Don Hale Blog

    *Pictured above - The start of the Easter parkrun on Conwy Cob Bumper Easter attendances at North Wales parkruns. Report by Don Hale. Conwy photos by Michael Finnie. donhaleblog.blogspot.com/2026 coastandcountry.blog   There was a bumper Easter Saturday holiday attendance of 623 mixed ability runners and walkers at the Llandrillo yn Rhos parkrun, and most of the other NW events also reported some similar and excellent numbers, and fast finishing times. At Rhos, the entrants were welcomed by a team of hard working volunteers dressed in Easter Bunny style outfit, and the first eighteen finishers quite amazingly all dipped under the 18-minute mark, with just a few seconds separating the first three runners, including debutant  Sam Ashton  the first man back in 17.12, with fellow debutant  Drew Darlington  second 17.16, and  Jeremy Pena  third with a new course PB in 17.58.  *Eleanor Ashcroft  was the first female finisher (33rd ove...

donhaleblog.blogspot.com/2026 coastandcountry.blog Dave Munday from parkrun North Wales has provided details of a unique series of events including one that's available in North Wales in June! Cowfest 2026 We are delighted to announce the four locations for Cowfest 2026 on 20th June. What is a Cowfest?! It's an annual gathering for UK tourists.  Curious to learn more? Search this page for highlights and details from previous years!  https://www.facebook.com/groups/2193251831088739 Scotland - Crathes Castle South - Dinton Pastures Wales - Erddig North - Ushaw Historic House You will find each event listed in the events section, where we will be sharing the latest updates and information for every location. We look forward to seeing you at Cowfest on 20th June 2026. Dave Munday:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/2193251831088739/user/1239379759

*Pictured above - some of the many volunteers at the Llandrillo yn Rhos parkrun who commemorated the WWF and nature theme. Plenty of visitors at blustery North Wales parkruns. Report by Don Hale. Conwy photos by Michael Finnie. donhaleblog.blogspot.com/2026 coastandcountry.blog It was cold and blustery for many hundreds of parkrunners across North Wales last Saturday morning, but many events still reported good attendances and fast times. At  Llandrillo yn Rhos,  where they commemorated WWF and a nature theme, they again celebrated with a generous number of 443 participants, including plenty of visitors from across the UK. The first finisher was debutant  Aidan Thomas,  who was the runaway leader, finishing in just 17 minutes and 22 seconds. The second placed athlete remained unknown, but  Jeremy Pena  took the second spot in 18.41.  *The first female was visitor  Emma Knowles  (9th overall) who enjoyed a great debut run in 19.10, with  ...

*Pictured above - some of the many talented Welsh Masters athletes at Lee Valley. Welsh Masters at the Indoor Inter-Area track & field Championships at Lee Valley on 14th March 2026. donhaleblog.blogspot.com/2026 coastandcountry.blog Joe Horner reports from last weekend's events. Well done to our athletes who competed last weekend: W70 Nicky B - HJSB, Shot 60m SB W55 Juliet S - 60m  Age PB 200m  M40 Samson C - 60m  4 x 200m  W40 Rhiannon J - 4 x 200m  W40 Eleri J - 200m 4 x 200m  M55 Jim M - LJ  W55 Lou K - 1500m  800m  M60 Paul Y - HJ PV    Special event report and photos courtesy of Joe Horner .     *Some exciting action photos courtesy of Joe Horner. First  of all, my heartfelt thanks for making Adrian and my job so straight forward! We had no idea what we were signing up for and all your efforts made it run a lot smoother than we expected (or feared!)  If you haven't see...

*Ifan Lloyd (Swansea Harriers) - above left - with David Warren (Cardigan AC) and (*below) Ifan, David, and Mike Whyatt (Eryri Harriers). Success for Welsh Masters at the BMAF championships at Bangor... donhaleblog.blogspot.com/2026 coastandcountry.blog Ifan Lloyd reports on the BMAF cross-country championships at Bangor The BMAF (British Masters Athletics Federation) cross country championships was held at the Faenol Estate, Bangor on 21st March.  A glorious course of undulating grassland (with occasional surprise!) on a gloriously warm spring day. Competing in the Male Masters 65-69 age category I finished just in front of the in-form David Warren, Cardigan AC. West Wales first and second…and both finishing ahead of the winner of the women 35+yo race.  The field set off at a sharp pace to take advantage of the downhill sweep before hitting the first long hill on the first of the 4 laps of 1500m. The first three finishers immediately took the initiative to head the field....

*Pictured above - a very proud Karen Butler with her cross-country medal. Silver medal for Karen at the BMAF cross-country championships at Bangor... Report by Don Hale. donhaleblog.blogspot.com/2026 coastandcountry.blog   Road Runner Karen Butler (*pictured right) won a prestigious silver medal last Saturday at the British Masters cross-country championships at Bangor. After her race, the NWRRC veteran athlete confirmed: “BMAF XC champs today in Bangor. Silver in my age group. Brilliant sunshine and a great 6k course, which suited me as there were lots of long up hills. Chuffed with the result!”