donhaleblog.blogspot.com/2026

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...

 *Pictured above - Welsh Master athlete sprint champion Russell Whiting in action. donhaleblog.blogspot.com/2025. www.welshmastersathetics.co.uk Two amazing sprint records for Welsh Master Russell Whiting. Well done to one of Welsh Master Athletic's top sprint champions in Russell Whiting, who has just had two of his outstanding track results verified by Chris Prussia, the WMAL records co-ordinator. This week, Chris confirmed: " Hi Russell.  On behalf of Welsh Masters Athletics Limited, it gives me great please to confirm that you have set two new record performances; 100m with a time of 11.93 seconds [bettering your own record] and 200m in a time of 24.58 seconds. Many congratulations and please find your attached certificates recognising your performances." Chris Pruski WMAL records co-ordinator.

*Llyr ApGeraint-Roberts pictured in the lead in his GB vest during the Duathlon. Llyr claims worthy top-ten finish for Great Britain at European Sprint Duathlon in Italy. Report by Don Hale. North Wales Road Running veteran Llyr ApGeraint-Roberts enjoyed a superb run for Great Britain last weekend in the Veteran’s MV50 European Sprint Duathlon Championships in Italy, and claimed an excellent Top-Ten finish. The international all-rounder was even leading the pack at one stage but admitted to a slight mishap during transition which pushed him back, but he recovered well to eventually claim a prestigious 8th place overall. Held in Carole, which is about 50km from Venice, his split times included 16 minutes and 35 seconds for the first run of about 5k, and 36.20 for the cycle ride, with 11 minutes for the second run. After the event Llyr confirmed: “I was really pleased, but it could have been higher if I hadn’t had trouble getting my feet into my bike shoes during T1 transition, but I’ll ...