North Wales athletes win podium places at the dramatic World Championships.
*Pictured above - Llyr ApGeraint-Roberts on his way to a podium place. (*photo courtesy of Bill Scrivens).
North Wales athletes win podium places at the dramatic World Championships.
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*Michelle Farrell (*above) on the podium with her trophy after finishing 3rd in the World Trail Running Championships last weekend.
Two exceptional North Wales athletes claimed prestigious podium places at the Xterra Snowdonia Trail Running World Championships last Saturday after braving the extremely high temperatures that later led to the stoppage of all five events on the mountain.
The races started and finished at Llanberis and offered a number of exceptional challenges with athletes tackling varied distances, ranging from 10k to a marathon, and even a 24-hour ultra event, and attracted many of the best athletes from across the globe.
The event organisers confirmed: ‘The incredible routes explore the trails, gorgeous panoramic views and tough climbs that make Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park so popular with outdoor enthusiasts. Visiting Rhyd Ddu, Beddgelert, Nant Gwynant, Pen y Pass, and Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), there surely can't be a more striking trail marathon route in the UK!’
However, as the day went on and temperatures continued to soar, reaching well over 30 degrees on Snowdon, with limited shade for runners and volunteers, and with several showing signs of obvious distress, a decision was taken by the race organisers – Always Aim High – who posted this notice confirming the situation: ‘We regret to inform you that today’s race – including the 10k, half-marathon, marathon, ultra-distances, and the Yr Wyddfa Snowdon 24 hr event – has been stopped.
‘Due to the extreme temperatures, it is no longer safe to continue with the event.
‘All runners are being safely escorted off the mountain by our event staff and mountain leader team. Our top priority is the safety and well-being of all participants. Please bear with us as we focus on ensuring everyone returns safely. Thank you for your understanding.’
The conditions last Saturday therefore make the achievements of all the finishers and podium winners even more remarkable. Llyr ApGeraint-Roberts from North Wales Road Runners, who has also represented team GB, finished 2nd in his 10k race but 3rd overall in his particular event despite falling twice on the tough downhill section that probably cost him precious minutes, and perhaps even the title!
After his race he explained: “It went well and I finished 3rd overall, and I was the first vet! I was leading from the gun until well into the last mile, then I fell twice on the decent and lost my placing. It could have been the heat and/or tired legs!
“They are really sore today! Yes, other events, including the half, marathon, ultra and the 24-hour races were stopped due to the heat, apart from that it was something different that I enjoyed!”
GOG Triathlon member Michelle Farrell was another top North Wales athlete with international experience, who also finished 3rd in her race, and on her wedding anniversary! After completing her race, her delighted husband John Farrell, who is also a well-known local runner explained: “I cannot be prouder of this wonderful woman. On our anniversary, she set off to compete in the Xterra World Trail championship at Llanberis. Running in an eventful race full of incredible athletes in 32 degrees, she only went and came 3rd in her age. She’s the 3rd fastest trail marathon runner in her age…in the world!” *At the time of writing the results had still not been published but will eventually appear on the organisers website.
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