Double trouble for Mal and chatty Sarah at Abingdon Marathon.

By Don Hale

*Mal Preece (*pictured above) was going well until he collected a hip injury during the Abingdon Marathon.

Double trouble for Mal and Sarah at Abingdon Marathon.

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

www.welshmastersathletics.co.uk

Two members of NWRRC took part in the Abingdon Marathon last weekend with Mal Preece running the full distance despite suffering a hip injury shortly after passing the half-way point, which scuppered any hopes of recording a new PB, and Sarah Ferguson Hudson, who ran the last half just to help support her friend but was later reprimanded by an official for chatting too much!

After the race, Mal confirmed: “I ran the Abingdon Marathon ran but alas no PB for me today. It was a fantastic flat course. I was on for a massive PB at halfway 3.17, but my hip gave way. I recommend this course however, for anyone chasing a new PB time.”


Sarah (*pictured right), added: “I think everyone is aware that I may talk too much, but I think I excelled myself today by being told off by a race marshal for chatting too much whilst running. I only ran the second half to keep my friend Emma Vadhesha company, as I am doing Marathon Eryri next Sat. I would definitely love to do the whole thing, and such a great atmosphere! 

Don Hale is a former award winning investigative journalist and now a best-selling author who has created a very popular blog post linked to numerous social media sites. donhaleblog.blogspot.com/2025.

Comments

Post a Comment

Most recent posts

INTER-AREA WELSH MASTERS ATHLETICS TEAMS FOR THE LATEST CHALLENGE AT YATE ON 2/8/26.

By Don Hale
Image
INTER-AREA WELSH MASTERS ATHLETICS TEAMS FOR THE LATEST CHALLENGE AT YATE ON 2/8/26. These are the male and female teams for the Inter Area Challenge at Yate on Sunday 2nd August 2026, as provided by Brett Davis, a director of WMAL. www.welshmastersathleteics.co.uk donhaleblog.blogspot.com coastandcountry.blog. Message from Brett Davis: Hi everybody, He re is the final team list after a couple of late injuries,  plus an update on the vests situation. Joe/Adrian - I am giving the vests to Rhiannon who will get them to Louise at the fixture.  I will message you about any online payments that happen after now but would help if I have a phone number (or 2`) to link you in via Whatsapp. Full MEN's and WOMEN's vest details below the team: Brett Davis.
Read more

RNLI Llandudno 5K & 1K Fun Run - Sunday 20th September 2026 -last few places available.

By Don Hale
Image
  *Flashback to last year's RNLI 5k race on Llandudno prom. RNLI Llandudno 5K & 1K Fun Run 2026 Sunday 20th September 2026   donhaleblog.blogspot.com/2026 Race organiser John Hatton challenges runners to be part of something special and help save lives at sea by signing up for charity runs, hosted by Llandudno RNLI! But if you want to run, you need to hurry and sig up asap as places are now limited to popular demand! And John also added: " Just working on a race for next year 5k RSPB.  I came up with the idea, when I was invited to a site visit by the Contractors, Jennings.   "I have spoken to Helen the manager and she is really keen, we can have cafe as race HQ plus of course the toilets, it will help put back what they have lost over the time with the new course at Conwy." 💙 Sign up today and be a lifesaver! https://rnli.niftyentries.com/RLNI-Llandudno-5K-1K-Fun-Run-2026   *Just giving link if you want  to donate only https://www.justgiving.com/...
Read more

Urgent last minute course change for the windswept Holyhead 5-mile NW championship race

By Don Hale
Image
*Pictured above - the NWRRC team at Holyhead (*above l-r): Will Williams, Steve Roberts, Mike Hayton, Nia Lister, and Rob Fryer; and (*bottom row): Hannah Griffith, Cheryl Frost and Kay Hatton. Urgent last minute course change for the windswept Holyhead 5-mile NW championship race Report by Don Hale donhaleblog.blogspot.com/2026 coastandcountry.blog   The course for the popular annual Holyhead Breakwater 5-mile race had to be changed last weekend at the last minute due to a high tide and strong blustery winds that were constantly battering waves against the outer defensive walls. This event, which was also part of the  North Wales 5-mile championships , was therefore quickly amended to just 4-miles, which at least allowed the run to continue for medals, despite a shorter, but safer route for the 171 runners. Samuel Gunning  (Cybi Striders) was the overall winner in 20 minutes and 36 seconds, but it proved to be an exciting tussle for honours with his rivals  Cai Llew...
Read more

James and the twins starred again at a busy Rhos parkrun - plus a results round-up from other NW events.

By Don Hale
Image
James and the twins starred again at a busy Rhos parkrun - plus a results round up from other NW events. Report by Don Hale. Conwy photos by Michael (Pat) Finnie. donhaleblog.blogspot.com/2026 coastandcountry.blog   There was another bumper attendance at the Llandrillo yn Rhos parkrun and at mist other NW parkruns last Saturday, with over 500 runners and walkers enjoying the warm sunshine and the picturesque 5k promenade course. The almost ever-present athlete and his twin buggy in  James Yarwood  (Wrexham AAC) - pictured right  - was the first finisher yet again at Rhos with a determined performance in just 17 minutes and 4 seconds, and he was only just ahead of  Mark Pemberton , who recorded a new course PB in 17.11, with JM15-17 athlete  Eben Jones  third in 17.52. The first female was well-known athlete  Laura McKenzie  (Betsi Runaways) in 64th place in 22.12, but it was a very close finish with Laura just one-second and one place ahead ...
Read more

Enjoy a Fizzy Friday courtesy of Porth Eirias charity run, jog or walk on 4th Sept.

By Don Hale
Image
donhaleblog.blogspot.com/2026 coastandcountry.blog Enjoy a Fizzy Friday courtesy of Porth Eirias charity run, jog or walk.   The Fizzy Friday 5K is back! Friday 4th September | 6:30pm | Llandudno Run, jog, walk or sparkle your way around Llandudno Promenade in support of the Ruth vs Billy Fund, supporting people & families at war with bowel cancer. EVERYONE WELCOME! Fancy dress encouraged Fizz stops along the route After-party included Fun first. Finish times second. Book your place: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/.../friday-fizzy-5k-fun-run...
Read more

Badger and Fox star in wildlife video

By Don Hale
Image
Badger and Fox star in wildlife video Report and video by Don Hale.  donhaleblog.blogspot.com/2026 coastandcountry.blog Video No 3: Badger and Fox star in NW wildlife video. The unusually warm spring weather and more recent hot summer days and nights, has encouraged a host of rural wildlife to seek a regular supply of food and water, as they try to keep cool and look after partners and new youngsters. A large and popular private garden close to the Vardy and open fields in North Wales has therefore proved a welcome port of call for a variety of foxes, badgers, squirrels, hedgehogs and other visiting animals. And this recent spell of record-breaking hot and humid conditions seems to have enhanced the demand for urgent supplies, with several twilight attendees enjoying a regular feast of choice. Many animals though have already been callers over several years, despite battling against winter blizzards, just to seek an essential crust or two, and the property owners have been able to ...
Read more

A fast start and finish by some quality visiting athletes at the Rhos parkrun - plus other North Wales parkrun results and reports.

By Don Hale
Image
*The start of last weekend's Rhos parkrun. A fast start and finish by some quality visiting athletes at the Rhos parkrun - plus other North Wales parkrun results and reports... Report by Don Hale. donhaleblog.blogspot.com/2026 coastandcountry.blog  *Pictured above  - Members and supporters of the 5k Your Way, Move Against Cancer Group at the Rhos parkrun last Saturday morning.  Report by Don Hale. Rhos photos by Michael (Pat) Finnie. The Llandrillo yn Rhos parkrun welcomed over 500 runners, walkers, and volunteers to their Saturday morning event last weekend, including many members from the 5k Your Way, Move Against Cancer group, for their regular monthly gathering. It proved to be a very warm but blustery day and attracted numerous quality athletes and visitors from all parts of the UK and abroad.  Six out of the first ten finishers were all first-timers and it was a keen battle for top placings with visitor  Harry Hammon  (Bramhall Runners) just hanging o...
Read more

Former Liverpool detective Steve Naylor's thrilling crime novels: Special Coast and CountrySpotlight Feature

By Don Hale
Image
*Pictured above - former Merseyside detective Steve Naylor . Special Coast and Country Author Spotlight Feature Welcome to another new special author feature in conjunction with Amazon   ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Former Liverpool based detective Steve Naylor: The Phoenix City trilogy of crime novels.   *All three  books are now available on Amazon: Published by North Wales based firm : donhaleblog.blogspot.com/2025   Exclusive report by Don Hale.    About the author: Steve Naylor: Steve Naylor was born and raised in Liverpool. He joined Merseyside Police in 1983, spending the majority of his thirty-year career at every Detective rank in a number of operational and specialist investigate roles.  He reached the rank of Detective Chief Superintendent, retiring as the Head of Force Crime Operations. His expertise was in leading the investigation of murder, organised crime and serious sexual offences.  Since retirement, he now writes and delivers specialist tr...
Read more

The fascinating life and works of Scottish crime and thriller writer Jack Duncan - businessman turned author.

By Don Hale
Image
  *Pictured above - the popular thriller writer Jack Duncan The fascinating life and works of popular Scottish crime and thriller writer Jack Duncan - businessman turned author. Special Coast and Country book review:  Run in conjunction with:  donhaleblog.blogspot.com/2026 Featuring Jack Duncan.  Businessman Turned Author! https://www.jackduncan.co.uk *This is a link to all Jack Duncan’s book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4kXB8Hk I am a ‘bon viveur’ and enjoy life. I have been fortunate during my diverse career to have been able to pursue my hobbies including motor racing, sailing, flying, travel, fine dining and the Arts, whilst still maintaining a very strong work ethic. My career began as a Scots Guards Officer, during which period, I gained my ‘wings’ as an Army helicopter pilot flying for the Brigade and for the United Nations for five years of my Service. I also hold civilian qualifications as a Fixed wing, Seaplane and Commercial Helicopter Pilot.  I hold va...
Read more

Proud moment for athletics coach John Hatton and a popular former midwife Sharon Buckley.

By Don Hale
Image
*John Hatton (*above left), with Sharon Buckley at the Conwy half-marathon. Proud moment for athletics coach John Hatton and a popular former community midwife Sharon Buckley. It was a proud moment this weekend for athletics coach, MC and promoter, John Hatton as he saw his new running protegee  Sharon Buckley – a well-known former North Wales midwife - cross the finish line at the challenging Conwy half-marathon with a remarkable time. John, who is heavily involved with North Wales Road Runners , Conwy parkrun , and is also a keen supporter and promoter of a host of charity events, confirmed: “Over the last 6 months I have been training Sharon, who is 60, to run her first half-marathon which she did today in 2.34.17, which is a fantastic achievement. “Sharon was a highly respected midwife in North Wales, and at one time she received an award as the top midwife in the Betsi Cadwalader Health Board for her dedicated service to the community.” *John Hatton was on hand last ...
Read more