Ras y Gadair

The annual Ras y Gadair (Cadair Idris) fell race yesterday, so time to have some rain. Dry conditions at the start gave false hope as the rain came down heavily further up the mountain.

My usual U16 category was replaced with U18, which meant I had to run the official 10k (actually 11.2kM) with the senior runners, before turning back for home and allowing them to go to visit the giant Idris at the summit!
I was in the main pack on the first hill climb of the day, which is actually the road leading up to the mountain. At my turning point I was 16th, but came home in my X talon 212's to take the win in my first U18 race.

Pictures of the race can be seen on Sportpicturescymru and Fellrunningpictures, with a race report from the excellent website Mud Sweat and Tears.

My younger brother, Rhys, also got in on the action, by winning the U14 category.

Abergwyngregyn Tuesday Night Series

6th race of the Tuesday Night Series last night. 4.5mile of firstly extremely steep run, followed by a fast course, crossing the bottom the famous Aber Falls.

Another good turnout, with a good selection of my category, U16 runners as well.

I was 5th at the top of the first hill, before the downhill fast course commenced. Final position 7th, with 1st U16 runner.

Crossing the Bridge at the bottom of Aber Falls.

Some pictures are on SportpicturesCymru and Fellrunningpictures.

Harlech Triathlon

Early rise for some of the triathletes at Harlech yesterday before the start of the 400m (16 lengths) swim, 30k scenic route, out and back along the Cambrian Coast and finishing with the UK's most spectacular triathlon run route. 6.5k mixed terrain including Harlech Beach and the 1:4 climb to the Castle.

376 competitors arrived on a glorious sunny day, including myself, competing in my second senior race.

Saw Matthew Gilbert at transition, great to see him again!

I was one of the last to go, as I had one of the fastest swim times. Came out of the pool after a swim of 5 minutes 27 seconds, 3 seconds behind GB triathlete Rhian Roxborough!

400m swim and the run to transition. Next, after a quick transition the 30kM bike. Undulating, with two big hills to cope with as well. On the way back, my chain came off, so lost between 30 seconds and a minute, to comeback in a time of 55min 27 seconds.

Last was the run, along strength sapping dunes, along the beach, before finishing with 1 in 4 climb to the castle!

I won the U20 men, and 35th overall, out of 376 triathletes. Really good race, which I enjoyed very much.