Don Hale Blog

Helping Conwy Sports Clubs Report by Don Hale Sport Conwy is trying to identify any local sports clubs who may be in search of financial support, advice, or generous assistance, to help improve and develop the welfare of their club and membership. First set up in 1996, this organisation is run by volunteers and has a prestigious track record in supporting local clubs through its Coach Education programme, and its talented Athlete Programme, whilst promoting them through its website, and within their bi-annual “Stopwatch” publication.   Sport Conwy secretary, and Conwy Council officer, Caroline Jones explained: ‘We would really like to increase the reach of Sport Conwy. We have established a cohort of clubs who affiliate year on year, however, we know there are many more clubs out there in Conwy who could also benefit from the organisation.  ‘It would be great to hear success stories from clubs - grant successes, club developments, and any athlete successes, as all are featured in our o

*NWRRC relay runners with RNLI officials on Llandudno prom North Wales athletes raise funds and run the miles for RNLI Mayday appeal Report by Don Hale. Photographs by Steve Jeffery Four mixed teams of athletes from North Wales Road Runners enjoyed a relay run in the sun last Sunday on Llandudno Promenade as they helped to raise funds for the RNLI as part of their Mayday Mile appeal. *Josh Keogh recorded the fastest mile on the day for the RNLI relay For many of the twenty-one runners, this was their first competitive “live” run for about fifteen months, and thankfully the cool, windy, and rainswept weather of recent days disappeared for a couple of hours to allow everyone to thoroughly enjoy the occasion. Despite this necessary time absence from major events due to Covid-19 restrictions, several club runners still recorded PBs (personal best times), and the event included members aged from 16-70 years of age. *(Above) partially sighted runner Daniel Owens with Carla Green and (below)

Llyr worked hard for success at Ely Duathlon Llyr ApGeraint-Roberts flew the flag for North Wales last Sunday when he competed in the Ely Duathlon and claimed 3 rd   place in his respective age category. The event held near Cambridge in England, which contrary to Wales, allowed entrants to enjoy a live performance in both cycling and running activities, meant an early 8am start for the talented athlete and high-calibre rugby union referee. It included two 5k runs and lengthy bike race totalling 36., which Llyr completed in an excellent time of 1 hour 25 mins 50 seconds. The NWRRC runner explained it was very windy on the day, and that his multiple efforts demanded extreme concentration. He said: ‘it was something different for me today, but I was happy with my overall performance and transition. I finished 16 th   out of 150 entrants and came 3 rd   in my 45-54 age cat.’ And he added: ‘I was pleased with my runs – 17 mins 58 seconds for my first effort and in 10 th  place, and 18 mins

Carla Green galloped home at Aintree races Report by Don Hale. Photographs by John Hatton. North Wales Road Runner Carla Green galloped home in style and marked her return to “live” racing last Sunday with a superb performance in the Run Aintree half-marathon, claiming a new personal best (PB) time and also won her F45 age category award. Carla was the 3rd female finisher amidst a high-quality field of nearly 500 mixed entrants and completed her run around a blustery racecourse route in just 1 hour 25 mins 52 seconds, confirming an amazing 5-minute PB. This result also created a cause for family celebration, with her husband Martin finishing 3 rd  in the 5k race. *Members of the successful North Wales Road Runners team at Aintree A strong team from NWRRC travelled over the border to England with nine athletes in the half-marathon, and two more in the 5k race. The event included “live” starts that were socially distanced due to Covid-19 restrictions. This option though remains in stark

LATEST PARKRUN NEWS - 8th May 2021. As we move through the reopening process for parkrun and junior parkrun, we are publishing a UK-specific update every Friday to keep ambassadors, event teams, parkrun communities, and landowners informed on our progress.  5k in England It’s been another positive week as we continue to liaise with landowners for our 5k events in England, and receive more permissions for events to return on Saturday 5 June. At the time of writing we have received full or partial permission from landowners representing 135 events, with 232 in progress, and we’re waiting to hear from landowners for 213 events. We know that landowners have been under incredible pressure for over a year now, and in some cases where we’ve not heard back it may well be due to administrative delays, or incorrect contact details. We’re working hard to get that right. With Saturday 5 June getting closer all the time however, and all parkrun communities requiring certainty around whether or not

Marc tackles Welsh mountains in May snow Report by Don Hale   Keen fell runner Marc Roberts has shared his passion for running in the Welsh mountains with a series of breath-taking personal photographs as heavy snow, freezing temperatures, and blizzards suddenly returned to the peaks again this week despite it being the first week of May. *Marc braves the unexpected blizzards  during  his mountain challenge Marc, who has missed the brutal challenges of competitive races over the past year due to Covid-19 restrictions, seized the opportunity for a hard training session, tackling some of North Wales best known mountain courses. He admitted: ‘It’s the first time I've really ventured up with some snow. It makes the mountains look more majestic in my humble opinion.   ‘Glyderau today from Marchlyn Mawr to Y Garn and back, picking up Carnedd Y Filiast, Mynydd Perfedd and Foel Goch en-route. Some snow showers and reduced visibility for about 15 mins but good otherwise. Strange weather and

North Wales Road Runners returned to live group activities last Tuesday evening as they once again enjoyed active training sessions at West Shore. The group then ran clockwise around the Great Orme. If anyone wants to join in with training sessions organised by Mark Jessett or Kevin Slattery the group meet at 7pm each Tuesday (at present) at the West Shore car park. When normal sessions return for groups of 30 or more are finally approved, following Covid-19 restrictions,  the club will return to Ysgol John Bright at the same day and time.  Kevin remarked: ' Celebrating the start of the return to normality, 12-members, including "new" member (back in the club after quite a few years!) Peter Armstrong , we ran around the Great Orme in cracking evening weather. Many thanks to Kelly  and Vicky for tail-running, and to Mark Jessett for putting the route and covid safety details on the Facebook page.' *See the club website or Facebook page for further details. * Pictured

Ultra-distance athlete Llinos Davies has hit the trail running again in her bid to raise much needed funds for the RNLI Mayday appeal by jointly tackling 874 miles of the Welsh Coastal Path Llinos from Deganwy began her latest charity challenge at the weekend and intends to reach her incredible target together with fellow GOG members, by  utilising  a combination of swimming, running and cycling. She confirmed: ‘I hope you'll support me in raising much needed funds for the RNLI. I am hoping to raise at least £150 myself, and fellow club members of GOG Triathlon Club are aiming to conquer the distance of the Welsh Coastal Path between now and 16 th  May. ‘This Charity has a place in all our hearts and minds especially in view of recent tragic events, and  I'm aiming for a personal distance of 150 miles in 16 days.’                                *Llinos Davies back on the fundraising trail The RNLI has answered mayday calls for nearly 200 years, from families swimming on busy be