Don Hale Blog

URGENT: Volunteers and marshals required at Conwy parkrun for this Saturday, which also includes the launch of the - Conwy Parkrun: 5k Your Way, Move Against Cancer appeal.  For some unknown reason, the Parkrun Facebook page is out of action, so if anyone can help out this week, would you please contact Bethan Wyn Roberts on her Facebook Messenger link to confirm your availability? If we can’t get enough volunteers this may impact on the event. Thanks.  

Sandman Triathlon 2024: A Fierce Battle Against the Elements:   Race Report. Special report by Always Aim High Events.    https://alwaysaimhighevents.com/   https://donhaleblog.blogspot.com   Last weekend marked the highly anticipated return of the Sandman Triathlon for its 14th year at the breathtaking Traeth Llanddwyn. This year’s event also played host to Stage 5 of the Welsh Triathlon Super Series, where fierce competition unfolded as athletes vied for the sprint title. The weather didn’t cooperate this weekend, with strong gusts and heavy sea swells forcing us to cancel the swim leg on both days. Sunday then greeted us with torrential rain. However, the athletes remained in great spirits, and the challenging conditions made for a tough but fitting conclusion to the 2024 Adventure Series.   SATURDAY The day began with dry weather, but strong gusts prompted an early decision to cancel the swim leg for the Sprint competitors. Instead, they tackled a 2.2k trail run through the scenic

Anglesey Trail half-marathon and 10k...Sunday 10th Nov 2024. Sunday 10th November 2024.  Newborough Forest, Anglesey: https://alwaysaimhighevents.com/ https://donhaleblog.blogspot.com The Anglesey Trail Half Marathon & 10k is set in the beautiful surroundings of Newborough Forest, Anglesey.  The course takes you through the trees onto the stunning Llanddwyn Island and onwards to beautiful winding woodland trails which once hosted the Commonwealth Mountain and Ultra Distance Running Championships.    You’ll catch glimpses of the Llyn Peninsula and the mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia) amongst other incredible views. With loads of single-track forest trails, quiet forest views and sandy running trails, there is something for everyone in this race.    The course loops round to bring runners back to where they started and a hero's welcome from the spectators on the finish line.   https://alwaysaimhighevents.com/

The Eirias Triathlon and Duathlon -  New 2025 event for Always Aim High... https://alwaysaimhighevents.com/ Latest news and updates:  https://donhaleblog.blogspot.com   We are thrilled to announce the addition of a new pool triathlon and duathlon to our 2025 event calendar: the  Eirias Triathlon and Duathlon.   Traditionally, our season kicks off with the  Harlech Sprint Triathlon and Duathlon , a beloved event in the town of Harlech for over 20 years. However, following the closure of the Harlech pool earlier this year, the event will no longer be able to take place there.   Tim Lloyd ,  Managing Director at Always Aim High Events said : "While we are sad to bid farewell to the Harlech Sprint Triathlon after many successful years working alongside the Harlech Triathlon Club, we are excited to introduce another early-season pool swim to our portfolio.    “ Eirias Park  has long been considered the perfect location, already home to a variety of sports, including local running and t

*Pictured above and below - Some exciting action shots by Barry Griffiths. Solid performance and a good cup win for Kinmel Bay. https://donhaleblog.blogspot.com   FAW Welsh Cup 24/25 Knockout rounds 21 Sep 24; Kinmel Bay FC (3) v Brickfield Rangers (1) at Y Morfa sports centre Kinmel Bay. Report by manager Alex Craig. And some great action photos by Barry Griffiths.   Kinmel Bay welcomed Brickfield Rangers to Y Morfa on Saturday the 21st both teams have made a fantastic start to the season both being unbeaten with one draw each.  Bay where quick out of the blocks pressing Brickfield all over the pitch not allowing them any time to settle. Danni McIlvogue pinching the ball from Brickfield CM and playing a perfect pass out to the right for the on-rushing Connor Morris who beat his man and unleashed a thunder shot at goal.  Connor doesn't miss them from there, 1-0 Bay and 7 minutes on the clock. Brickfield where in shock and they couldn't settle with the Bay pressing them again an

*Pictured above - A quartet of NWRRC members at the Beaumaris 10k (l-r), Len Jackson, Kay Hatton, Mike Hayton, and Cheryl Frost. Road Runners celebrated a hat-trick of podium places at the Beaumaris 10k...plus other results. Report by Don Hale. https://donhaleblog.blogspot.com www.welshmastersathletics.co.uk   A quartet of Road Runners tackled the tough and very hilly Beaumaris 10k race on Sunday and claimed three podium places including two age cat wins for the ladies. Cheryl Frost  and  Kay Hatton  hit top form again with Cheryl the 5th female and she also won her F50 cat with a fast time of 48 minutes and 41 seconds, but Kay gave Cheryl a good chase and she too won her own F60 age cat in 49.57 as the 8th female.  For the lads, veteran  Len Jackson  and master veteran  Mike Hayton , also gave a good account of themselves with highly credible efforts. Len finished as the 49th male in 59.04, and 6th in his M60 cat, whilst Mike was 52nd, and he was 2nd in his M70 cat in 62.13. *Cheryl F

*Pictured above - Steve Gardner back from the track at Conwy parkrun. Perfect conditions as many club athletes returned to Conwy parkrun...plus other results. Report by Don Hale. Most photos by Bill Scrivens. https://donhaleblog.blogspot.com www.welshmastersathletics.co.uk   The weather was almost perfect last Saturday morning as nearly 300 mixed ability club and social runners took part in the Conwy parkrun, with many athletes returning to this event following injury, illness, or other important races. Veteran track athlete  Steve Gardner  from North Wales Road Runners turned his hand to the parkrun this week after setting records in recent national and international overseas championship events, and he led home a team of fourteen club colleagues to finish in 5th place overall in 19 minutes and 31 seconds, and he also won his VW60 age cat. *Stuart Culverhouse (*above left), with his son Joe, and Steve Bozier. James Jones  continues to impress with a new course PB of 20.17 in 7th place