Pen Dinas Fell Race

Race Report by Simon Edwards

Tuesday 5th May – Pen Dinas fell race

Whilst some were lured by the prospect of an a fast multi-terrain run on the Wirral, three Buckley runners took the long trek to Nant Peris by Llanberis to take part in the 5th race in the Tuesday evening series organised by Mike Blake. The drive was almost as challenging as the actual race; conditions were foul – strong blustery winds blowing the car around in constant driving rain.

These conditions prevailed until 10 minutes before the start resulting in the majority of the runners cowering in the pub rather than attempting to warm up! However the rain eventually passed through and the race itself was dry – though it remained very windy and cool. The course from Nant Peris to a small knoll perched around 400m above the village was a single long climb through boggy lower sections which eventually gave way to tussock-riddled moorland.

On reaching the summit the runners turn around and face the challenge of negotiating both the terrain and the remaining competitors still ascending. In all the majority of competitors take at least 30 minutes to return to the finish. All finished safely with the usual mix of grins and grimaces.

The weather put off a fair number of regulars which helped push up the Buckley competitors further towards the front of the field.

No times available as yet, but:

• Steve Toogood won the V50 category (again)
• John Morris won the V70 category (again)

Both well deserved wins, which enabled Steve to grow his collection of suspect chocolates and John his wine rack content.

Next up: Can we make it to Porthmadog next week???

Photo caption: Buckley Pen Dinas competitors – what we lack in looks we make up for in enthusiasm!