donhaleblog.blogspot.com/2026

*Pictured above - the rather wet start to the Conwy parkrun. Tough challenge for volunteers at North Wales parkruns. Report by Don Hale. Conwy photos by Michael (Pat) Finnie. donhaleblog.blogspot.com/2026 coastandcountry.blog   It was wild wet and very windy at the Llandrillo yn Rhos parkrun and at most other North Wales events last Saturday morning with entrants later praising the hard-working run directors, volunteers, and marshalls for turning out on such a challenging day. Once again, the visiting speed merchants ignored the conditions to record numerous top 5k finishing times, but  James Yarwood  (Wrexham AAC) and his sturdy twin-buggy claimed first place yet again with a fast finish in just 18 minutes and 5 seconds.  Quite remarkably, the first six finishers all dipped under 19 minutes with JM15-17 athlete  Joe Culverhouse  (NWRRC) taking the second spot with a determined effort, and he was only two seconds adrift of James, with  Sion Hill  ...

*Will Evans and his daughter Molly at the Berlin Marathon. Local quartet ran well in the Berlin Marathon. Report by Don Hale.  donhaleblog.blogspot.com/2026 coastandcountry.blog   A quartet of local runners took part in the famous Berlin Marathon over the weekend, and they all celebrated following good performances. This prestigious televised event is one of the major World Marathon Championships and attracts many of the top global athletes who compete for record finishing times and bumper pay rewards. The local runners, however, simply ran just for fun, and to share the amazing experiences, and this year included  Emma Alofs  (Cybi Striders) who dipped well under the three-hour mark with an excellent time of 2 hours 54 minutes and 33 seconds.    *Emma Alofs (*above left) with Nia Lister. Will Evans  (NWRRC) was also pleased with his result in 3.08.27. And plaudits also went to Will’s daughter and club colleague  Molly Evans , who recorded 4.11.04...