donhaleblog.blogspot.com/2026

MEET THE AUTHOR - PAUL STROUD - A British writer and keen sports fan living in Japan. *Author Paul Stroud pictured now lives with his family in Japan. donhaleblog.blogspot.com/2026 coastandcountry.blog An English writer and teacher sharing his knowledge and passions from Japan.. What happens when an Englishman takes his enthusiasm for language, education and football to Japan? For Paul Stroud, it has provided inspiration for a varied collection of published work. An English author who lives and teaches in Japan, Paul has developed an interesting range of books covering English-language education, teaching resources, Japanese life and the beautiful game. Helping others learn English One of Paul's areas of interest is English-language education. His  English Forum  series provides conversation-practice material for intermediate and advanced English learners. One published description highlights 25 topics and more than 300 questions designed to encourage communication and fluency...

*Pictured above left - Iain Burgess leads the way towards the finish at Conwy parkrun's 500th event on Saturday. Conwy parkrun celebrated its 500th event in style. *The start of Conwy parkrun at the RSPB Nature Reserve. Conwy parkrun commemorated their 500th parkrun event last Saturday morning with a bumper attendance backed by a host of visiting club and social members and followed by cake and celebrations. There was a generous turn-out from Porth Eirias Runners, St Asaph City Striders, GOG Triathlon, NWRRC and many other locals clubs, and it was good to record that talented local athlete  Iain Burgess  was the first man home in 18 minutes and 20 seconds. Iain was quickly followed by debutant  Jacob Andrews  in 18.30, and fellow newcomer  Owen McCarthy  in 18.45. The first female was another local athlete (4th overall) in  Anna Drinkwater  (Eryri Harriers) in 18.52, with  Suzy Overton  (Lindley RC) second with a new course PB in 21.44, ...

*Pictured above - some North Wales Road Runners at the start of the 5k and 10k races at Abergele. (left to right): Kevin Slattery, Rob Fryer, Jenny Appleton, and Karen Butler. Fast times and big numbers in both the Abergele 5k and 10k races... Report by Don Hale. donhaleblog.blogspot.com/2026 coastandcountry.blog   Nearly six hundred elite, club, and social runners competed in the Abergele 5k and 10k races on Sunday with many recording some very fast chip times in near perfect weather conditions along the promenade. And quite a number of entrants remarkably took part in both events, and in the earlier 5k race with 196 entrants, this was won by  Ed Slaughter  (Swansea Harriers) in just 15 minutes and 19 seconds, with  Andrew Moore  (Bangor University AC) second in 16.27, and  Aaron Dodwell  a very close third in 16.28.  The first female finisher was  Elinor Mattey  (Parc Bryn Bach RC) in 18.13, with  Hannah Thomas  (Maldwyn Harr...

John and Michelle’s emotional run at the Pisa ‘Leaning Tower’ race. Report by Don Hale. donhaleblog.blogspot.com/2026 coastandcountry.blog   GOG Triathlon couple John and Michelle Farrell finally recovered from their recent injury problems to compete in the spectacular International Pisa half-marathon last weekend. Described by the organisers  as one of the few sport events that donates all the proceeds to charity, it's also one of the fastest half marathons in Italy, with a unique arrival including the Piazza dei Miracoli, where the famous leaning tower awaits runners at the end of the race. The popular and talented GB international athletes, who have both battled a spate of various injuries for much of this year, ran the course together and finished well in 1 hour 56 minutes and 50 seconds. On his return home John confirmed : “Who better to run the Pisa half Marathon with but my beautiful best friend and wife Michelle Farrell, after a year of recovering f...

*Dave Munday from North Wales parkrunners with fancy dress friends at Prestatyn to celebrate the anniversary of the first event in the UK. North Wales parkrunners celebrated 22 years of UK events Report by Don Hale. Rhos on Sea photographs by Michael (Pat) Finnie. donhaleblog.blogspot.com/2026 coastandcountry.blog *Pictured above - the start of the Llandrillo yn Rhos parkrun, and (*below) Rhos officials in their commemorative tu-tu's and next is the line of young volunteers. Participants at the Llandrillo yn Rhos parkrun maintained their top North Wales attendance spot once again last Saturday morning with many entrants wearing tu-tu’s or fancy dress costumes to help commemorate 22-years of UK parkruns. The picturesque 5k flat course along the promenade continues to attract numerous top runners determined to improve their personal best times over this short distance, and this week was no exception with visitor  Matthew Hammond  (Kimberley & District) claiming the first pla...

  Great results from Berlin Marathon and NW parkruns donhaleblog.blogspot.com/2026 coastandcountry.blog

*Conwy parkrunners are pictured on the Cob with the Castle in the background North Wales Parkrun Results: Stiff competition as youngsters battled the buggy! Report by Don Hale. Conwy photographs by Michael (Pat) Finnie. donhaleblog.blogspot.com/2026 coastandcountry.blog   There was a keen battle for top placings at the Llandrillo yn Rhos parkrun last Saturday morning with James Yarwood and his twin buggy facing stiff competition from youngsters Finley Potter and Eben Jones. James  (Wrexham AAC) - pictured right - eventually claimed the top spot in 17.02, but he was pressed all the way around this picturesque 5k course by JM11-14 athlete  Finlay  in 17.21, and JM15-17 youngster  Eben  (Warriors Pentathlon & AC) in 18.11. And quite amazingly, the first ten finishers all dipped under 19 minutes! The first female finisher was  Samia Jones  (Menai T&F) on her debut (11th overall) in 19.24, and she was followed by  Elise 0’Neale with a new ...