Don Hale Blog

*Gareth Southworth  and his wife Kath inside the stadium in Melbourne. North Wales athlete and parkrunner Gareth went ‘Down Under’ to compete in the Melbourne half-marathon...plus parkrun results round up... Report by Don Hale. donhaleblog.blogspot.com/2025   Popular North Wales athlete and parkrunner Gareth Southworth continued his running exploits in Australia over the weekend by competing in the Melbourne half-marathon on Sunday. Gareth, who was representing   Cybi Striders , is enjoying a break ‘Down-Under’ with his wife Kath and enjoyed a good run in 1 hour 43 minutes and 56 minutes, and he was 15th in his VM60-64 age cat (1773rd) overall amongst over 12,154 finishers. This event was part of the  Melbourne Marathon Festival  and after his run, Gareth commented: “It was an unreal experience to finish inside the iconic MCG Stadium.” This latest result followed his performance the day before in the  Parkville parkrun  in Princes Park, Melbourne, wher...

Nearly £7k raised for Conwy Mind following special Seal Splash Sea Dip event... Report by Don Hale. Photos by Gareth Southworth. https://donhaleblog.blogspot.com   There was a massive turn-out for a special cold water ‘Seal Splash’ Sea Dip from Colwyn Bay promenade, last Sunday afternoon, which helped to raise nearly £7k for Conwy Mind. Despite the cool and blustery conditions, dozens of brave entrants supported this unusual fundraising event, with many people wearing colourful fancy dress outfits, or bright swimming costumes, before entering the chilly waters. John Hatton , one of the hard-working charity promoters, confirmed:  “We had a great event at Colwyn Bay yesterday, the Seal Splash, a Sea Dip organised by Conwy Mind to raise funds. I was asked to help with the event, and it was a tremendous success with the intention of raising a few thousand pounds. “We eventually made £6,900. It was a really great atmosphere, and even the weather was kind to us, and Gareth Southwort...