi...
Read more

EXCLUSIVE: How a Ukrainian veteran athlete Oleksandr Kadkalo copes with life and work in war-torn Kyiv.

By Don Hale don hale blog
Image
*Pictured above - Oleksandr Kadkalo competing in a trail race. EXCLUSIVE: How a Ukrainian veteran athlete Oleksandr Kadkalo copes with life and work in war-torn Kyiv. Ukrainian athlete Oleksandr Kadkalo runs the gauntlet every day in war-torn Kyiv…this is the true story of how a keen veteran runner and businessman copes with everyday life and constant threats from Russia.   Exclusive report by Don Hale. https://donhaleblog.blogspot.com   Whilst writing various posts for my blog, I occasionally come across some quite remarkable people, who both read my blog, and share my love of running. This week, I have spoken with veteran athlete Oleksandr Kadkalo, who lives and works in war-torn Kyiv in Ukraine, who reveals the facts about coping with everyday life. He is the founder and co-owner of a 25-year-old business that deals with energy saving and supplies equipment for heating and water supplies.  We are both members of  Strava , a running, cycling and sports website, pro...
Read more

Two athletes from Dalzell Runners have passed their Run Leaders course thanks to Cartrefi Conwy...

By Don Hale don hale blog
Image
*Pictured above - a group of athletes from Dalzell Runners shown outside the Llandudno Bay Hotel, who are one of the sponsors for the club. Two athletes from Dalzell Runners have passed their Run Leaders course thanks to Cartrefi Conwy... Two enthusiastic athletes from Dalzell Runners have recently passed their Run Leaders course and have thanked Cartrefi Conwy – an independent not-for-profit registered landlord - for their support and sponsorship . *Athletes from Dalzell Runners (*above), are pictured with other local clubs and individuals, who gathered to pay tribute to the memory of John Dalzell, the inspiration for the formation of this club. https://donhaleblog.blogspot.com   Dalzell Runners was formed following the loss of well-known local athlete John Dalzell. This is a brief summary from one of the group’s coaches, and organisers, Tony Price-Jones, confirming the true spirit of a growing community running group, and introduces  two newly qualified Run Leaders.  * ...
Read more

Bright and sunny for St David’s Day penultimate parkrun at Conwy.

By Don Hale don hale blog
Image
*Pictured above - Runners approach the finish at Conwy parkrun with their refections highlighted in the usual puddles on the course. Bright and sunny for St David’s Day penultimate parkrun at Conwy... Report by Don Hale. Photos courtesy of Bethan Wyn Roberts. https://donhaleblog.blogspot.com www.welshmastersathletics.co,uk It was a beautifully sunny morning at Conwy parkrun last Saturday for St David’s Day, as 246 athletes, with some in fancy dress, took part in the penultimate event – at least for the time being - over this picturesque 5k course. Extensive construction work is now expected to commence from 8th March onwards, and for a period of about 14-weeks which will temporarily impact on part of the existing parkrun and riverside route, from near the RSPB Nature Reserve to the Conwy Cob access bridge. An alternative course is currently under consideration for this outstanding period, but meanwhile, and until any other details are confirmed, entrants from many parts of the country,...
Read more

Charity boost with the Bridge back at the Anglesey half-marathon and 10k races...

By Don Hale don hale blog
Image
*Runners cross the Menai Suspension Bridge during the Anglesey races. Charity boost with the Bridge back at the Anglesey half-marathon and 10k races... Report by Don Hale. Anglesey are  photos courtesy of John Hatton. https://donhaleblog.blogspot.com   Nearly 1,400 runners were finally able to take part in either the  Jones O Gymru Anglesey Half Marathon, or the optional 10k  races  over the famous Menai Suspension Bridge last Sunday morning, which was included within the route once again for the first time in several years due to essential maintenance work on this iconic attraction. Tagged by the event organisers  Always Aim High , as the most beautiful half marathon in North Wales, much of the course offered spectacular views across Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park and attracted both club and social runners from all over Wales and the UK. The race also supported A lder Hey Children’s Charity  which cares for 450,000 babies, children and young people a...
Read more