Wet and windy at Caernarfon for the half marathon championships...plus GNR and other results...

By Don Hale


 *Pictured above - many members of the NWRRC team at the Caernarfon half marathon last Sunday.

Wet and windy at Caernarfon for the half marathon championships...

Report by Don Hale.

donhaleblog.blogspot.com/2025

 

There was a good entry of more than six hundred elite, club and social runners at the Caernarfon half marathon last Sunday, which was staged in unusually wet and windy weather but saw the top male and female athletes retain their titles.

This event was also part of the North Wales Regional Half-Marathon Championships, and it also attracted many top athletes from all around the UK, and it was well organised by RunWales.

Tomos Roberts (Meirionnydd RC) was the overall winner in 1 hour 11 minutes and 26 seconds, with Chris Pownall(Cybi Striders) second in 1.15.42, and Steffan Sayer (Menai T&F), third in 1.15.45. *The first female finisher was Emma Alofs (Cybi Striders) in 1.27.49, and Eleanor Ashcroft (Denbigh Harriers), was the runner-up in 1.31.11, whilst Sian Wild (Felinheli), claimed third place in 1.32.48.


  


 

*Shown (*above left) Hannah Griffith with Gwen Charlton and (*right), Helen Hannam with Nia Lister - all at the Caernarfon half marathon championship race.


Many local clubs were well represented including North Wales Road Runners (NWRRC) and Porth Eirias Runners, amongst many others. The NWRRC team entered eleven members and collected an array of varied championship medals. Stuart Culverhouse finished 35th in 1.33.27, and Carla Green was the fourth female finisher (43rd overall) in 1.35.40 and she also won her F50 age cat. Daniel Hennell 90th in 1.42.22 with a new PB; Steve Roberts 113th in 1.45.56; Kay Hatton 116th, and she was the 1st F50 cat in 1.46.34; Cheryl Frost also won her F55 age cat in 1.55.44 in 217th place; Nia Lister 321st in 2.05.20; Hannah Griffith 356th in 2.08.53; Gwen Charlton 432nd in 2.17.42, and Dougie Graham 559th in 2.33.53.



*Adam Lemalle (*above left), with Dougie Graham at the Caernarfon race.

*In the NW Regional Championships NWRRC claimed six prestigious medals with three gold, one silver and two bronze. They included: GOLD: F50 Carla Green, F55 Cheryl Frost, and F60 Kay Hatton. SILVER: M50 Stuart Culverhouse. BRONZE: M45 Daniel Hennell, and F50 Hannah Griffith.


 

*NW championship gold medal winners - (l-r): Carla Green, Cheryl Frost and Kay Hatton all performed well in the half marathon event.


*Paul Brooks from the North Wales Regional Council also confirmed: “Congratulations to Tom Roberts (Meirionnydd) and Emma Kathleen Alofs (Cybi Striders), who both retained their Regional half marathon titles by winning today's Caernarfon half marathon. Their times were 1:11:26 and 1:27:49, respectively.

 

*The provisional championship results are available by clicking the link on the N.W.R.A.C Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/755410871224908

 

*Other runners on tour: 



*Jon Evans (*above left), with Will Evans and his daughter Molly at the Great North Run last weekend, and (*right) Kevin Higgins at the Bury 10k.


*Newcastle: Four members of NWRRC took part in the Great North Run last Sunday along with 60,000 plus entrants including Will Evans, who enjoyed a good result finishing in 1 hour 32 minutes and 16 seconds, alongside his daughter Molly in 2.06.18, plus experienced club marathon runner Jon Evans, who ran well for Penlan School in 1.53.50. 

And well done to David and Julie Jones who also ran in the GNR: Dave later confirmed: “Just back from Newcastle, what an experience that was. I've never run in such a massive group of amazing runners, 10 to 20+ runners wide and nose to tail for the whole 13.1 miles - incredible! 

“The crowd support was absolutely amazing, and even the Red Arrows roared over us. Well done to the Great North Run organisers.

“Started from the pink wave supporting some friends so aiming for a time was not really an option due to the sheer number of runners Infront of us, so just enjoyed taking the whole atmosphere in 1:51:30 for me and 2:24:01 for Julie.”



*Dave and Julie Jones (*above) celebrate after completing the GNR.


*Bury: Kevin Higgins (NWRRC) competed in the Bury 10k last Sunday and he ran well, and afterwards, he confirmed: “A good race, a bit undulating but very enjoyable a few Thousand people in it happy with my 57 minutes 40 seconds.”








Don Hale is a best-selling British author and former investigative journalist. He has been Journalist of the Year on three separate occasions in the past. and his extensive campaign to help free Stephen Downing for a murder he did not commit, won him both the Campaign and National Journalist of the Year Awards, A former regional newspaper editor, he was awarded an OBE in 2002 for campaign journalism. He has also been a lead investigator in several other successful, high-profile, miscarriage of justice and human rights cases. He has written several best selling books including - Murder in the Graveyard a true crime mystery story. There is also Buster Crabb - Ian Fleming's Favourite Spy, and Mallard about the battle to create the fastest steam loco in the world against the challenge from Nazi Germany, and more lately, there is The Jersey Boys and Liberation, about the secret stories of occupied Jersey during WW2, told by several resistance heroes and historians.

Comments

Post a Comment

Your comments are welcomed on all posts

Most recent posts

Stop the Cancellation of Running Events in Wrexham - please sign the petition. Helena Tipping 10k

By Don Hale
Image
*The late Helena Tipping, pictured above at the World Veterans 10k championships held in Vancouver, Canada, in 1986. Stop the Cancellation of Running Events in Wrexham - and please sign the petition... Important introduction by Don Hale: 5/9/2025.  donhaleblog.blogspot.com/2025 *My thanks to my running colleague Martin Green who has alerted me to an extraordinary decision made by Wrexham County Council Borough Council, to try to cancel running events on Wrexham Industrial Estate,  and  in the Isycoed area, which will affect many events including the famous Helena Tipping 10k race , which helps to raise tens of thousands of pounds for worthwhile charities. Martin said:  “Would appreciate if any of my running friends could sign this petition, as some council official is trying to ruin a race that’s been going longer than me.”   And  Mike Edwards, a r etired chartered surveyor and local government officer, runner, cyclist and swimmer,  has just organised...
Read more

Join the Conwy Dark Run 2025 – Light Up the Night for Hope House Children’s Hospices!

By Don Hale
Image
*Pictured. above - flashback to a previous Conwy Dark Run for charity. Conwy Dark Run 2025. Join the Conwy Dark Run – Light Up the Night for Hope House Children’s Hospices! donhaleblog.blogspot.com/2025 Get ready for a magical evening at the Conwy Quay as we light up the night for a truly special cause. The Dark Run is a family-friendly event in support of Hope House Children’s Hospices, offering a fun and unique 4K route (or 2K for little legs) with the estuary backdrop – all after dark! October 25th 2025, 6pm.   https://www.hopehouse.org.uk/conwy-dark-run-2025 Our warm up will begin at 6.10pm and at 6.30pm sharp we will start the run! Every participant will receive a bespoke glow-in-the-dark medal and a goody bag to remember the night. Dress up in your brightest, most glowing outfits (optional, but encouraged!) and help us bring light and hope to local families who need it most. We kindly ask each runner to raise as much as they can – every pe...
Read more

Course record smashed at the Caernarfon 10k and Inter-area race.

By Don Hale
Image
*Pictured above - the start of the Caernarfon 10k race last Sunday. Course record smashed at the Caernarfon 10k race. Report by Don Hale. Photos courtesy of Lesley Goodson, Chris Yorke and Mick Hall. https://donhaleblog.blogspot.com *Some members of the NWRRC team at the Caernarfon 10k (l-r): Back row - Mike Hayton, Ben Hudson, Rob Fryer, and Stuart Culverhouse, and (front row) - Carla Green, Kay Hatton, Cheryl Frost and Sarah Ferguson Hudson.   The conditions were perfect last Sunday as a star-studded line up of elite and top club runners at the Caernarfon 10k race set a fast pace right from the start, with the course record later smashed during an exciting event, which also included an Inter-Counties championship match. Race organiser  Chris Yorke  from  RunWales  confirmed: “Well done to everyone who completed in today’s Caernarfon 10k. Wow what a race on this super-fast 10k course! The top 3 runners all broke the course record! with  Swansea Harrier ...
Read more

Hot pace on a warm night for the NWRRC club relay teams.

By Don Hale
Image
*Pictured above - the NWRRC relay team and supporters on Llandudno prom. Hot pace on a warm night for the club relay teams. Report by Don Hale. https://donhaleblog.blogspot.com   Members of North Wales Road Runners took part in their annual team relay challenge last Tuesday night on Llandudno promenade amidst glorious sunshine and very warm conditions. Eighteen runners competed in six teams of three, with their previous average times over 5k estimated to help equalise the competition. The event, which included each runner targeting a specific distance, was well organised by  Carla Green , with support from  John Hatton ,  Elizabeth Driscoll and others , was eventually won by a team consisting of  Gwennan Charlton, Molly Evans, and Kevin Slattery , who finished in an overall time of 28 minutes and 34 seconds. The runners-up team included:  Mark Davies, Richard Scamans, and Molly Evans in a combined time of 28.34,  with all the team finishing quite close...
Read more

Join the Penrhyn Castle Dark Run 2025 – Light Up the Night for Hope House Children’s Hospices!

By Don Hale
Image
 *Pictured above - Gwennan Charlton and her family at the Penrhyn Castle event. Penrhyn Castle Dark Run Join the Penrhyn Castle Dark Run – Light Up the Night for Hope House Children’s Hospices! donhaleblog.blogspot.com/2025 Get ready for a magical evening at the stunning Penrhyn Castle as we light up the night for a truly special cause. The Dark Run is a family-friendly event in support of Hope House Children’s Hospices, offering a fun and unique 3K route (or 1.5K for little legs) through the beautiful castle grounds – all after dark!   October 18th 2025, 6pm Our warm up will begin at 6.10pm and at 6.30pm sharp we will start the run! Every participant will receive a bespoke glow-in-the-dark medal and a goody bag to remember the night. Dress up in your brightest, most glowing outfits (optional, but encouraged!) and help us bring light and hope to local families who need it most. We kindly ask each runner to raise as much as they can – every pe...
Read more

Young athletes star at North Wales parkruns: Plus parkrun results round-up:

By Don Hale
Image
*John Hatton (*above far right), who completed his 350th volunteering role last week is pictured with some of the many friendly volunteers at Penrhyn Castle parkrun. Young athletes star at North Wales parkruns: plus results round-up from around the region... There were some fast times and several top three finishes for young male and female athletes at various parkruns across North Wales last Saturday morning. With the fine weather and dry conditions continuing for the past few weeks, it was the turn of several promising youngsters to show their more experienced rivals a clean pair of heels. William Delamere  was perhaps the pick of the bunch, where the JM15-17 athlete was the first runner home at the  Newborough Forest parkrun  in just 17 minutes and 31 seconds, and his  sister Lucy Delamere  also ran well as the third female in the same event, with the JW11-14 athlete recording another good time of 21.55. Fred Reese  was another fine junior athlete on the...
Read more

Hat-trick of age category wins for NWRRC trio at Nant y Pandy parkrun...plus other results...

By Don Hale
Image
*Pictured above - the NWRRC trio each won their respective age categories at the Nant y Pandy parkrun, (l-r): Carla Green, Mike Hayton and Kay Hatton. Hat-trick of age category wins for NWRRC trio at Nant y Pandy parkrun...plus other results... Report by Don Hale.  https://donhaleblog.blogspot.com   Three NWRRC members each won their respective age categories at the Nant y Pandy parkrun on Saturday morning. Carla Green finished well as the third female athlete in 24th place in 23.53, and she also won her VW50 age cat. Veteran  Kay Hatton  was also in top form, and she won her VW60 cat in 26th place overall with a new course PB in 24.40, and master vet  Mike Hayton  was 112th, and he won his new VM75 age cat on his debut in 31.55. *Nant y Pandy:  *The first finisher at  Nant y Pandy parkrun  was SM20 athlete  Sam Gunning , with a PB in 17.11, with  Joel Chick  second on his debut in 17.33, and visitor  Nathan James  (...
Read more

Special tribute run in memory of Jon Dalzell

By Don Hale
Image
*Pictured above and below - some of the  many people who took part in a special commemorative run on the prom for Jon Dalzell. Special tribute run in memory of Jon Dalzell Introduction by Don Hale. https://donhaleblog.blogspot.com   On Sunday there was a great turn out by Dalzell Runners, NWRRC club members, and numerous other local runners, plus family, friends, and supporters, during a special commemorative run along the prom, to help pay tribute to the popular athlete Jon Dalzell, who sadly lost his life two-years ago. This tribute event was well organised by Dalzell Runners officials Tony and Hayley Price Jones, with help from Jonathan Kettle and others, with some drinks later arranged at the Wildings Hotel in Llandudno. *Runners, family, friends and supporters drink a toast to help commemorate  Jon Dalzell's memory at the Wildings Hotel in Llandudno.   Following the commemorations, Jonathan Kettle later confirmed: Thank you all for coming out this evening in mem...
Read more

Mid Terrace 3-bed house for sale - Llandudno LL302YX - FIVE MINUTES FROM THE SEA (£170,000).

By Don Hale
Image
WINLLAN AVENUE, LLANDUDNO LL30 2YX. (£170,000):   Enfys Estates are delighted to bring to the market a spacious three-bedroom, two reception room mid terrace house, For Sale with No Onwards Chain.    https://enfysestates.co.uk/property/winllan-avenue-llandudno-ll30/1122305/   Situated on the West Shore of Llandudno, close to all local amenities and transport links that Llandudno has to offer and within walking distance of spectacular beaches, the famous Victorian pier and easy access to the wonderful Great Orme. Being conveniently located, there really is something for everyone with this property.     In brief, the spacious accommodation comprises of- Entrance hallway, spacious lounge with bay window, dining room with storage cupboard with access to the combi boiler, fitted kitchen with space for a fridge/freezer and washing machine with plumbing, and access to the rear yard. To the first floor are two double bedrooms both with feature fireplaces and one si...
Read more

Karl battled the elements to complete the tough ‘Ring of Fire’ race.

By Don Hale
Image
*Pictured above - Karl Morris on his ultra race along the Coastal Path. Karl battled the elements to complete the tough ‘Ring of Fire’ race...and well done to Martin Joy in his ultra race. Report by Don Hale. donhaleblog.blogspot.com/2025   North Wales Road Runner Karl Morris battled against heavy rain, gales, and a severe lack of sleep, to record a tremendous performance in the tough ultra ‘Ring of Fire’ race around the Anglesey Coastal Path last weekend. This is one of the most gruelling challenges in the country, and for this experienced endurance athlete, his demanding journey began at Holyhead’s Breakwater Park, and followed a continuous loop covering some 131 miles, and just over 11k elevation along the island’s picturesque coastal pathway. Karl’s determination to complete the course was evident by his overall race stats, with his family and friends able to watch and admire his progress online. He eventually finished well in 47th place out of 112 starters – and in an incredib...
Read more