Don Hale Blog

*Pictured above and below - volunteer and photographer John Hatton captures the unique atmosphere as the  large number of runners begin their Easter dash at Conwy parkrun last Saturday morning. Bumper Easter turn-out at Conwy parkrun boosted by a host of visiting UK club and social entrants. Report by Don Hale. Main photos by John Hatton. https://donhaleblog.blogspot.com www.welshmastersathletics.co.uk   It proved to be another bumper Easter attendance at Conwy parkrun last Saturday as some 435 entrants from all parts of the UK, tackled  the   picturesque  but soggy 5k riverside route to help celebrate the Bank Holiday weekend, and they  just missed out on setting a new attendance record! Parkrun official Mark Jessett  confirmed: " Saturday was our second highest attendance, and our highest since we restarted post-2020. Our highest attendance was at Easter in 2019.  "Overall, across the UK, parkrun saw its highest attendances since the restart. Many parkruns in North Wales (D

*Pictured above - Team members of NWRRC at a previous Twin Piers race. Green light for Arthur Bebbington Twin Piers 10k race. Report by Don Hale.  https://donhaleblog.blogspot.com www.welshmastersathletics.co.uk   The revised Arthur Bebbington Twin Piers 10k will now be staged on Saturday 13th January 2024, following an absence of a few years due to delayed construction work to the promenade, and essential flood defence work at Rhos-on-Sea and at Colwyn Bay. Event organiser  Russell Godwin  from Colwyn Bay AC was delighted to finally receive the green light from Conwy CBC to revive this ever-popular local race after so many previous setbacks, and he confirmed: “ We have now been assured that works will be completed, which is why have had to leave it so late to advise everyone. We appreciate your assistance to help promote the race.” He also outlined the decision to rename this important race, adding:  “The race has been renamed following the sad passing away of  Arthur Bebbington  on 

*Crispin Backshall (*above), with his WA Volunteer of the Year award. Crispin Backshall is the Welsh Athletics - Volunteer of the Year - special awards for hard working promoters. https://donhaleblog.blogspot.com www.welshmastersathletics.co.uk Report courtesy of Kay Hatton from NWRAC. Congratulations to Crispin Backshall for winning Welsh Athletics Volunteer of the Year Award at the WA Annual Awards Ceremony. Crispin is a stalwart officer on the NWRAC and is also on the committee of Colwyn Bay AC.  He works tirelessly in promoting and organising T&F events in North Wales as well as officiating at T&F, Road Running and Cross Country events. Such a well deserved award.  Menai T&F are also to be congratulated for being awarded Welsh Athletics Development Club of the Year for the second year running, particularly in recognition of their development work with youngsters and encouraging participation in all disciplines.  The club was also praised for involvement with the WA Juni

  Arthur Bebbington Twin Piers 10k  Saturday 13th January 2024  Arthur Bebbington Twin Piers 10k Saturday 13th January 2024. The Twin Piers race organiser Russell Godwin has now confirmed details of this popular event that has been revised again after facing some unforeseen problems in recent times with delayed work on both Colwyn Bay and Rhos on Sea promenades.  He has just sent out the race details to registered entrants this week containing all the relevant information. And this week, Russell said:  “ We have been assured works will be complete which is why have had to leave it so late to advise everyone. Thanks for your kind words and we appreciate your assistance to promote the race. Good luck on the day and happy training.” Regards, Russell Godwin, Colwyn Bay Athletic Club. https://donhaleblog.blogspot.com www.welshmastersathletics.co.uk This is a copy of the important details about the race sent out to entrants: Entry link to race:  https://www.niftyentries.com/colwynbayac Thank

   *Will Williams (*above left) with Jamie  Tharme at Conwy. Young Alfie beat his senior rivals at Conwy parkrun...plus other race results. Report by Don Hale. Most photos by Steve Jeffery.   Conwy parkrun welcomed two-hundred and twenty-six mixed ability entrants to their usual Saturday morning parkrun, which this week was staged in near perfect conditions. The fair weather seemed to attract a host of both club and social runners from far afield, and yet it was a highly promising young local athlete who eventually took the plaudits with a scintillating display to finish nearly thirty-seconds ahead of his nearest senior rival. Alfie Shiland  from  Colwyn Bay AC  enjoyed a superb run to finish 1st overall in just 18 minutes and 45 seconds to additionally win his JM11-14 age category.  David Murray  was 2nd in 19.12 with  Will Williams  from North Wales Road Runners 3rd in 19.28. The Ladies event was won by NWRRC athlete  Carla Green  in 8th place in 20.08, with  Alice Johnston  (Les Cro

Bananaman finished ahead of the bunch at Conwy’s Christmas parkrun - plus double win for Stuart and Joe at Ruthin. Special report and festive photos by Don Hale. It was a unique experience at Conwy’s Christmas parkrun last Saturday when Bananaman, aka local athlete and Durham University student Morgan Kendall became the first runner back wearing a bright yellow costume and finished just thirteen seconds ahead of the chasing bunch! The teenage prospect initially dominated the 5k event but in the end nearly let it slip, and only won by the skin of his teeth, as he was pursued by several other similarly talented youngsters, who were enjoying a festive break. The parkrun also turned out to be a very colourful and joyous occasion and attracted 230 runners and walkers of all ages and abilities, with the majority dressed in special Christmas outfits Morgan   Kendall   (*pictured top of page) , won his SM18 age cat with a new course PB of 17 minutes and 36 seconds, with  Matthew Baker  2nd wit