Black Cloak Runners' group enjoyed a birthday bash at the Amsterdam Marathon!

 *Pictured above - Black Cloak Runners at the Amsterdam Marathon with Helen Hannam (*front row - far left - and birthday girl Nia Lister - third from left front row.

Black Cloak Runners' group enjoyed a birthday bash at the Amsterdam Marathon...

Report by Don Hale. 

donhaleblog.blogspot.com/2025

 

A large group of North Wales athletes together with family members and supporters travelled to Amsterdam last weekend to compete in their annual marathon.

The idea started almost a challenge, as sixteen members of Black Cloak Runners from Colwyn Bay suddenly had an idea to help celebrate member Nia Lister’s birthday, so they decided to do something completely different, and opt for an overseas marathon debut adventure.

*Birthday celebrations for Nia Lister (*above left) with Helen Hannam.

One of the birthday bash organisers Helen Hannam explained: “We wanted to help Nia run her first marathon on her birthday, so sixteen of us from Black Cloak Runners went to support her and also to run. The trip additionally included some partners and regulars, plus bar managers from the pub, who came along to support us. We are now talking about all doing the Berlin Marathon for next year!”

Nia was thrilled by the challenge and later said: “Thank you to everyone from Black Cloak Runners for coming to Amsterdam with me to celebrate my birthday and to get me round my first marathon. I had an amazing time, and I loved running with Helen Hannam, having a laugh and getting me to the end. 

“I can’t think of a better way to spend my birthday. I'm so lucky to have found such an amazing running group and making some amazing friends. Love you guys.”