Don Hale Blog

*Runners cross the Menai Suspension Bridge during the Anglesey races. Charity boost with the Bridge back at the Anglesey half-marathon and 10k races... Report by Don Hale. Anglesey are  photos courtesy of John Hatton. https://donhaleblog.blogspot.com   Nearly 1,400 runners were finally able to take part in either the  Jones O Gymru Anglesey Half Marathon, or the optional 10k  races  over the famous Menai Suspension Bridge last Sunday morning, which was included within the route once again for the first time in several years due to essential maintenance work on this iconic attraction. Tagged by the event organisers  Always Aim High , as the most beautiful half marathon in North Wales, much of the course offered spectacular views across Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park and attracted both club and social runners from all over Wales and the UK. The race also supported A lder Hey Children’s Charity  which cares for 450,000 babies, children and young people a...

*Pictured above - the race leader Rhys Jones being chased by the pack, and (*below), the massed range of hundreds of runners provided a spectacular sight. The Nick Beer 10k proved a huge success for runners and charities... plus a unique photo special on a very cold day. *Report and main photos by Don Hale.  Additional photos by John Hatton, and Hannah Griffith. https://donhaleblog.blogspot.com www.welshmastersathletics.co.uk *Many of the marshals and volunteers are shown ready for action. The 33rd Annual Nick Beer Memorial 10k race proved another huge success for event organisers Always Aim High, the 744 finishers, and for a host of local charities, despite the bitterly cold weather and a blustery wind around the Great Orme. Rhys Jones  ( Rhedwyr Hebog Runners ) led from start to finish around this tough and very challenging course, and he ran home along Llandudno promenade to win in just 33 minutes and 9 seconds, but he was pushed all the way by rivals  Simon Cole ...

  Nick Beer Llandudno 10k - 9th Feb 2025 https://donhaleblog.blogspot.com The event, which is in its 33rd year, has previously been run by North Wales Road Runners, and Always Aim High Events are now proud to add this fantastic race to our community events.  This not-for-profit event will continue to support local charities as well as the North Wales Road Runners Club. Starting on the iconic Victorian promenade in Llandudno, the route takes runners around the awe-inspiring Great Orme with its stunning views of Eryri (Snowdonia), Anglesey and beyond.  With hundreds of runners taking part year after year, it is a fabulous start to the running season. This event has some great history, read all about the man who inspired it, Nick Beer, here:  https://alwaysaimhighevents.com/events/nickbeer10k-5 Running alongside the event, there will be a 1k Fun Run, organised St David's Hospice (Llandudno).   The 10k course. The race starts on the beautiful North Shore of the Llan...

Menai Suspension Bridge is back in the race! Report by Don Hale & Emma McIntyre. https://donhaleblog.blogspot.com   Following numerous sporting problems caused by successive storms across North Wales in recent weeks, we can now confirm something positive and uplifting with news that the ever-popular 2025 Jones o Gymru Anglesey Half Marathon & 10k, will again include the famous Menai Suspension Bridge next March. This announcement is an exciting and welcome update for hundreds of runners, and especially for local charities and fundraisers, as for the first time in three years, the iconic  Suspension Bridge  will be back as a key attraction within the race route!  Now in its 14th year, this much-loved event has historically started at the famous Menai landmark, attracting runners from across the country, and beyond, to this stunning starting line.  However, since October 2022, essential maintenance work temporarily removed the Bridge from the course, yet n...

Sandman Triathlon 2024: A Fierce Battle Against the Elements:   Race Report. Special report by Always Aim High Events.    https://alwaysaimhighevents.com/   https://donhaleblog.blogspot.com   Last weekend marked the highly anticipated return of the Sandman Triathlon for its 14th year at the breathtaking Traeth Llanddwyn. This year’s event also played host to Stage 5 of the Welsh Triathlon Super Series, where fierce competition unfolded as athletes vied for the sprint title. The weather didn’t cooperate this weekend, with strong gusts and heavy sea swells forcing us to cancel the swim leg on both days. Sunday then greeted us with torrential rain. However, the athletes remained in great spirits, and the challenging conditions made for a tough but fitting conclusion to the 2024 Adventure Series.   SATURDAY The day began with dry weather, but strong gusts prompted an early decision to cancel the swim leg for the Sprint competitors. Instead, they tackled a 2.2k ...

The Eirias Triathlon and Duathlon -  New 2025 event for Always Aim High... https://alwaysaimhighevents.com/ Latest news and updates:  https://donhaleblog.blogspot.com   We are thrilled to announce the addition of a new pool triathlon and duathlon to our 2025 event calendar: the  Eirias Triathlon and Duathlon.   Traditionally, our season kicks off with the  Harlech Sprint Triathlon and Duathlon , a beloved event in the town of Harlech for over 20 years. However, following the closure of the Harlech pool earlier this year, the event will no longer be able to take place there.   Tim Lloyd ,  Managing Director at Always Aim High Events said : "While we are sad to bid farewell to the Harlech Sprint Triathlon after many successful years working alongside the Harlech Triathlon Club, we are excited to introduce another early-season pool swim to our portfolio.    “ Eirias Park  has long been considered the perfect location, already home to a...