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 th...

*Pictured above - athletes are pictured at the impressive start of the races. North Wales ‘Bobbies’ beat the course at Gwrych Castle National XC championships... Report by Don Hale. Photos courtesy of Gwrych Castle . https://donhaleblog.blogspot.com   More than 300 police officers, backed by a host of supporters, volunteers and marshals, enjoyed a spectacular running event last Wednesday during the PSUK National Cross-Country Championships held at Gwrych Castle, near Abergele. Officers past and present representing about 19 male and female athletic teams from counties as far apart as Devon & Cornwall, Humberside, Wiltshire, Cheshire, South Wales, and Warwickshire, plus representatives from the Metropolitan Police and the National Crime Agency, all competed to deliver an exciting series of races. *A tough climb (*above) for competitors along several laps of the Castle. The men ran four challenging laps around the Castle and the surrounding woodland area, whilst the ladies ran th...