2 HillForts, Llandrynog

Sunday August 14^th.

Summer Series, race 17

Another Tony adventure into the unknown. It was an excellent, if testing, course starting and ending at the Kinmel Hotel. We had had lunch in Llandudno after the Nick Beer, the pub overflowing with hungry runners. 103 potential extra customers in Llandrynog or not, The Kimnel was taking last orders at 2:30., the landlord was not shifting from 2:30 (the website said 3pm), my form was not up to a commitment to a 2:30 finish. Others made the 1½ hours required to beat his curfew with some comfort, we had to settle for, as it turned-out an excellent, meal not far from where the Chester Spring 5 is run.

The course climbs steadily from the start for 5k and it is only in the final assault to the brow of the first hill that it becomes steep. From there the view is magnificent across to the sea and then, to your right, the hills; that’s where we were heading. The down is initially gentle but then steepens. The climb up the second hill is long and hard, but once on top it is 6k downhill to the finish. I had been looking forward to this last section but by the time I got there I was too tired to enjoy it. It felt hotter than the 17^o predicted.

Tom was our first runner and the race’s Ist. M60 in 1:14:07, 12^th. overall. Jarrod was 15^th., another League 2 win on the hills. James was 22^nd.

It was noted that our ladies were close to out-numbering our men, evidence, it was said, that this was a tough course with the men saving themselves for the rigours of Birchwood. Sharon, second lady overall, took the Ladies’ 60 points followed by Amy, who did well to finish ahead of Louisa, on a course to her liking.

Tony and Bernard, first and second in League 3, came in ahead of Paul, back from exploring the better parts of Italy. Then it was Amy, also from 3, ahead of Louisa, Craig and Tim.

Next were Nicky and Chris, despite him splitting a knee in a fall. Falling was fairly commonplace. Then came the winners of League 4 and 5; Angela and Cat. Back to League 3 for Huma, then Gail in front of Patrick, who continues to labour with his hamstring.

In recent years League 4 has often been the most competitive but, for a variety of reasons, this year soft points have frequently been on offer. Angela produced a run fully deserving of 60 points. Gail, only just off the plane from Side and sporting a magnificent tan, ran, in the circumstances, surprisingly well for her 59 but my 58 points were something of a travesty.

Cat was relegated last year but is in the form of her life. Julie climbs well and has stamina, she’s vulnerable on the downhill but comfortably hung-on. Leanne and Ian swapped places throughout the second half of the race but Leanne, in the end, proved the stronger. Don ran the first half well but his knees were not up to the down.

Carolyn’s Achilles kept her on the sideline with Angus, Mike and Anne