donhaleblog.blogspot.com/2026

Ifan Lloyd recalls his latest age cat victory at the Swansea half-marathon and Masters International match *My thanks to Ifan once again for sharing his unique racing experiences.   donhaleblog.blogspot.com/2026 coastandcountry.blog   Swansea half marathon and Masters international this morning. A record day for the half marathon which incorporated an International event for Masters (35yo+) between Wales, England, Northern Ireland and UK Armed Forces.    The England contingent was easily the largest squad, but Wales were also strongly represented at these increasingly popular events that take place throughout the year.  After a 13-month gap since my last half marathon, I felt a bit rusty but managed to hold off a strong finish by fellow West Walian Dave Warren to take first place in the men 65-69 age category. Finished in a time of 1h 20m 41sm which was 3 seconds slower than my Newport half marathon in April 2025.  Dave James finished just outside the medal...

*The jubilant Welsh Masters team (*above) at the Swansea half marathon. Fifteen medals and a Welsh Record on a great day for Wales within the Swansea Half Marathon... Report and photos courtesy of the Wales team manager Bernie Jones. https://donhaleblog.blogspot.com   For the first time in a couple of years, the Master international events came back to Wales, and we were rewarded with a record number of top three finishers and a new Welsh Record by the ageless Swansea Harrier, Alan Davies, who broke his own M70 record with a great run of 81-51.    Phil Matthews, Parc Bryn Bach (M45), was first home in 5th place overall comfortably winning his age category. Along with Phil and Alan Davies. Welsh Athletes were first home in the M50 age group (Mark Jennings, MMRT) and M65 (David Warren, Cardigan).    There were also second places for Matt Rees, Swansea Harriers(M35), Dave James, Les Croupiers(M65) and David Gibson, Tri-Hard Harriers (M70).    In the Women...

*Pictured above - Elizabeth Driscoll and her dog Winston at Penrhyn Castle parkrun. Parkrun round-up plus news of Carla and Kevin on the road Report by Don Hale. Penrhyn photos by Michael Finnie. https://donhaleblog.blogspot.com    *Carla Green (*above left), with Kevin Higgins. Carla Green  from NWRRC ran well in the Swansea half marathon on Sunday and she was 521st out of 5,729 entrants. She was the 94th female finisher in a chip time of 1.31.42, and her club colleague  Kevin Higgins  travelled to  Port Sunlight  on the same day to compete in two races and explained: “ Double header this morning in  Port Sunlight races . First a 5k and then a 10k straight after it. Two great races. Great course and an extra medal for completing in both races. My times were: 5k in 28 minutes 50 seconds, and 59 minutes 33 seconds   in the 10k.” *Action (*above and below) from the Penryhn Castle parkrun. Parkrun round-up *Penrhyn:   Chris Turner  (Er...

*Welsh Master David Gibson is pictured (*above left) , after the race with his daughter Stephanie, who was the first F40 and fourth overall female. New Welsh Masters PB and record for David Gibson at Swansea half-marathon Two weeks after setting a Welsh M70 Half Marathon record in the Wales Masters v England HM match in Manchester, Welsh Master David Gibson , aged 72, of Tri Hard Harriers ran the Swansea Half Marathon on Sunday with a new PB of 87 minutes and 11 seconds, and setting a new Welsh M70 Half Marathon record (subject to official confirmation).  In addition, it is likely that this is the fastest UK M70 Half Marathon time this year-to-date.   At this event last year, David nearly collapsed at the finish owing to the after effects of Covid, so this year’s result is particularly pleasing.   *Two talented Welsh Masters and record holders (*above left), David Gibson, and (*above right), Dave Gardner from NWRRC, who set a new shot put record. Dave Gardener also set a...