donhaleblog.blogspot.com/2026

*Steve Gardner (*above centre) on the podium at the  BMAF championships at Derby last weekend where he set  the fastest time this year in his particular  V60 event. North Wales athlete Steve Gardner sets the fastest 2000m steeplechase time this year at V60. Report by Don Hale. donhaleblog.blogspot.com/2026 coastandcountry.blog www.welshmastersathletics.co.uk North Wales Road Runner and Welsh Master Steve Gardner competed in the BMAF championships at Derby over the weekend and set the fastest time this year in the 2000m steeplechase race in his respective veteran age category. The Team GB member and track champion at various distances over the past few seasons was delighted with his outstanding gold medal performance in this three-day event at Derby’s Moorways Stadium, and he finished in first place overall, and he was the first V60 athlete in a mixed gender event. After his race, Steve confirmed:  “ Leading the race from gun to tape, I finished six seconds faster tha...

*Pictured above - The  Bay of Colwyn Sailing Club Rowers and (*below), the Deganwy Rowing Club team Five Miles From Home, a global rowing challenge A special report by Graham Jones featuring the exploits of The Bay of Colwyn Sailing Club Rowers and Deganwy Rowers in a global competition. donhaleblog.blogspot.com/2026 coastandcountry.blog Held between 15:00 (BST) 2nd September and 15:00 (BST) 6th September, the  "5 Miles From Home"  rowing event is a global time-trial challenge where participants complete a five-mile distance in their local waters. It is a  unique global challenge connecting the rowing and paddling communities. The event is organized by the Scottish Coastal Rowing Association, with support from the Welsh Sea Rowing and Irish Sea Rowing Associations and as the name suggests, crews have to row exactly 5 miles (8,047 meters or 4.345 nautical miles). Ever-changing conditions experienced along the Conwy coast during the time period meant that cre...

*Pictured above - the NWRRC team at the Caernarfon half-marathon and NW championships. (l-r): Rob Fryer, Stuart Culverhouse, Adam Lemalle, Steve Roberts, Nia Lister, and Kay Hatton. Gold medal and charity winners at the Caernarfon half-marathon championships... report by Don Hale and photos by John Hatton. donhaleblog.blogspot.com/2026 coastandcountry.blog A large field of some 720 quality and mixed ability athletes tackled the undulating Caernarfon half marathon last Sunday with many raising funds for local charities and other worthy causes. This event, well organised by  RunWales,  also included the North Wales half-marathon championships, and consequently attracted some of the top local club runners who competed for medals and glory.   *The first three male and female medal winners at the Caernarfon half marathon are shown above. Tom Roberts  (Meirionnydd RC) was the outstanding race winner in 1.09.25, with  James Nicholls  (Wrexham AAC) second in 1.13.0...

*The start of the Llandrillo yn Rhos parkrun (*above) last Saturday. North Wales parkrun results and reports round-up Report by Don Hale. Most photos by Michael (Pat) Finnie. donhaleblog.blogspot.com/2026 coastandcountry.blog welshmastersathletics.co.uk   There were good numbers again at the Llandrillo yn Rhos parkrun last Saturday morning where a number of talented athletes dashed around this fast and flat promenade course to record some excellent finishing times. JM15-17 debutant  Daniel Lindsey  was the first finisher overall with a great performance in just seventeen minutes dead, and he was one of four runners who all dipped under the eighteen-minute mark, with the first eleven finishers all beating twenty-minutes! This event however, was not just speed and plaudits should be given to the dedicated team of volunteers, tail walkers, and general walkers who regularly devote their time each week for the benefit of others, and enjoy attending every week. Tom Elland ...

*Pictured above - Martin Green and Steve Gardner in the red vests for Wales against England in the Masters 3000m race at Deeside. And (*below) some other action shots. North Wales athletes on track for medals at the Masters 3000m race... Report by Don Hale.  Photos and results supplied courtesy of Chris Hollingshead. donhaleblog.blogspot.com/2026 coastandcountry.blog   Two top North Wales track athletes collected prestigious medals whilst representing Wales v England at the Masters 3000m international meeting at the Deeside Stadium last Friday night. Talented veterans’ Martin Green  (Meirionnydd RC) and  Steve Gardner  (NWRRC) celebrated good performances, with Martin finishing second in his MV50 age cat in 9.49, whilst Steve won his MV60 cat in 10.10. After his race, Steve Gardner confirmed:  “ I came 6th overall and 1st V60 in 10 mins 10 seconds at the above meeting against England. Comprising MV50-54; 55-59; and 60 to 64-year  - old athletes in one ...

*Pictured above - the start of the Rhos on Sea parkrun. North Wales parkrun results round-up Report by Don Hale. Rhos photos by Michael (Pat Finnie). donhaleblog.blogspot.com/2026 coastandcountry.blog   It was bright, sunny and very warm at the Llandrillo yn Rhos parkrun last Saturday, which was enjoyed by another bumper attendance of 516 runners and walkers, with many travelling from different parts of the UK and even abroad. Conor Davies  was the first finisher overall in 16 minutes and 45 seconds, with Welsh international track star  Aled Hughes  (GOG Triathlon) second with a new PB of 17.03,  and Iain Burgess  third, following another excellent PB in 17.17.  *The first female finisher was teenage debutant  Lexi Dundas  (26th overall) in 20.08, and  Alison Russell  (Spectrum Striders) was second on her debut in 21.28, but it was a close contest with  Ellie Evans  (Cybi Striders) third with a new course PB, and she was o...