Aberystwyth Athletic Club - Clwb Athletau Aberystwyth

Clwb Athletau Aberystwyth

Aberystwyth Athletic Club

Established 1955 Sefydliad

(Back to Aberystwyth A.C. Homepage)

Aberystwyth A.C. Weekly Newsletter Archive
2007

2005 - 2006 - 2007 - 2008 - 2009

17th December 2007

“Last newsletter before Christmas – thanks to everyone for all their contributions for the newsletter this year”

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

Annual Awards Dinner - 19th January 2008
Excellent way to celebrate 2007 and to start 2008...
Saturday January 19th 2008
Evening for all club members, friends, partners etc.
Fantastic buffet, awards and live music
St. David’s Club, Aberystwyth
To book a place please contact Helen Williams or Anita Saycell with your name and payment
£20 per person.
(closing date is the 12th January 2008)

New Annual Award – Runner’s Runner of the Year Award
We already have nearly 30 votes collected from training last week. If you would like to vote, come along either tonight 6.30pm (Monday 17th) or Tuesday 18th 6pm to training to cast your vote.
You can vote for one male and one female.
The winning male and female will be presented with an award at the annual awards dinner on the 19th January.

Next committee meeting – 3rd Jan 5.45 at Dai James & Partners Office
All club members welcome – come along to have a say in any decisions or new ideas. If you would like anything discussed or have any ideas/suggestions feel free to pass onto Brian, Dai, Louise, Kevin, Cliff or Pete.

Informal run on Boxing Day 11am Nant Yr Arian
Due to popular demand there will be an informal social run for anyone wanting to run on Boxing Day. Meet for 11am at Nant Yr Arian car park for about an hour run. We have been told that the Visitor Centre will not be open this year on Boxing Day.

Closing Down Sale – Freedom Sport and Surf
You might find some Christmas bargains. The shop is located opposite the old B-Wise store.

Club Handicapped run (5mile) re-scheduled for 19th Jan 2008
More details to follow.

Coming soon in the New Year an extra Thursday training session.
There will be a structured training session meeting at an agreed time at Plascrug on a Thursday evening. The session will follow Pete’s training schedule and will be organised by those that turn up on the night.

Dates announced for the 2008 Aberystwyth A.C. Races
3rd August 2008 Borth 10k
12th October 2008 Twin Peaks
14th December 2008 Aber 10k.

Club Members results from The Welsh Inter Regional Cross Country Championships (thanks to Jos)
The mud was thick but the rain kept away!

U17 Women - 4.5k
12th Elinor Thorogood - 00:19:20

Senior Women - 5.8k
10th Helen Marshall - 00:25:43

Senior Men & Men35/39 - 9.9k
33rd Jos Jones - 00:42:12

Master Men 9.9k
18th Danny Thorogood - 38.17

In the competition overall West Wales eventually finished in second behind South Wales.

Mortimer Forest Hill Race
With 10 miles to run and with 1700ft ascent this wasn’t going to be a walk in the park! Three Aberystwyth A.C. runners braved the cold frosty weather to take part in this annual race near Ludlow. They were joined by 344 other runners on the start line.

75th Stephen King 84.54
83rd Dave Powell 85.40
117th Louise Barker 91.07

Full results at: www.ludlowrunners.org

50 million won and we couldn’t have done it without you! (Message from Sustrans)
This is fantastic news, and thanks to everyone who voted for Sustrans’ Connect2 in the People’s £50 Million Lottery Giveaway, and for your help in winning £50 million of funding from the Big Lottery Fund for Sustrans to invest in walking and cycling UK-wide. This really is an amazing achievement for our charity and the many local authority and other partners with whom we will work on Connect2. We simply couldn’t have done it without you and your votes.

We start work on delivering Connect2 in January 2008. Our local authority partners are poised ready to go, and will be adding matched funding from their own transport and other budgets to the £50 million from the Big Lottery Fund. This is a five year project, and in total we have already identified nearly £100 million of local authority funding to support Connect2, and we are working hard to bring even more funding to the project so that we can ensure as many people as possible benefit from Connect2.

We will continue to update you on progress during 2008. In the meantime can I take this opportunity to wish you a very Happy Christmas and New Year and to thank you again for supporting Sustrans’ Connect2.

John Grimshaw MBE
Founder and Chief Executive Sustrans

Future Races…

Glynneath 5 mile Boxing Day Run
Road 5 mile undulating course. 11am start.
More details: http://www.glynneath5.co.uk/

Gwent League 2008
The Club has entered the Cross Country Gwent League. There are two fixtures remaining:
Saturday 9 February 2008 at Brecon
Saturday 1 March 2008 venue TBC (either Bristol or Bridgend)
http://www.gwent-league.org.uk/

North Wales Cross Country League 2008
The club have entered the North Wales League – dates (all Saturday’s) and venues as follows:
12th January Wrexham
9th February Oswestry
Further details from Brian, Pete or Kevin. Ages groups from under 17 to Veterans.

Club dates for your diaries…

17/12/07 - Last Monday training session of the year.
18/12/07 – Last Tuesday training session of the year.
26/12/07 – Informal Boxing Day run meet 11:00am at Nant-Yr-Arian car park.
27/12/07 – Christmas Social Long Run. 10.30am at Nant-Yr-Arian car park (soup after the run).
07/01/08 - First Monday training session of the year.
08/01/08 – First Tuesday training session of the year.
19/01/08 – Annual Club Awards Dinner at St. David’s Club, Aberystwyth.
09/02/08 – Gwent League Cross Country in Brecon.
01/03/08 - Gwent League Cross Country location TBC.
03/08/08 – Borth 10k
12/10/08 – Twin Peaks
14/12/08 – Aberystwyth 10k

10th December 2007

Excellent way to celebrate 2007 and to start 2008

Saturday January 19th 2008

Evening for all club members, friends, partners etc.
Fantastic buffet, awards and live music
St. David’s Club, Aberystwyth
To book a place contact Helen Williams or Anita Saycell with your name and payment
£20 per person.

Aberystwyth 10k 2007
Thanks to everyone that was able to sponsor, marshal, support, cheer, encourage and run in the Aber 10k. Thanks to Macmillan and Pete in organising another excellent race which attracted a large field of local runners as well as those that had made the journey from all over Wales. The weather was better than expected and attracted nearly 300 runners. The results will be out soon and loaded on the club website.

Club Tracksuits (thanks to Bridget)
I am in the process of ordering the club some brand new club tracksuits for us to wear to keep warm before and after races. The suit is unisex and is Navy and Royal in colour. It will have ‘Clwb Athletau Aberystwyth AC’ printed in yellow on the back of the top (like on our vests) and the club crest will be embroidered in yellow onto the front. The bottoms will also have the crest embroidered onto the front near the pocket. The cost of the jacket is £25 and the bottoms are £16. I am hoping to order at the end of the week so they will be available for purchase sometime in January.

This is a picture of the top – the bottoms are the same colour as the royal in the top panel.

If you would like to order either the top or the bottoms or the whole tracksuit please let me know as soon as possible. I will be at the leisure centre tonight at 6:15pm if anybody would like to try on the sample I have or you can tell me what size you would like from the list below:

Tops (Inch Chest)
XS (32/34)
S (34/36)
M (38/40)
L (42/44)
XL (46/48)

Bottoms (Inch Waist)
XS (28/30)
S (30/32)
M (32/34)
L (36/38)
XL (40)

If you can’t make it to try on the sample then as a guide for size I am a 10/12 and am having a Small Top and Small bottoms. Don’t worry too much if you get it wrong though as I will be ordering some spares and will also be most likely placing another order in the new year. If you have any other questions please email me – bsp@aber.ac.uk

Time trial Run on Boxing Day CANCELLED.
This is likely to be rescheduled for January. More details will follow.

We want your photos to share (especially any Aber 10k snapshots)!
Send us your photos to load onto the Aber A.C. flickr website. Email them to aiv@aber.ac.uk or if easier pop onto a CD. Latest photos loaded are from the Christmas dinner in Talybont last night.
The club photo site is located at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/aberac/sets/

Ladies team success in Bridgend (thank to Jos)
The Ladies had an excellent day on Sunday, finishing 1st on the day in division 3 and are now 4th overall. Only a few points separate 2nd and 6th, I think promotion could be possible if there is a good turnout at Brecon and Bristol. (I'm assuming at least 2 teams will be promoted.) The leaders Wells & Yeovil AC didn't have a good turn out. I don't anticipate them travelling all the way to Brecon so Division winners could be possible. If we could get the maximum 5 runners to count in Brecon it would be a big help, as its "fairly local" I hope this is possible.

The men have no chance of winning anything so I think all our efforts should be aimed at recruiting ladies!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Maximum for a team is 8 with 5 to count. I promise it won’t be as muddy as last time...........

Jos.

Senior Women Division 3

Pos. Team Pts. Cum. Pts. Cum. Pos.

1 Aberystwyth Athletic Club 236 448 4
2 Clevedon Athletic Club 210 435 5
3 Wells and Yeovil 190 963 1
4=San Domenico Road Runners Club 157 377 6
Carmarthen & District Harriers A.C. 157 221 10
6 Caerleon Running Club 132 335 8
7 Amman Valley Harriers 123 450 3
8 Bristol University 116 372 7
9 Sarn Helen Orienteering & R. C. 83 528 2
10 Club 69 Tredegar 76 286 9
11 Fairwater Runners 72 72 14
12 Neath Harriers 42 42 15
13 Hereford & County Athletic Club 40 40 16
University of Gloucestershire 204 11
Llanelli Amateur Athletic Club 99 12
Cwmbran Harriers 90 13
Pembrokeshire Harriers 28 17

The next Gwent League is in Brecon on Saturday 9th Feb.

Photos from the day can be found at www.flickr.com/photos/aberac
Full results available at: http://www.gwent-league.org.uk/

Future Races…

Mortimer Forest Hill Race – Sunday 16th December 2007
10 miles approx and 1700ft ascent. 11am start from Moor Park School, Overton near Ludlow. Grid Reference 502715 O/S sheet 137 (off the B4361 south of Ludlow). www.ludlowrunners.org

Llandysilio Pembrokeshire Santa Claus Run – Sunday 16th December @2pm
Entry Forms on the club notice Board at Plascrug.

Club dates for your diaries…

17/12/07 - Last Monday training session of the year.
18/12/07 – Last Tuesday training session of the year.
27/12/07 – Christmas Social Long Run. 10.30am at Nant-Yr-Arian car park (soup after the run).
07/01/08 - First Monday training session of the year.
08/01/08 – First Tuesday training session of the year.
19/01/08 – Annual Club Awards Dinner at St. David’s Club, Aberystwyth.
09/02/08 – Gwent League Cross Country in Brecon.
01/03/08 - Gwent League Cross Country location TBC.

3rd December 2007

Record pre-entries for the Aber 10k
There are 188 entries for next Sunday's 10k race. We may make 200 before the day! That’s not including about 20 for the 1 mile fun run at 11.30. If you haven’t managed to get your entry in the post you can enter on the day.

Video Camera and volunteer needed for the Aber 10k…
Pete has asked if anyone has a video camera and if they would be willing to record the finishers as they come over the line? This is to help compiling the results and to ensure that nobody is missed out. If you are able to help please email Pete foale3@hotmail.co.uk

Two more marshals needed for the Aber 10k
Please email Pete if you are able to help foale3@hotmail.co.uk . Thanks.

Committee meeting - Wednesday 5th December at 5.45pm.
The meeting is open to any club members that would like to come along to have a say in decisions and events planned over the next few months. The meeting will be held in Dai James Office.

Menu choices and payment needed for the Christmas Social on the 9th Dec
Thanks to everybody that has done this already but just a reminder:

1. Your main menu choice – turkey, beef or nut roast.
2. £15 payable to Aberystwyth A.C.

Please give to Martyn tonight (6.30pm at Plascrug) or to myself on Tuesday (6pm at Plascrug). Many Thanks!

Last chance to get sponsorship money to Adriano for Children In Need Marathon
Adriano is trying to get the final sponsorship money collected and counted from the marathon. If you have any outstanding sponsorship money please can you hand to Adriano ASAP – many thanks.

Ras Sion Corn Sir Benfro to be held at Llandissilio, Narberth, Pembs on the 16th of December.
Update from organisers: We have received over 100 entries to date with another 200 expected all of who are ready to pull on the Santa suit supplied as part of the £10 entrance fee and raise money for the TY Hafan and Pembrokeshire Crossroads Carers Charities.
Runners can enter on the day but we would appreciate you downloading an application form, from www.santaclausrace.co.uk and sending it in prior to the 16th. This year we have prizes! Pembrokeshire Leisure has donated two annual and 10 seven day passes to their leisure facilities (total value £700). Trophies and prizes will be available for first female and male runners home, first affiliated and non affiliated teams and top fundraiser bringing in sponsorship on the day.
Please support the event and these worthy charities.
Last years results - http://www.onlineraceresults.co.uk/main1.htm
Last years run on www.youtube.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qs4aiBK-mzo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QzuX6zG_-q8

Welsh Athletics Indoor Championships
January 6th - Welsh U13 / U15 / U17 Open Meeting inc. Welsh U13 & U15 1500m Champs
January 12th - Welsh U13 & U17 Champs
January 13th - Welsh U15 & Open U20 Champs
January 26th - Welsh Open Senior Champs
February 16th - Welsh U15 & U17 3000m Champs (part of UWIC GP3)
Information about the above events is available at http://www.welshathletics.org/fixtures/indoors/uk-wales-indoor-fixtures/ (at the foot of page)
Closing dates Junior Championships Tuesday 18th December Senior Championships Tuesday 15th January.
Please contact Brian Ashton if you are interested in competing at the championships.

Welsh Athletics U13/U15 Indoor Combined Events Championships 2008
(inc U17 Open Pentathlon) National Indoor Athletic Centre at UWIC, Cyncoed, Cardiff on Saturday 1st March 2008 .U17 Athletes have the opportunity to compete in an open pentathlon.
Welsh U17 Indoor heptathlon championships take place in Sheffield 8TH & 9TH March
Closing date Tuesday 19th February Forms available from
http://www.welshathletics.org/news/archive-news/november-news/u13-u15-indoor-combined-events-2008/

Duathlons – MTB and Road events near Cannock, Staffordshire.

Sunday 9th December
2.5km off road run
15km mountain bike
5km off road run

3rd Feb 2008
2.5km off road run
20k on road bike
5k off road run

2nd March 2008
2.5km off road run
40k on road bike
10k off road run

6th April 2008
2.5k off road run
60k on road bike
15k off road run

More details from: Simon Smith - Chase Race
Email: info@chaserace.co.uk
Web: http://www.chaserace.co.uk/
Hotline: 07794793156
Online Event Entry: http://www.entrycentral.com/

Mark and Lily’s Dirty Weekend (aka Cirencester Off-Road Duathlon)
Lily and I sent off our entry forms for the Cirencester Autumn Off-Road Duathlon some months ago at a time when Gordon Brown was popular, Northern Rock had money in the bank and the weather was warm. During those long evenings the prospect of some cross-country running and mountain biking seemed attractive. Driving to the venue with windscreen wipers flat out and the temperature plummeting towards zero, the reality suddenly seemed less appealing. However, we consoled ourselves that we were at least having a weekend away without the children.

Earl Lord Bathurst had kindly allowed use of his estate for this event, which despite the weather attracted a good turnout from all over the country. The transition and car park were adjacent to the perfectly manicured polo grounds and its magnificent club-house but sadly we multi-sport competitors were restricted to a pre-fabricated toilet block or else the dogs would be let loose (or so it seemed).

Huddled together around the car heater Lily and I prepared for the forthcoming mud-bath with as much enthusiasm as Victoria Beckham facing a five-course meal. Transition was awash with bikes made of the latest alloys and carbon fibre so we decided after much deliberation that if we were to have a fighting chance it would be best to at least remove the child seats from our bikes. That done we set about working our way through various clothing options taking in to consideration the risk of hypothermia after getting out of the car (high) and overheating once exercising (low). The bottom line was that we put everything on.

We had entered the long event, which was a 2 mile X-country run followed by 10 miles in the saddle and another 2 mile run over the same course to finish off. We both found the runs straightforward but found ourselves going backwards at a fair rate of knots once on our bikes. The testing under-foot (or should that be under-wheel) conditions made completing the four-lap course without falling off, or getting knocked off, an achievement in its self. Having your arse and hands frozen to the bike helped.

Being our first time, to get around in one piece was satisfying enough though the miserable conditions took away the fun element. Driving home caked in mud didn’t help but I must say my skin now feels lovely.

Aberystwyth A.C. take on the third Gwent League in the series…
Thanks to Helen for all her hard work in organising, driving and registering our team entry for the third round of the Gwent Cross Country League. As promised there was plenty of mud a few hills and lots of puddles!
The Aberystwyth A.C. runners that ventured down to Bridgend in the high winds and rain were - for the ladies team Helen Marshall, Bridget Parkinson, Emma Smith and myself (Anita). Representing the club for the men was Adriano Evola and Jos Jones and flying the juniors flag was Emily running in her first Gwent League and crossing the line in an excellent 18th overall position in her race. Once the results are on the web I’ll add the team position and results next week.
The next Gwent League is in Brecon on Saturday 9th Feb.
Photos from the day can be found at www.flickr.com/photos/aberac
Full results will be available at: http://www.gwent-league.org.uk/

Welsh Schools’ Inter-Schools Cross-Country Championships
The championships were held at Brecon in conditions officially described as “Cold, grey & overcast, with a biting wind. Surface in good shape”.
Running in Ysgol Penweddig colours several of the clubs juniors competed, their results are as follows:
U19 girls (4.12 km) Rebecca Ansell 12th; U14 girls (2.8km) Megan Turner 5th ; U19 boys (5.3km) Gethin Holland 27th and Tomos Hywel 49th; and U14 boys (2.8km) Steven Williams 39th. Congratulations to all our runners on their excellent performances. A full set of results are available at www.welshathletics.org/results/cross-country-results

Future Races…

Aberystwyth Macmillan 10k 9th December @ 1pm (final league race)
The entry form is available on the club website.

Llandysilio Pembrokeshire Santa Claus Run – Sunday 16th December @2pm
Entry Forms on the club notice Board at Plascrug.

Club dates for your diaries…

05/12/07 – Committee meeting 5.45pm @ Dai James’ Office
09/12/07 – Aberystwyth 10k (league race)
09/12/07 – Christmas Social - meal in the White Lion Talybont (fully booked)
17/12/07 - Last Monday training session of the year.
18/12/07 – Last Tuesday training session of the year.
26/12/07 – Christmas Handicap Boxing Day run. 10.45am start. Nant-Yr-Arian.
27/12/07 – Christmas Social Long Run. 10.30am at Nant-Yr-Arian car park (soup after the run).
07/01/08 - First Monday training session of the year.
08/01/08 – First Tuesday training session of the year.
19/01/08 – Annual Club Awards Dinner at St. David’s Club, Aberystwyth.
09/02/07 – Gwent League Cross Country in Brecon.

26th November 2007

Gwent League – come and run a Cross Country this Sunday!

Message from Helen Marshall:

Dear all,
Due to Aber’s success at the last two cross country events (the Gwent League and the West Wales Cross Country Champs), I have taken it upon myself to gather the troops for the next cross country race. It is the third meeting in the Gwent Cross Country League calendar, and will be held at Newbridge Fields, Bridgend on the 2nd December. It’s a great course, mud (definitely) guaranteed due to the rain we’ve had, and this time there is only one small hill – I promise. There is no transport arranged (yet), but if the interest is good then I will enquire about booking the minibus. For further information see:
http://www.gwent-league.org.uk/2007/fix073.htm

Please can all those who are interested in attending please email me, Kevin or Anita asap.

Regards,
Helen
hem@aber.ac.uk
Tel: 01970 628445

Fully Booked - Christmas Social after the Aberystwyth 10k
Details for those that have booked will be sent out this week.

Children In Need Marathon – thanks to everyone that donated/run/supported
Thanks to everyone that turned up to run and support this event organised by Adriano. As soon as all the money has been collected Adriano will announce the grand total collected from the 26 miles run on the prom during the Children In Need night.

Inaugral Elan Valley 10 Mile Road Race
Speaking to Clive on the phone last night and he said most of the race was quiet sheltered from the weather - apparently only the last mile was really wet and horrible. This sounded like a tough course with plenty of climbs and steep descents. Despite the conditions Aberystwyth A.C. came away with some excellent times and results. Daniel claimed every scalp in the club - while the Aber AC men over 60’s made a clean sweep of the prizes and not to be outdone Anita Worthing came away with a second prize in her category. Clive was around at the prize giving and has the Aberystwyth AC prizes for those that were unable to stay until the end.

31st Daniel Burgess 01:12:59
37th Clive Evans 01:15:23 (1st M60)
40th John Evans 01:17:33 (2nd M60)
48th Tony Wenlock 01:19:47
51st Cliff Thomas 01:20:52 (3rd M60)
59th Anita Worthing 01:23:43 (2nd F45)

Full results are available: www.rhayaderac.org.uk

Ras Y Mast 6.5 mile race held yesterday near Llanybydder
There were nearly 70 competitors taking part. Some were mountain bikers but most chose to run the 6.5mile hilly race. Three runners were flying the Aberystwyth A.C. flag with excellent results all round and a podium finish for Louise. A mention (and welcome) to Steve running his debut race for Aberystwyth A.C.

15th Stephen King 48.04
27th Louise Barker 51.21 (2nd Female Open)
42nd Adriano Evola 56.17

Christmas gift ideas…
Just a reminder that there are long sleeve club training tops available for only £20 each. Ideal Christmas gift! Available in small, medium, large and X Large.
Club vests also available in mens and ladies £15 each.
Contact Anita aiv@aber.ac.uk 01970 832013.

Stories, sale items, local events (doesn’t have to be running related!) or races you’ve been to...
Send in anything you would like included in the newsletter. Also don’t forget to send in a few words (or more if time allows!) about any races or any other events that you may have taken part in. Notes on scraps of paper, via phone or email - all accepted!
aiv@aber.ac.uk 01970 832013. Thanks.

Online voting has now begun – register and get your vote counted…
www.thepeoples50million.org.uk in the People's £50 Million Lottery Giveway. Sustrans' Connect2 is with 3 other organisations to win a one-off grant of £50 million from the Big Lottery Fund, with the winner to be decided by public vote over the next few weeks.

By building bridges and crossings over main roads, rivers and railways, Sustrans' Connect2 will overcome many of the barriers that currently prevent people getting about more on foot and bike. The crossings will link into networks of paths, enabling pedestrians and cyclists to have direct and continuous access to local schools, shops, workplaces, green spaces, friends and family, and all those other places people want to get to in their every day lives. As many as 6 million people live within a mile of a proposed scheme, and over 1 million children attend schools within a similar distance. When complete, Connect2 schemes will carry over 60 million active, healthy, low carbon journeys a year, with a potential carbon saving of 79,000 tonnes, the equivalent of 79,000 people's car use in a year.

There are three opportunities to vote: online, by landline and by mobile. Online voting has begun and telephone voting begins on 7th December. To be sent the telephone number to vote when it becomes available, visit www.sustransconnect2.org.uk and register your details; or text Connect2 to 80010

Sustrans' Connect2 is competing with the Eden Project: The Edge; the Black Country as Urban Park; and Sherwood: The Living Legend, details of which can be found at www.thepeoples50million.org.uk . Voting concludes at noon on 10th December, with the winner to be announced on 12th December.

Future Races…

Aberystwyth Macmillan 10k 9th December @ 1pm (final league race)
The entry form is available on the club website.

Llandysilio Pembrokeshire Santa Claus Run – Sunday 16th December @2pm
Entry Forms on the club notice Board at Plascrug.

Gwent League 2007/2008
The Club has entered the Cross Country Gwent League. There are two fixtures remaining:
Sunday 2 December - Newbridge Fields, Bridgend
Saturday 9 February 2008 at Brecon
Saturday 1 March 2008 at Newbridge Fields, Bridgend
http://www.gwent-league.org.uk/

North Wales Cross Country League 2007/2008
The club will be entering again this year – dates (all Saturday’s) and venues as follows:
12th January Wrexham
9th February Oswestry
Further details from Brian, Pete or Kevin. Ages groups from under 17 to Veterans.

Club dates for your diaries…

02/12/07 – Gwent League Cross Country Bridgend
05/12/07 – Committee meeting 5.45pm @ Dai James’ Office
09/12/07 – Aberystwyth 10k (league race)
09/12/07 – Christmas Social - meal in the White Lion Talybont, transport provided.
17/12/07 - Last Monday training session of the year.
18/12/07 – Last Tuesday training session of the year.
26/12/07 – Christmas Handicap Boxing Day run. 10.45am start. Nant-Yr-Arian.
27/12/07 – Christmas Social Long Run. 10.30am at Nant-Yr-Arian car park (soup after the run).
07/01/08 - First Monday training session of the year.
08/01/08 – First Tuesday training session of the year.
19/01/08 – Annual Club Awards Dinner at St. David’s Club, Aberystwyth.

20th November 2007

Deadline approaching to ensure your space for the Christmas Social…
Sunday 9th December
Minibus provided from Aberystwyth (outside Matalan) to Tal-y-bont
3 course Christmas meal in the White Lion - Tal-y-bont
Minibus transport back to your own door at various times throughout the evening
Only £15 each
(Vegetarian options available)

To ensure you get a space on this social - email Anita by the 27th November aiv@aber.ac.uk

Next committee meeting - Wednesday 5th December at 5.45pm.
The meeting is open to any club members that would like to come along to have a say in decisions and events planned over the next few months. The meeting will be held in Dai James Office.

Club invite to run the Team Pursuit Run from Crymych - If you are interested please contact Pat Sherwood directly.
“We would like to invite you and your club (Aberystwyth A C) to the 13th Team Pursuit Run on Sunday the 6th January 2008. This year will be as last years venue and course, starting at 11:00am from Crymych Leisure Centre, Crymych. Entry is £30 per team, £55 for two team and £80 for three. Five runners in each team. There are both Mens and Ladies Team Prizes.
For any new team entering the format is as follows, runners go off at 20second intervals, (1st from each team then 2nd from each team etc) until all runners are away. The computer records the finish time and deducts the preset start time and combines the times for all runners in the team. The team with the lowest points (seconds) & time will be the winners. In the event of an equal time it will be on the points (seconds)
If you are not the team representative could you please pass this invitation on to the person involved.
Could you please let us know if you are competing, and if so with payment, or otherwise by the 15th December 2007.
Your in Pursuit
Patricia A Sherwood info.olrr@tiscali.co.uk

Two Aberystwyth A.C. runners in Welsh Inter Schools Cross Country…
The Welsh inter schools cross country champs were held at a very wintry Brecon on Sat with two Aberystwyth AC junior members running. Megan Turner and Stephen Williams ran in the under 14 age group, both ran really well with Megan finishing in the top ten and Stephen finishing in 39th position.

Juniors 2 mile TT - in blustery conditions on the Prom.
On Tuesday 13th November, 6 juniors braved conditions that included freezing temperatures and strong Northerly winds. The route involved two 1 mile laps starting from the small shelter opposite the Chinese takeaways and went down to Alexandra Hall and back.

Megan Dafis 17min 34sec
Daniel Thomas 20min 15sec
Catrin Ansell 15min 10sec
Emily Thomas 14min 44sec
Ben Garson 16min 52sec
Glyn Williams 15min 50sec

Glenda’s New York Marathon Experience…
“We arrived in New York after two nights in Niagara Falls on the Friday before the Marathon and visited the Expo to register and sort out transport to the start. Typically I'd left it too late to book a bus from NY city centre so the only option to get to the start on Staten Island (apart from swimming) was the subway and then the Staten Island Ferry and a bus to the start. As it turned out this was a brilliant way to start the day as the views were great and it avoided the horrendous traffic in NY.
Saturday morning found us walking over to the UN building where the 1.75-mile International Friendship Run was starting- lots of fancy dress and flags from so many different countries-I even met two ladies from Dolgellau! Even Gethin joined in and managed to struggle to the end!
The men’s Marathon Olympic trials were held in Central Park while we were at the Friendship run and we heard later that tragically one of the American athletes, Ryan Shay, had collapsed and died after about 5 miles.
We had planned to spend the rest of Saturday taking a relaxing boat trip, but because the weather was dull we visited the Museum of Modern Art instead-big mistake as it's huge and we were wandering around for hours. Saturday night was the Pasta Party-a great atmosphere but enormous queues to get in-all 38.000 were not meant to arrive at the same time!
So the day finally dawned or at least it did about two hours after I'd got up! We left the hotel at 6am and joined hundreds of other runners on the subway and then the thousands waiting at the quay. I needn't have worried - two huge ferries were waiting and we all got on and after docking there was a fleet of buses to transport us to the start .The organisation was absolutely fantastic-people had been arriving since 6am either on the ferries or on buses from the centre of NY. Arriving at the “orange” starting area there were thousands of runners, many of whom had brought blankets and sleeping bags etc with them-a good idea as the start wasn’t until 10 am. I did have the thought at one point that I’m sure Paula wasn’t huddling in a field trying to keep warm and eating bagels!
We finally headed for the start and I did feel privileged that Paula and I were “on the same start line” even if there were three thousand other women between us!
The race itself? Huge crowds of supporters and bands along the way helped to spur us on. It was interesting to run through such diverse areas as Harlem and Brooklyn and across five bridges with fantastic views of the city. The first half of the race went well and I was thinking I could do a 3.45 perhaps… Then at about 17 miles I started getting pain in one knee which gradually got worse and worse, spreading up to my hip and forcing me to slow down and walk a bit. I was so pleased to see the finish line-a few hours behind Paula!
A party held in the Manhattan Ballroom rounded off the day but although some people managed to dance most of us were too exhausted and after watching the highlights on a large screen I limped back to the hotel!
It was a great experience- perhaps a club outing next year?”

And Finally…
Video clips of specific stretches can be viewed at:
http://www.runnersworld.com/runnersbody/

Future Races…

Inaugral Elan Valley 10 Mile Road Race – Saturday 24th November
Rhayader AC are organising the inaugural Elan Valley 10 Mile Road Race. This is a Saturday race starting at 1pm from the Elan Valley Visitor Centre. More details are available at www.rhayaderac.org.uk and should you wish to enter online www.runnersworld.co.uk .
Chris Martin the organiser can be contacted at chris.maria@talk21.com

Ras y Mast 6.5 Miles (Llanybydder) – Sunday 25th November
Venue – Blaenwern Holiday Centre, Lanybydder, Ceredigion.
Start – Juniors 12.30pm, Seniors 1.00pm.
Race Organiser - Lyn Rees, Tanrhos, Cwrtnewydd, Llanybydder, Ceredigion, SA40 9YN
Tel: 01570 434244 E-mail: rees.tanrhos@tiscali.co.uk

Aberystwyth Macmillan 10k 9th December @ 1pm (final league race)
The entry form is available on the club website.

Llandysilio Pembrokeshire Santa Claus Run – Sunday 16th December @2pm
Entry Forms on the club notice Board at Plascrug.

Gwent League 2007/2008
The Club has entered the Cross Country Gwent League. There are four fixtures remaining:
Sunday 2 December - Newbridge Fields, Bridgend
Saturday 9 February 2008 at Brecon
Saturday 1 March 2008 at Blaise Castle, Bristol
http://www.gwent-league.org.uk/

North Wales Cross Country League 2007/2008
The club will be entering again this year – dates (all Saturday’s) and venues as follows:
24th November Bangor
12th January Wrexham
9th February Oswestry
Further details from Brian, Pete or Kevin. Ages groups from under 17 to Veterans.

Club dates for your diaries…

12th November 2007

THIS FRIDAY - Children in Need Marathon Relay – 16th November
Adriano is organising the annual Pudsey Bear Marathon Relay on the prom. Come along to run a mile and help raise money for Children In Need. A continuous relay will be run until the 26.2 miles are covered. Runners needed between 5-8.30pm to run a mile in the relay. Last year a fantastic £950 was raised.

This year the event is also open to any members of the public that would like to run a mile or two.

Starting from the bandstand - come down between 5 and 8.30pm to run a mile to help raise money for BBC Children In Need.

NEXT SOCIAL - Club Christmas meal after the Aberystwyth 10k (Sunday 9th December)
A minibus has been booked (Martyn is driving) to pick up from outside Matalan to take us to The White Lion, Talybont for a hearty Christmas meal to refuel after running/watching the Aberystwyth 10k. The minibus will be making continuous trips back into Aberystwyth as soon as people are ready to head back home after the meal. If you live within a couple of miles of Aberystwyth - a door to door service will be provided on the return journey.

The cost is only £15 for a three course meal and your transport to and from Talybont.

The meal is booked for 7pm in the White Lion - the minibus will be picking up at 5.30pm, 6.10pm and 6.45pm outside Matalan.

To ensure you get a space on this social - email aiv@aber.ac.uk with the number of spaces you would like.

London Marathon guaranteed place goes to…
In the draw for the club's guaranteed place in the 2008 London Marathon Arwel James was the lucky winner with Kate O'Sullivan drawn as the reserve. In total seven club members went into the "hat".

Marshals needed for Aberystwyth MacMillan 10Km race Sunday 9th December start at 1pm.
If you’re not running and have at most 2 hours to spare to give to a good cause can you marshal? Or do you know of a responsible adult who would like to marshal? If so please contact Pete on 01970 828014 or email him at foale3@hotmail.co.uk .

Next committee meeting - Wednesday 5th December at 5.45pm.
The meeting is open to any club members that would like to come along to have a say in decisions and events planned over the next few months. The meeting will be held in Dai James Office.

Christmas handicap Boxing Day run at Bwlch Nant yr Arian
There will be a festive 4.5 mile handicap race on a course to satisfy everyone and it’s guaranteed to sort you out after the Christmas day indulgences! First 6 over the finish line to claim the prizes. The course starts by the visitor’s centre lake and consists of two tough off road uphill climbs, two fast down hill tracks and a super fast road section finishing by the visitor’s centre. What more can you ask for? Start time of 10.45 on Boxing Day.

Aberystwyth A.C. runners in December’s Runners World magazine…
Well done to Bridget and Kevin for spotting Louise and John Evans in December’s Runners World! Apparently Dave Powell is in the same photo as well…

Aberystwyth A.C. on S4C – watch a repeat online (thanks to Bridget)
S4C’s ‘Hacio’ programme recently interviewed several members of the club and also filmed a Tuesday night training session to highlight the lack of Athletic training facilities in Wales in the lead up to the 2012 Olympics. The short film aired on October 25th but can be viewed on S4C’s website until 29/11 - http://www.s4c.co.uk/e_watch_level2.shtml?title=Hacio

Snowdonia Marathon 2007 – watch the video highlights online
http://www.btinternet.com/~timjayne.caeathro/

Tina’s thoughts on her latest marathon in Dublin…
“Just got back from Ireland last night. After the marathon went to visit cousins in Ireland.
I was raising money for Breast Cancer Campaign by doing The Dublin Marathon.
It was a beautiful day it was really friendly with loads of encouragement the whole way around
from the crowds. Poenix Park was beautiful with its Autumn colours ran from 4 mile mark to
the 8 mile mark in the park. Slightly hilly in places on the whole of the course.
Started at Baggot Street/Fitwillam Sq East and finished Merrion Sq West. I really enjoyed it.”

Sign up online to help Sustrans win a television vote to win £50 million to develop more cycle paths…
There is a lottery bid by Sustrans for £50 million which will be decided by television vote in December. Register on the website so that you are reminded to vote at the appropriate time (probably by text message)
http://www.sustransconnect2.org.uk/
Essentially the project is about connecting people with places so that they can cycle/walk to their destination without having to use a car. We are concentrating on overcoming obstacles such as busy roads, rivers, canals. There is a list of projects on the link but our nearest is probably Carmarthen. It is worth remembering that the 10,000 miles National Cycle Network was completed with a similar amount of money.

Future Races…

Aberystwyth Macmillan 10k 9th December @ 1pm (final league race)
The entry form is available on the club website.

Llandysilio Pembrokeshire Santa Claus Run – Sunday 16th December @2pm
Entry Forms on the club notice Board at Plascrug.

Club dates for your diaries…

5th November 2007

Christmas handicap run at Bwlch Nant yr Arian (thanks to Pete)
There will be a festive 4.5 mile handicap race on a course to satisfy everyone and it’s guaranteed to sort you out after the Christmas day indulgences!. First 6 over the finish line to claim the prizes. The course starts by the visitor’s centre lake and consists of two tough off road uphill climbs, two fast down hill tracks and a super fast road section finishing by the visitor’s centre. What more can you ask for? I would like to aim for a start time of 10.45 on either Boxing day or 27th December. So I can maximize participation can everyone please let me know either by email foale3@hotmail.co.uk or verbally whether 26th or 27th is more convenient? If we go for 27th then those who want a longer run, as we have traditionally done (for the past 100 years it seems), can go off into the wilderness.

Children in Need Marathon Relay – Friday 16th November
Adriano is organising the annual Pudsey Bear Marathon Relay on the prom. Come along to run a mile and help raise money for Children In Need. A continuous relay will be run until the 26.2 miles is covered. Runners needed between 5-8pm to run a mile in the relay. More details to follow.

IMPORTANT DATE FOR THE DIARIES – Aberystwyth A.C. Annual Club Dinner announced for 19th January 2008 at the St. David’s Club.
This year it has been decided to have the dinner in Aberystwyth to hopefully make it easier for as many club members to turn out as possible. The awards for the club league and other Championship events held over the year will also be made on the night. More details will follow shortly.

Aberystwyth A.C. take on the West Wales Championships and come out smiling…
A fantastic turnout of 15 runners came along to compete and represent Aberystwyth A.C. in the annual West Wales Championships. The Championships were being held in Margam Park near Port Talbot which provided a fantastic backdrop for each race. The junior races were held first – with excellent results from Megan, Stephen and Elinor which set the standard high for the seniors. It was a really good day out and thanks to Helen Marshall for organising the team and to Kevin for driving the bus down to Margam Park.

West Wales Cross Country pictures at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/aberac/

Under 13 Girls
6th Megan Turner

Under 13 Boys
15th Stephen Williams

Under 17 Girls
4th Elinor Thorogood

Senior Ladies (West Wales Championship Results)
6th Helen Marshall
10th Anita Saycell
13th Emma Smith
20th Karen Williams

Senior Men (West Wales Championship Results)
19th Danny Thorogood
35th Jos Jones
39th Pete Foale
44th Paul Rose
50th John Evans
56th Kevin Holland
57th Clive Evans
63rd Tony Wenlock

Full Results are online at: http://www.westglamleague.co.uk/2.html

Tina and Glenda conquer the Dublin and New York Marathon…
Tina competed in the Dublin Marathon on the 29th October in a fantastic time of 6:24:53 and in the process raising money for Breast Cancer Campaign.
Just a few days after Tina had completed her international Marathon Glenda was on the start line alongside Paula Radcliff for the New York Marathon. Glenda had won a ‘Good for Age’ entry and fully justified this entry by running 3:57:49.
Hopefully we’ll hear more about their races once they have both had time to recover!

Aberystwyth A.C. runners in December’s Runners World magazine…
Eagle eyed readers may have spotted a photo of two of our well known Aberystwyth A.C. runners in the latest copy of Runners World?
Clues next week if needed…

To satisfy the rumblings that some of us more well built runners are disadvantaged…
Maybe something to consider for the 2008 league!
On second thoughts we don’t want to encourage our smaller runners to overindulge just to gain a few extra points…
www.snipurl.com/agesexweightcalc

Future Races…

Rhobell Fawr Fell Race – Saturday 10th November start 12.00.
6 miles and 1900’ ascent. Race 1 of 3 in the all new ‘Meirionnydd Winter Race Series’. Entry on the day only. Start is at 12:00 at Llanfachreth, nr Dolgellau (SH756225) www.run-meirionnydd.co.uk

Llys Y Fran Trail Race – Sunday 11th November @ 11am
Undulating traffic free course around the reservoir run on tracks, footpaths and grass. About 6 miles. Start is at Llys Y Fran Car Park.
Entry forms on the club notice board at Plascrug.
More details ring Carol Kuhlmann: 01239 851782

Aberystwyth Macmillan 10k 9th December @ 1pm (final league race)
The entry form is available on the club website.

Llandysilio Pembrokeshire Santa Claus Run – Sunday 16th December @2pm
Entry Forms on the club notice Board at Plascrug.

Gwent League 2007/2008
The Club has entered the Cross Country Gwent League. There are four fixtures remaining:
Sunday 11 November - University of Bath
Sunday 2 December - Newbridge Fields, Bridgend
Saturday 9 February 2008 at Brecon
Saturday 1 March 2008 at Blaise Castle, Bristol
http://www.gwent-league.org.uk/

Club dates for your diaries…

11/11/07 – Gwent League Cross Country University of Bath
02/12/07 – Gwent League Cross Country Bridgend
09/12/07 – Aberystwyth 10k (league race)
17/12/07 - Last Monday training session of the year.
18/12/07 – Last Tuesday training session of the year.
26/12/07 – Christmas 4.5 mile Handicap. 10.45am start. Nant-Yr-Arian TBC.
27/12/07 – Christmas Social Run. 10.30am at Nant-Yr-Arian car park (soup after run).
07/01/08 - First Monday training session of the year.
08/01/08 – First Tuesday training session of the year.
19/01/08 – Annual Club Dinner at St. David’s Club, Aberystwyth.

29th October 2007

Snowdonia Marathon conquered by Eight Aberystwyth A.C. runners…
Read Anita and Louise’s race reports from the Snowdonia Marathon on Saturday (see the race reports section in this newsletter).

Club Meeting this Wednesday 31st October
Committee meeting this Wednesday 31 Oct @ 5.45 at Dai James office. The meeting is also open to any club members that would like to come along and a have a say with any decisions being made.

West Wales Cross Country – 3rd November…
A minibus has been booked and will be leaving the Leisure Centre at 8am outside Plascrug this Saturday. If your name is not already down please email hem@aber.ac.uk to ensure you have a place on the minibus.

Limited new racing kit for the ladies…
The club have purchased 5 x size 12 crop tops. They are an alternative to the club vest for races. They have been made by Ronhill and are identical to our current Ronhillvests with the official gold and black stripes under the arm. The Aber AC logo is printed on the front. I have three tops left for sale at £20 each. If you are interested drop me an email: aiv@aber.ac.uk .

London Marathon 13 April 2008 www.london-marathon.co.uk
London Marathon 13 April 2008 www.london-marathon.co.uk
The club has a guaranteed entry which will be allocated by a draw. As usual the draw is open to all club members of at least one years standing i.e. a member prior to 1st April 2007. To enter the draw please email Kevin (k.holland@aber.ac.uk ) before Thursday 8th November. A reserve name will also be drawn and if not needed to run in London, the club will pay the entry fee for another marathon at a similar time to London hence the reserve's training would not be in vain. The draw will take place on Friday 9th November before the 6.30 run.

Level 2 Training course
Any level 1 coaches who want to progress to level 2 have the chance to do so by Christmas. The qualification takes three days to complete - an initial two day week end (core) followed by a third day (optional modules). The next course is at Brecon on 10th/11th Nov (core) and 22nd Dec (Optional Modules). In return for the club paying the fee you would be expected to take coaching sessions in conjunction with the club's existing level 2 and 3 coaches. Any one interested please contact Anita, Louise, Pete or Kevin (Anita and Louise having recently taken the course).

IMPORTANT - Change of Fixtures for Gwent Cross Country League 2007/8
The provisional dates and venues for the 4th and 5th fixtures are now:
Saturday 9 February 2008 at Brecon
Saturday 1 March 2008 at Blaise Castle, Bristol

Brecon Bunkhouse 2007 Pictures now online…
There is a collection of Brian’s photos from the Brecon Weekend on the club website. If anyone else has photos from the weekend that they would like to share - then send them to Kevin k.holland@aber.ac.uk or myself aiv@aber.ac.uk .

Race Reports…

Snowdonia Marathon (thanks to Anita Worthing)
Just to let you know we all survived on Saturday. Bash rang my husband’s mobile to find out how we were all getting on – he must have wished he was there! Helen Willams kept popping up all over the place cheering us on, which really helped. The results are on the Snowdonia marathon website now, and I think we can feel proud that as a club we fielded 8 runners for the “hardest marathon in the UK”, or so I’ve heard, and we all finished inside 4 and a half hours! I’m not listed as a member because I entered really early, before I joined the club in April, to make sure of getting a place. The race was very friendly and well organised, but it was a pity we couldn’t see the mountains because of the drizzle! Oh, and they sneaked in a couple of little extra hills right at the end of the course, but apart from that, a fantastic day out and thoroughly recommended.

Snowdonia Marathon (thanks to Louise Barker)
Standing at the start there was a 'see how long I last' attitude amongst a number of Aber AC runners, following an outbreak of lurgy earlier in the week. However, quarantine had been lifted at the last minute and the green card given for the movement of runners out of Aberystwyth. All I can say is lucky they weren't carrying out random drug testing as I'm not sure Dave, Kate or I would have passed!

After deciding to take it steady, I really enjoyed the run and actually felt better by the end than the start. I have to admit to being slightly gutted though as if I hadn't stopped for a wee I would have gotten under 3.40. The weather was relatively kind mild with some refreshing rain and the blustery wind luckily followed us around. Eight runners from Aber ran, and we had our own cheering squad in the form of Helen Williams which really helped spirits. Clive ran under the name 'Peter Foale', his clever ploy for ruining Pete's chances in the championship by forcing him to use the points gained here! 1175 runners crossed the finish line including:

70 Dave Powell 3:19.09 10th M45
199 Louise Barker 3:40.08 12th FOpen
287 Paul Scullion 3:48:29 54th M40
483 Clive Williams 4:04.35 10th M60
501 Kate O'Sullivan 4:05.18 56th 16th F40
521 Anita Worthing 4:07.10 62nd 5th F50
580 Cliff Thomas 4:11.49 13th M60
800 Maggie Collingborn 4:28:29 33rd F40

Future Races…

West Wales Cross Country Championships – 3rd November 2007 Margam Park, Port Talbot
This is an annual event for the club. The poster details are below.
(just off Junction 38 of the M4 Motorway - enter the Park at the first Main Entrance and drive about 800m to the Car Park.)

All entries will be on the day - there will be no postal entries. Athletes entering the Championships must produce their WA Registration No.

Registration - From 10.45am at the Cafe at Margam Castle, which is about 500m from the Car Park.

Entry Fees: - £3 athletes registered with Welsh Athletics /£4 Non Registered (West Glam League Only).

There are no changing/shower facilities. Refreshments available at the Cafe.

Timetable of Races
12.00 Under 13 Girls (2.7km - 2 small laps)
12.15 Under 13 Boys (2.7km - 2 small laps)
12.30 Under 15 Girls (3.5km - 2 medium laps)
12.50 Under 15 Boys/Under 17 Girls (3.9km -1 large lap)
1.15 Under 17 Men/Under 20 Women** (5.2km - 1 small lap+ 1 large lap)
1.45 Under 20 Men**/Senior Ladies* (5.6km - 1 medium lap + 1 large lap)
2.15 Senior Men* (9.5km - 1 medium lap + 2 large laps)
*Incorporates West Glamorgan Cross Country League Fixture
**Under 20’s score points in West Glam Cross Country League Under 20 Table.

For up to date details see the West Glamorgan Cross Country League website at http://westglamleague.co.uk “

Aberystwyth Macmillan 10k 9th December @ 1pm (final league race)
The entry form is available on the club website.

Club dates for your diaries…

03/11/07 – West Wales Cross Country Championships Margam Park, Port Talbot.
02/12/07 – Gwent League Cross Country Bridgend
09/12/07 – Aberystwyth 10k (league race)
18/12/07 – Last Tuesday training session of the year.
26/12/07 – Christmas 5 mile Handicap. 11am start. Location TBC.
27/12/07 – Christmas Social Run. 10.30am at Nant-Yr-Arian car park (soup after run).
08/01/08 – First Tuesday training session of the year.

24th October 2007

Brecon Bunkhouse Weekend 2007
The weather really helped to make the weekend – very cold in the mornings but once the sunshine came out it was lovely.
The weekend began on the Friday with 22 of us making our way down to Brecon from Aberystwyth. We were all greeted by the lovely smells of Wendy’s veggie curry which she had kindly offered to cook us. The curry and all the trimmings were delicious! After a few drinks after our meal most of us headed off to bed ready for an early start.
Saturday morning we all separated into about 5 groups depending on which run/walk we wanted to do. Some of the keen runners took in the summit of Pen-Y-Fan in a 19 mile run from the bunkhouse, others had a 16mile day walk also taking in the summit of Pen-Y-Fan and the other nearby summits, the more sensible runners took a lower level run about 10 miles around Brecon and up an Iron Age hill fort with some fab views above the mist.
Saturday afternoon 12 of us went Pony Treking into the Beacons. Which was really good fun!
We all met back at the bunkhouse in the afternoon and headed into town for a few drinks before our very tasty meal in the Castle Hotel and the Rugby World Cup final.
Sunday morning was more leisurely with some people heading off on bikes, walks and wandering around Brecon before the journey back to Aber.
I really enjoyed the weekend and if enough interest maybe we can repeat something similar again next year…Snowdonia, Gower, Ibiza…2008…?!

West Wales Cross Country – 3rd November…
Let’s show West Wales how well we’ve been running!! Senior ladies race 5.6km. Men’s race 9.6km. The race is in Margam Park, Port Talbot. The start times are listed later in this newsletter.

High Viz jackets
If anyone is after some High Viz jackets for winter running I’ve found some very reasonable priced jackets from JJB online. I’ve been wearing the Women’s High Viz gillet it’s lightweight, washes well, dries really quickly and is comfy to wear (plus I haven’t been knocked down yet so it’s done the job so far…)

Viz-24 Women’s Running Gillet - £8.39
Viz-24 Women’s Running Jacket - £8.99
Viz-24 Running Gillet - £8.39
Viz-24 Running Jacket - £8.99

http://www.jjbsports.com/search.aspx?search=y&text=viz%2024

The P & P is £4.25 but it still works out cheaper than any other equivalent jackets I’ve seen around.

Bala Middle Distance and Standard Distance Triathlon Entries 2008 now open…
The 2008 race entry forms for Bala Standard Triathlon and Bala Middle Triathlon are now available on the Wrecsam Tri website. The race is hoping to have a closed road once again for the Standard in 2008.
http://www.wrecsamtri.org.uk/High5/High5home_page.htm

Christmas 5 mile Handicap
11am Boxing Day. Route to be confirmed.

Tuesday Training Session Christmas Break
Last Tuesday training session on the 18th December – return back on the 8th January.

Christmas Social Run…
Social run on Sunday 27th December meet at 10.30 sharp Bwlch Nant-Yr-Arian car park, soup after the run in Cafe.

Chance to try a friendly local aquathlon race as a first step to a triathlon…
Cerist Triathlon club have organised a number of events early next year that consist of 400m swim and 5k run. These will be ideal as a chance to gain a flavour of a triathlon without the bike! There’s 4 events organised with the second event on the 3rd Feb being held at Plascrug – Aberystwyth.

13th Jan – Broddyfi Leisure Centre, Machynlleth
3rd Feb – Plascrug Leisure Centre, Aberystwyth
24th Feb – Bro Dysynni Leisure Centre, Tywyn
16th March – Bro Ddyfi Leisure Centre, Machynlleth.

For further details contact Pete Jenkins pvjenks@btinternet.com or 01970 832176.
Or visit: http://users.aber.ac.uk/aiv/cerist

Race Reports…

Cardiff Half Marathon (thanks to Anna Bradley)
“I really enjoyed the Cardiff Half Marathon, the chip time was 1.59.14 and the gun time was 2.01.55, I am glad we had a chip as I got to Cardiff late and was pretty way back in the crowd so it felt like it took quite a while to get across the start line. I felt I ran better and felt better than the other runs, the crowd were brilliant cheering you on and I had a few shouts when people saw the Aber shirt which was really nice. I feel like I’ve seen every inch of Cardiff and I felt really proud when running across the bridge back into Cardiff Castle and across the finish line, it was really good and can’t wait until the next one!!
The only down side about the day was taking 1hr and 20mins to get out of the castle I think they need to rethink that bit of the day as people were starting to seize up just queuing to get out!”

Delor Harvey 1.45.14
Claire Powell 1.50.11
Anna Bradley 1.59.14

Twin Peaks Junior Hill Race Results:
1st Megan Turner, Aberystwyth AC, 6.45
2nd Sam Margrave-Jones, Aberystwyth AC, 6.55
3rd Emily Thomas, Aberystwyth AC, 7.35
4th Lowri Bates, TAC

Gwent League Cross Country in Swansea – Junior Results
Well done to the juniors in Swansea. All the juniors had excellent results especially considering the number of competitors and the larger clubs we were competing against in South Wales and the West of England.

Novice Girls
16th Catrin Ansell

Boys U13
25th Stephen Williams
29th Oliver Thorogood

Girls U13
9th Megan Turner

Girls U17
15th Rebecca Ansell

Girls U23
14th Emma Smith

Full results available at: http://www.gwent-league.org.uk

The next Gwent League races are:
11 November 2007 (Sunday) - University of Bath
02 December 2007 (Sunday) - Newbridge Fields, Bridgend
10 February 2008 (Sunday) - Blaise Castle, Bristol

Future Races…

West Wales Cross Country Championships – 3rd November 2007 Margam Park, Port Talbot
This is an annual event for the club. The poster details are below.

(just off Junction 38 of the M4 Motorway - enter the Park at the first Main Entrance and drive about 800m to the Car Park.)

All entries will be on the day - there will be no postal entries. Athletes entering the Championships must produce their WA Registration No.

Registration - From 10.45am at the Cafe at Margam Castle, which is about 500m from the Car Park.

Entry Fees: - £3 athletes registered with Welsh Athletics /£4 Non Registered (West Glam League Only).

There are no changing/shower facilities. Refreshments available at the Cafe.

For up to date details see the West Glamorgan Cross Country League website at http://westglamleague.co.uk “

Inaugral Elan Valley 10 Mile Road Race – Saturday 24th November
Rhayader AC are organising the inaugural Elan Valley 10 Mile Road Race SATURDAY 24 NOVEMBER 2007. For those who have done the Round The Lakes 20 race, this one is just as scenic but half the distance and not quite so hilly!! This is a Saturday race starting at 1pm from the Elan Valley Visitor Centre.More details are available shortly at www.rhayaderac.org.uk and should you wish to enter online a facility will be available within the next few days on www.runnersworld.co.uk .
Chris Martin the organiser can be contacted at chris.maria@talk21.com

Aberystwyth Macmillan 10k 9th December @ 1pm (final league race)
The entry form is now available on the club website.

Gwent League 2007/2008
The Club has entered the Cross Country Gwent League. There are four fixtures listed so far:
Sunday 11 November - University of Bath
Sunday 2 December - Newbridge Fields, Bridgend
Sunday 10 February 2008 - Blaise Castle, Bristol
http://www.gwent-league.org.uk/

Club dates for your diaries…

03/11/07 – West Wales Cross Country Championships Swansea.
02/12/07 – Gwent League Cross Country Bridgend
09/12/07 – Aberystwyth 10k (league race)
26/12/07 – Christmas 5 mile Handicap. 11am start. Location TBC.
27/12/07 – Christmas Social Run. 10.30am at Nant-Yr-Arian car park.

16th October 2007

Twin Peaks Junior 1 mile Hill Race Results
1st Megan Turner, Aberystwyth AC, 6.45
2nd Sam Margrave-Jones, Aberystwyth AC, 6.55
3rd Emily Thomas, Aberystwyth AC, 7.35
4th Lowri Bates, TAC

15th October 2007

Twin Peaks
A very big thank you to all our marshals, runners and supporters in helping to make the Twin Peaks race a success.

Club Coach follow up… (thanks to Pete Foale)
The Tuesday speed sessions can, if you push yourself, sometimes be very physically demanding, totally energy sapping and test your Cardio Vascular system to the limit. That’s good. These sessions are very important if you want to improve, if you want increase your basic speed, if you want to reach for your best times when racing. No matter what standard you are. However, one quality session a week is really not enough, especially if you’re not racing at the weekend. Another important session that will definitely help you to maintain a strong even pace when racing is to include a steady run (or a tempo run) each week, especially so when there’s no racing during the weekend, as I mentioned above.

A steady/tempo run is at a pace below race pace but most certainly not easy running. If you’re doing it with a training partner then you need to be well matched ability wise otherwise one will be racing eye balls out whilst the other gets nothing from the session! I prefer to do this type of run by myself as it allows me to find my own ‘steady pace’ and helps to instil a self discipline for keeping to a predetermined plan. When you’re doing a steady run it’s important to try and do every mile at even pace, it is of no benefit going off fast only to fade badly during the last few miles. If you pace it right you will feel comfortable during the first miles but feel taxed during the last few. But not completely done-in like after a hard race!

The best time to do this session is on a Thursday or at the weekend if you’re not racing.

An example for the pace to run at: if you’re running 35 min’s for a 5 mile race then your tempo run should be about 5/6 miles at about 7.15 to 7.30 pace. If you do a 10 mile run then aim for 7.30 to 7.45 pace.

Everyone is different so the same training regime will be great for one person but just not work at all for another, so experiment and try things that are compatible with your own psyche and that just seem to work, physically, for you. But there’s one thing for sure, no matter what it is you do, if you want to improve you MUST be prepared to put the effort in and make it hurt a bit now and then.

2007-08 Membership Fees (thanks to Kevin Holland)
If you have not paid this year’s membership please do so as soon as possible particularly if you are intending to go on the Club weekend to Brecon as the nights can be quite cold at this time of the year. Forms and details can be downloaded from the club web site at www.aberystwythac.org.uk .

New Level 1 Coaches (thanks to Kevin Holland)
Congratulations to Gethin Holland and Tomos Hywel on qualifying as level 1 coaches following the recent Welsh Athletics coaching course in Newtown.

Tony’s 2007 League Analysis…
“I've made an analysis of the club league based on

- results including Penmaenpool 10
-assumption that each person's fourth best score will be taken as their option.

Summary position is
The top 3 Women are in unassailable positions

1. Anita Worthing
2. Louise Barker
3. Glenda Roberts

4th place could go to Kate O'Sullivan but she needs to complete Aber 10k in less than 56 mins (a breeze!!)

There is a major competition for 1& 2 in the Men's

Peter leads John Evans by 0.28 points without optionals and 0.53 points with optionals. This means that the Aber 10k could be a thriller - John needs a score of 85.29 so if he can run under 40:14 he could topple Peter. Peter would then need to score greater than 85.04 to retain the edge - thats a run of under 38.01. Judging by performances to date John has the uphill task unless he has another option tucked away that could give him the points.

Third place is Clive - no arguments.

4th & 5th could be a clash between Cliff Thomas and Dave Powell. Dave would have to run slower than 43:26 to lose this though.

Still sitting below are a whole bunch of people who could qualify at the Aber 10k, especially on the Women's side. The competitive drive has to be to get more women qualified than men I suspect. “

Good Luck to our international marathon ladies…
From everyone in the club we would like to wish Tina Hansen and Glenda Roberts good luck in their marathon races. In a few weeks Tina will be running in the Dublin Marathon and Glenda in New York. Don’t forget to let us know how you get on!

Shorts found to match our club vest…
Thanks to Jos for finding these Ronhill shorts. The yellow matches the yellow in our club vests.

“Ronhill Advance Mens Running Race Shorts
R.R.P. £22.00 (sold by lots of online stores – but told that Alexandra Sports will throw in a free pair of socks!)
Featherweight microfibre short
New reflective graphics
Hydrowick panels and mesh flashes
Traditional wrap over style allows great leg movement
Fabric transfers moisture from perspiration away from your skin, keeping you fresh, cool and dry
Inner mesh brief provides support and comfort
Waistband features internal drawcord
Zip back pocket for essential items

Colour: Black/Solar”

Spikes For Sale (thanks to Danny Thorogood)
Nike Zoom Waffle spike size 9.5 (UK). silver and blue with red swoosh. Worn once at North Wales X-C League but they're too small. My normal trainer size is 9.5 so I reckon these would fit a normal 8.5.
Phone: 07980919583

SALE…club kit at bargain prices!
Royal blue mens Ronhill tracksters size Large. Still in packet. £5. Aberystwyth A.C. name printed vertically on top of left leg.

Royal blue sweatshirt size large with ‘Aberystwyth’ printed in yellow across the front. Still in packet £3.

Junior Royal blue tracksters labelled as age 11/12. Aberystwyth A.C. name printed vertically on top of left leg. Still in packet £5.

Race Reports…

Twin Peaks – 7 miles and 900ft of climbing.
Well done to everyone that took part in this race. The full results will be up on the website shortly.

9th Shelley Childs 52.27
14th Gethin Holland 53.46
18th Daniel Davies 54.51
27th John Evans 57.00
29th Mark Stieler 57.22
31st Arwel James 58.10
34th Daniel Burgess 58.47
39th Peter Garson 59.59
42nd Frank Thomas 60.43
44th Adriano Evola 60.56
49th Kate O’Sullivan 62.43
53rd Anwen James 64.16
56th Bridget Parkinson 66.43
57th Glenda Roberts 66.57
58th Marion Garson 67.14
59th Paul Arnold 67.43
61st Carys Prytherch 70.07
64th Gwenllian Parry 72.49
70th Megan Williams 79.01

Aber A.C. up North (thanks to Bridget)
It was touch and go for a while whether Glenda and I would actually make it up to Newcastle for the 26th Great North Run. Glenda had to try and make her way back from her holiday in France via a Saturday night wedding in London and I wasn't sure about racing because of my dodgy (thought to be fractured) toe situation! Anyway after travelling all through the night (Glenda) and some ibuprofen and toe strapping (Me!) we did finally make it to the start line!! We had quite good starting pen positions and were over the line in only 3 and a half mins and the first six miles or so weren't too bad in terms of crowding but then the race which had been in two lanes merged into one and it become rather cosy again! It was great to run and complete the Great North just because of it's history and status, the best bits were definitely running across the Tyne bridge and the last mile along the South Shields coast but I have to say the rest of it was pretty boring!! To quote Glenda's husband 'it is quite a long way to go to run 13.1 miles on a motorway!'
The highlight of my weekend was definitely meeting Paula Radcliffe at the exhibition the day before the race. I had been just excited to be running in the same race but now have a signed t-shirt and photo too!! We finished off the day with a nice bargain sunday lunch in a pub down on the beach and I then got to travel back to Newcastle in a police escorted convoy - courtesy of Glenda's brother who was travelling with Liz McColgen and half the cast of Emmerdale who ran for a Leukaemia charity!

Results -
Bridget Parkinson (5961th) - 1:49:44
Glenda Roberts (6679th) - 1:51:22

Special mention also for former Aber AC member Claire Evans who ran an
excellent race finishing in 1:37:12 (1762nd).

Gwent League Cross Country in Swansea
This was my first ‘Gwent League’ and I really enjoyed it! We all travelled down on the minibus and arrived at Singleton Park. A big thanks to Brian and Helen Marshal for all their help before and on the day.

Boys Under 13 – Ollie Thorogood, Stephen Williams
Girls Under 13 – Catrin Ansell
Girls Under 15 – Megan Turner
Girls Under 17 – Rebecca Ansell
Senior Ladies – Emma Smith, Helen Marshal & Anita Saycell
Senior Men – Jos Jones, Danny Thorogood.

At the time of writing only the senior results were available. Next week I’ll be able to include the junior results.

Mens Senior Race – 269 finishers.
80th Danny Thorogood
126th Jos Jones
(40th team out of 56 with 363 points)

Ladies Senior Race – 121 finishers
37th Helen Marshall
61st Anita Saycell
76th Emma Smith
(16th team out of 34 with 212 points)

Full results should be available soon: http://www.gwent-league.org.uk/

The next Gwent League races are:
11 November 2007 (Sunday) - University of Bath
02 December 2007 (Sunday) - Newbridge Fields, Bridgend
10 February 2008 (Sunday) - Blaise Castle, Bristol

Penmaenpool 10
It was great to see 14 Aberystwyth A.C. runners in the results list for the Penmaenpool 10 mile race. The league has been updated with everyone’s points.

Well done to ladies for winning the overall team prize!!

Dave Powell 1.04.55
Pete Foale 1.05.03
Shelley Childs 1.09.02
Louise Barker 1.09.25
Mark Stieler 1.11.28
John Evans 1.11.39
Tony Wenlock 1.13.57
Anita Worthing 1.16.56
Clive Williams 1.19.06
Annwen James 1.21.35
Emma Smith 1.24.09
Helen Williams 1.24.11
Carys Prytherch 1.28.05
Anna Bradley 1.32.16

Full results available at: http://www.run-meirionnydd.co.uk/

Future Races…

West Wales Cross Country Championships
This is an annual event for the club. The poster details are below.

“Organised by West Wales Regional Athletic Council
(incorporating at senior level the first fixture of the 2007-2008 West Glamorgan Cross Country League )
Saturday 3rd November 2007 at Margam Park, Port Talbot

(just off Junction 38 of the M4 Motorway - enter the Park at the first Main Entrance and drive about 800m to the Car Park.)

All entries will be on the day - there will be no postal entries. Athletes entering the Championships must produce their WA Registration No.

Registration - From 10.45am at the Cafe at Margam Castle, which is about 500m from the Car Park.

Entry Fees: - £3 athletes registered with Welsh Athletics /£4 Non Registered (West Glam League Only).

There are no changing/shower facilities. Refreshments available at the Cafe.

Awards - Regional Certificates to the first 3 finishers in all races including veteran categories. Junior presentations will take place on the day. Senior Awards will be issued at a later date. Full race results and report by e-mail.

Further Information :
Kevin Corcoran, 15 Heol Yr Eryr, Cwmrhydyceirw, Swansea, SA6 6SR.
Telephone (01792) 792301 E-Mail : wgl@tesco.net

For up to date details see the West Glamorgan Cross Country League website at http://westglamleague.co.uk “

Local Earlybird Winter Aquathlon Series
For those keen to try an aquathlon (swim followed by a run) there is a local series organised for 2008 by Cerist Triathlon Club you might be interested in.

13th Jan – Broddyfi Leisure Centre, Machynlleth
3rd Feb – Plascrug Leisure Centre, Aberystwyth
24th Feb – Bro Dysynni Leisure Centre, Tywyn
16th March – Bro Ddyfi Leisure Centre, Machynlleth.

For further details contact Pete Jenkins pvjenks@btinternet.com or 01970 832176.
Or visit: http://users.aber.ac.uk/aiv/cerist

Inaugral Elan Valley 10 Mile Road Race
Rhayader AC are organising the inaugural Elan Valley 10 Mile Road Race SATURDAY 24 NOVEMBER 2007. For those who have done the Round The Lakes 20 race, this one is just as scenic but half the distance and not quite so hilly!! This is a Saturday race starting at 1pm from the Elan Valley Visitor Centre.More details are available shortly at www.rhayaderac.org.uk and should you wish to enter online a facility will be available within the next few days on www.runnersworld.co.uk .
Chris Martin the organiser can be contacted at chris.maria@talk21.com

Aberystwyth Macmillan 10k 9th December @ 1pm (final league race)
The entry form is now available on the club website.

North Wales Cross Country League 2007/2008
The club will be entering again this year – dates (all Saturday’s) and venues as follows:
20th October Telford
24th November Bangor
12th January Wrexham
9th February Oswestry
Further details from Brian, Pete or Kevin. Ages groups from under 17 to Veterans.

Club dates for your diaries…

19/10/07 – 21/10/07 - Club Bunkhouse weekend in Brecon (fully booked).
03/11/07 – West Wales Cross Country Championships Swansea.
02/12/07 – Gwent League Cross Country Bridgend
09/12/07 – Aberystwyth 10k (league race)

10th October 2007

A few extra bits of news to add since this newsletter was sent out:

Two spaces have become available for the bunkhouse weekend…
There is a space for one female and one male due to the rooms being in single sex four bedded rooms. The cost is £25 for the two nights accommodation staying at the Canal Bunk House in Brecon. There are walks/runs/horse riding etc. planned over the weekend and a meal on the Saturday. Everything is optional so you take can part in as much or as little as you like! If you would like to come along let Anita know on aiv@aber.ac.uk or 01970 832013.

Cardiff Half Marathon entry available…
Glenda is unable to run in the Cardiff Half Marathon.
If anyone would like the entry contact Glenda on 07896098033.

See you all Sunday with Twin Peaks fever either running or marshalling and then eating in the Academy at 6pm on Sunday!!
If anyone needs a club vest to wear for Sunday I’ll have a few with me before the race starts. They’re £15 each and available in mens and ladies cut.

7th October 2007

FEW SPACES LEFT…Cross Country in Swansea this Saturday
There’s still some spaces left on the bus. Only 6.2km for senior females and 11.4km for the senior men. Plus various age groups for juniors. Club vests will be available to borrow on the day. More details at: www.gwent-league.org.uk . If you would like to take part email Helen hem@aber.ac.uk or contact Kevin Holland.

Twin Peaks Marshals
Thanks to everyone that has volunteered to marshal on Sunday. Just a reminder to be at the bandstand for 11.30am on Sunday morning and committee members to be at the bandstand 9.30am to help with setting up. Many Thanks.

SOCIAL AFTER THE TWIN PEAKS….Post Twin Peaks hot food in the Academy @ 6pm
The tickets are £5 each and open to everyone. The Academy have kindly laid on hot buffet offering a choice of hot tasty food. Vegetarian options are also available. For those also wanting to watch the rugby there is a big screen in the Academy so no excuse not to come along! Tickets will be available from Martyn or Anita at £5 each at training Tuesday and Friday this week and on the day at the Twin Peaks. Alternatively email aiv@aber.ac.uk or ring 01970 832013.

Thanks to everyone that was able to offer transport for the Twin Peaks barriers
A van has been kindly lent to us to collect the barriers. Thanks to everyone that replied.

Thanks also to our club volunteer that offered to buddy our 86 year old runner during the Twin peaks race.

British Masters 10k – Newtown (Thanks to Dave Thomas)
You might like to put the attached results in the next newsletter. No Aber AC members, but food for thought perhaps.
http://www.lescroupiersrunningclub.org.uk/results/2007/archives/vet10k.php

Race Reports…

The Pumlumon Challenge (thanks to Louise)
The third Pumlumon Challenge took place on Saturday 22nd September. This formed part of the Montrail Ultra Running Championship and involved a 26 mile run across the Cambrian Mountains, starting and finishing at Nant-y-arian visitor centre and running east to Hafren Forest and the Source of the Severn, via Y Garn and Pumlumon, before returning around the northern edge of Nant-y-moch reservoir including a climb up Drosgol. Louise, Dave Powell and Pete Garson represented the club and mixed in well with the competitors to whom a mere 26 miles was just about worth getting out of bed for! Rumours are indeed true and I did come second female, just seconds behind the winner in a time of 5.37 and received some great prizes. However, my performance was nothing compared to 'defending champion' Dave Powell who finished in 4.43 and Pete Garson in 5.37.

Arenig Fawr Fell Race (thanks to Louise)
The North Wales Fell Championship Race at Arenig Fawr took place on Sunday 30th September . This is a fantastic run over 6.7miles with just under 2000ft of ascent, and a true fell race, involving some steep climbs and descents over rock and scree combined with sections of very boggy marsh. Despite running the gruelling Black Mountains Race the day before, Dave Powell was on fine form finishing 28th out of the 84 runners in 70.28, Louise finished in 48th place in 78.57 and Adriano was 72nd in 92.08. A race to definitely recommend to all you budding fell runners out there.

Smith in sunny Shropshire Sprint Triathlon (thanks to Emma Smith)
“Just got the results of the South Shropshire sprint triathlon which I've attached for you:

13th Female overall
400m swim: 00:06:57
26km bike: 00:51:26
6.25km Run: 00:33:50
Total: 01:32:13

It was lovely sunny day, a great course and would really recommend it to anyone who fancies trying a sprint triathlon ;-)”

Penmaenpool 10 report to following next week
Results will be available soon at: http://www.run-meirionnydd.co.uk/

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Other Club News…

Aberystwyth Macmillan 10k 9th December @ 1pm (final league race)
The entry form is now available on the club website. This race is very popular and to ensure you get a place enter early!

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Future Races…

Gwent League 2007/2008
The Club has entered the Cross Country Gwent League. There are four fixtures listed so far:
Saturday 13 October - Singleton Park, Swansea
Sunday 11 November - University of Bath
Sunday 2 December - Newbridge Fields, Bridgend
Sunday 10 February 2008 - Blaise Castle, Bristol
http://www.gwent-league.org.uk/

Club dates for your diaries…

13/10/07 – Singleton Park Gwent League Cross Country (minibus provided)
14/10/07 – Twin Peaks Race and Children’s Hill race, Aberystwyth.
14/10/07 – SOCIAL IN THE ACADEMY @ 6pm. £5 a ticket from Anita or Martyn.
19/10/07 – 21/10/07 - Club Bunkhouse weekend in Brecon (fully booked).
9/12/07 – Aberystwyth 10k (league race)

1st October 2007

Weekly Training…

Ladies only Monday training session 6.30pm at Plascrug
Meet for 6.30pm at Plascrug Leisure Centre. Cost is 50p per session.

Juniors Tuesday training session 6pm at Plascrug
Meet for 6pm and we will be back by 7.30pm. Cost is 50p per session.

Seniors Tuesday training sessions 6pm at Plascrug
Cost is 50p per session.

Open running night Friday 6.30pm at Plascrug
No charge - open to everyone - about 1.5 hours of running.

Cross country… (thanks to Helen Marshall)

The cross country season looms with the first of the Gwent League fixtures scheduled for Saturday 13th October in Swansea. It is a great course which involves several laps of Singleton Park, depending on your age and gender! For senior females the course is 6.2 km and for senior men it’s 11.4 km. For more details regarding the course map and the full timetable check out: www.gwent-league.org.uk . There are several age groups from Novice Boys/Girls (at least 9 years of age) to Veterans (over 60). Teams can also be entered, with the first five across the line scoring. The cost is £4/5 per person and club colours must be worn.

If anyone is interesting in competing please can you email me (hem@aber.ac.uk ) ASAP. The club has booked a 12 seater mini bus for this race. If you wish to book a place please email me (hem@aber.ac.uk ) or contact Kevin Holland. The cost is £8 a person, payable at time of booking. Places allocated on a first come - first served basis.

Also: the West Wales Cross Country Championships will take place on Saturday 3rd November at Margam Park, Port Talbot; it is also the first fixture of the West Glamorgan Cross Country League. I will email you all regarding this fixture at a later date.

Regards,
Helen

Penmaenpool 10 news
(thanks to Helen Williams for spotting this on the Meirionnydd website http://www.run-meirionnydd.co.uk/news.html )

“URGENT UPDATE - Penmaenpool 10 (20/09/07)
Please note that early editions of the race entry form had the incorrect address AND phone number on them! If anyone has entered the race and not heard anything please contact the Secretary, Pete Nichols, on 01341 450673 (note he is on Holiday next week!??! sorry) or find his email address on the contacts page. We're also happy to sort numbers out for those turning up on the day. Apologies for any inconvenience. Registration will be in the old signal box in the car park at Penmaenpool.”

Penmaenpool 10 mile race - car share from Plascrug

Meet 10am at Plascrug Leisure Centre to car share up to the race. This is the last chance to run a ‘long’ league race to be able to qualify for the club league. Entries will be taken on the day if the 150 limit hasn’t been reached. Race enquiries to: Graeme Stringer 07917 001173.

We’re looking for somebody to accompany an 86 year old entrant during the twin peaks race…

The club are looking for somebody willing to jog around the Twin Peaks route starting an hour earlier at 12noon with the aim to finish with the main finishers. If you are interested please contact Anita aiv@aber.ac.uk .

Race Reports…

North Wales Cross Country League Colwyn Bay – round 1
Elinor and Danny Thorogood had good races in Colwyn Bay for the first of the North Wales League Cross Country races. Danny was 37th in the men's race and Elinor tenth lady overall and first under 17. Also running was John Evans (not sure of John’s results yet?).

Black Mountain fell race Saturday 29th Sept (thanks To Peter Garson)
About 55 runners set off from Llanbedr on this scenic 17 mile course. We soon got separated out on the misty mountains but runners reappeared on the fast descents into the valleys which were followed by long, steep climbs up to the next summit. This was followed by some wonderful ridge running as the clouds lifted, then more fast descending along sheep trods that threaded their way through more tall bracken before joining some tracks through the forest. The legs were feeling heavy on the way up to the final summit which was followed by the fast, final descent into the valley and up a short track to finish by an old church in the centre of this pretty village. Racing twice last week-end had caught up with Dave Powell, although not enough for me to catch up with him. Dave was 17th in around 3:30 and I was 21st in 3:41.

The sun came out while a few prizes were given out and John, the race organiser took a vote over whether to reverse the direction of the course next year, (if the weather is fine.) Undaunted by the majority view, he decided to do it anyway. Fair enough, as he does a great job of organising this lovely race that seems to attract runners from a long way off year after year.

Dale Half Marathon 30th September (thanks to Helen Williams)
The weather was cool and fairly cloudy however a stiff breeze made some parts of the course slightly challenging, but much better than the tropical conditions of 2006! This is a really friendly half marathon and 10K. It is well marshalled with plenty of water stations. It is a very scenic run taking in some of the lovely Pembrokeshire countryside. From Aber AC - Cliff Thomas ran a fantastic 1:46:33 and I trailed in his wake at 1:54:16. I must also mention Allen Watts from Sarn Helen who competed on his 79th birthday and finished in 2:58:03 - what an inspiration!

Bupa Great North Run 2007
I didn’t spot Bridget on TV on Sunday but I hear she did a fantastic time of 1.49.44 which I’m sure she’ll be really pleased with (especially since she was running with a broken toe!).

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Other Club News…

Aberystwyth Macmillan 10k 9th December @ 1pm (final league race)
The entry form is now available on the club website. This race is very popular and to ensure you get a place enter early!

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Future Races…

Club dates for your diaries…
6/10/07 – Penmaenpool 10 mile http://www.run-meirionnydd.co.uk/ (league race)
13/10/07 – Singleton Park Gwent League Cross Country (minibus provided)
14/10/07 – Twin Peaks Race and Children’s Hill race, Aberystwyth.
19/10/07 – 21/10/07 - Club Bunkhouse weekend in Brecon (fully booked).
9/12/07 – Aberystwyth 10k (league race)

26th September 2007

Weekly Training…

Ladies only Monday training session 6.30pm at Plascrug
Meet for 6.30pm at Plascrug Leisure Centre. Cost is 50p per session.

Juniors Tuesday training session 6pm at Plascrug
Meet for 6pm and we will be back by 7.30pm. Cost is 50p per session.

Seniors Tuesday training sessions 6pm at Plascrug
Cost is 50p per session.

Open running night Friday 6.30pm at Plascrug
No charge - open to everyone - about 1.5 hours of running.

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TONIGHT Club Meeting – Wednesday 26th September 5.45pm
Meet at 5.45pm at Dai James office. The meeting is open to any club members that would like to come along and have a say in any decisions and ideas for events over the next few months.

Race Reports…

Club 5 mile Handicap Championship
Thanks to everyone that turned up and to Pete for working out the handicaps. All 23 runners finished across the line within four minutes of each other.

The first six winners were:

1. Adriano Evola
2. Anwen James
3. Carys Prytherch
4. Karen Williams
5. Daniel Davies
6. Dai James

Actual times for everyone’s 5mile are below (In order of finishing across the line):

Adriano Evola 36.41
Anwen James 38.13
Carys Prytherch 41.25
Karen Williams 41.35
Daniel Davies 33.00
Dai James 39.02
Clive Evans 33.08
Helen Williams 39.11
Arwel James 33.50
Kevin Holland 33.53
Mark Stieler 33.58
Paul Arnold 39.35
Elizabeth Stieler 36.36
Helen Marshal 35.46
Gethin Holland 32.16
Emma Smith 39.52
Helen Stretch 46.04
Shan Breese 46.20
Geraint Evans 35.29
John Evans 35.00
Will Troughton 38.30
Pete Foale 32.40
Shelley Childs 32.40

Borth Beach 10k escaped the high winds and rain…
Despite the gloomy weather forecast the day stayed bright, the wind no worse than usual and the sun even managed an appearance for the 28 runners!

4th Dave Powell 43.46
5th Clive Evans 44.45
7th Shelley Childs 45.01
8th Mark Stieler 46.01
9th John Evans 47.01
12th Adriano Evola 48.24
15th Kate O’Sullivan 49.11
16th Clive Williams 49.34
18th Anwen James 51.50
20th Helen Williams 52.27
22nd Marion Garson 53.38
23rd Shari James 55.55

Full Results will be available on the club website and the notice board.

Lily takes on Llanrwst…
Elizabeth Stieler enjoying her first season of triathlons took part in Llanrwst Tri on the 2nd September and came in 16th female.
The race involved a 400m swim, 27km bike and 5k hilly run.

Elizabeth Stieler: 8m31s = swim 1h57m = bike 27m27s = run Total time: 1:36:55

Pumlumon Challenge
This gruelling 25 mile event was run last weekend. If the rumours are true Louise Barker came a fantastic 2nd place! Hopefully more news to follow on the other club runners taking part in this challenge next week!

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Other Club News…

Aberystwyth Macmillan 10k 9th December @ 1pm (last league race)
The entry form is now available on the club website. This race is very popular and to ensure you get a place enter early!

Trainers for sale…
“Adam has a pair of Size 10.5 Mayfly 5k/10k running shoes. He has only worn them once and decided he did not like them!!! We have put a picture of them in the Leisure Centre on the Running Notice Board. They are £25.00 new, but we would accept £20.00 for them. They are still in their box and come with a rucksack! Many thanks”
Contact: colin_bitchell1@yahoo.co.uk

Club League Update (Thanks to Tony Wenlock)
“Overall the position looks very exciting. The men's 1,2,3 is not an obvious shoe-in yet. Currently, Peter, John and Clive are the front runners but the dark horse has to be Scott Tompsett - who could represent a very real challenge if he gets in the last two races with the level of performance seen in the recent 5k. Behind that the people to beat are Cliff Thomas and Kevin Holland who should be looking for challenges from Shelley Childs, Dave Powell, Paul Scullion and Danny Evans - so results in the Penmaenpool 10m and Aber 10k are vital but the choice of optional race could make all the difference.

In the women's league Anita Worthing looks unstoppable with 2nd and 3rd being a tussle between Louise and Glenda. With Helen Williams and Bridget Parkinson in current position the challenge for 4th and 5th could come from Kate Sullivan, Carys Prytherch - and potentially Sian Thomas. Again, almost anyone could get a qualified position by completing the last two races. “

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Future Races…

North Wales Cross Country League 2007/2008
The club will be entering again this year – dates (all Saturday’s) and venues as follows:
29th September Colwyn Bay
20th October Telford
24th November Bangor
12th January Wrexham
9th February Oswestry
Further details from Brian, Pete, Anita, Louise or Kevin. Ages groups from under 17 to Veterans.

Club dates for your diaries…

6/10/07 – Penmaenpool 10 mile http://www.run-meirionnydd.co.uk/ (league race)
14/10/07 – Twin Peaks Race and Children’s Hill race, Aberystwyth.
19/10/07 – 21/10/07 - Club Bunkhouse weekend in Brecon (fully booked).
9/12/07 – Aberystwyth 10k (league race)

18th September 2007

This FRIDAY…Club 5 mile Handicap Championship
Meet 6.30pm at the Yacht Club (south end of the prom). You will start the race depending on your predicted finish time. The first 6 people across the line will receive prizes. Everybody has a chance of winning so come along and give it a go!
The route map will be circulated by email. The route will start and finish at the Yacht Club.

This SUNDAY…Borth Beach 10k Series 3 - Sunday 23rd September 12:30hrs start.
The children's 1 mile race start is the same time as the 10K race.
This is the final race in the series. If you unable to run and would like to volunteer to help out with the race - we will be meeting at the café opposite the RNLI station for 11.30am.
The presentation after the race will be at the café -followed by a drink in the Victoria Inn to support our race sponsors.

TONIGHT Juniors Tuesday training session 6pm at Plascrug (18th September)
Meet for 6pm and we will be back by 7.30pm. Cost is 50p per session which is used towards club funds.

TONIGHT Seniors Tuesday training sessions 6pm at Plascrug (18th September)
Cost is 50p per session which is used towards club funds.

Next Club Meeting – Wednesday 26th September 5.45pm
Meet at 5.45pm at Dai James office. The meeting is open to any club members that would like to come along and have a say in any decisions and ideas for events over the next few months.

Level 1 Coaching Course: 29th September in Maldwyn
If you would like to help out with the junior training sessions the Club will pay for you to attend a level one training course on 29th September in Maldwyn. The only commitment will be to help out every three or four weeks – or more often if you wish! and attend one of the cross county meetings. Please contact Brian, Pete, Anita, Louise or Kevin for more info. Because of the cost number of places is limited to four.

Marshalls still needed for the Aberystwyth A.C. Twin Peaks Race - Sunday 14th October
If you have any friends/family that are able to spare a few hours on this day and help us with our club race please forward any names along with a contact phone number to Anita aiv@aber.ac.uk .

No longer able to leave keys at reception…
Just a reminder that we are no longer allowed to leave keys behind the reception at Plascrug. In the meantime please carry your keys with you or lock in the lockers provided in the dryside changing rooms. Thanks.

Club League 5k Time Trial
Thanks to everyone that turned up in less than ideal windy conditions! Despite the headwind for most of the 5k everybody broke the 30mins for 5k including some of our newest runners. It was great also to see some of the younger faster runners challenging for the top spots and in the process managing to gain winning league points from the more seasoned runners!

The league has been updated on the club website and points awarded depending on your time and age. The top point scorers last night were Scott Tompsett (82.17) Danny Evans (79.57) Clive Evans (79.18) in the ladies section Anita Worthing (77.46) Glenda Roberts (73.32) and Helen Williams (70.30).

Scott Tompsett 15.48
Danny Evans 16.19
Jos Jones 19.55
Daniel Davies 20.11
Shelley Childs 20.22
Kevin Holland 20.22
Clive Evans 20.24
Arwel James 20.42
John Evans 20.56
Elizabeth Stieler 22.01
Cliff Thomas 22.15
Anita Worthing 22.21
Adriano Evola 22.40
Annwen James 23.19
Helen Williams 23.25
Bridget Parkinson 23.30
Glenda Roberts 24.04
Paul Arnold 24.20
Emma Smith 24.23
Lynette Peck 24.48
Heather Pitcher 24.57
Shari James 25.12
Karen Williams 25.13
Anna Bradley 26.40
Rhian Breese 27.51
Hayley Revell 29.36
Beth Holland 29.55

New Forest Half Marathon 11th Sept 2007 (thanks to Dave Thomas)
Dave Thomas 96.03 (gun time); 95.53 (chip time)
110th place (1503 finishers) 4th V50
A surprisingly tough course on the southern edges of the New Forest. The route appears never to be flat at any point with some nasty bits coming out of nowhere to get you when it's hurting. The 1.5 mile climb at 8 mile was notably nasty and took its toll on many in the warm
conditions - your correspondent included! For the stats anoraks and Team Saga, the winning time was 70.48; first lady 6th overall in 78.39; first V50 86.57; first V60 88.45 The accompanying marathon takes an even 'lumpier' route through the centre of the Forest. Here the winning time was 2.38.30. First lady 3.16.36.
Full details and pictures on http://www.nfma.org.uk/index.htm

The Stretton Skyline (19miles and 4500ft) (thanks to Louise Barker)
Having opted out of the gruelling Peris Horseshoe on Saturday, Dave and I took a trip over to Church Stretton to do the 'runner friendly' Stretton Skyline on Sunday. It was a glorious day with stunning views and a route taking you over the five highest peaks surrounding Church Stretton - Pole Bank on the Long Mynd, Ragleth, Caer Caradoc, The Lawley and back onto Mott's Road junction on the Long Mynd. Whilst it was a very runnable route (that is aside from the very short steep pulls up to the summit points), by the end I think a snail could have covered the ground quicker than I was managing to trot/hobble/crawl, much to the entertainment of all the Sunday walkers who stared in horror and disbelief at the 'finely honed' athletes on display! With seizing legs and lots of styles to climb, I can honestly say I was truly glad when the finish line came into view. It's certainly a race which highlighted my lack of running in the hills over the past few months..... Having said that the views were stunning and I'm not quite as sore as I thought I would be today. Needless to say Dave didn't suffer anywhere near as much as me....Dave completed the course in 3.07 and I managed 3.28. Can't wait for the Pumlimon challenge this weekend, its only an extra 6 miles!
Dave was 17th and 4th MV45 and I was 41at and 4th Lady.

Aberystwyth A.C. Club members in last triathlon of the season…
Bala is always a lottery in September – luckily it was warm and dry. The wind was the only problem! It was forecast windy and the weather man was spot on! The lake was choppy making it difficult to look where you were swimming and breath at the same time, the 40k bike was amazing on the way back just a battle getting to the turn around! The run was fairly sheltered and if any competitors had any energy left they were left to complete the 10k run with the first 3miles up hill. The goody bags were great – large printed bath towel, food and drinks! There were 749 finishers and 22 DNF’s (Did Not Finish).

288th Anita Saycell 02:17:24 (swim 20:58 bike 1:11:15 run 45:11)
438th Martyn Saycell 02:25:44 (swim 26.11 bike 1:12:16 run 47:17)
516th Mark Stieler 02:31:43 (swim 30:31 bike 1:15:51 run 45:21)

“Maybe of interest to send out to the woman runners!!”
For those that did the half marathon it means 1755m bounces (whatever a ‘m’ is)
Happy reading
Megan
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/4607642.stm

Guinness World Record Attempt
On Saturday 29 September Computer Science student Sam Wakeling is
attempting to break the current Guinness World Record for unicycle distance
in 24 hours, currently set at 235.3 miles. The attempt will be from 9.30am
on Saturday 29th until 9.30am on Sunday, at the University Sports Centre.
All supporters are welcome to come and give encouragement and donations.

Donations will be given to Christian Aid, who "work with the world's poorest
people in more than 50 countries, regardless of race or faith, tackling the
causes and consequences of poverty and injustice." For more on the event,
see www.redwelly.co.uk or contact Sam skw3@aber.ac.uk .

Summary of 2007 Club Events and league races:

Club Championship 5 mile race – Friday 21st September
Meet at the Yacht Club (south of the prom) for 6.30pm. You will start according to your predicted 5 mile time.

Borth Beach 10k Series 3 - Sunday 23rd September 12:30hrs.
The children's 1 mile race start is the same time as the 10K race.

Penmaenpool 10 – Saturday 6th October (league race)
Start at 12 noon. Entry forms on club notice board and at: http://www.run-meirionnydd.co.uk/

Aberystwyth A.C. Twin Peaks Race and Children’s Hill race - Sunday 14th October 2007
13.00 hrs Band Stand, Promenade, Aberystwyth. Entry forms available from the club website.

Club dates for your diaries…
21/09/07 – Club 5 mile Championships. 6.30pm at the Yacht Club (south of the prom).
23/09/07 - Aberystwyth A.C’s Borth Beach 10K Race 3 in 2007 Series 12:30 start.
6/10/07 – Penmaenpool 10 mile http://www.run-meirionnydd.co.uk/ (league race)
14/10/07 – Twin Peaks Race and Children’s Hill race, Aberystwyth.
19/10/07 – 21/10/07 - Club Bunkhouse weekend in Brecon (fully booked).
9/12/07 – Aberystwyth 10k (league race)

9th September 2007

Tuesday senior training session at Borth (11th September)
Meet for 6pm in Borth RNLI car park. Cost is 50p per session which is used towards club funds.

Juniors Tuesday training session 6pm at Plascrug (11th September)
Meet for 6pm and we should be back by 7.30pm. Cost is 50p per session which is used towards club funds.

Borth Beach 10k Series 3 - Sunday 23rd September 12:30hrs start.
The children's 1 mile race start is the same time as the 10K race.
This is the final race in the series. If you unable to run and would like to volunteer to help out with the race - we will be meeting at the café opposite the RNLI station for 11.30am.
The presentation after the race will be at the café -followed by a drink in the Victoria to support our race sponsors.

Please help to promote our club’s Twin Peaks race…
The entry form is available on our website in Word format. If you are able to print a few copies and distribute a few among friends/family/colleagues that may be interested…!

Marshalls needed for the Aberystwyth A.C. Twin Peaks Race - Sunday 14th October
If you have any friends/family that are able to spare a few hours on this day and help us with our club race please forward any names along with a contact phone number to Anita aiv@aber.ac.uk .

Twin Peaks race this year includes a children’s race halfway up and down Constitution Hill…
Children aged 10-15 can take part. Entry forms are available online www.aberystywthac.org.uk . The cost is £2 to enter. The race will start the same time as the adults. The distance of the route is approx 1mile.

North Wales Cross Country League 2007/2008
The club will be entering again this year – dates (all Saturday’s) and venues as follows:

29th September Colwyn Bay
20th October Telford
24th November Bangor
12th January Wrexham
9th February Oswestry

Further details from Brian, Pete, Anita, Louise or Kevin. Ages groups from under 17 to Veterans.

Great club day out at Lake Vyrnwy… (thanks to Louise)
“We all had a great day, there were 20 runners from the club. The mens team came 28th overall and the Ladies team placed 6th.

79 Dave Powell 1:25:44
89 Pete Foale 1.26.35 (4th V55)
148 Clive Evans 1.31.06 (5th V60)
164 Louise Barker 1.31.52 (PB)
174 John Evans 1.32.18
208 Kevin Holland 1.34.38
217 Daniel Davies 1.34.57
341 Arwel James 1.41.34
403 Kate O'sullivan 1.44.38 (PB)
524 Clive Williams 1.50.10
556 Marian Garson 1.51.26 (PB)
613 Adriano Evola 1.53.40
614 Glenda Roberts 1.53.40
703 Karen Williams 1.57.44 (PB)
708 Gwen Clements 1.57.54 (PB)
793 Paul Arnold 2.01.00
798 Carys Prytherch 2.01.14 (PB)
810 Helen Williams 2.01.57
897 Megan Williams 2.05.42
1298 Tina Hansen 2.50.39

Bridget has managed to get some great photos from the day which should be up on the club website shortly.

Club League update with latest results
The club league has been updated with the results from Sunday. Next club league race is a 5k this Monday 17th September. This is for everyone in the club and a chance to get a few points for a short race. Meet 6.30pm at Plascrug.

Race the train results have been located!!
Well done to Dave Thomas and John Evans in beating the train back to Tywyn!

10k
44th Dave Thomas 51:24
61st John Evans 53:51
177th Marion Garson 01:05:31

14mile
206th Peter Garson 02:00:21
332nd Tony Wenlock 02:11:37

The full results are at:
10k results http://www.ukresults.net/2007/racetrain4.html
Main race results http://www.ukresults.net/2007/racetrain1.html

Summary of 2007 Club Events and league races:

Club League 5k – Monday 17th September 2007
This will be the last chance of the year to compete in a short race for the club league and get a few points towards your grand total!

Club Championship 5 mile race – Friday 21st September
Meet at the Yacht Club (south of the prom) for 6.30pm. You will start according to your predicted 5 mile time. Prizes for the first three male and female club members across the line.

Borth Beach 10k Series 3 - Sunday 23rd September 12:30hrs.
The children's 1 mile race start is the same time as the 10K race.

Penmaenpool 10 – Saturday 6th October (league race)
Start at 12 noon. Entry forms on club notice board and at: http://www.run-meirionnydd.co.uk/

Aberystwyth A.C. Twin Peaks Race and children’s hill race - Sunday 14th October 2007
13.00 hrs Band Stand, Promenade, Aberystwyth. Entry forms available from the club website.

Club dates for your diaries…
17/09/07 – Club League 5k. 6.30pm at Plascrug.
21/09/07 – Club 5 mile Championships. 6.30pm at the Yacht Club (south of the prom).
23/09/07 - Aberystwyth A.C’s Borth Beach 10K Race 3 in 2007 Series 12:30 start.
6/10/07 – Penmaenpool 10 mile http://www.run-meirionnydd.co.uk/ (league race)
14/10/07 – Twin Peaks Race and children’s hill race, Aberystwyth.
19/10/07 – 21/10/07 - Club Bunkhouse weekend in Brecon.
9/12/07 – Aberystwyth 10k (league race)

3rd September 2007

Tuesday sessions starts again this Tuesday 4th September
After the summer break the Tuesday night training sessions will start on the 4th September.

Next Club Meeting – Thursday 6th September 5.45pm
Meet at 5.45pm at Dai James office. The meeting is open to any club members that would like to come along and have a say in any decisions and ideas for events over the next few months.

Bus to Lake Vyrnwy Half Marathon 9th September (thanks to Kevin Holland)
Please give your name to Anita, Louise, Kevin or Pete if you wish to book a place on the minibus. It will leave Plascrug Leisure Centre at 9.30 on Sunday - return time will depend on how quickly we run and how long we spend at the inevitable pub stop (on the way back!) - cost £7 each.

Congratulations to John Evans in the Sprint World Championships
The results are available online and it looks like John came a fantastic 8th in his age group (4th British athlete) in a time of 1.28.30. Hopefully more from John when he returns back from Germany.

Edinburgh Marathon + Half Marathon May 25th 2008 (thanks to Bridget)
I heard about this through a friend – the Edinburgh Marathon organizers are accepting the first 500 applicants through a new guaranteed entry system which opened at midnight on Saturday. I entered online this morning and managed to get a place so if you fancy a trip up to Scotland next May then why not give it a go!?
They are also taking Good for Age places and if you are unsuccessful in the first 500 entry then you will automatically be entered into the ballot.
From the Website – ‘The 2007 Edinburgh Marathon, the first one on the new faster route, proved a huge success with runners. An amazing 97% of finishers who rated the race on Runners World said they would run it again which was higher than the Bupa Great North Run, Baxters Loch Ness Marathon and the Flora London Marathon’
www.edinburgh-marathon.com

Source of the Severn – Club Trail Championships
The winners of the 2007 Aberystwyth A.C. Club Trail Championships are:

Dave Powell – 1st Male
Clive Evans – 2nd Male
Adriano Evola – 3rd Male

Louise Barker – 1st Lady
Helen Marshall – 2nd Lady
Anita Saycell – 3rd Lady

The awards will be presented at the annual club dinner.

The race seemed to be wet from the beginning to end. The course was about 8 miles and climbed up to the source of the Severn before a long stretch across exposed open moorland and then the much awaited downhill through forest tracks and along by the river. With 85 runners taking part this race was well marshalled and well organised. The tea and homemade cakes afterwards were really appreciated!

As well as winning the ladies club trail championship Louise had an excellent run to finish in a medal position and cross the line as second lady overall. Congratulations also to Glenda Roberts who only 5 weeks ago broke a rib and managed to come across the line as 1st LV50!

17th Dave Powell 65.16
30th Louise Barker 71.30 - 2nd Lady
46th Clive Evans 75.22
53rd Helen Marshall 76.38
59th Adriano Evola 79.05
60th Anita Saycell 79.25
65th Tony Wenlock 81.10
74th Glenda Roberts 94.10 – 1st LV50

Club Membership Update (thanks to Kevin Holland)
The latest batch of completed membership forms has just been sent of to Welsh Athletics, these relate to:

Bridget Parkinson, Clifford Thomas, Daniel Burgess, Geoff Oldrid, Ian Evans, Jon Bell, Karen Williams, Louise Barker, Rachel Tod, Rhian Breese, Sarah Birch, and Shan Bresse.

If you have yet to complete membership forms please download them from the club web site (http://users.aber.ac.uk/keh/member.htm ) and return along with a cheque made payable to Aberystwyth Athletic Club to either Anita, Louise or Kevin.

Club League 5k – Monday 17th September 2007
This will be the last chance of the year to compete in a short race for the club league and get a few points towards your grand total!

Club Championship 5 mile race – Friday 21st September
Meet at Plascrug Leisure Centre for 6.30pm. You will start according to your predicted 5 mile time. Prizes for the first three male and female club members across the line.

Borth Beach 10k Series 3 - Sunday 23rd September 12:30hrs.
The children's 1 mile race start is the same time as the 10K race.

Penmaenpool 10 – Saturday 6th October (league race)
Start at 12 noon. Entry forms on club notice board and at: http://www.run-meirionnydd.co.uk/

Aberystwyth A.C. Twin Peaks Race - Sunday 14th October 2007
13.00 hrs Band Stand, Promenade, Aberystwyth. Entry forms available from the club website.

Club dates for your diaries…
09/09/07 - Lake Vyrnwy Half Marathon (race now full)
17/09/07 – Club League 5k.
21/09/07 – Club 5 mile Championships. 6.30pm at Plascrug.
23/09/07 - Aberystwyth A.C’s Borth Beach 10K Race 3 in 2007 Series 12:30 start.
6/10/07 – Penmaenpool 10 mile http://www.run-meirionnydd.co.uk/ (league race)
14/10/07 – Twin Peaks Race, Aberystwyth.
19/10/07 – 21/10/07 - Club Bunkhouse weekend in Brecon.
9/12/07 – Aberystwyth 10k (league race)

30th August 2007

Good Luck to John Evans competing in the World Triathlon Championships this weekend
We all wish John all the best in the ITU Triathlon World Championships 2007 - Sprint Distance race in Hamburg, Germany. John’s race is on this Saturday 2nd September.
http://www.hamburgcityman.de/championships/zeittabelle.php?lang=en

Bike ride tomorrow - Friday 31st August @ 6pm
Meeting 6pm outside Plascrug Leisure Centre to have a gentle ride out towards Cwm Rheidol and back. Doesn’t matter what bike you have as long as it’s got wheels and brakes then come along!

Ceredigion Coastal Challenge - 1st September 2007- club runners needed to run a couple of miles with Christopher Vranek to raise money for charity.
Christopher will be leaving Cardigan at 7am and running and swimming the 63 miles to Borth. He plans to arrive in Aberystwyth about 4.00pm.
Everyone welcome and in club vests/tops if possible. We’ll all meet at the Bandstand at 5.30pm to join Christopher along the prom and for the keener runners out towards Borth!
To help raise money and awareness for his charity ‘The GAIA Initiative’ - Ceredigion FM will be following his challenge.

Lift share meet 8.45am @ Plascrug on Sunday 2nd September for the Source of the Severn race – Club Trail Championships
The first three Aberystwyth A.C. men and first three Aberystwyth A.C. ladies across the line will be presented with the club trail championship trophies at the annual dinner.
Meet for 8.45am at Plascrug to lift share to this race.
8 miles off-road through forest trails. Picnic area, Hafren Forrest, Llanidloes. 11am start.
More details: www.maldwynharriers.org.uk
VENUE: Picnic Area Hafren Forest, Llanidloes (GR 858869)
Note from organisers:
Please allow plenty of time to get to the venue the roads are narrow in some places. Come prepared there are no showers.

Tuesday sessions starts again on the 4th September
After the summer break the Tuesday night training sessions will start on the 4th September.

Lake Vyrnwy Half Marathon – minibus is being arranged to the race
Kevin is organising a minibus to take club runners to the race. Further details will be circulated next week.

Race The Train - Saturday August 18th (thanks to Tony Wenlock)
Ed – still waiting for the results to appear online to be able to include all club members times for the 10k and 14.75mile race!

“Daniel Evans - 1:43 ish
Peter Garston - 2:00:45
Tony Wenlock - 2:12:22

Agree with everything that Dave said about the conditions - we had the addition of a freshly ploughed field. Having said that it was brilliant fun.”

Club League 5k – Monday 17th September 2007
This will be the last chance of the year to compete in a short race for the club league and get a few points towards your grand total!

Borth Beach 10k Series 3 - Sunday 23rd September 12:30hrs.
The children's 1 mile race start is the same time as the 10K race.

Penmaenpool 10 – Saturday 6th October (league race)
Start at 12 noon. Entry forms on club notice board and at: http://www.run-meirionnydd.co.uk/

Aberystwyth A.C. Twin Peaks Race - Sunday 14th October 2007
13.00 hrs Band Stand, Promenade, Aberystwyth. Entry forms available from the club website.

Club dates for your diaries…
02/09/07 – Club Trail Championship ‘Source of the Severn’ 11am start. Entry forms on club notice board and via www.maldwynharriers.org.uk .
09/09/07 - Lake Vyrnwy Half Marathon (race now full)
17/09/07 – Club League 5k.
21/09/07 – Club 5 mile Championships. 6.30pm at Plascrug.
23/09/07 - Aberystwyth A.C’s Borth Beach 10K Race 3 in 2007 Series 12:30 start.
6/10/07 – Penmaenpool 10 mile http://www.run-meirionnydd.co.uk/ (league race)
14/10/07 – Twin Peaks Race, Aberystwyth.
19/10/07 – 21/10/07 - Club Bunkhouse weekend in Brecon.
9/12/07 – Aberystwyth 10k (league race)

22nd August 2007

Good Luck to John Evans competing in the World Triathlon Championships
We all wish John all the best in the ITU Triathlon World Championships 2007 - Sprint Distance race in Hamburg, Germany. John will be travelling next week to take part in the race on the 2nd September.

Bank Holiday Monday 27th August – Borth to Aberystwyth coastal path run
Meet for 9.15am on the train platform in Aberystwyth. This should give enough time to buy a ticket to Borth. A single train ticket will cost £2.10. The train leaves Aberystwyth 9.27am and arrives in Borth 9.39 am. From Borth station we will then run back to Aberystwyth via the coastal path. Probably best to bring a jacket in case the weather turns and water if you need it.

No Monday night run organised for 6.30pm due to Bank Holiday – see alternative above.
We will meet back on 3rd September as usual for 6.30pm in the foyer of the Leisure Centre.

Bike ride Friday 31st August @ 6pm
Meeting 6pm outside Plascrug Leisure Centre to have a gentle ride out towards Cwm Rheidol and back. Doesn’t matter what bike you have as long as it’s got wheels and brakes then come along!

Tuesday sessions starts again on the 4th September
After the summer break the Tuesday night training sessions will start on the 4th September.

Club bunkhouse weekend is now FULL (Brecon Beacons 19-21st October 2007)
Thanks to everyone that has sent their cheque to confirm their place. More details will be sent out in September about food/travel etc.

Membership reminder for 2007/8.
The membership runs from April 2007 to April 2008. The cost is only £15 payable to Aberystwyth A.C. The membership will give you discounts at races and membership to Welsh Athletics as well as Aberystwyth A.C. Also, f you are not a club member you will not be eligible for the club league. If you need a form let me know - Anita aiv@aber.ac.uk or 01970 832013.

Tough Guy finisher – our own Rachel Tod!
Congratulations to Rachel in completing the Tough Guy challenge in July. From the photos I’ve seen on facebook - it looks really good fun!!! Loads of mud, challenges and obstacle courses!

Brecon 10, Sun 5 Aug 07 (thanks to Cliff Thomas)
At the Dolgellau 5, I asked every AAC member present whether they had done this race. Only Clive said that he had run it years ago, and pronounced it Hilly, Hard and Horrible, which cheered me greatly.

Waiting at the Start on Brecon's Penlan Track the following week, and staring at Pen y Fan some 5 miles away, I wondered for a second whether, by some lack of attention to detail I had entered myself in error for the Brecon to Merthyr Roman Run.

The Brecon 10 started with 1.75 laps of the track, after which the route went due East for a mile, then turned due South, eventually doing a circuit in the region of Llanfrynach before turning North again. This meant that while the first 3 or so miles undulated downwards, the next 3 or so miles after Llanfrynach undulated upwards over the same bit of road !

The route then turned West to bring us back to the Penlan Track along a different road, and it was here (at approx mile 8) that 'the hill' occurred. Because of the high temperatures, the organisers had added an extra water station, one of which was on the hill, which caused an 'if I stop, will I be able to start again?' dilemma.

Entering through a side entrance to the Penlan Track, the Race finished with a further half lap in front of ...dozens... of people, and, as I collected my t-shirt, there was the start of a pleasantly cooling breeze, about an hour behind cue !

Every controllable aspect of the Race was excellent : distance markers were every mile and accurate, organisation was excellent with vast numbers of Marshalls, drinks as above, results quickly available, and a pose-worthy t-shirt.

Although relatively hilly, I didn’t find the hills (not even 'the hill') as demanding as those which seemed to appear from no-where on the Craig yr Aderyn.

(See also, Runners World, Nov 07, p. 78)

Result 1:19:14, 129/304, P.B., 2nd VM60

Race The Train - Saturday August 18th (thanks to Dave Thomas)
Ed – there were other club members taking part but the full results are not yet available online – full club results next week.

.......or was it October? Not quite sure given the curtains of drizzle
wafting up the valley from Tywyn! As far as I'm aware there were two
Aber AC runners taking part (sorry if I missed anybody):

Dave Thomas 51.24 44th overall 3rdV50
John Evans 53.?? 61st overall 1st V60

Conditions were far from friendly underfoot especially around Dolgoch
Station where stewards later told me that several pairs of running
shoes vanished in the ankle deep mud. Some have yet to be found! The
general opinion of RtheT regulars was that the build up of groundwater
over this wet summer made the route even more awkward and tough than in
the monsoon of 2006. As usual both races were well supported by clubs
from all over the UK and Europe; the marshalling was outstanding; the
facilities/food at the Wharf Field were excellent; as was the support
of the very damp spectators.

Ceredigion Coastal Challenge - 1st September 2007- club runners needed to run a couple of miles with Christopher Vranek to raise money for charity.
Christopher will be leaving Cardigan at 7am and running the 63 miles to Borth. He plans to arrive in Aberystwyth about 5.30pm-6.30pm.
Everyone welcome. We will join Christopher along the prom and for those wanting to run a bit further we can run with him all the way to Borth.
Christopher will be swimming and running along the coast and we are planning to meet him at an agreed point in Aberystwyth and then join him running through Aber and for those wanting to run further all the way to Borth. All ages are encouraged to join him running through the town.
To help raise money and awareness for his charity ‘The GAIA Initiative’ - Ceredigion FM will be following his days events.

Borth Beach 10k Series 3 - Sunday 23rd September 12:30hrs.
The children's 1 mile race start is the same time as the 10K race.

Club League 5k – Monday 17th September 2007
This will be the last chance of the year to compete in a short race for the club league and get a few points towards your grand total!

Penmaenpool 10 – Saturday 6th October (league race)
Start at 12 noon. Entry forms on club notice board and at: http://www.run-meirionnydd.co.uk/

Aberystwyth A.C. Twin Peaks Race - Sunday 14th October 2007
13.00 hrs Band Stand, Promenade, Aberystwyth. Entry forms available from the club website.

3rd August 2007

Bumper Edition this week – next newsletter won’t be out until Friday 17th August.

Congratulations to Will Troughton and his family…
Eluned Catrin Troughton was born on 30th July at 16.27 weighing 7lb 11oz. Congratulations from everyone in the club!

Social outing for the girls only – not to be missed!
Friday 17th August - Pizza and a few drinks in Rummers meeting at 8pm.
Thanks to Annwen and Carys for arranging this!

Club bunkhouse weekend in the Brecon Beacons 19-21st October 2007
Hopefully everyone on the list below has received a letter asking for the £25 cheque payable to Aberystwyth A.C. to confirm their place by the 10th August.

Anita Saycell
Martyn Saycell
Jon Bell
Helen Stretch
Pete Foale
David James
Brian Ashton
Maggie Collingborn
Paul Scullion
Clive Evans (letter for you on club notice board at Plascrug)
Adriano Evola (letter for you on club notice board at Plascrug)
Bridget Parkinson
Kevin Holland
Beth Holland
Geoff Oldrid
Wendy
Gwen Parry
Megan Williams
Daniel Davies
Rosemary Rhys

Asics Trail shoes free to good home… (thanks to Steve King)
“Size 11 ASICS Trail shoes, used once and washed, bit too small for me. Free to a good home. More like a size 10 ½ .” Stephen.King@wales.gsi.gov.uk

The seasons grind on .... (thanks to Dave Thomas)
“Autumn is approaching! The signs are there for all to see - blackberries in the hedgerows, the kids are on holiday, birds are beginning their southerly migration and the entry forms are out for next year's London Marathon. I have a spare copy of the entry magazine for anyone who's thinking of trying their luck in the ballot for the
2008 extraveganza. It's on April 13th 2008. I'll pin the details on the club noticeboard in Plascrug on Monday morning 6th August. First come, first served.”

Snowdon Summit Race
Congratulations to Kate O’Sullivan running in the televised Snowdon 10mile race last Saturday which took the runners to the summit and back – Kate then went on to win the Borth 10k the next day!

TROT's Tenby 10km Race, 19 Aug 2007 (thanks to Lily)
“213 people registered.

Mark Stieler 42.41
Lily Stieler 46.25

A mix of hills and flat stretches, all on tarmac. Lovely weather. Not too hot. Not too cold. Mark was 15th in his category & I was 5th in mine. We both enjoyed the run mainly because it gave us an hour to ourselves away from our lovely but demanding children. “

Dolgellau 5 mile (league race)
Full results are now available online: www.run-meirionnydd.co.uk

21st Shelley Childs 30.07
22nd Pete Foale 30.19 (1st M O/55)
28th John Evans 31.44 (1st M O/60)
30th Louise Barker 31.59 (2nd Female)
35th Clive Evans 33.24
36th Anita Saycell 33.26
40th Martyn Saycell 33.55
43rd Tony Wenlock 34.22
49th Cliff Thomas 35.05
52nd Anita Worthing 35.19 (1st F O/50 and new course record holder for her age group)
54th Brian Ashton 36.24
64th Bridget Parkinson 38.19

2007 Latest League Update…
John Evans is currently leading the club league this year but only trailing by 3 points is club rival Clive Evans. If Cliff Thomas is able to complete the last ‘short’ league race on 17th September his place looks secure for third position. Watch out also for Pete Foale - he has some very high scores and still needs to complete a ‘long’ league race – the only two left are Lake Vyrnwy and Penmaenpool. With a good results Pete may even be able to knock John and Clive down the table.

In the 2007 female club league - new club member, Anita Worthing has taken the club league by storm. Closely followed is seasoned fell runner Louise Barker and last years league winner Glenda Roberts. With more races left on the calendar and points up for grabs Kate O’Sullivan may also find a position in the top three league placings before the end of the year.

Races left in the club league are:
Lake Vyrnwy Half Marathon – 9th September (long)
Club 5k - Monday 17th September (short)
Penmaenpool 10 mile – 6th October (long)
Aberystwyth 10k – 9th December (medium)

Full results and details about the league can be found on the club website:
www.aberystywthac.org.uk

Male:
Name Qualified Short Medium Long Optional Total
John Evans Q 82.21 87.67 79.44 249.32
Clive Evans Q 81.85 85.12 79.87 246.84
Cliff Thomas NQ 0.00 80.12 72.21 72.86 225.19
Kevin Holland Q 72.87 75.29 69.80 217.96
Tony Wenlock Q 71.29 74.97 66.50 212.75
Brian Ashton Q 70.31 72.72 58.38 201.41
Daniel Burgess Q 65.94 65.30 62.87 194.10
Martyn Saycell Q 65.14 66.73 59.40 191.27
Pete Foale NQ 83.22 86.49 0.00 169.71
Dave Powell NQ 76.92 0.00 75.58 152.51

Female:
Anita Worthing Q 77.28 81.16 71.99 230.44
Louise Barker Q 74.97 77.30 70.50 222.76
Glenda Roberts Q 76.49 73.22 69.21 218.93
Helen Williams NQ 0.00 69.55 67.44 66.96 203.95
Kate O'Sullivan NQ 74.23 0.00 69.13 143.37
Anita Saycell NQ 68.74 73.13 0.00 141.87
Anwen James NQ 67.71 66.40 0.00 134.11
Carys Prytherch NQ 62.08 60.77 0.00 122.85
Bridget Parkinson NQ 0.00 63.81 56.30 120.11
Gwen Parry NQ 61.32 0.00 56.21 117.54

1st September 2007- club runners needed to run a couple of miles with Christopher Vranek to raise money for charity.
Everyone welcome. We will join Christopher along the prom and for those wanting to run a bit further we can run with him all the way to Borth.

Christopher will be swimming and running along the coast and we are planning to meet him at an agreed point in Aberystwyth and then join him running through Aber and for those wanting to run further all the way to Borth. All ages are encouraged to join him running through the town.

To help raise money and awareness for his charity ‘The GAIA Initiative’ Ceredigion FM will be following his days events. We will send out more details nearer the time.

Borth Beach 10k Series 3 - Sunday 23rd September 12:30hrs.
The children's 1 mile race start is the same time as the 10K race.

BRECON 10 – Sunday August 5th
Brecon, Powys.
Closing date: July 29
“Be sure to save something for the testing eighth mile of this scenic sojourn in the shadows of the Brecon Beacons”
http://www.brecon10.com

SWANSEA BAY 5K RACE 3 – Tuesday August 7th
Swansea, West Glamorgan
Closing date: August 7
“Flat and fast coastal course packed with PB potential”
http://www.swanseabay5k.com

MERTHYR POLICE 10K - August 19 (Sun)
Merthyr Tydfil
Closing date: August 10
http://www.merthyrpolice10k.org.uk
“Flat, fast course cutting through the valleys of South Wales along the historic Taff Trail”

Roman Run - Saturday 8th September 2007
Roman Run from Berecon to Merthyr
Starts : 12.00 noon Silver Street, Brecon
Finishes : Cyfarthfa Castle, Merthyr Tydfil
Re-started in 1980 to commemorate The Martyr of Tydfil 1600 years ago. Follow the
route between Forts of the Roman Legions stationed inWales. Test yourself against
the elements as your Forefathers did 1600 years ago. From 500 ft to 1500 ft above sea level.
18 MILES!
Harder than any Marathon
No one under 18 years of age allowed to enter because of the nature of the course
Entry forms availavble from the Mayor’s Secretary, Civic Centre,
Castle Street, Merthyr Tydfil CF47 8AN - Tel : (01685) 725320/725481
e-mail : matthew.phillips@merthyr.gov.uk
ENTRY FEE £12.00 (£13.00 ON THE DAY)

Club League 5k – Monday 17th September 2007
This will be the last chance of the year to compete in a short race for the club league and get a few points towards your grand total!

10k open road race in Newtown – Sunday 30th September 2007 (NO ENTRIES ON THE DAY)
11am start. Registration at Newtown Football Club. All entries must be sent by the 24th September. Entry forms are on the club notice Board.

Penmaenpool 10 – Saturday 6th October (league race)
Start at 12 noon. Entry forms on club notice board and at: http://www.run-meirionnydd.co.uk/

Twin Peaks Race - Sunday 14th October 2007
13.00 hrs Band Stand, Promenade, Aberystwyth. Entry forms available from the club website.

Club dates for your diaries…
02/09/07 – Club Trail Championship ‘Source of the Severn’ 11am start. Entry forms on club notice board and via www.maldwynharriers.org.uk .
09/09/07 - Lake Vyrnwy Half Marathon (race now full)
17/09/07 – Club League 5k.
23/09/07 - Aberystwyth A.C’s Borth Beach 10K Race 3 in 2007 Series 12:30 start.
6/10/07 – Penmaenpool 10 mile http://www.run-meirionnydd.co.uk/ (league race)
14/10/07 – Twin Peaks Race, Aberystwyth.
19/10/07 – 21/10/07 - Club Bunkhouse weekend in Brecon.
9/12/07 – Aberystwyth 10k (league race)

30th July 2007

Club bunkhouse weekend in the Brecon Beacons – last 5 places!!!
Arriving Friday evening 19th October and returning home Sunday 21st October.
There are 5 spare places in the bunk house in Brecon. There are 18 names down already (see below). If your name is already down to come along - letters will be sent out this week asking for payment for the accommodation by the 10th August. Cheques are payable to Aberystwyth A.C. for £25.

There will be scenic runs organised over the weekend, plenty of good food (and maybe a few drinks!) There’s bike storage if anyone wants to bring their bike for some local mountain/road riding and the horse riding has been booked on Saturday 2-4.30pm for anyone that fancies it!!
Also nearby are the Dan Yr Ogof show caves if any indoor activities are needed!

Anita Saycell
Martyn Saycell
Jon Bell
Helen Stretch
Pete Foale
David James
Brian Ashton
Maggie Collingborn
Paul Scullion
Clive Evans
Adriano Evola
Bridget Parkinson
Kevin Holland
Beth Holland
Geoff Oldrid
Wendy
Gwen Parry
Megan Williams

Dolgellau 5 mile (league race)
Dry and sunny weather made this race really enjoyable. There were loads of PB’s from Aberystwyth A.C. runners and a list of club trophy winners.
I’m doing this from memory as the results are not yet available so apologies to anyone I’ve missed that took part in the race. In the next newsletter I’ll hopefully have everyone’s times and trophy wins with the updated league positions.
Aberystwyth A.C. runners:
Louise Barker, Anita Worthing, Bridget Parkinson, Anita Saycell, Shelley Childs, Pete Foale, John Evans, Tony Wenlock, Martyn Saycell, Brian Ashton, Cliff Thomas, Clive Evans.

Full results will be available soon at www.run-meirionnydd.co.uk

Borth 10k – series 2 and the 1 mile race (thanks to Pete)

Results of Borth 10K held Sunday afternoon in difficult windy conditions:

Senior Men:
1 David Davies, Spa Tans 37:53 (over 50)
2 Michael Davies, UWA Aberystwyth 39:01
3 James Thomas, UWA Aberystwyth 41:00

Senior women:
1 Kate O'Sullivan, Aberystwyth AC 49:34
2 Celia Speak, Builth & District AC 50:14
3 Claire Powell, Aberystwyth AC 52:05

Men's veterans:
O/40 Dave Powell, Aberystwyth AC 43:20
O/50 Clive Williams, Aberystwyth AC 48:00
O/60 John Evans, Aberystwyth AC 46:23

Women's veterans:
O/35 Karen Williams, Aberystwyth AC 54:04
O/45 Helen Williams, Aberystwyth AC 53:16
O/55 Marjorie Griffiths, Bro Dysynni 61:27

Aberystwyth A.C. Results:
4th Shelley Childs 41.45
5th Dave Powell 43.20
6th John Evans 46.23
8th Clive Williams 48.00
9th Adriano Evola 49.09
10th Kate O’Sullivan 49.34
12th Claire Powell 52.05
13th Helen Williams 53.16
14th Karen Williams 54.04
15th Marion Garson 54.12
18th Megan Williams 59.07
26th Sue Ginley 63.45

1 Mile Race Results
1st Jac Morris Aberystwyth AC 7.45
2nd Cian Ginley-Ibbotson U/A 8.27
3rd Sam Margrave-Jones Aberystwyth AC 8.32
4th Rebecca Ansell Aberystwyth AC 8.47
5th Stephen Williams Aberystwyth AC 9.10
6th Tim Ansell Aberystwyth AC 9.20
7th Katrin Ansell Aberystwyth AC 10.03
8th Conall Ginley-Ibbotson U/A 10.16
9th Daniel Elyn Thomas Aberystwyth AC 10.38
10th Lowri Bates TAC 11.18
11th Jay Davies Aberystwyth AC 11.20
12th Ellie Margrave-Jones Aberystwyth AC 11.20

Full results will be on the Aberystwyth A.C. club website: www.aberystywthac.org.uk

Next Borth Beach dates – series 3
Sunday 23rd September 12:30hrs.
The children's 1 mile race start is the same time as the 10K race.

The Great Wales Run 10k – Cardiff Bay (thanks to Bridget)
“I wasn’t really sure how I was going to feel for this race after running in Dolgellau the day before but I was quite pleasantly surprised! We arrived down at the bay by about 8:40am, the weather was nice and cool with hardly any wind. After my final toilet stop (where I also spotted Liz Yelling queuing up with all the normal people!) I headed over to the start. The race course takes you through the streets near the bay before looping round to Penarth and back over the barrage. The last 2k are then around the Senedd building before ending up at the finish in front of the millennium centre.

I had already decided that I wanted to enjoy the run so hadn’t taken my watch – once again this really paid off, not time wise (50:47) but rather that I really, really enjoyed the run and felt strong and comfy the whole way round. A nice medal and quality t-shirt for all the finishers, which was very welcome after the rather steep entry fee. I would really recommend this run, the route was never boring and the k markers seemed to come very quickly, I’m sure this would also be a very pb worthy course as long as you made sure you were near the front of the crowds!

On my warm down jog I also again passed Liz Yelling (9th) and Nadia Ejjafini (4th) who had taken the same warm down route as me, it was really weird being so close to such good athletes!”

SWANSEA BAY 5K RACE 3 – Tuesday August 7th
Swansea, West Glamorgan
Closing date: August 7
“Flat and fast coastal course packed with PB potential”
http://www.swanseabay5k.com

Club League 5k – Monday 17th September 2007
This will be the last chance of the year to compete in a short race for the club league and get a few points towards your grand total!

Twin Peaks Race - Sunday 14th October 2007
13.00 hrs Band Stand, Promenade, Aberystwyth. Entry forms available from the club website.

Club dates for your diaries…
02/09/07 – Club Trail Championship ‘Source of the Severn’ 11am start. Entry forms on club notice board and via www.maldwynharriers.org.uk.
09/09/07 - Lake Vyrnwy Half Marathon (race now full)
17/09/07 – Club League 5k.
23/09/07 - Aberystwyth A.C’s Borth Beach 10K Race 3 in 2007 Series 12:30 start.
14/10/07 – Twin Peaks Race, Aberystwyth.
19/10/07 – 21/10/07 - Club Bunkhouse weekend in Brecon.

24th July 2007

Help needed for a few hours on the 4th August – proceeds to the Air Ambulance
The event desperately needs volunteers to give a few hours to help sell t-shirts, help with children’s activities, stewarding etc.
For those who haven't been to previous events, Castell Rock is a free, one day community festival in the Castle grounds, with non stop bands from midday to sundown and lots of activities for children. ( www.castellrock.co.uk )

Please contact Rosemary if you are able to offer a few hours of your time.
Thanks.

Rosemary
01974 202877(home)
01545 572138 (work)
rosemaryrhys@tiscali.co.uk

Womens Only Self Defence Course (thanks to Lesley)
“The Thai Boxing club I run are offering a one off Women’s Only Self defence course in Aberystwyth on the 14th August 6.30 - 9pm, in the University Sports Hall . The course is being tutored by an international instructor visiting Aberystwyth from Detroit USA . There currently does not appear to be any self defence courses held here in Aberystwyth and we feel that this is an important shortfall in this area.”
Contact Lesley on 07849 467799 or lesley.lemessurier@googlemail.com for further details.
Lesley Le Messurier
Club Secretary Petchyindee Muaythai Boxing Club Aberystwyth

Lake Vyrnwy Half Marathon – does anyone have a spare entry??
There are two club members that haven’t been able to get an entry into this race but would really love to run. If you have an entry and are unable to run please drop an email to Carys carysp@btinternet.com or Rosemary rosemaryrhys@tiscali.co.uk
Many Thanks.

Mountain Bike Races for school children at Nant yr Arian - Sunday August 5th @ 11am onwards.
Under 8’s up to Under 19’s
Event - British Schools Welsh Regional MTB Championships.
Venue - Nant y Arian Forestry Centre, A44 10 miles inland from Aberystwyth.
Prizes - Lots!!!!!!!!!!!
The event is again being supported by Summit Cycles, Cambrian Tyres and the Forestry Commission.
The events start at 12 noon and the various circuits have been
carefully chosen to be suitable for all age-groups and abilities.
More details and ENTRY FORMS available online :
www.ystwythcc.org.uk
Timetable with approximate timings is as follows:
Guided course familiarisation 11.00h
Race briefing at start line 12.00h
U8 15 minutes + 1 lap 12.15h
U10 20 minutes + 1 lap 12.45h
U12 25 minutes + 1 lap 13.20h
U14 30 minutes + 1 lap 14.00h
U16 35 minutes + 1 lap 14.45h
U19 40 minutes + 1 lap 14.50h
Organiser
Mr Dave Reed
Dorglwyd, Comins Coch,
Aberystwyth
Ceredigion
SY23 3BH
01970 828405
Entry Fees: £4.50
(+£1.00 for non BSCA members)

This weekend…
Dolgellau 5 mile Saturday 28th July (league race)
1:30pm start. Entries taken on the day. Entry forms online: www.run-meirionnydd.co.uk

Borth Beach 10k Sunday 29th July 2pm start at the RNLI station.
This is race number 2 in the series. The third race will be on the 23rd September.
The children's 1 mile race start is the same time as the 10K race. You can enter on the day.

Triathlon News… (thanks to Danny Thorogood)
“Vintage Vet and Cerist Triathlon stalwart John Evans recently won the 60-64 age-group Welsh Sprint Championships in the Tuska Triathlon in Porthcawl. The event started with a 750m open water swim in Porthcawl harbour followed by a flat 20K cycle out to Bridgend and back and finished with a 5K run along the Welsh Heritage Coast path.
John will be competing in the World Age-Group Sprint Triathlon Championships in Hamburg, his first ever Great Britain Age-Group representation. We wish him all the best for a successful race.
At the other end of the age spectrum, 15 year old Elinor Thorogood will be representing Wales in the Inter Regional Championships in Glasgow on 2nd September. This is the fourth consecutive year that she has been selected to compete for Wales in these championships. As a warm-up for this event, she will be competing in the draft-legal Elite Youth Race at the London Triathlon in August.”

SWANSEA BAY 5K RACE 3 – Tuesday August 7th
Swansea, West Glamorgan
Closing date: August 7
“Flat and fast coastal course packed with PB potential”
http://www.swanseabay5k.com

Club League 5k – Monday 17th September 2007
This will be the last chance of the year to compete in a short race for the club league and get a few points towards your grand total!

Twin Peaks Race - Sunday 14th October 2007
13.00 hrs Band Stand, Promenade, Aberystwyth. Entry forms available from the club website.

Next Borth Beach dates
Sunday 23rd September 12:30hrs.
The children's 1 mile race start is the same time as the 10K race.

Club dates for your diaries…
28/07/07 - Dolgellau 5 mile. Forms online www.run-meirionnydd.co.uk
29/07/07 - Aberystwyth A.C’s Borth Beach 10K Race 2 in 2007 Series 14:00 start.
02/09/07 – Club Trail Championship ‘Source of the Severn’ 11am start. Entry forms on club notice board and via www.maldwynharriers.org.uk
09/09/07 - Lake Vyrnwy Half Marathon (race now full)
17/09/07 – Club League 5k.
23/09/07 - Aberystwyth A.C’s Borth Beach 10K Race 3 in 2007 Series 12:30 start.
14/10/07 – Twin Peaks Race, Aberystwyth.
19/10/07 – 21/10/07 - Club Bunkhouse weekend in Brecon.

17th July 2007

Rhayader Hill Race (thanks to Brian)
“Adriano has asked me to say that the annual Rhayader Hill Race is on tonight, Tues.17th.July. He assures me that he has rung one of the organisers in Rhayader to confirm this. If interested, he has suggested that we meet up at our Leisure Centre at 5.30pm if anyone needs a lift. I can't go, I have to look after the juniors.

It's a brilliant race from the town clock in Rhayader to the top of the hill facing the town as you travel down to Builth and back again to the clock. It's only about 4 miles at the most. I think it's part of carnival week or something and there is a great atmosphere up there. You enter on the night in the Lamb and Flag pub, the last time I did it a couple of years ago. That year there must have been around 70 - 80 runners. A great run.
Cheers - Bash.”

Long run this week is now on Saturday 21st of July at 9:30am (thanks to Bridget)
After a couple of weeks doing fairly challenging + hilly routes I thought it might be a good idea to drop back to flat again and do a steady Capel Bangor ‘out and back’ this weekend. We will probably aim for a steady 11-12miles. If you are interested in coming along, even to just do part of the route, then we will be meeting at the leisure centre at 9:30am on Saturday morning. If you would like to be on the mailing list then let me know at b.parkinson@angleplc.com .

Cross Country Leagues 2007-08
We’ll be competing in both the Gwent League which caters for juniors, seniors and veterans and the Shropshire Young Athletes Cross Country League which is for juniors only. Provisional dates and venues for the Gwent League are:

3 October 2007 - Swansea
10/11 November 2007 - University of Bath
1/2 December 2007 - Bridgend
9/10 February 2008 - Bristol
2 March 2008 - Cardiff (Blackweir or Llandaff Fields)

Transport arrangements and further information will be circulated via this newsletter as will the dates and venue for the Shropshire Young Athletes Cross Country League.

Aberystwyth A.C. ladies are famous! (thanks to Bridget)
http://www.artswebwales.com/ffkm/oriel/bigpic.asp?picID=408&catID=10

Aberystwyth A.C. represented in the Pembrokeshire Sprint and Standard Distance Triathlon…
Sprint - 750m sea swim – 20k bike – 5k run
Standard - 1500m sea swim – 40k bike – 10k run

I’ve just seen the results from this triathlon and it looks like Elizabeth and Mark Stieler and John Evans all had fantastic races. From the comments on the web it sounded like the weather was like a typical summer day – very wet and very windy!

Sprint:
Mark Stieler - 25th in his category – 1:36:09
Elizabeth Stieler - 4th in her category – 1:38:24

Standard:
John Evans –2nd in his age category - 03:22:44

This weekend - Brecon Fans Race Weekend – 21st and 22nd July
SAT. 21st JULY. PEN Y FAN. AS. 11:00. 3.5m/1730’ from Cwm Llwch nr Brecon (GR006245). £4.00 on day (£5.00 unaffiliated, combined entry with Fan y Big Horseshoe £8/£10). ER/LK/NS.
Details: Crispin/Naomi Crispin.flower@ntlworld.com

SUN. 22nd JULY. FAN Y BIG HORSESHOE. 14:00. 10.1m/2200’ from Llanfrynach Village Hall nr Brecon. £5.00 on day (£6.00 unaffiliated, combined entry with Pen y Fan £8/£10). ER/LK/NS.
Details: Adrian Orringe adrian.orringe@btinternet.com

Full information for both races can be found at http://flowerhome.no-ip.info/breconfans.htm

Dolgellau 5 mile Saturday 28th July (league race)
1:30pm start. Enter beforehand or on the day. Entry forms online: www.run-meirionnydd.co.uk

Club League 5k – Monday 17th September 2007
This will be the last chance of the year to compete in a short race for the club league and get a few points towards your grand total!

Twin Peaks Race - Sunday 14th October 2007
13.00 hrs Band Stand, Promenade, Aberystwyth. Entry forms available from the club website.

Next Borth Beach dates
Sunday 29th July, 14:00hrs
Sunday 23rd September 12:30hrs.
The children's 1 mile race start is the same time as the 10K race.

10th July 2007

Long weekend runs (thanks to Bridget)
“Thanks to everybody who came along last week and the Saturday just gone! Just a reminder that for this weekend and next weekend they will be on a Sunday not Saturday morning. The runs are at a steady pace with breaks so don’t be afraid to come along!!
Sunday 15th July - This weekend the plan is to set off from the leisure centre at 11am and head out round tan y bwlch and doing a loop which will bring us back along the coastal path, down the hill and back along the beach to the marina. I have been told it is about 8 miles approx so there will then be the option of adding on another few miles round town or going straight back to the leisure centre.
Sunday 22nd July – Possibly another out and back to Capel Bangor – aiming for about 12miles.
I will be mailing out reminders to the people on my distribution list later on this week, if you would like to be added to the list then let me know b.parkinson@angleplc.com .“

Langstrath race report by Peter Garson
It may not be on the epic scale of the long lakes classics but the Langstrath in Borrowdale was the perfect venue for Marion to make her debut fell race and for me to revisit the mellow mid-week Cumbrian fell race scene.

These races can be quite challenging for an evening run but the scenery is inspiring and they invariably end well by finishing at a pub serving great ale.

The 4.5 mile course started with a steep 1400 foot clamber up the steep, bouldery valley side through mossy oak-woods. The rocky path then twisted and turned through the hummocky higher ground, past a small tarn, near the village of Watendlath. We turned there and headed back over into Borrowdale along stony tracks and paths made wet and slippery by the showers.

Marion’s aim was to enjoy it and not to come last. Mine was to complete it with her without aggravating a strained leg muscle. We achieved both and came in 3rd and 4th (from last,) in a time of 1:12. This was nearly twice as long as the men's winning time (and 20 minutes longer than the first lady) but the consolation was that it gave us more time to savour the views.

Torbay Half Marathon (thanks to Cliff Thomas)
“Last year I took part in the Torbay Half Marathon with my daughter who lives down there in the 'English Riviera'. My memory of the race before my hamstring tore (again) was of the sound of ambulance sirens shuttling the heat-stroke victims to hospital.

In recognition of this, more water-stations were provided this year and the start time was made earlier in the day. Nature, however, did the usual and ensured that the race was held in constant rain with runners choosing between splashing through or running round the large puddles which had accumulated during the previous 36 hours' deluge. Riviera my foot!

The course starts on Paignton Prom with 2 laps of 'The Green', followed by 2 return trips to Torquay, finishing in Paignton. Part of the course is 'undulating', as it climbs over headlands, and, of course, you do this 4 times. It was a well organised race with (it seemed) almost as many marshals as runners, and a good 'goody bag'.

Considering the elements, I was quite pleased to knock nearly a min off my PB, and finished 335/1047 overall (6th VM60), in 1:43:03 (Chip).”

Maldwyn Harriers Mid Wales race series (thanks to Bridget)
Glenda and I both made our way over to Newtown again on Friday (6th) for the third race in the mid Wales series, the BBQ 5k. Thankfully, as the sun is still hesitating to come out this summer we found the conditions much more runner friendly with a nice covering of cloud, light wind and a few spots of rain. The route this time took us out and back along the river severn with the start and finish at the Newtown football club. I don’t have the results to hand but former Aber A.C. member Danny Evans won the race and Glenda also once again finished first lady V50. I also had a pleasing run by matching my 5k pb exactly!!

Top weekend at the Europeans Triathlon Championships in Copenhagen!
After the initial panic of not being able to put my bike together (I played blond and asked for help from fellow team mates in the hotel room next door!) - I was able to relax and enjoy the few days in the city in the run up to the race. On the Friday I joined the other GB athletes for a spin around the bike course before the race and also we all went for a team dip in the river to make sure we knew the swim course and practiced coming up the swim exit ramp. We did spot some Jelly fish in the water but luckily they were only baby ones! After the Parade of Nations into the main square and a very tasty banquet laid on for the athletes in the City Hall I was ready for an early night!

Saturday was spent watching the elites racing and trying to not get tired. In the evening about 10 of us in the team met for a big pasta meal.

Finally Sunday arrived. The wind had dropped completely and the sun had come out. With an 8.15am start - before I knew it I was in the water holding onto the pontoon ready to start! After the first few strokes I realised I was up near the front of the swim which gave me a boost to keep the arms and legs going. I had a good transition and enjoyed the 4 lap bike course. With my mum, dad, sister and Martyn all on the main bridge cheering me on I couldn’t afford to let too many people pass me! I had another good transition and headed out onto the run. I had a bit of cramp above my knees but it disappeared after the first km. The run was a flat run and finished over the bridge and up to the town square. With all the GB flags flying and people cheering you on I crossed the line knowing I’d given it 100%!

I was 4th in my age group and 3rd British girl home which I was very pleased at!! Being close to getting a Bronze medal will keep me going in my training over the next year and I think I’ll have to enter the European Triathlon Championships again to see if I can improve in May 2008 in Lisbon!!

Message sent to our club about sponsorship for Race The Train…
“I am writing to the Aberystwyth Athletics Club to invite members to form a team to run for Mercy Ships at Race the Train in Tywyn, Gwynned on Saturday 18th August.
The race is 14 3/4 miles along the Talyllyn railway covering public roads for just over a mile, then through the town, heading for Brynglas, going up a farm drive, crossing the railway and following it all the way to Rhyd-yr-Onnen, over a mix of tracks and fields. Leaving the railway you run up a tarmac lane for 1/3 mile on a truck running through a ford to reach the first refreshment point . . . .
Does this sound like a good challenge for your members!
We would look forward to welcoming them at the charity marquee afterwards!
Would they be able to raise a few sponsorships for a good cause?”
Web: www.mercyships.org.uk “

Brecon Fans Race Weekend – 21st and 22nd July
SAT. 21st JULY. PEN Y FAN. AS. 11:00. 3.5m/1730’ from Cwm Llwch nr Brecon (GR006245). £4.00 on day (£5.00 unaffiliated, combined entry with Fan y Big Horseshoe £8/£10). ER/LK/NS.
Details: Crispin/Naomi Crispin.flower@ntlworld.com

Full information for both races can be found at http://flowerhome.no-ip.info/breconfans.htm

Dolgellau 5 mile Saturday 28th July (league race)
1:30pm start. Enter beforehand or on the day. Entry forms online: www.run-meirionnydd.co.uk

Roman Run - Saturday 8th September 2007
Roman Run from Berecon to Merthyr
Starts : 12.00 noon Silver Street, Brecon
Finishes : Cyfarthfa Castle, Merthyr Tydfil
Re-started in 1980 to commemorate The Martyr of Tydfil 1600 years ago. Follow the route between Forts of the Roman Legions stationed inWales. Test yourself against the elements as your Forefathers did 1600 years ago. From 500 ft to 1500 ft above sea level.
18 MILES!
Harder than any Marathon
No one under 18 years of age allowed to enter because of the nature of the course
Entry forms availavble from the Mayor’s Secretary, Civic Centre,
Castle Street, Merthyr Tydfil CF47 8AN - Tel : (01685) 725320/725481
e-mail : matthew.phillips@merthyr.gov.uk
ENTRY FEE £12.00 (£13.00 ON THE DAY)

Club League 5k – Monday 17th September 2007
This will be the last chance of the year to compete in a short race for the club league and get a few points towards your grand total!

Twin Peaks Race - Sunday 14th October 2007
13.00 hrs Band Stand, Promenade, Aberystwyth. Entry forms available from the club website.

Next Borth Beach dates
Sunday 29th July, 14:00hrs
Sunday 23rd September 12:30hrs.
The children's 1 mile race start is the same time as the 10K race.

25th June 2007

Monday 2nd July – No formal training session
Louise and myself are both away and won’t be able to take the Monday training session.

Aberystwyth A.C. Club Vests
Need a club vest to wear at races? I have just had delivered more club vests. Only £15 each and available in ladies and mens styles in all sizes. Let me know if you would like to try/buy aiv@aber.ac.uk or ring 01970 832013.

Llanelli 10k (thanks to Dave Thomas)
“I went to Llanelli 10km yesterday (24thJune) at the Waterpark. Amazingly it didn't rain although there were black clouds hovering around the whole area. Flat, there and back, almost boring course (not unlike Swansea 10km). Conditions were pretty much ideal with very little breeze. Afraid I can't offer a food review as I managed to avoid the curry and chips greasy spoon van.

Aber AC results as I can find them:

Shelley Childs 40.28 57th
Dave Thomas 42.07 87th

583 finishers

Winning time was a course record (?): 30.51

For Pete Foale and Team Saga: 1st Vet 50 was Martin Rees (Neath) in
32.04. My time got me in 15th V50. Still, my quickest time for four
years.”

www.llanelli10k.co.uk

Rhayader 5k Series Round Up – Aberystwyth A.C winners…
Following the Rhayader race series the category winners from our club were:

3rd Female Kate O’Sullivan
1st V35 Kate O’Sullivan
1st V60 Clive Evans
2nd Primary School Boy Stephen Williams

With the official results now available I have updated the club league on the website and listed the results below:

Results First Race – 16/05/07
Peter Foale 19.15
Shelley Childs 19.17
Gethin Holland 19.30
Clive Evans 19.54
Kevin Holland 20.05
John Evans 21.11
Kate O’Sullivan 21.41
Brian Ashton 22.05
Sarah Birch 29.46

1 mile race
Ben Jones 7.08 (2nd Primary School Boy)

Results Second Race – 30/05/07
Peter Foale 18.51
Paul Rose 19.16
Gethin Holland 19.30
Clive Evans 19.44
John Evans 19.51
Louise Barker 20.11
Sian Thomas 20.57
Tony Wenlock 21.12
Kate O’Sullivan 21.54
Annwen James 23.36
Karen Williams 24.37
Carys Prytherch 25.12

1 mile race
Stephen Williams 6.27 (2nd Primary School Boy)
Ben Jones 6.55
Steffan Prytherch 7.00
Daniel Elwyd Thomas 8.21

Results Third Race 13/06/07
Danny Evans 16.11
Peter Foale 18.29
Shelley Childs 18.48
Paul Rose 19.25
John Evans 20.04
Kevin Holland 20.23
Kate O’Sullivan 21.52
Brian Ashton 22.20
Anita Worthing 22.24
Glenda Roberts 23.04
Karen Williams 24.58

1 mile Race
Stephen Williams 6.13 (2nd Primary School Boy)
Megan Turner 6.22
Daniel Elwyd Thomas 7.17

Newtown Triathlon - Sunday 8th July 2007 – 11.00 am
Swim - 400 metres (16 lengths of a 25-metre at Maldwyn Leisure Centre
Cycle - 26km Newtown – Aberhafesp- Caersws – Newtown
Run - 5km A mainly flat run with one sharp hill – Out and back course
All finishers will receive a small goody back and there will be prizes in the following categories.
Contact: David Peters Tel no. 01686 630344 Mobile 07967766754
E-mail jillanddave@supanet.com

Trail Blaiser 5K & 10K - Sunday 8th July 2007
Blaise Castle main car park, Kings Weston Road, Henbury, Bristol BS10 7QS
5k and 10k races start at 12 noon, 2Km fun-run for U14s at 11.15 AM.
Organisers: Bristol & West AC - www.bristolandwestac.org.uk
Any questions: trailblaiser@gifford.co.uk

Ammanford 10K Road Race – Sunday 8th July
11.00 am start. Entries on Day.
Venue: Ammanford Recreation Ground
Fee: £5.00 AAW Affiliated
T-Shirts – 1st 100 finishers
Enquiries to Rose Fitzgerald on 01792-543563 or Rob Fowler on 01269-595116

Full information for both races can be found at http://flowerhome.no-ip.info/breconfans.htm

Dolgellau 5 mile Saturday 28th July (league race)
1:30pm start. Enter beforehand or on the day. Entry forms online: www.run-meirionnydd.co.uk

Club League 5k – Monday 17th September 2007
This will be the last chance of the year to compete in a short race for the club league and get a few points towards your grand total!

Twin Peaks Race - Sunday 14th October 2007
13.00 hrs Band Stand, Promenade, Aberystwyth. Entry forms available from the club website.

Next Borth Beach dates
Sunday 29th July, 14:00hrs
Sunday 23rd September 12:30hrs.
The children's 1 mile race start is the same time as the 10K race.

Club dates for your diaries…
28/07/07 - Dolgellau 5 mile. Forms online www.run-meirionnydd.co.uk
29/07/07 - Aberystwyth A.C’s Borth Beach 10K Race 2 in 2007 Series 14:00 start.
02/09/07 – Club Trail Championship ‘Source of the Severn’ 11am start. Entry forms on club notice board and via www.maldwynharriers.org.uk .
09/09/07 - Lake Vyrnwy Half Marathon (race now full)
17/09/07 – Club League 5k.
23/09/07 - Aberystwyth A.C’s Borth Beach 10K Race 3 in 2007 Series 12:30 start.
14/10/07 – Twin Peaks Race, Aberystwyth.
19/10/07 – 21/10/07 - Club Bunkhouse weekend in Brecon.

19th June 2007

Club newsletter
As a ‘club newsletter’ don’t forget you can send me anything for inclusion! Items for sale / social events / jokes / or anything else you can think off!

Red Kite Challenge (thanks to Louise)
Runners from all over the country joined the midgies up at Nant y Arian this Saturday for the Sialens y Barcud Coch - a 12 mile trail race which forms part of the UK and Welsh trail running championships. 10 runners from the club took part and a number of medals were won, including bronze for our male team and silver for the female team. Individual age group honours went to Peter Foale who received silver in both the UK and Welsh Champs and Louise and Dave Powell who both got bronze medals in the Welsh Championship.

22 Dave Powell 1.28:41
36 Peter Foale 1.34.51
39 Louise Barker 1.35.15
47 John Evans 1.37.33
50 Dan Burgess 1.38.51
56 Paul Rose 1.40.37
60 Paul Scullion 1.44.19
68 Kate O'Sullivan 1.46.38
92 Helen Williams 1.58.15
98 Maggie Collingborn 2.03.40

Day 2 of the Red Kite Challenge yesterday was the 18 mile trail run from Devils Bridge. 3 runners from the club managed to crawl to the start hoping their sore legs from the previous day would soon disappear. This is a beautiful run which takes you up to the Arch and through the Hafod Estate and can be run solo or as a team of three.

5 Paul Scullion 2.25.20
6 Dave Powell 2.26.29 (Ist M45)
15 Louise Barker 2.40.14 (3rd OF)

The event will be taking place again next year, 21/22nd June. It's a great event that is well marshalled with lots of prizes and unlimited amounts of jelly babies and jelly beans. It would be great to see more runners from the club taking part - lets face it you don't have to travel very far to the start which is rare living in the wild west!

Results from the Red Kite Challenge:
http://www.computerservicesagency.co.uk/

Rhayader 5k Series
Congratulations to Steven he was the second primary school boy overall (based on the three races) and earnt himself prize money for the position – well done! We are awaiting the official results to be able to update the league positions. In the meantime there are some photos on the club website from the series www.aberystywthac.org.uk .

Picture caption from Man v Horse (thanks to Pete Garson)
"As Louise stepped up to receive her prize for being the first lady home, the overall winner passed his trophy across and beckoned her to drink from it. A look of horror crossed her face at the sight of the frothy cauldron. She had watched the first three men slurp from it but the foam suggested that quite a few of the horses had been snorting into it as well. As all eyes turned towards her she dreaded the first gulp and reflected ruefully that being 1st lady did
not mean ladies first. If the age of chivalry was over then it was time for her dark side to emerge again. She returned the contents of her mouth back into the bowl and then handed the trophy to the next runner up who was making her way up. "

Kidz Triathlon – Machynellth – 23rd June
£5.00 Entry
5.00pm 23rd June 07
Bro-Ddyfi Leisure Centre
Entry forms at reception or online http://users.aber.ac.uk/aiv/cerist/ or contact Kevin on 01650 511443

Sprint Triathlon this Sunday – Machynellth – 24th June
Cerist Tri Club's Sprint Triathlon
400m pool swim, 22km Bike and 5km run
24th June 2007
Bro Ddyfi Leisure Centre
Start 8.30am
Relay teams and individuals welcome.
All standards are encouraged to enter.
Enter the event by email; peter.v.jenkins@bt.com or phoning Pete on;
01970 832176/0785 1962059

Llanelli Waterside 10k – 24th June 2007
“The event held within the beautiful Millennium Coastal Park is one of the top road running events in South Wales.
There are still places left but they are disappearing fast. If you want to guarantee your place then either enter online at Runners World or visit the event website - www.llanelli10k.co.uk to download an entry form; links to online entry can also be found here. The event is organised by Llanelli Triathlon Club and is fully supported by Carmarthenshire County Council. The events official charity is Macmillan Cancer Support.”

Newtown Triathlon - Sunday 8th July 2007 – 11.00 am
Once again this event is organised by the Maldwyn Harriers, Newtown and District Swimming Club, Maldwyn Leisure Centre and Powys County Council.

Contact: David Peters Tel no. 01686 630344 Mobile 07967766754
E-mail jillanddave@supanet.com
Swim - 400 metres (16 lengths of a 25-metre at Maldwyn Leisure Centre
Cycle - 26km Newtown – Aberhafesp- Caersws – Newtown
Run - 5km A mainly flat run with one sharp hill – Out and back course

All finishers will receive a small goody back and there will be prizes in the following categories.

Full information for both races can be found at http://flowerhome.no-ip.info/breconfans.htm

Volunteers…
“Hello Aberystwyth Athletic Club . My name is Alinda Haynes - Hunte and I am a Masters student at the School of Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences (SSHES) at the University of Wales, Bangor. I am looks for adult volunteers to take part in my research study for my dissertation who take part in individual sports such as athletes. It will be looking at the progress athletes made on goals and the importance of these goal have on their progress.

The reason I am contacting you is I was wondering if you would be able to pass this on to your athletes over 18 years at the club as I would be greatful for any volunteers for my Masters Dissertation.

Thank you very much!

Dear athletes,

My name is Alinda Haynes - Hunte and I am a Masters student at the School of Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences (SSHES) at the University of Wales, Bangor.I am looks for adult volunteers to take part in my research study for my dissertation who take part in individual sports such as athletes. It will be looking at the progress athletes made on goals and the importance of these goal have on their progress.

Please do read the attachment to fill in or gather more information on my dissertation.

If you want to know more please contact me (Alinda Haynes-Hunte) via email at pep406@bangor.ac.uk or by phone on 07809869689.”

Club League 5k – Monday 17th September 2007
This will be the last chance of the year to compete in a short race for the club league and get a few points towards your grand total!

Date announced for Twin Peaks Race - Sunday 14th October 2007
13.00 hrs Band Stand, Promenade, Aberystwyth. Entry forms available from the club website.

Dolgellau 5 mile Saturday 28th July (league race)
1:30pm start. Enter beforehand or on the day. Entry forms online: www.run-meirionnydd.co.uk

Next Borth Beach dates
Sunday 29th July, 14:00hrs
Sunday 23rd September 12:30hrs.
The children's 1 mile race start is the same time as the 10K race.

Club dates for your diaries…
28/07/07 - Dolgellau 5 mile. Forms online www.run-meirionnydd.co.uk
29/07/07 - Aberystwyth A.C’s Borth Beach 10K Race 2 in 2007 Series 14:00 start.
02/09/07 – Club Trail Championship ‘Source of the Severn’ 11am start. Entry forms on club notice board and via www.maldwynharriers.org.uk.
09/09/07 - Lake Vyrnwy Half Marathon (race now full)
17/09/07 – Club League 5k.
23/09/07 - Aberystwyth A.C’s Borth Beach 10K Race 3 in 2007 Series 12:30 start.
14/10/07 – Twin Peaks Race, Aberystwyth.
19/10/07 – 21/10/07 - Club Bunkhouse weekend in Brecon.

11th June 2007

Woman v. Horse - Victory for Louise! (thanks to Dave Powell)
“Many of you must know the feeling, you are working as hard as you can, at the limits of your lungs, in a race or maybe a club time trial. Then you feel them before you hear them, the pounding of a pursuers feet, you sense the moment when the muscular body, flecked with sweat, nostrils snorting foam will burst past you – oh no, here comes Geoff you cry but no, not Geoff this time, this time it’s a horse! Yes last Saturday saw the 28th Man v. Horse race at Llanwrtyd Wells, 22 miles of forest, hills, river crossings, hills and more hills. This famous race is a real test of endurance and in the humid heat last Saturday it was, perhaps, more trying than usual. All the more impressive then that Aber AC’s Louise should come home first lady, in the process she beat the next lady by eight minutes and left Dave, Pete (Garson) and Geoff trailing in her wake. The course is broken into three sections of roughly equal length which form the ‘legs’ for those competing as relay teams. We were all close together at the start of leg three but Lou then put in a truly impressive performance. I was struggling by then but still managing to slowly move through the field however Lou, barely breaking sweat but simply ‘glowing’, just disappeared up the next hill eventually finishing in a little over 3.06 and in 31st overall. I was 4 places behind in 3.10 with Pete and Geoff coming over the line a short time later in 46th and 47th (3.18). To put Louise’s performance into perspective it is worth noting that, perhaps due to the heat, the first male runner’s time was relatively slow (2.20ish) compared to some years. Ironically he won £3000 for being only the second runner ever to beat the horse as the nags too were slowed, they are clearly even more vulnerable to overheating than us men despite the teams of helpers along the course throwing buckets of water over them. However I feel I should also mention a dark side to Louise’s performance, her ability to play devastating psychological tricks on those who thought they were her team mates. Yes it is true, happy smiling, friendly Lou has a cunning technique, as she drew alongside me she asked with characteristic cheeriness “how are the legs”, “not so good” I replied, “thought so” she responded and with that disappeared into the distance. Crushing. Be warned, you may be next.”

Aberystwyth A.C. represented in the 5k at Newtown (thanks to Bridget)
“Glenda and I took part in the second race in the Maldwyn Harriers mid wales series on Friday. Despite the race starting at 7pm the sun was still very hot and the lack of wind also made very hard work of the two laps round the twisty undulating course in Newtown.
I got off to a good start and managed to maintain my position up until the 3k mark where Glenda whizzed past me on the second lap of the hill. I kept her in my sights but had nothing left by the end to pull back the gap!
No pbs recorded but both happy to finish and get back a feel for the shorter distance race (horrible by the way!).
Glenda also finished a fantastic 3rd lady overall and I came in a couple of places behind in 5th.”

Race For Life
It was great to see so many people taking part in the Aberystwyth Race for Life on Sunday. It was an excellent chance to raise money for Cancer Research UK and run in memory of friends and family. Well done to those club runners taking part in the race Elinor (1st), Elizabeth (2nd), Megan (3rd), Anwen, Lynette, Carys (all in the top 10) closely followed by Rosemary and Alison. Also thanks to Pete and to everybody that helped to marshal on the day.

Club League 5k – Monday 17th September 2007
This will be the last chance of the year to compete in a short race for the club league and get a few points towards your grand total!

Date announced for Twin Peaks Race - Sunday 14th October 2007
13.00 hrs Band Stand, Promenade, Aberystwyth. Entry forms available from the club website.

No Junior or senior training on Tuesday 12th June
This is due to the Rhayader 5k the next day. More details below.

Last Rhayader 5k race this Wednesday
This Wednesday 13th June Rhayader Race Series 5KM (14yrs+) and 1 Mile (8 – 14yrs)
Meet at Plascrug Leisure Centre at 5.30 (sharp) and will return 9.45. The race entry fee is £1 for juniors and £3 seniors. As a consequence of the race there will be no junior training session Tuesday 12th June. For further details please contact either Brian Ashton bba@aber.ac.uk (07808173545) or Kevin Holland (k.holland@aber.ac.uk or 07772209912).

Dolgellau 5 mile Saturday 28th July (league race)
1:30pm start. Enter beforehand or on the day. Entry forms are on the notice board or online: www.run-meirionnydd.co.uk

Next Borth Beach dates
Sunday 29th July, 14:00hrs
Sunday 23rd September 12:30hrs.
The children's 1 mile race start the same time as the 10K race.

Club dates for your diaries…
13/06/07 – Elan Valley 5k race 3 - League Race (Short).
28/07/07 - Dolgellau 5 mile. Forms on the noticeboard and online www.run-meirionnydd.co.uk
29/07/07 - Aberystwyth A.C’s Borth Beach 10K Race 2 in 2007 Series 14:00 start.
02/09/07 – Club Trail Championship ‘Source of the Severn’ 11am start. Entry forms on club notice board and via www.maldwynharriers.org.uk .
09/09/07 - Lake Vyrnwy Half Marathon (race now full)
17/09/07 – Club League 5k.
23/09/07 - Aberystwyth A.C’s Borth Beach 10K Race 3 in 2007 Series 12:30 start.
14/10/07 – Twin Peaks Race, Aberystwyth.
19/10/07 – 21/10/07 - Club Bunkhouse weekend in Brecon.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Other Races of Interest:
Sialens Y Barcud Coch a Ras Y Diafol (The Red Kite Challenge & Devil’s Race) 16th and 17th June 2007 www.redkite-barcudcoch.org.uk/index1.htm

7th June 2007

Tomorrow night – Stix Charity Gig (thanks to Helen)
Aberystwyth band Stix are holding a charity gig this Friday to raise money for an adventure playground in Cwmpadarn School. Tickets for the event are £5 each and are available from Helen Williams c.e.williams@btinternet.com or on the door on Friday evening from 7.30pm.

Elizabeth’s First Triathlon… (thanks to Elizabeth)
“Anita has asked me to write a blurb on my first triathlon which I completed last Sunday in Westonbirt (near Bath). I am now a sad addict simply because I've discovered that one can participate in these events for the fun of it without getting hung up on times & kit. Alas, children don't allow the time to take these things too seriously. This triathlon was great for a novice: 400m pool swim, 20km bike & 5km run. I'd only ever been on a road bike twice in my life before the event & I swim rarely, although I suspect this might change. My lack of prep meant that I had no expectations & hence was able to compete without getting too anxious. My next event involves an open water swim in Fishguard so wish me luck. I'll need it. Mark also competed in Westonbirt. He came 28th overall & I came 49th out of 80ish competitors.”

Welsh Castles Relay 2007 (thanks to Dave Thomas)
“A couple of years ago, I was sipping a double expresso in a Starbucks somewhere in Manhattan contemplating the upcoming NYC marathon, when I fell into conversation with a friendly Dutchman also in town for the Big Run. Before long we were discussing races that both of us loved or hated. High on the list for the former came two Welsh events – Race the Train and the Castles Relay, the two day, twenty stage relay that starts outside Caernarfon Castle and ends inside Cardiff Castle.

This coming weekend (June 9th/10th) marks the 25th anniversary of the Castles. Over the years it has become Wales’ premier road racing event and in the eyes of many has claims to be the UK’s leading team event. Certainly many clubs organise their competitive year around the second weekend in June when the roads of Wales get to do a very good impersonation of le Tour de France.

This year 57 teams will take part with many clubs being disappointed as the entry limit was reached some time back. Sarn Helen and TROTS are representing West Wales. They’ll be lining up with teams from all over the UK and Europe including recent winners Thames Hare and Hounds, Salford and Swansea.

Day One will take the event from Caernarfon Castle to Criccieth and thence to Harlech, Barmouth (leaves 3.15pm) and Dolgellau. Then it’s over to Dinas Mawddwy via Cross Foxes, on to Llanfair Caereinion and finally Newtown, which is reached around 8pm.

Day Two heads off at 7.00am for Builth, Brecon, Merthyr and eventually Cardiff at around 4.00pm.

So if you’re in north west or mid Wales on Saturday afternoon or down south on Sunday, stand at the kerbside or in a wayside hostelry and prepare to experience the reason why my Dutch friend is happy to spend two days every year on the roads and hills of Wales.

Full details of the Castle Relay route, stage times, reports, photos and a whole lot more can be found on: http://www.lescroupiersrunningclub.org.uk/castles/ .“

Rhayader 5k series – race number 2
Apologies for the accuracy of the Rhayader times – I’ve contacted the organisor and hopefully will have the official set of results for the league. I’ve added any amendments received since the last newsletter.

1 Mile
Stephen Williams (2nd boy) with an excellent time of 6.27.
Steffan (Carys’ son) age 9 also ran the Rhayader 1 mile race in a time of 7.06 and was 7th overall.

5k Provisional Results (let me know if any of these are incorrect/missing):
Pete Foale 18:51
Paul Rose 19:20,
Clive Evans 19:44 (1st over 60)
Gethin Holland 19:30
John Evans 19:51
Louise Barker 20:02 (2nd lady)
Tony Wenlock 21:17 PB
Kate O’Sullivan 21.54
Annwen James 23.37 PB
Karen Williams 24.37
Carys Prytherch 25.12 PB

Last Rhayader 5k race 13/06/07 – Elan Valley 5k
Wednesday 13th June Rhayader Race Series 5KM (14yrs+) and 1 Mile (8 – 14yrs)
Meet at Plascrug Leisure Centre at 5.30 (sharp) and will return 9.45. The race entry fee is £1 for juniors and £3 seniors. As a consequence of the race there will be no junior training session Tuesday 12th June. For further details please contact either Brian Ashton bba@aber.ac.uk (07808173545) or Kevin Holland (k.holland@aber.ac.uk or 07772209912).

No Junior Training on Tuesday 12th June because of the Rhayader 5k the next day.
Details above.

Club Meeting tonight Thursday 7th June all welcome…
Meeting at Dai James's office this tonight at 5.45pm.

Dolgellau 5 mile Saturday 28th July (league race)
1:30pm start. Enter beforehand or on the day. Entry forms are on the notice board or online: www.run-meirionnydd.co.uk

Next Borth Beach dates
Sunday 29th July, 14:00hrs
Sunday 23rd September 12:30hrs.
The children's 1 mile race will be about 40 min's before the 10K race.

Club dates for your diaries…
13/06/07 – Elan Valley 5k race 3 - League Race (Short).
28/07/07 - Dolgellau 5 mile. Forms on the noticeboard and online www.run-meirionnydd.co.uk
29/07/07 - Aberystwyth A.C’s Borth Beach 10K Race 2 in 2007 Series 14:00 start.
02/09/07 – Club Trail Championship ‘Source of the Severn’ 11am start. Entry forms on club notice board and via www.maldwynharriers.org.uk .
09/09/07 - Lake Vyrnwy Half Marathon (race now full)
23/09/07 - Aberystwyth A.C’s Borth Beach 10K Race 3 in 2007 Series 12:30 start.
19/10/07 – 21/10/07 - Club Bunkhouse weekend.

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Other Races of Interest:
Sialens Y Barcud Coch a Ras Y Diafol (The Red Kite Challenge & Devil’s Race) 16th and 17th June 2007 www.redkite-barcudcoch.org.uk/index1.htm

5th June 2007

Martyn conquers Bala Middle Distance…
Over 400 competitors from all over the UK had entered this annual event which involves a 2000m swim in Llyn Tegid, 78.5km bike and a 20k run. 345 competitors finished the event. The conditions were ideal but with these distances it was always going to be a tough event. Martyn also had the added pressure of his brother (Jeff) lining up with him on the start line!
First out the water was Martyn with a minute lead on his brother but with a long bike section ahead of them the Saycell victory was still too close to call. Jeff’s strength came through on the bike and he finished back into transition with a 6 minute lead on Martyn. Both had good transitions and Martyn set off hot on his brother’s heels. With heavy legs and a very hilly half marathon course ahead – this was going to be an interesting finish. Martyn managed to make up about 4mins on the run and finished in an excellent 5h 16m 03s and across the line only a 1min 30sec behind his brother!!

Ras y Gader (10.5 miles 3000ft) – thanks to Louise
“For once the weather was kind to the 200 runners taking part in the Cader Idris fell race. Setting out from the centre of Dolgellau, we had clear views of the summit, and didn't even have to contend with too much mud running around Llyn Gwernan and avoided swimming across the field at the foot of the mountain (the marsh did however swallow me up on the return leg). The climb up Cader via the Pony Path was its usual joyful experience made worse by the fact you could clearly see the summit; new runner on the block Pete Garson, making his comeback on the fell scene looked mighty strong as he jogged past a wheezing hands on knees competitor...me!. First man in was Richard Roberts of Eryri in 1.26:21 with Anna Bartlett of Shrewsbury first female in 1.42:02. From Aberystwyth:

37 Dave Powell 1.48:14
55 Louise Barker 1.53:35 (3rd Female)
65 Peter Garson 1.54:47
120 Kate O'Sullivan 2.08:14

Welsh 1000m Race (22 miles 9000ft) – thanks to Louise
“Race 2 of the 'Petes Eats' championship took place on Saturday. Louise recorded a DNS for the run but maintained a strong position in the championship with her demolition of the Veggie Grill, even overcoming the baked bean obstacle. She felt that she had earned the feast after ascending Snowdon armed with cheese rolls and chocolate brownies to cheer over the line Dave and Geoff taking part in the Welsh 1000m peaks race. The race takes in all 4 1000m peaks in Snowdonia starting from the sea at Abergwyngregyn up to Carnedd Llewelyn and Carnedd Dafdd down to Llyn Ogwen up and over the Glyders down to Pen-y-pass and up the Pyg Track to take in the final two peaks of Snowdon. Both Dave and Geoff crossed the line on top of Snowdon looking remarkably fresh Dave finishing around 9th place in 5 hours and Geoff around 21st in 5.30.”

Long Ashton 10km: The Times They Have A-Change-ed! - thanks to Dave Thomas
“On Sunday June 3rd I took part in the Long Ashton 10km over a hilly course on the western fringes of Bristol. It was exactly ten years to the day since I’d last done the event and the comparisons make for interesting reading.

In 2007, my time was 44.51 placing me 39th out of 172 finishers. An entry fee of £5. No goodie bags. A race entry limit of 300. A slight course change implemented this year due to increases in traffic levels on a particularly steep downhill section. The route now runs along an unmade forestry track.

In 1997, my time was 41.58 placing me 64th out of 394 finishers. Entry fee then? Can’t remember, but the event was sponsored and all finishers got a high quality t-shirt. Was there a race limit then? Don’t know.

Things that hadn’t changed? The excellent tea and homemade cakes, the friendly members of the Bristol running clubs and the damn hills! A steep, winding climb from 2km and 5km with a steeper descent at 7km made it feel like fell running on the road. But who cares? A thoroughly enjoyable and worthwhile trip over the Severn Bridge.”

Rhayader 5k series – race number 2
Well done to everyone that made the trip to Rhayader for the 5k - the second in the series. The club league has been updated with everyone’s provisional times.
An extra well done to John Evans - Pete said he “had a stormer of a race and his best time in at least 5 years...!”

1 Mile
Stephen Williams (2nd boy) with an excellent time of 6.27.

5k Provisional Results (let me know if any of these are incorrect/missing):
Pete Foale 18:51
Paul Rose 19:20,
Gethin Holland 19:30
Clive Evans 19:44 (1st over 60)
John Evans 19:57
Louise Barker 20:02 (2nd lady)
Kate O’Sullivan 21.54
Annwen James 23.37
Karen Williams 24.37
Carys Prytherch ??

No Junior Training on Tuesday 12th June because of the Rhayader 5k the next day.
Details above.

Club Meeting this Thursday 7th June all welcome…
Meeting at Dai James's office this Thursday 7th June 5.45pm.

Online Run Maps (thanks to Rachel)
Rachel has found this site which can be used to create run maps with distances.
“Marks the km or miles so you can judge distance. Easy to use. Excellent site. Will do for anywhere in the world. If we circulated this to the club we could all map our favourite routes of Aber/ share routes.”
http://www.mapmyrun.com/

Dolgellau 5 mile Saturday 28th July (league race)
1:30pm start. Enter beforehand or on the day. Entry forms are on the notice board or online: www.run-meirionnydd.co.uk

Club league 2007 update…
The league is hotting up this year with 25 men taking part so far and 13 females. There will be some excellent prizes presented at the end of year club dinner to look forward too.
Leading the board at the moment is Clive Evans, closely followed by John Evans and Kevin Holland. Leading the ladies league is Helen Williams, new member Anita Worthing and closely followed by only 1 point difference is Louise Barker.
These are early days and with many races left in the league such as the Rhayader 5k next week, Dolgellau 5 mile, Lake Vyrnwy Half Marathon, Penmaenpool 10mile and Aberystwyth 10k it’s going to be an exciting few months!!
More details can be found on the club website under the Club League link: www.aberystywthac.org.uk

Next Borth Beach dates
Sunday 29th July, 14:00hrs
Sunday 23rd September 12:30hrs.
The children's 1 mile race will be about 40 min's before the 10K race.

Club dates for your diaries…
13/06/07 – Elan Valley 5k race 3 - League Race (Short).
28/07/07 - Dolgellau 5 mile. Forms on the noticeboard and online www.run-meirionnydd.co.uk
29/07/07 - Aberystwyth A.C’s Borth Beach 10K Race 2 in 2007 Series 14:00 start.
02/09/07 – Club Trail Championship ‘Source of the Severn’ 11am start. Entry forms on club notice board and via www.maldwynharriers.org.uk .
09/09/07 - Lake Vyrnwy Half Marathon (race now full)
23/09/07 - Aberystwyth A.C’s Borth Beach 10K Race 3 in 2007 Series 12:30 start.

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Other Races of Interest:
Sialens Y Barcud Coch a Ras Y Diafol (The Red Kite Challenge & Devil’s Race) 16th and 17th June 2007 www.redkite-barcudcoch.org.uk/index1.htm

29th May 2007

John off to Hamburg for the World Sprint Triathlon Championships…
Congratulations to John Evans on qualifying for the World Sprint Championships. The qualifying race was in Redditch last week. John won his age group which qualified him to represent Great Britain in Germany in this Summer. We wish him all the best with his training and preparation over the next few months.

Glenda has qualified for a guaranteed place in the New York Marathon 2007…
An earlier half marathon in the year gave Glenda the time she needed in for her age group to be awarded a guaranteed place in the New York Marathon 2007 – congratulations!

Denmark…
I’m off to the European Triathlon Championships in Copenhagen to represent Team GB in my age group 25-29 year olds. Really looking forward to going – if the race goes well I’ll bring back some Danish biscuits for everyone on a Monday/Tuesday night!

Ras Y Ddau Sant 10k in Tregaron – league Race
On Sunday despite the weather forecast there was an excellent turnout from Aberystwyth A.C. to the annual Ras Y Ddau Sant 10k. The course was undulating on an out and back course to Llanddewi Breffi with an excellent downhill finish into the square in Tregaron. This was a really good course, well marshalled and we all had a free t-shirt - definitely recommend for next year! The results are not available yet but club members running were:
(Apologies if you ran a PB and it’s not below)

Daniel Burgess
Martyn Saycell
John Evans
Anita Saycell (1st FO)
Tony Wenlock PB
Clive Williams PB
Cliff Thomas PB
Helen Williams PB
Anita Worthing PB
Annwen James PB
Carys Prytherch PB (3rd FO)

Reminder of Rhayader 5k series – this Wednesday…
These can be used as your ‘short’ race to count towards the club league.
Wednesday May 30th Rhayader Race Series 5KM (14yrs+) and 1 Mile (8 – 14yrs)
Meet at Plascrug Leisure Centre at 5.30 (sharp) and will return 9.45. The race entry fee is £1 for juniors and £3 seniors. As a consequence of the race there will be no junior training session tonight. For further details please contact either Brian Ashton bba@aber.ac.uk (07808173545) or Kevin Holland (k.holland@aber.ac.uk or 07772209912).

Last Rhayader 5k race: 13/06/07 – Elan Valley 5k race 3

Cadair Fell Race
Well done to everyone that raced up to the summit of Cadair on Saturday. Hopefully more to follow next week – apologies if I missed anyone but as far as I know Kate O’Sullivan, Louise and Dave Powell were representing Aberystwyth A.C. Well done to Louise gaining third lady!

Sprint Tri in Mach…
Cerist Tri Club's Sprint Triathlon
400m pool swim, 22km Bike and 5km run
24th June 2007
Bro Ddyfi Leisure Centre
Start 8.30am
Relay teams welcome.
All standards are encouraged to enter.

Enter the event by email; peter.v.jenkins@bt.com or phoning on;
01970 832176/0785 1962059

Next Borth Beach dates
Sunday 29th July, 14:00hrs
Sunday 23rd September 12:30hrs.
The children's 1 mile race will be about 40 min's before the 10K race.

Club dates for your diaries…
30/05/07 – Elan Valley 5k race 2 - League Race (Short).
13/06/07 – Elan Valley 5k race 3 - League Race (Short).
29/07/07 - Aberystwyth A.C’s Borth Beach 10K Race 2 in 2007 Series 14:00 start.
02/09/07 – Club Trail Championship ‘Source of the Severn’ 11am start. Entry forms on club notice board and via www.maldwynharriers.org.uk .
23/09/07 - Aberystwyth A.C’s Borth Beach 10K Race 3 in 2007 Series 12:30 start.

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Other Races of Interest:
Sialens Y Barcud Coch a Ras Y Diafol (The Red Kite Challenge & Devil’s Race) 16th and 17th June 2007 www.redkite-barcudcoch.org.uk/index1.htm

21st May 2007

IMPORTANT – Club championship 5mile race has been postponed
The 5 mile handicap time trial (due to be held on Tuesday 22nd May) has been postponed until later on in the year and a series of five 1KM efforts will replace it this Tuesday.

Don’t forget your 50p on a Monday!
To ensure equality with the Tuesday club night there is a small fee of 50p to attend. This money goes back into the club funds to help fund transport and various events through the year.

Rhayader 1st Race (thanks to Brian)
“It was what has happened on many occasions, a typical Rhayader evening, wet and windy. Nine seniors and one junior club athletes competed and the thought of 'club championship' points up for grabs, helped to stimulate enthusiasm a little for the seniors. Young Ben Jones in his first ever race came in an excellent second Boy in the 1mile Junior race, in a time of 7mins 8secs.
With over 50 runners bracing themselves on the start line to brave the oncoming headwind, the predicted early pacesetters of Foale, Childs, Evans, o'Sullivan and father son duo Kevin and Gethin Holland, blasted off the line to get an early advantage. Did I say o'Sullivan? Yes, the ever improving flying vet was not giving an inch to her male colleagues. John Evans and myself had our usual 'what's the hurry' sort of start, so were interested spectators of events in front of us. Kate realised her early pace might have been a little premature and dropped back to keep John and myself company until half distance.
On the turnaround, the massive surprise to me was to see Shelley leading the Aber attack, followed by Pete, Clive and the Hollands. It turned out that Pete eventually caught and passed Shelley just after the 2mile marker as you crossed the bridge. At this point Shelley was resigned to seeing the ever dissappearing Pete Foale and was content to settle for second club spot. However, with the long punishing finish straight and the wind behind him, Shelley got a new lease of energy and closed the gap on the flying Foale and missed out on a shock result by just 2secs to Foale on the line. Gethin got the better of Clive and Kevin settled for a quiet race. John had passed Kate on the turnaround and pulled out a 30secs. advantage on the home run, whilst I was running as hard as I could and expecting Kate to 'blow up' in front of me any minute, the lady never obliged and finished 19secs. in front. Sarah was having her first race experience for the club and finished very creditably in the conditions, where many would not have bothered.”

5k
8th Pete Foale 19' 15"
9th Shelley Childs 19' 17"
11th Gethin Holland 19' 30" (2nd beginner)
14th Clive Evans 19' 54" (1st V60)
15th Kevin Holland 20' 05"
18th John Evans 21' 11"
22nd Kate o'Sullivan 21' 41" (2nd Lady and 1st V35)
27th Brian Ashton 22' 05"
51st Sarah Birch 29' 46"

1mile junior race
Ben Jones 7’08 (2nd boy)

Redditch Sprint Triathlon
Congratulations to John Evans competing in the Redditch Sprint Triathlon on Sunday along with 217 other competitors. The standard of this event was very high because the event was being used as a qualifying race for the World Age Group Sprint Championships. The race started with a 750m open water swim then onto the 20k bike and finished with a 5k run. He finished in a superb time of 1h21m12s earning himself first in his age category.

Llanelli Sprint Triathlon
Waking up at 4am and trying to eat porridge before travelling to Llanelli is not the best part of racing on a Sunday morning! There were three Aberystwyth A.C. members racing Alison Jones racing her first ever open water triathlon, Martyn Saycell and myself (Anita). Many of you will also know local girl Caroline John from her excellent running background and marathon exploits – Caroline was on the start line of her first ever triathlon.

After the gusty winds the day before we were lucky to be on the start line with a flat Llanelli dock to swim in. The bike section was a fast and fairly flat route with a very slight breeze and some large painful potholes and the run was in sunshine along the Millennium coastal path.

There were 147 competitors which had been divided into two groups. The ladies and men aged over 40 all started together, then 10mins later the men under 40 began the swim.

It was an excellent day out and if there’s one tip we all took away from the day – ALWAYS check inside your trainers before the start of the race! Martyn had an excellent swim - ran into transition – wetsuit came off in record time – helmet on – glasses on – big problems getting his trainers on despite the elastic laces ….at the end of his shoe he’d left his pot of Vaseline! I’m sure this is the excuse, sorry I mean reason that I managed to beat Martyn by 30seconds!

Anita Saycell 01:26:02 (1st Female)
Martyn Saycell 01:26:39 (27th Male open)
Caroline John (Sarn Helen) 01:39:09 (3rd FV)
Alison Jones 02:30:51 (4th FSV)

Reminder of Rhayader 5k series
These can be used as your ‘short’ race to count towards the club league. Further details on the club notice board.
30/05/07 – Elan Valley 5k race 2
13/06/07 – Elan Valley 5k race 3

Next League Race this Sunday 27th May – Ras Y Ddau Sant 10k
Start is at Tregaron Square 11am. There is a t-shirt for all entrants. The course runs from Tregaron to Llanddewi Brefi and back. Entries taken on the day.

Voulnteers?
“Hello Aberystwyth Athletic Club
My name is Alinda Haynes - Hunte and I am a Masters student at the School of Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences (SSHES) at the University of Wales, Bangor.I am looks for adult volunteers to take part in my research study for my dissertation who take part in individual sports such as athletes. It will be looking at the progress athletes made on goals and the importance of these goal have on their progress. Please do read of rest of the email to gather more information on my dissertation.

The reason I am contacting you is I was wondering if you would be able to pass this on to your adult athletes at the club as I would be greatful for any volunteers for my Masters Dissertation.

If you want to know more please contact me (Alinda Haynes-Hunte) via email at pep406@bangor.ac.uk or by phone on 07809869689.

Thank you!

My dissertation is looking at the kinds of personal goals that athletes (such as yourself) may have during that competitive season. As all athletes have a number of personal goals at any given time that they think about, plan for, carry out, and sometimes (though not always) complete. Some of these goals are approach goals, that is to say, they require us to get closer to some goal. However, some of us also have a number of personal goals that are about things (anti – goals) we want to avoid or work away from. Such approach and avoidance goals are to improve my skill/technique, to increase communication with coach, to avoid making mistakes/ technical bad habits and trying to avoid losing concentration in training and competition.

My dissertation is looking to increase advances in our understanding of both goal importance and confidence in individual sports by examining how important 5 approach and 5 avoidance goals are to you and how confidence you are in attaining these goals in a 2 month period.

The study involves two parts. The first will involve reading and filling out an informed consent form, a demographics sheet and a questionnaire. In total the process should take approximately 20 minutes. The second part of the study is a follow up to see how much you have progressed on your goals over the 8- week period; this will be in the form of a goal progress update sheet.

If you do volunteer to take part in the study a pen will be provided and a stamped envelope for you to post back the first part of the study and the same again for the second part of the study with no cost and no additional inconvenient for to you.

It is up to you to decide whether or not to take part. If you do decide to take part you will be given an information sheet to keep and be asked to sign a consent form. If you decide to take part you are free to withdraw at any time or not answer specific questions without giving a reason.

As a participant in the study, all information that will be collected about you during the course of the research will be kept strictly confidential. Any information which leaves the School will have your name and address removed so that you cannot be recognised from it. It will not be possible to identify you in any report or publication of the study.

Thank you for taking the time to read this email, if you do want to volunteer to take part in my study or have any queries please contact me (Alinda Haynes-Hunte) via email at pep406@bangor.ac.uk or by phone on 07809869689.

Thank you!”

Next Borth Beach dates
Sunday 29th July, 14:00hrs
Sunday 23rd September 12:30hrs.
The children's 1 mile race will be about 40 min's before the 10K race.

Club dates for your diaries…
27/05/07 – Tregaron 10k Ras Y Ddau Sant - League Race (Medium) Entry forms on club notice board.
30/05/07 – Elan Valley 5k race 2 - League Race (Short).
13/06/07 – Elan Valley 5k race 3 - League Race (Short).
29/07/07 - Aberystwyth A.C’s Borth Beach 10K Race 2 in 2007 Series 14:00 start.
02/09/07 – Club Trail Championship ‘Source of the Severn’ 11am start. Entry forms on club notice board and via www.maldwynharriers.org.uk .
23/09/07 - Aberystwyth A.C’s Borth Beach 10K Race 3 in 2007 Series 12:30 start.

14th May 2007

Wednesday May 16th Rhayader Race Series 5KM (14yrs+) and 1 Mile (8 – 14yrs)
Meet at Plascrug Leisure Centre at 5.30 (sharp) and will return 9.45. The race entry fee is £1 for juniors and £3 seniors. As a consequence of the race there will be no junior training session tomorrow. For further details please contact either Brian Ashton bba@aber.ac.uk (07808173545) or Kevin Holland (k.holland@aber.ac.uk or 07772209912).

Aberystwyth AC’s youngest member - Morgan Ashton born Tuesday 8th May 2007 (thanks to Kevin)
Congratulations to Brian and Liz Ashton on the birth of Morgan their first grand child. Morgan weighed in at 6lb.14oz. Many congratulations also to his mother and father Helen and Martin.
Unfortunately we can’t confirm the rumour that Brian went straight from the hospital to the Dolphin to put Morgan’s name down for a plaice.
However, we do understand that the first trip to the Dolphin with tad cu is at the final planning stages - checks of pram–table clearances are being made. Modifications to the pram to include an “on board” insulated fish and chip pocket are in hand.

Newtown 10k (league race)
With the heavy rain forecast for Sunday we were not looking forward to running in Newtown!
Despite the forecast - there was a good club turnout with six Aberystwyth A.C. runners amongst the 72 others racing. Before the race began Clive gave us our team motivation talk and warned us not to expect fast times because the course was very twisty - he kept the long hill at the start very quite though! The course was nearly all flat (except for that hill) and mostly followed the river through trees and on paths. It was a really good route and despite Clive’s warning the Aberystwyth A.C. runners posted some good times. Glenda and Clive both won their respective age categories and a special mention to John Evans having raced the Llandovery Triathlon the day before! The league points have been updated on the club website.

17th Clive Evans 42.15 1st MV60
20th Martyn Saycell 42.52 5th MO
22nd John Evans 43.30 2nd MV60
29th Anita Saycell 45.20 4th FO
42nd Glenda Roberts 49.43 1st FV50
45th Bridget Parkinson 50.20 5th FO

Moel Eilio Fell Race (thanks to Dave)
This weekend’s adventure for Louise, Geoff and Dave involved the road trip north to Llanberis. Here in a hard core challenge Geoff finished an easy first in the over 70 (kilogram) class, clearing his plate in under 10 minutes. In fact he was so far ahead of the rest of the field that when Louise looked in danger of recording a DNF Geoff retraced his steps and heroically paced her to help conquer the final chip mountain. This, of course, was not just any challenge, these were not just any hash browns, these were extra crunchy hash browns, these were not just baked beans, these were haricot beans in a Heinz 57 jus, this was not namby pamby M&S food, this was Pete’s Eats food, the most fitting finish to any day on the fells. On the way to earning our ‘all day breakfasts to run for’ we’d had fun following our fellow grease lovin’ racers over Moel Eilio and Moel Cynghorion (8 miles, 3000ft.), these lovely, little visited, subsidiary summits of Snowdon feature some great running (for some) along grassy ridges with none of the rocky, eroded paths of the more popular peaks. Despite a downpour as we stood at the start the rain mostly held off and a grand day out was had by all (Oh yes – the winner finished in 1hr. 7 mins. and we enjoyed the scenery).

If you fancy a trot over the tops followed by a feast at Pete’s then why not have a go at one of the following all of which lead (eventually) back to Llanberis:
The Welsh 1000m Peaks (22 miles/8000ft) Sat. 2nd June. Pre-entry only (www.gorphwysfaclub.org.uk ) – Unusual in that the race actually finishes on the top of a mountain (Snowdon) having begun on the North Wales coast, the full course is quite a challenge but there is also a long distance walkers (mountaineers) class and there are also short courses for both walkers and runners beginning from the half way mark at Nant Ffrancon.
The International Snowdon Race (10 miles/3300ft) Sat. 28th July. Pre-entry only ( www.snowdonrace.com ) – a high profile event that is relayed back to a big screen for spectators in Llanberis and usually shown on welsh TV.
The Peris Horseshoe (17.5 miles/8500ft) Sat. 15th Sep. (www.eryri.org.uk ) – one of the great long distance races, complete this one and you’ve definitely earned a ‘Big Jim’ (a Pete’s Eats special), there is also a ‘short’ Peris (8.5 miles/4500ft).

Next Borth Beach dates
Sunday 29th July, 14:00hrs
Sunday 23rd September 12:30hrs.
The children's 1 mile race will be about 40 min's before the 10K race.

Reminder of Rhayader 5k series – first race this Wednesday
These can be used as your ‘short’ race to count towards the club league. Further details on the club notice board.
16/05/07 – Elan Valley 5k race 1 (details above)
30/05/07 – Elan Valley 5k race 2
13/06/07 – Elan Valley 5k race 3

Chance to see Stix again… (thanks to Helen)
“they are due to appear at the Football again on Fri 8th June to raise money for Cwmpadarn School - a few of us from the club are interested in going as it should be a good night - I will happily take names and numbers for tickets (tel 639450).”

Club dates for your diaries…
16/05/07 – Elan Valley 5k race 1 - League Race (Short) Details above.
22/5/07 – Club Handicap 5 mile Championship. Meet 6pm at Plascrug Leisure Centre.
27/05/07 – Tregaron 10k Ras Y Ddau Sant - League Race (Medium) Entry forms on club notice board.
30/05/07 – Elan Valley 5k race 2 - League Race (Short).
13/06/07 – Elan Valley 5k race 3 - League Race (Short).
29/07/07 - Aberystwyth A.C’s Borth Beach 10K Race 2 in 2007 Series 14:00 start.
02/09/07 – Club Trail Championship ‘Source of the Severn’ 11am start. Entry forms on club notice board and via www.maldwynharriers.org.uk .
23/09/07 - Aberystwyth A.C’s Borth Beach 10K Race 3 in 2007 Series 12:30 start.

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Other Races of Interest:
Sialens Y Barcud Coch a Ras Y Diafol (The Red Kite Challenge & Devil’s Race) 16th and 17th June 2007 www.redkite-barcudcoch.org.uk/index1.htm

10th May 2007

Craig yr Aderyn Half Marathon (thanks to Louise)
“The incentive of club league points drew nine Aber AC runners to Tywyn on Sunday for the half marathon. However, the realisation that the final half of the race would be run into a strong head wind made some club runners (not mentioning any names....Clive) worried that this would severely effect fast times and thus those crucial points!
Running round despite feeling rather tired I was astounded by the times I was getting at the 5km, 10km and 10 mile mark -sadly this wasn't down to my skill rather that the mile markers weren't the most reliable. First home for us was Dave Powell who was 1st O/45, Clive had a great run finishing first O/60, I got a PB and finished 3rd female and Paul Arnold also got a new PB.”

14 Dave Powell 1.26:53
26 Clive Evans 1.32:05
27 Arwel James 1.32:22
29 Geoff Oldrid 1.32:32
34 John Evans 1.33:54
38 Louise Barker 1.35:47
58 Cliff Thomas 1.43:58
65 Adriano Evola 1.49:25
75 Paul Arnold 1.54:59

Club League 2007
The club league has been updated on the web www.aberystwythac.org.uk/ . All club members are automatically entered. You need to run a short, medium and long race (see details on the club website) and then submit one race of your choice.

Next Club League event is Newtown 10k (medium league race) this Sunday
Entry forms on club notice board.
Newtown 10k and Fun Run. Back Lane Car Park.
Contact: Caroline and Steve Orrells 01686 624211.

Borth Beach 10k
This was the first in the Borth 10k series and despite the windy damp weather attracted 34 runners in the 10k race and 19 runners in the 1 mile race. Well done to everyone that ran in the event and to everyone that helped on the day. It was great to see so many prize winners from our club!!
Note from Brian: “A special well done to those club members who ran the Craig yr Aderyn Half Marathon just a few hours earlier and came to Borth to support the race - real runners and people. Also to Will Mahon who tried a bit of swimming during the race, to see if he could go any faster but it didn't work!”

Shelley Childs Aberystwyth A.C. 42' 32" (3rd Male)
Wil Mahon Aberystwyth A.C. 43' 24" (1st Male V50)
Dave Powell Aberystwyth A.C. 44' 22" (1st Male V40)
Daniel Burgess Aberystwyth A.C. 45' 27"
Clive Williams Aberystwyth A.C. 48' 40"
Geoff. Oldrid Aberystwyth A.C. 49' 22"
Kate O'Sullivan Aberystwyth A.C. 50' 38" (3rd Female)
Will Troughton Aberystwyth A.C. 51' 14"
Delor Harvey Aberystwyth A.C. 51' 29"
Helen Williams Aberystwyth A.C. 52' 00" (1st Female V45)
Annwen James Aberystwyth A.C. 54' 08"
Sue Ginley Aberystwyth A.C. 67' 15"

1 mile Race
Rebecca Ansell Aberystwyth A.C. 7' 32" (1st Girl)
Timothy Ansell Aberystwyth A.C. 8' 07"
Ifan Hywel Aberystwyth A.C. 8' 14"
Gareth James Aberystwyth A.C. 8' 23"
Richard James Aberystwyth A.C. 8' 45"
Catrin Ansell Aberystwyth A.C. 9' 04"

Full results will be on the club website: www.aberystwythac.org.uk/

Next Borth Beach dates
Sunday 29th July, 14:00hrs
Sunday 23rd September 12:30hrs.
The children's 1 mile race will be about 40 min's before the 10K race.

Reminder of Rhayader 5k series
These can be used as your ‘short’ race to count towards the club league.
16/05/07 – Elan Valley 5k race 1
30/05/07 – Elan Valley 5k race 2
13/06/07 – Elan Valley 5k race 3

Chance to donate money to charity in memory of David Rogers (thanks to Glenda)
“I was talking to a few people on Monday night about the young lad who died after the Marathon and I mentioned that he had a Justgiving website that a lot of people- runners in particular - are donating to in his memory. He had hoped to raise £1000 -it is now at £9600+.It does put everything into perspective when someone so young dies so tragically.
If anyone in the club feels they'd like to donate the address is
http://www.justgiving.com/drogers “

Chance to get Aberystwyth on the map (thanks to Bridget)
“Please send this to everybody you know who will back Aber getting onto the next UK edition monopoly board being produced later this year! Follow this link: http://www.monopoly.co.uk/vote.aspx and click to vote for a wildcard entry, make sure you spell aberystwyth properly too or it won’t get counted!! You can vote once a day so set a reminder in your calendar, there are only 21 days left to vote!! Aber is currently in 39th position and needs to get up to 22nd to get on the board!”

Club dates for your diaries…
13/05/07 – 10k road race in Newtown – League Race (Medium) Entry forms on club notice board.
16/05/07 – Elan Valley 5k race 1 - League Race (Short) Details to follow.
22/5/07 – Club Handicap 5 mile Championship. Meet 6pm at Plascrug Leisure Centre.
27/05/07 – Tregaron 10k Ras Y Ddau Sant - League Race (Medium) Entry forms on club notice board.
30/05/07 – Elan Valley 5k race 2 - League Race (Short) Details to follow.
13/06/07 – Elan Valley 5k race 3 - League Race (Short) Details to follow.
29/07/07 - Aberystwyth A.C’s Borth Beach 10K Race 2 in 2007 Series 14:00 start.
02/09/07 – Club Trail Championship ‘Source of the Severn’ 11am start. Entry forms on club notice board and via www.maldwynharriers.org.uk .
23/09/07 - Aberystwyth A.C’s Borth Beach 10K Race 3 in 2007 Series 12:30 start.

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Other Races of Interest:
Sialens Y Barcud Coch a Ras Y Diafol (The Red Kite Challenge & Devil’s Race) 16th and 17th June 2007 www.redkite-barcudcoch.org.uk/index1.htm

1st May 2007

Next Club League race Craig yr Aderyn Half Marathon this Sunday 6th May
Entries taken on the day. 12 noon start. If you’re not running in this race then come along and run in our local Borth Beach 10k. Details below.

Aberystwyth A.C. is hosting the Borth Beach 10k this Sunday 6th May 2007…
Enter on the day at the car park next to the RNLI. Race starts at 4:30pm. Visit the club website for an entry form and more details: www.aberystwythac.org.uk/

Amendment: Borth Beach dates
Sunday 6th May 16:30hrs
Sunday 29th July, 14:00hrs
Sunday 23rd September 12:30hrs.
The children's 1 mile race will be about 40 min's before the 10K race.

Club training nights
Monday – Training night (ladies only). 6.30pm at Plascrug Leisure Centre.
Tuesday – Training night 6.00pm at Plascrug Leisure Centre.
Friday – Steady run (1-11/2 hours) 6.30pm meet at Plascrug Leisure Centre.

Shifnal Steeplechase Half Marathon (thanks to Rachel)
“Something people may be interested in? Shifnal is quite close to Telford in Shropshire. I did this in 2005 and really enjoyed it. A small race but supported by the school and marshalled mainly by students. Some off-road, some country lanes a finish on the sports field near the school. Some stiles to jump over. Not much in the way of goody bags I recall a banana?!”

Entry forms are on our club notice board. More information:
Organised by staff and students of Idsall School in aid of Hope House Children’s Hospice.
The fourth running of the Shifnal Steeplechase half marathon will take place on Sunday 8th July 2007 at 10.30 am. The race will follow a route between the churches of Shifnal, Ryton, Beckbury and Kemberton before returning to Shifnal.

• Large proportion of entry fee goes to Hope House
• High ratings on the Runners World website
• Results appear in Athletics Weekly
• Team competition for clubs with 5 or more runners

Sugar Loaf Fell Race (7miles, 1725ft) (thanks to Louise)
“This weekend I was visiting family in Bristol and to escape for a few hours thought I would do the Sugar Loaf fell race which heads out from Abergavenny onto the Deri ridge up to the summit of Sugar Loaf and back to the start via the Rholben ridge. Conditions were great, unlike my navigation as I was part of a small group who went wrong near the start due to one of the course markers having been moved. Luckily however it wasn't too big a diversion and we managed to rejoin the main field a short distance on and pretty much in the same positions.
I was really pleased as I was 1st female and also set a new course record in a time of 65.10 (this wasn't the first time it had been run either!), I've now decided to do all my races on the fells of South Wales as it appears to be much easier to win bottles of bubbly . In case anyone accuses me of cheating I also came clean to the organiser about getting lost and after showing him the route we took, he was happy for the results to stand, as we had actually taken a longer route.”

Well done to Paul representing Aberystwyth A.C. in the Rotterdam Marathon…
Congratulations to Paul Rose who ran in the Rotterdam marathon on the 15th April 2007. He’d gone out there not intending to do the marathon and managed to get caught up with the pre race excitement and found himself with a number in his hand and the next day at the start!
Paul finished in an excellent time of 4:14:32.

Club weekend in the Brecons
Thanks to all those who showed their interest. We definitely have enough interest to go ahead and book. We are going to have to look at an alternative date because unfortunately the weekend clashed with the Source of the Severn club league race and also being a Bank Holiday weekend many people have already made plans. I’ll be contacting the bunk house owner today to check the availability of alternative weekends - a number of club members have suggested first weekend in October as alternative. Watch this space!!

Club dates for your diaries…
06/05/07 - Aberystwyth A.C’s Borth Beach 10K Race 1 in 2007 Series 16:30hrs start.
06/05/07 – Craig Yr Aderyn Half Marathon (Tywyn) - League Race (Long) Entry forms on club notice board.
13/05/07 – 10k road race in Newtown – League Race (Medium) Entry forms on club notice board.
16/05/07 – Elan Valley 5k race 1 - League Race (Short) Details to follow.
22/5/07 – Club Handicap 5 mile Championship. Meet 6pm at Plascrug Leisure Centre.
27/05/07 – Tregaron 10k Ras Y Ddau Sant - League Race (Medium) Entry forms on club notice board.
30/05/07 – Elan Valley 5k race 2 - League Race (Short) Details to follow.
13/06/07 – Elan Valley 5k race 3 - League Race (Short) Details to follow.
29/07/07 - Aberystwyth A.C’s Borth Beach 10K Race 2 in 2007 Series 14:00 start.
02/09/07 – Club Trail Championship ‘Source of the Severn’ 11am start. Entry forms on club notice board and via www.maldwynharriers.org.uk.
23/09/07 - Aberystwyth A.C’s Borth Beach 10K Race 3 in 2007 Series 12:30 start.

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Other Races of Interest:
Sialens Y Barcud Coch a Ras Y Diafol (The Red Kite Challenge & Devil’s Race) 16th and 17th June 2007 www.redkite-barcudcoch.org.uk/index1.htm

23rd April 2007

Well done to all our marathon runners running yesterday in London…
With the temperatures high and surrounded by 35,000 other runners the 26.2 miles is not a challenge for the faint hearted. I have managed to find most of the Aberystwyth times from the official results list:

Arwel James 3.44.18
Tony Wenlock 3.50.27
Glenda Roberts 3.53.57
Kate O’Sullivan 4.17.26
Bridget Parkinson 4.29.30

Apologies to anyone I’ve missed/couldn’t find.

Ras y Moelwyn (10.5 miles, 2800ft ascent) (thanks to Louise)
“The pre-race talk centred upon the nightmare navigation and the fact that lots of runners get lost in this race. Dave Powell was hoping to improve on last years performance when he headed west off the second peak towards the sea, rather than east into Blaenau Festiniog and made it across the finish line over 30mins late. After hearing this and other horror stoires and studying the map carefully, I decided my main tactic would be to latch onto an Eryri runner who was bound to know the way!
The race starts from Blaenau Ffestiniog and heads out through the quarries and the inclines up to the first summit of Moelwyn Mawr and then onto Moelwyn Bach and Moel-yr hydd. It’s a fantastic route with some very rocky descents and it's easy to see how people get lost. Luckily for us the conditions couldn't have been better and both Dave and I made it back without any major diversions, Dave in around 1.40 and myself in 1.49. In wet and cloudy conditions this really would be a very challenging course, not only because of the navigation but with the added value of wet slippy rock and quarry scree, interspersed with boggy ground to swallow you up...roll on next year!”

Ras Y Moelwyn 2007 (thanks to Kevin)
Photo’s from Saturday’s race can be viewed at www.stiniog.com

Cerist Triathlon Club 10k (thanks to Martyn)
“On Saturday 21st April, Aberystwyth AC club members, John Evans, Alison Jones and Martyn Saycell took part in the Cerist Triathlon club 10km. With the sun heating up the atmosphere on a small quality field, the run route started from the Mach leisure centre and headed out on the cycle path towards Derwenlas. The route then picked up the lanes to Glaspwll which provided the runners with a number of ascents and descents, twists and turns, and some spectacular views of the area before returning back to the cycle path and heading back to the Leisure Centre”.
I would certainly recommend this race to club members next year as it provides an opportunity to practice 10km races in a friendly atmosphere.”

Results and pictures will be available on the Cerist Tri website soon: http://users.aber.ac.uk/aiv/cerist/

Teifi 10 results (club league race)…
This race saw a good turn out from Aberystwyth AC with some fast times being posted. The latest club league positions and points can be found on the club website. Full results at: http://www.sarnhelen.org.uk/

Dave Powell 66.34
John Evans 70.15
Daniel Burgess 71.01
Adriano Evola 76.55
Cliff Thomas 80.56
Clive Williams 83.06
Helen Williams 86.16

West Wales Track and Field Championships Swansea Sunday 13th May 2007
Events for U13, U15s, U17, U20 and seniors. Closing date for entries 5th May. An application form will be distributed to juniors and can also be downloaded from http://www.welshathletics.org/fixtures/2007%20entry%20form%20West%20Wales.doc
The club will organise a mini bus, names to Brian or Kevin.

Trial Race for Welsh Youth Mountain Running Team 5th May
Sugar Loaf Mountain, Abergavenny at 12 noon
Teams 4 junior boys under 17 years
4 junior girls under 17 years
Athletes must be born in either 1990 or 1991. Consideration may be given to development athletes born in either 1992 or 1993.
Selection
Trial – Saturday 5th May, Sugar Loaf Mountain, Abergavenny at 12 noon. Registration at Sugar Loaf Car Park. The first two in each category in this Trial race will gain automatic selection. Remaining places will be selected based on known form up to the Trial.
Further details contact Brian or Kevin.

Louise Arthur Junior Track and Field League Sunday 29th April at Brecon
Welsh Athletics have informed the club that for 2007 Aberystwyth AC members competing in the Louise Arthur League will have to compete under the Tim Athletau Ceredigion (TAC) name – for further details see www.aberystwythac.org.uk/youths.htm

Next Club League race Craig yr Aderyn Half Marathon 6th May
If you’re not running in this race then come along and run in our local Borth Beach 10k. Details below.

Aberystwyth A.C. is hosting the Borth Beach 10k on Sunday 6th May 2007…
Visit the club website for an entry form and more details: www.aberystwythac.org.uk/

Club weekend in the Brecon Beacons

As a club we have made a provisional booking at the Canal bunkhouse in Brecon on the following weekend.
31st Aug -2nd September 2007
The weekend will be a chance to enjoy the Brecons and have a low cost weekend away. The weekend will be very informal with a suggested outline of activities below:
Fri evening - arrive. Meal cooked for you at the bunk house or meal out in Brecon.
Saturday – various options during the day such as organised runs/mountain bike/high and low level walks/pony trekking etc.
Saturday night – meal out in Brecon or arrange a group meal in the bunkhouse with a few drinks.
Sunday morning – morning activity such as the Llangorse Climbing Centre/Quad biking/Karting/Pony Treking/canoeing.
Sunday afternoon – Return back to Aberystwyth.

The bunkhouse is ideally located in Brecon (walking distance to town centre) and sleeps 24 people and located on the Sustrans cycle path and close to the foothills of the Brecon Beacons. There is secure cycle storage, central heating, 5 bathrooms, drying room and washing machine along with a garden and BBQ.

Cost – The bunk house will be for our group only and is a fixed price for the two nights. If we get the full 24 people going it will only cost £25 per person for both nights.
Any other activities such as Pony Treking/Quad biking/karting etc. will be extra.

Transport – We can look at hiring a minibus or car sharing depending what people would rather do.

If you are interested please let me know by this Friday 27th April. You don’t need to commit any more than your names at this stage. I just need to know whether there is enough interest to go ahead and confirm the booking. Thanks.

Charge for Monday club night.
To bring Monday night training session in line with Tuesday - it has been agreed that a 50p charge will be made from the first session in May (Monday 7th May). The money will go towards the club and be used to fund various club events. If you run on a Monday and Tuesday you only need to pay once.

Club dates for your diaries…
06/05/07 - Aberystwyth A.C’s Borth Beach 10K Race 1 in 2007 Series 16:30hrs start.
06/05/07 – Craig Yr Aderyn Half Marathon (Tywyn) - League Race (Long) Entry forms on club notice board.
13/05/07 – 10k road race in Newtown – League Race (Medium) Entry forms on club notice board.
16/05/07 – Elan Valley 5k race 1 - League Race (Short) Details to follow.
22/5/07 – Club Handicap 5 mile Championship. Meet 6pm at Plascrug Leisure Centre.
27/05/07 – Tregaron 10k Ras Y Ddau Sant - League Race (Medium) Entry forms on club notice board.
30/05/07 – Elan Valley 5k race 2 - League Race (Short) Details to follow.
13/06/07 – Elan Valley 5k race 3 - League Race (Short) Details to follow.
29/07/07 - Aberystwyth A.C’s Borth Beach 10K Race 2 in 2007 Series 14:00 start.
23/09/07 - Aberystwyth A.C’s Borth Beach 10K Race 3 in 2007 Series 12.30 start.
02/09/07 – Club Trail Championship ‘Source of the Severn’ 11am start. Entry forms on club notice board and via www.maldwynharriers.org.uk .

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Other Races of Interest:
Sialens Y Barcud Coch a Ras Y Diafol (The Red Kite Challenge & Devil’s Race) 16th and 17th June 2007 www.redkite-barcudcoch.org.uk/index1.htm

16th April 2007

Tomorrow night (17th April) everybody welcome – 5k club league time trial
Easy way to gain some extra points towards the league.
Bring a watch as the 5k is self timed. Meet at Plascrug Leisure Centre for 6pm for a warm up out to the start. Time trial is followed by the AGM and buffet food (see below).

Tomorrow night AGM – 17th April 2007 - 7.30pm @ Plascrug Leisure Centre Café.
Everybody welcome and encouraged to come along. Buffet food will be provided. Your chance to give ideas and have your say.

Cerist Triathlon Club 10k Saturday 21st April 2007
10.00am start - Bro Ddyfi Leisure Centre, Machynlleth.
£7 entry on the day
Prizes for:
1st, 2nd, 3rd Male/Female open
1st junior male/female
1st vet male/female
1st super vet male/female
Entry Form available on the website: http://users.aber.ac.uk/aiv/cerist/

Entry forms now out for the first Borth Beach 10k of the year on Sunday 6th May 2007
Visit the club website for an entry form and more details: www.aberystwythac.org.uk/

Charity Band night pictures now on club website...
Thanks to Bridget for taking these photos! www.aberystwythac.org.uk/

Trial Race for Welsh Youth Mountain Running Team 5th May
Sugar Loaf Mountain, Abergavenny at 12 noon
Teams 4 junior boys under 17 years
4 junior girls under 17 years
Athletes must be born in either 1990 or 1991. Consideration may be given to development athletes born in either 1992 or 1993.
Selection
Trial – Saturday 5th May, Sugar Loaf Mountain, Abergavenny at 12 noon. Registration at Sugar Loaf Car Park. The first two in each category in this Trial race will gain automatic selection. Remaining places will be selected based on known form up to the Trial.
Further details contact Brian or Kevin.

Louise Arthur Junior Track and Field League Sunday 29th April at Brecon
Welsh Athletics have informed the club that for 2007 Aberystwyth AC members competing in the Louise Arthur League will have to compete under the Tim Athletau Ceredigion (TAC) name – for further details see www.aberystwythac.org.uk/youths.htm

Teifi 10
Well done to everyone that took part in the Teifi 10 mile race on Easter Sunday 8th April.
Hopefully the results will be available soon and the club league updated with everyone’s performance.
http://www.sarnhelen.org.uk/

Harlech Triathlon
Yesterday saw the popular triathlon event with 400 competitors taking part. Representing Aberystwyth A.C. were Alison Jones, John Evans, Mark Stieler and myself (Anita). The day soon became warm with clear skies and sunshine. There was very little wind and I looked forward to taking part in the first triathlon of the year. The swim went well, the bike route was fairly undulating but with some enjoyable fast sections on the long downhills but the weather started to turn as we arrived closer into Harlech. The mist had come in from the sea and we began the run on the beach in thick sea mist! It was really spooky and I worried about missing the marshal to take us off the beach and back towards the castle!! All went well and I made it back into Harlech and up the long 1:4 hill back into the town and to the finish at the castle. This was a really good and well organised race with a free meal and drink afterwards plus a race mug!!
Results should be available soon at: http://harlechtriathlon.users.btopenworld.com/

Club dates for your diaries…
17/04/07 – Club 5k League Race (Short) Meet 6pm at Plascrug Leisure Centre.
17/04/07 – AGM 17th April at 7.30pm in the café at Plascrug Lesiure Centre
06/05/07 - Aberystwyth A.C’s Borth Beach 10K Race 1 in 2007 Series 16:30hrs start.
06/05/07 – Craig Yr Aderyn Half Marathon (Tywyn) - League Race (Long) Entry forms on club notice board.
13/05/07 – 10k road race in Newtown – League Race (Medium) Entry forms on club notice board.
16/05/07 – Elan Valley 5k race 1 - League Race (Short) Details to follow.
22/5/07 – Club Handicap 5 mile Championship. Meet 6pm at Plascrug Leisure Centre.
27/05/07 – Tregaron 10k Ras Y Ddau Sant - League Race (Medium) Entry forms on club notice board.
30/05/07 – Elan Valley 5k race 2 - League Race (Short) Details to follow.
13/06/07 – Elan Valley 5k race 3 - League Race (Short) Details to follow.
29/07/07 - Aberystwyth A.C’s Borth Beach 10K Race 2 in 2007 Series 14:00 start.
23/09/07 - Aberystwyth A.C’s Borth Beach 10K Race 3 in 2007 Series 12.30 start.
02/09/07 – Club Trail Championship ‘Source of the Severn’ 11am start. Entry forms on club notice board and via www.maldwynharriers.org.uk .

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Other Races of Interest:

Cerist Tri Club 10k - Saturday 21st April 2007
10.00am start - Bro Ddyfi Leisure Centre
£6 entry before the event. £7 entry on the day.
Entry Form available here: http://users.aber.ac.uk/aiv/cerist/

Sialens Y Barcud Coch a Ras Y Diafol (The Red Kite Challenge & Devil’s Race) 16th and 17th June 2007 www.redkite-barcudcoch.org.uk/index1.htm

2nd April 2007

AGM – 17th April 2007 - 7.30pm @ Plascrug Leisure Centre Café.
Everybody welcome and encouraged to come along. Buffet food will be provided. Your chance to give ideas and have your say.

Monday 2nd April (tonight) – Easter training session
An alternative training session on Monday night – everyone leaves with at least one Easter Egg! You have to be prepared to run for your choccie though!!! All will be revealed on the night. Usual time 6.30pm at Plascrug Leisure Centre.

No training on Monday 9th April – Bank Holiday
Training will start again on Monday 16th April.

Charity Band Night - big success!
Thanks for all the hard work from Bridget, Kate and Glenda in organising the event on Friday to raise money for the charity Beacon of Hope and Muscular Dystrophy Campaign. A very big thanks on behalf of the girls for everybody that came along. The bands Namaste and Stix were excellent and the Football Club was an ideal venue. Thanks to the bands for playing free of charge and to the free use of the football club. The Grand Total of £836.52 was raised. Pictures from the night should be on the club website soon!

Congratulations to Elinor and Adam on representing Wales…
Elinor and Adam have been picked to represent Wales in the International cross-country match in Dublin against teams from England, Ireland and Scotland on March 31st. They fly over to Dublin with the rest of the Welsh team on the 30th. In the Welsh Schools championship Adam was 2nd in his race and Elinor 7th in hers.

Aran Fawr Race (thanks to Kate)
“The sunny, clear weather was perfect for this tough, medium class A fell race. 2,500 ft climb over 5 miles out and 5 miles back. The course dips up and down a bit both ways, so the downhill has some climbs which proved a real shock for my legs! These particular legs found the whole climb hard and wished vervently after the first 1/2 mile that they hadn't paced the dance floor so much the night before. However, all was well when I saw the fantastic view at the top, and got to run through virgin snow (apart from the 70 or so people before me to do so!). Geoff and Dave got good times (1.52 sthg for Dave and after this for Geoff; results not seen by me yet) and were buried deep in lamb burgers by the time I got in at just under 2.21; I wasn't last and didn't get injured; so I was happy! “
Results should be available shortly on: http://www.run-meirionnydd.co.uk/

Liverpool Half Marathon
Well done to Sarah running in her first half marathon and to Tina. Both were representing Aberystwyth A.C. in the Liverpool Half Marathon.
Sarah’s thoughts from the day…
“On Sunday 25th March I completed my first half marathon in Liverpool!! I did it in 2hrs 35mins (my mum thought I'd stopped for a cup of tea on the way round as I took so long!!) but I paced myself and completed it with no stops which was my main aim. So, first one down, any many more to come!”.

Sarah Birch 2.35.06
Tina Hansen 2.42.32

Bath Half Marathon
Glenda and Mark were also representing Aberystwyth A.C. at the weekend in the Bath Half Marathon on Sunday with some excellent results:

Mark Stieler 1.35.20
Glenda Roberts 1.48.20

Glenda’s thoughts from the day…
“I had to walk about three miles from the campsite to the field where I was meant to be meeting my brother and two nephews who were also running in the Bath Half Marathon. Arriving in time there was no sight of them so I joined the toilet queue (as you do!) and was in it for about 25 minutes! I never managed to meet up with them at all, found out that my daughter had missed her train from London because of the clocks going forward, only just got to the start in time after escaping from the queue and then was so jammed in by runners that I couldn't get to the area I was meant to start from where I had also arranged to see another brother! I started the race really stressed out! Obviously the thing to do as I felt so much better after a few miles and in the end got a time of 1 hour 48 which I was really pleased with. It was great to see Lily cheering at one point and I did manage to meet up with all my relatives (even my daughter who'd got a later train) after the race for a pub lunch. It was perfect weather for running-not much wind and cool. plenty of drink stops all the way around and a Mars bar at the end! About 8000 people ran and it was well organised apart from getting everyone to the start.”

Llanelli Duathlon (thanks to Martyn)
“My initial thought at 4.30am on Sunday morning was “if I ignore the alarm going off I’ll be too late to get to Llanelli!” My second thought of the day didn’t happen until 5.30am in Lampeter, the car thermometer read 1.5C!!!
By the time we got to Llanelli the sun was out and it looked like it was going to be a good day – albeit a bit windy!
The race kicked off at 8am and the first leg was a 5km run split into two out and back laps of 2.5km with 2 small hills. Once back into transition it was a 30km bike leg, again split into two laps. The bike leg took riders out towards Bury Port where we picked up the new by-pass road which had some lovely 90 degree and 180 degree turns with a fab smooth road surface. Then it was back into transition for the 2nd leg of the 5km run.”

The Aberystwyth A.C contingent in the race were John Evans and Martyn Saycell.
Results will be available at: http://www.llanellitriathlon.org.uk/

Junior Presentations last Tuesday
The end of year 2006 Aberystwyth A.C. junior club awards were presented before training last week to the following juniors:
“Junior Boy Athlete” – Adam Bitchell
“Junior Girl Athlete” – Elinor Thorogood
“Club Junior Boy” - Gethin Holland
“Club Junior Girl” - Rebecca Ansell

Next League race this sunday – Teifi 10 (Lampeter)
This Sunday 8th April is the Teifi 10 miler. You can enter on the day at Lampeter Rugby club. This race counts towards the club league. The race is described as “a flat, fast and scenic route along the River Teifi and through the University town of Lampeter”.
Entry forms are available on the club notice board or at:
http://www.welshathletics.org/download/Road%20Running/Teifi10%202007.pdf

Aberystwyth AC and Welsh Athletics Membership (thanks to Kevin)
The next subscription year for both Welsh Athletics and Aberystwyth AC starts 1st April 2007. To join you'll need to complete two forms; one for club membership and a second for Welsh Athletics membership. Please complete both and return to Brian, Anita, Louise or Kevin with a single cheque made payable to Aberystwyth AC for £15 (seniors) or £10 (under 18s). The cheque covers both the club fee and the Welsh Athletics fee of £10 for seniors and £5 for juniors.

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Other Races of Interest:

Cerist Tri Club 10k - Saturday 21st April 2007
10.00am start - Bro Ddyfi Leisure Centre
£6 entry before the event. £7 entry on the day.
Entry Form available here: http://users.aber.ac.uk/aiv/cerist/

Sialens Y Barcud Coch a Ras Y Diafol (The Red Kite Challenge & Devil’s Race) 16th and 17th June 2007 www.redkite-barcudcoch.org.uk/index1.htm

19th March 2007

Junior Presentations – Tuesday 20th March
The end of year 2006 Aberystwyth A.C. junior club awards will be presented before training at Plascrug Leisure Centre tomorrow (Tuesday 20th March) to the “Junior Boy Athlete”, “Junior Girl Athlete”, “Club Junior Boy” and “Club Junior Girl”.

This Friday (23rd March) club event to raise money for our London Marathoners charities.
Last chance to get your tickets for friends and family this Monday and Tuesday club nights. It should be a good night with live music and the possible chance to see Clive’s award winning dancing! 8pm in the Football Club.
£5 a ticket. There is also a raffle on the night with a chance to win some good prizes.
There will be a limited number of tickets available on the door. If you have any enquiries contact Bridget at b.parkinson@angleplc.com or call 613 426.

New club coaches
Congratulations to Megan Williams and Rosemary Rhys on qualifying as level one coaches. This now gives the club 16 coaches in total: two at level three, two at level 2 and twelve at level one.

ERS™ - Training and Racing Aid – from our science correspondent
You may have noticed that certain members of the club have recorded significant improvements in their recent time trials results. Apparently it’s all down to a new training aid which relies on the latest satellite and chip technology. Developed over many years by a club member who swears by it but who wishes to remain anonymous, earlier versions of the ERS™ device were rather bulky. Fear of industrial espionage when testing the device in racing conditions, had forced the inventor to wear traditional Welsh ladies costume in order to conceal the ERS™ device (apparently an unexpected bonus was his Stove Pipe Hat allowed him to get a stronger signal).

Although the latest prototype is much smaller it is prone to malfunction. Saturday's Rhayader 20Mile Round the Lake Race nearly ended in disaster for our inventor and five recent ERS™ purchasers. After working perfectly for the first five or so miles a malfunction resulted in the six runners abruptly turning to the right and entering the lake. The inventor who was leading the swimmers when a rescue boat drew along side, called out by a concerned group of ramblers, was clearly frustrated in his attempt to win the hastily inaugurated Rhayder 6Mile Across the Lake Race. He lamented that had he developed the Evans Route Straightener back in the mid 1950s nobody would have heard of "that bloke Bannister."

According to the inventor potential ERS™ applications are almost unlimited. On Sunday evening he was unavailable to comment upon a statement by the Jockey Club that they intended to block his application for a jockey racing licence. His non availability appears to be down to another malfunction. Apparently he had set of to borrow a glass of water from a neighbour but two hours later had failed to arrive (Incidentally, the cost of the ERS™ now includes free 24 hour phone access to a defence lawyer specialising in the law of trespass).

A web based version has already been developed and can be accessed here . The Evans Route Straightener™ is now available in shops nearer to you than you think or direct from the supplier PBSRUS . The inventor’s legendry route planning ability had previously lead to speculation that he was related to the famous roman road designer Clivius Ifanso V.

Next time – stopwatches.

Rhayader 5 and 20 mile races
“Arriving in Rhayader the sun was shining and a cool breeze blowing – felt like a good day for running! Excellent turnout by the club - fielding 14 runners in total for the two races.
Just before the bus left for the start of the 5mile we were able to see the 400 plus runners start the 20 miler– looked very impressive with runners from clubs all over the UK. Our 5 mile race was from the Dams back into Rhayader. The first two miles were brilliant – the wind was behind us, and mostly downhill. The fourth mile put a stop to that with a climb which was enough to knock down the pace!! Taking part in the 5mile was Danny Evans, Pete Foale, Clive Evans, John Evans, Kevin Holland, Geraint Evans, Dan Burgess, Paul Arnold and myself . Everyone seemed very pleased with their times with Geraint’s son, Danny winning the event.” (Anita).

“Arrived at Rhayader with an hour to spare and the sun was beaming down. Saw lots of our club runners and had a natter with various people but before long we were lined up at the start ready to go. Anybody who has done the Rhayader 20 will know that the first 6miles are absolute hell, miles 3-6 are up all the way and v steep in places. Despite starting off with 8.5 min miles it took me an hour to get to 6miles. Once up there though, the views were exactly what they said on the tin - stunning. I completely relaxed and thought I would enjoy the run rather than endure it, a decision which really paid off. “(Bridget)

Official 20 mile results:
Dave Powell 2.23.30
Louise Barker 2.39.38
Tony Wenlock 2.50.11
Glenda Roberts 3.03.15
Bridget Parkinson 3.03.56
Brian Ashton 03.14.35
Full results at: http://www.ukresults.net/2007/rhayader20.html

Official 5 mile results:
Danny Evans (winner) 25.40
Pete Foale 30.05
Clive Evans 31.36
John Evans 32.05
Kevin Holland 32.23
Geraint Evans 32.50
Anita Saycell 33.05
Daniel Burgess 33.20
Paul Arnold 40.09

The club league has been updated with the 20 mile and 5 mile results: www.aberystywthac.org.uk . Photos from the day will also be on the web shortly.

Club dates for your diaries…
23/03/07 – Charity Band Night with Namaste and Stix - 8pm - tickets on sale on Monday and Tuesday club nights.
17/04/07 – Club 5k League Race (Short) Meet 6pm at Plascrug Leisure Centre.
06/05/07 - Aberystwyth A.C’s Borth Beach 10K Race 1 in 2007 Series 16:30hrs start.
06/05/07 – Craig Yr Aderyn Half Marathon (Tywyn) - League Race (Long) Entry forms on club notice board.
13/05/07 – 10k road race in Newtown – League Race (Medium) Entry forms on club notice board.
16/05/07 – Elan Valley 5k race 1 - League Race (Short) Details to follow.
22/5/07 – Club Handicap 5 mile Championship. Meet 6pm at Plascrug Leisure Centre.
27/05/07 – Tregaron 10k Ras Y Ddau Sant - League Race (Medium) Entry forms on club notice board.
30/05/07 – Elan Valley 5k race 2 - League Race (Short) Details to follow.
13/06/07 – Elan Valley 5k race 3 - League Race (Short) Details to follow.
28/07/07 - Aberystwyth A.C’s Borth Beach 10K Race 2 in 2007 Series 14:00 start.
01/09/07 - Aberystwyth A.C’s Borth Beach 10K Race 3 in 2007 Series 17:30 start.
02/09/07 – Club Trail Championship ‘Source of the Severn’ 11am start. Entry forms on club notice board and via www.maldwynharriers.org.uk .

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Other Races of Interest:

Cerist Tri-Club Aquathon - 25th March 2007
400m pool swim, 5km run
Bro Ddyfi Leisure Centre
Start 8.30am
Please arrive before 8am so that we can register you
Cost £5 for the day or £10 includes membership of Cerist Triathlon club. “
Contact:- for further info jw@aberinstruments.com or peter.v.jenkins@bt.com
Entry form available here: http://users.aber.ac.uk/aiv/cerist/

Marathon Preparation?
San Domenico 20 Mile Road Race, Sunday 1st April 2007, Rhydycar Leisure Centre, Merthyr Tydfil CF48 1UT Course information: Out and back course, incorporating a 7 mile loop, gently undulating with some (3) short, challenging climbs. Mostly on the ‘Taff trail’ (tarmacadam for all but 1 mile) with three sections on the road. More information is available on our site: http://www.sandomenico.org.uk/ Online entry is available via: http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/events/viewevent.asp?en=36582

Sialens Y Barcud Coch a Ras Y Diafol (The Red Kite Challenge & Devil’s Race) 16th and 17th June 2007
www.redkite-barcudcoch.org.uk/index1.htm

12th March 2007

This Saturday 5 mile and 20 mile League races at Rhayader…17/03/07 – Rhayader 5 mile League Race (Medium) and 20 mile race League Race (Long) Entry forms on our club notice board.
5 mile race starts 1.30pm
20 mile race starts 1.00pm
Also novice boys and girls under 11 - 1 mile race – 11.20am start.

Only TWO weeks left to get your Charity night tickets!!
Bring a £5 note on a Monday or Tuesday training night and Anita will swap it for a charity night ticket!
Charity Band night in Aid of the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign and The Beacon of Hope
The event is being held at the Aberystwyth Town Football Club on Friday the 23rd of March at 8pm. The bands who have kindly agreed to play free of charge are Namaste and Stix. The tickets cost £5.00 each and are available on Monday and Tuesday club nights or by contacting Bridget Parkinson, Glenda Roberts or Kate O'Sullivan. If you have any enquiries contact Bridget at b.parkinson@angleplc.com or call 613 426.

Date announced for the first Club League 5k – 17th April 2007
Meet 6pm at Plascrug Leisure Centre on Tuesday 17th April.

New for this year … Handicap 5 mile race around town - Tuesday 22nd May 2007.
The first three male and females that cross the line are the winners and the prizes will be awarded at the end of year club dinner.
Meet for 6pm at Plascrug Leisure Centre.

Cerist Tri-Club Aquathon - 25th March 2007
400m pool swim, 5km run
Bro Ddyfi Leisure Centre
Start 8.30am
“The cancellation of the Dyfi Dash has left a bit of a gap, so Cerist Triathlon club has put together an informal (fun) aquathon for the same day.
If you’re thinking that you “Need to get fitter” then give it a try OR just some of it!
We will encourage relay teams but if you don’t have one just turn up and if there are enough people we can create other teams on the day.
Please arrive before 8am so that we can register you
Cost £5 for the day or £10 includes membership of Cerist Triathlon club. “
Contact:- for further info jw@aberinstruments.com or peter.v.jenkins@bt.com
Entry form available here: http://users.aber.ac.uk/aiv/cerist/

Cerist Tri Club 10k - Saturday 21st April 2007
10.00am start - Bro Ddyfi Leisure Centre
£6 entry before the event
£7 entry on the day
Prizes for:
1st, 2nd, 3rd Male/Female open
1st junior male/female
1st vet male/female
1st super vet male/female
Entry Form available here: http://users.aber.ac.uk/aiv/cerist/

Llanelli Half Marathon (thanks to Bridget)
“Despite the BBC 5 day weather forecast for Llanelli being for ‘Heavy rain’ up until Friday before briefly changing to ‘Light rain’ on Saturday, when we finally arrived at the Millennium festival fields for the start of the race the sun was shining down in all its glory and not a hint of rain (I was horrified when I realized I had forgotten my hat!). The run took us along the flat Millennium coastal path and looped round both ends of the seafront. It was a bit windy in places and the sun got very hot at times but the whole event was very well organized and the marshalls + spectators were very friendly!

There were a reported 1,500 entrants and provisional results for the first 927 are out. The first back was San Domenico’s Stephen Paterson in a time of 1:13:12 and first lady was Swansea Harrier’s Claire Phillips in 1:24:48.

From Aber AC: Helen Williams smashed her previous PB by 10mins to finish in 1:51:11 and provisionally came 70th lady overall and a fab 11th F45. I also managed to knock 6mins off my previous PB and clocked 1:47:58, provisionally came 42nd lady overall and 18th SF. Full results will soon be available at www.llanellihalfmarathon.co.uk .We got a nice t-shirt at the end and after not so much deliberation we decided not to swap our championchips for the free burger and fries on offer (uggghhh) and instead opted for a nice cup of tea and a shower at Helen’s in-laws house just down the road in Llanelli!

A great day had by all!”

Club dates for your diaries…
17/03/07 – Rhayader 5 mile League Race (Medium) and 20 mile race League Race (Long) Entry forms on club notice board.
23/03/07 – Charity Band Night with Namaste and Stix - 8pm - tickets on sale on Monday and Tuesday club nights.
17/04/07 – Club 5k League Race (Short) Meet 6pm at Plascrug Leisure Centre.
06/05/07 - Aberystwyth A.C’s Borth Beach 10K Race 1 in 2007 Series 16:30hrs start.
06/05/07 – Craig Yr Aderyn Half Marathon (Tywyn) - League Race (Long) Entry forms on club notice board.
13/05/07 – 10k road race in Newtown – League Race (Medium) Entry forms on club notice board.
16/05/07 – Elan Valley 5k race 1 - League Race (Short) Details to follow.
22/5/07 – Club Handicap 5 mile Championship. Meet 6pm at Plascrug Leisure Centre.
27/05/07 – Tregaron 10k Ras Y Ddau Sant - League Race (Medium) Entry forms on club notice board.
30/05/07 – Elan Valley 5k race 2 - League Race (Short) Details to follow.
13/06/07 – Elan Valley 5k race 3 - League Race (Short) Details to follow.
28/07/07 - Aberystwyth A.C’s Borth Beach 10K Race 2 in 2007 Series 14:00 start.
01/09/07 - Aberystwyth A.C’s Borth Beach 10K Race 3 in 2007 Series 17:30 start.
02/09/07 – Club Trail Championship ‘Source of the Severn’ 11am start. Entry forms on club notice board and via www.maldwynharriers.org.uk .

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Other Races of Interest:
The Drovers Run’ Sunday 18th March 2007 @ 11am
6mile multi terrain run in Brynna, Nr Llantrisant see www.pencoedtri.org for further details.
Entry forms are available on the club notice board.

Bwlch Y Groes 10k multi terrain Sunday 18th March 2007 @ 11am
Entry forms are available on the club notice board.

Marathon Preparation? (Thanks to Kevin)
San Domenico 20 Mile Road Race, Sunday 1st April 2007, Rhydycar Leisure Centre, Merthyr Tydfil CF48 1UT Course information: Out and back course, incorporating a 7 mile loop, gently undulating with some (3) short, challenging climbs. Mostly on the ‘Taff trail’ (tarmacadam for all but 1 mile) with three sections on the road. More information is available on our site: http://www.sandomenico.org.uk/ Online entry is available via: http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/events/viewevent.asp?en=36582

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5th March 2007

Llanelli Waterside Duathlon 1st April 2007
For those that enjoy cycling as well as running.
5k run/30k bike/5k run
Free t-shirt and goody bag to all finishers. Closing date for entries March 29th 2007.
More details: http://www.llanellitriathlon.org.uk/

UK Inter-Counties Cross Country Championships (thanks to Kevin)
Late in February five junior members of Aberystwyth Athletic Club competed in the UK Inter-Counties Cross Country Championships in Nottingham. As members of the Dyfed team they competed against 43 other Counties and Districts. Each of the races had close to three hundred runners! Congratulations to the five for their initial selection and on their performances on the day. In extremely muddy conditions their placings are as follows: Under 15 Girls: 131 Elinor Thorogood and 198 Rebecca Ansell, Under 17 Girls: 208 Sian Thomas and 255 Alex Thorogood, and Under 17 Boys: 59 Adam Bitchell. Pictures now on club web site.

Welsh Athletics and Club subscriptions due shortly (thanks to Kevin)
Membership subscriptions for both Aberystwyth Athletic Club and Welsh Athletics are due shortly. If you wish to join or continue as member of the club you will need to complete a WA form and a club form (available Tuesday nights or via the club’s web site). Please return the forms to Kevin Holland or Brian Ashton along with a cheque for £15 (seniors) or £10 (juniors) made payable to “Aberystwyth Athletic Club” (please do not make cheques payable to WA). The club will pass on £5 to WA and retain the balance. Membership of Welsh Athletics allows the athlete to compete in WA organised races and fixtures and also provides third party insurance cover for the athlete.

Good luck to everyone running the Llanelli Half Marathon this Sunday.
Don’t forget to let us know how you get on and send any photos from the day!

Only three weeks left to get your Charity night tickets!!
Charity Band night in Aid of the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign and The Beacon of Hope
The event is being held at the Aberystwyth Town Football Club on Friday the 23rd of March at 8pm. The bands who have kindly agreed to play free of charge are Namaste and Stix. The tickets cost £5.00 each and are available on Monday and Tuesday club nights or by contacting Bridget Parkinson, Glenda Roberts or Kate O'Sullivan. If you have any enquiries contact Bridget at b.parkinson@angleplc.com or call 613 426.

Club committee meeting Wednesday 7th March
The meetings are open to all members, the more the merrier – book early to avoid disappointment! All meetings take place at David James’s office in Eastgate Street and start at 5.45.

Next League race…17/03/07 – Rhayader 5 mile League Race (Medium) and 20 mile race League Race (Long) Entry forms on club notice board.

Club dates for your diaries…
17/03/07 – Rhayader 5 mile League Race (Medium) and 20 mile race League Race (Long) Entry forms on club notice board.
23/03/07 – Charity Band Night with Namaste and Stix - 8pm - tickets on sale on Monday and Tuesday club nights.
06/05/07 - Aberystwyth A.C’s Borth Beach 10K Race 1 in 2007 Series 16:30hrs start.
06/05/07 – Craig Yr Aderyn Half Marathon (Tywyn) - League Race (Long) Entry forms on club notice board.
13/05/07 – 10k road race in Newtown – League Race (Medium) Entry forms on club notice board.
16/05/07 – Elan Valley 5k race 1 - League Race (Short) Details to follow.
27/05/07 – Tregaron 10k Ras Y Ddau Sant - League Race (Medium) Entry forms on club notice board.
30/05/07 – Elan Valley 5k race 2 - League Race (Short) Details to follow.
13/06/07 – Elan Valley 5k race 3 - League Race (Short) Details to follow.
28/07/07 - Aberystwyth A.C’s Borth Beach 10K Race 2 in 2007 Series 14:00 start.
01/09/07 - Aberystwyth A.C’s Borth Beach 10K Race 3 in 2007 Series 17:30 start.
02/09/07 – Club Trail Championship ‘Source of the Severn’ 11am start. Entry forms on club notice board and via www.maldwynharriers.org.uk .

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Other Races of Interest:

Llys Y Fran YFC Time Trial 7 mile run Sunday 11th March 2007 @ 11am
Entry forms are available on the club notice board.

The Drovers Run’ Sunday 18th March 2007 @ 11am
6mile multi terrain run in Brynna, Nr Llantrisant see www.pencoedtri.org for further details.
Entry forms are available on the club notice board.

Bwlch Y Groes 10k multi terrain Sunday 18th March 2007 @ 11am
Entry forms are available on the club notice board.

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26th February 2007

New for 2007 club league – ‘Tony’s Tracker’
Thanks to Tony for creating this excellent tracker to follow the club league as it progresses through the year. After each race the data is updated and you can instantly see how many points you have and your current position in the club league. There are plenty of fun options such as working out how fast you need to run to beat your rival, how many races you have left to qualify for the league, predicted times for different races distances and loads more!
The points awarded for each race are age related – this is your age as of Dec 31st 2007.
To take part and be in with a chance of winning at the end of the year visit the club league on the website: www.aberystywthac.org.uk .

Come and Try It! - Cycle Time-Trialling for everyone (thanks To Danny)
Ystwyth CC welcome all to their club time trials on the following Wednesday evenings:
28th March 6:30pm
11th April 7:00pm
02nd May 7:00pm
23rd May 7:00pm
04th July 7:00pm
18th July 7:00pm
08th August 7:00pm
29th August 6:30pm
Venue: Meet at Cambrian Printers in Llanbadarn Fawr 15 minutes before the start.
£1 payable at the start.
Riders are set off at one-minute intervals towards Cwm Rheidol and back to Llanbadarn (5miles out, 5 miles back).
You’ll be timed so this is a great opportunity to see how your fitness improves over the summer – ideal cross-training or off-season training!
Any roadworthy bike is suitable but you’re better off with smooth tyres. Clothing should cover shoulders and upper thighs. A safety helmet is mandatory for under 18s and a parental consent form must be signed at your first event if you are under 16.
The events are fully marshalled, and registered with Cycling Time Trials. Approved by Dyfed Powys Police.
If you’re unsure about the whole thing, just come along for a chat!

Aberystwyth Athletic Club Juniors (thanks to Kevin)
Looking forward to the spring and summer, the club has entered two junior leagues so first claim member of Aberystwyth Athletic Club will be able to compete in the Louise Arthur Track and Field League or the Welsh Track and Field Junior League (WTFJL) as a member of the Aberystwyth AC Team. As with the winter’s cross country league we will be organising subsidised transport to the Louise Arthur Track and Field League and, subject to demand, to the WTFJL fixtures. Venues and dates and further information will be available on the club’s web site at www.aberystwythac.org.uk In the autumn we will be competing in the cross country leagues again.

Only four weeks left to get your Charity night tickets!!
Charity Band night in Aid of the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign and The Beacon of Hope
The event is being held at the Aberystwyth Town Football Club on Friday the 23rd of March at 8pm. The bands who have kindly agreed to play free of charge are Namaste and Stix. The tickets cost £5.00 each and are available on Monday and Tuesday club nights or by contacting Bridget Parkinson, Glenda Roberts or Kate O'Sullivan. If you have any enquiries contact Bridget at b.parkinson@angleplc.com or call 613 426.

Next week - club committee meeting Wednesday 7th March
The meetings are open to all members, the more the merrier – book early to avoid disappointment! All meetings take palace at David James’s office in Eastgate Street and start at 5.45.

Will’s Stag run on Saturday (thanks to Brian)
“I believe we were about 19 in total doing the route to Mach. A mixture of Will's mates from the running club, rowing club and general friends. From the club were Will, Geraint, Dai James, Pete, Tony, Clive, Kevin, Paul and myself (Adriano joined us in Mach for a swift half!). We met in Talybont square and got transported to the top of the hill, by the Angler's Retreat turning. The weather was very misty to start, no rain and the wind was behind us. For most of the run, we were in mist, which was the biggest disappointment of the day. The views would have been spectacular, I'm sure. However, everybody agreed that we will have to do this run again in clearer weather.
The run measured 11.45mls at the end when we reached Mach. Leisure Centre, where we were re-united with our clothes. A quick coffee and shower there, then it was round the corner to the White Lion to watch the rugby. Clive was in top form providing the entertainment to a packed out audience and it couldn't have been better staged that it was our English friends turn this time to feel the Irish steel.
It was then across the road to the Wynnstay for our evening meal and Clive's second performance! An excellent meal was had by all, more beer was consumed to drown our sorrows again (thank you Wales). After we said our goodbyes and best wishes to Will, another Mach pub was visited on our way to the station (don't drink that Jennings Lifter stuff), to catch the last train out of town.”

Anybody fancy a long run? (thanks to Bridget)
On Saturday 3rd of March I have a scheduled a 19/20mile run as part of my Marathon training and I am looking for some people to come along to make it a bit less boring!! The route I have picked goes from town along the cycle path to the industrial estate, up to Moriah – along to Capel Seion then down to Aberffrwd + Cwm Rheidol – along to Capel Bangor then back along the Capel Bangor back road to the industrial estate + back into Llanbadarn. It is entirely on road and I want to run between 9-10 min miles. If anybody is interested then let me know tonight, tomorrow or next week and we can arrange to meet at the leisure centre. I would ideally like to set off at about 10am but am pretty flexible.
This is 2 weeks before the Rhayader 20 so will be good practice for anybody thinking of running then!!

Change of Date for Cross Country…
The final fixture of the West Glamorgan Cross Country League at Margam Park has been moved from Sunday March 11th 2007 to Sunday March 25th 2007.

Aberystwyth Athletic Club - Ras Cors Caron Half Marathon (thanks to Kevin)
“At the Ras Cors Caron Half Marathon in Tregaron earlier this month more than a hundred runners competed over the 13.1 mile course. Aberystwyth Athletic Club was well represented with thirteen members competing. The course is demanding with an “undulating” first half that climbs up from Tregaron, through Swyddffynnon to Ystrad Meurig before a relatively flat second half back into Tregaron along the old railway line. Once back in Tregaron a warm bowl of cawl awaits in the rugby club courtesy of the race organisers. In the men’s race Dave Powell was the first Aberystwyth AC runner home in 15th place in a time of 1hr 28.53 mins followed by Geoff Oldrid 21st (1hr.32.03 min), Kevin Holland 26th (1hr 35.28 min) and then a long gap before John Evans 27th (1hr 35.37min), Arwel James 31st (1hr 36.48min), Martyn Saycell 41st (1hr 41.46min), Tony Wenlock (1hr 43.29), Paul Arnold 72nd (2hr 04.08 min) and Adriano Evola 76th (2hr 8.20min). In the women’s race the Aberystwyth AC results were as follows: Kate O’Sullivan 9th (1hr 45.18 min), Glenda Roberts 17th (1hr 55.18 min), Gwen Parry 26th (2hr 4.10min) and Megan Williams 33rd (2hr 18.15min). Congratulations to John Evans and Kate O’Sullivan for being placed third in their respective age categories. “

Photos from Ras Cors Caron Half Marathon now on club website
Visit: www.aberystywthac.org.uk

Next League race…17/03/07 – Rhayader 5 mile League Race (Medium) and 20 mile race League Race (Long) Entry forms on club notice board.

Club dates for your diaries…
17/03/07 – Rhayader 5 mile League Race (Medium) and 20 mile race League Race (Long) Entry forms on club notice board.
23/03/07 – Charity Band Night with Namaste and Stix - 8pm - tickets on sale on Monday and Tuesday club nights.
06/05/07 - Aberystwyth A.C’s Borth Beach 10K Race 1 in 2007 Series 16:30hrs start.
06/05/07 – Craig Yr Aderyn Half Marathon (Tywyn) - League Race (Long) Entry forms on club notice board.
13/05/07 – 10k road race in Newtown – League Race (Medium) Entry forms on club notice board.
16/05/07 – Elan Valley 5k race 1 - League Race (Short) Details to follow.
27/05/07 – Tregaron 10k Ras Y Ddau Sant - League Race (Medium) Entry forms on club notice board.
30/05/07 – Elan Valley 5k race 2 - League Race (Short) Details to follow.
13/06/07 – Elan Valley 5k race 3 - League Race (Short) Details to follow.
28/07/07 - Aberystwyth A.C’s Borth Beach 10K Race 2 in 2007 Series 14:00 start.
01/09/07 - Aberystwyth A.C’s Borth Beach 10K Race 3 in 2007 Series 17:30 start.
02/09/07 – Club Trail Championship ‘Source of the Severn’ 11am start. Entry forms on club notice board and via www.maldwynharriers.org.uk .

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Other Races of Interest:

Llys Y Fran YFC Time Trial 7 mile run Sunday 11th March 2007 @ 11am
Entry forms are available on the club notice board.

The Drovers Run’ Sunday 18th March 2007 @ 11am
6mile multi terrain run in Brynna, Nr Llantrisant see www.pencoedtri.org for further details.
Entry forms are available on the club notice board.

Bwlch Y Groes 10k multi terrain Sunday 18th March 2007 @ 11am
Entry forms are available on the club notice board.

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20th February 2007

Charity Band night in Aid of the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign and The Beacon of Hope (thanks to Bridget)
Tickets on sale. The event is being held at the Aberystwyth Town Football Club on Friday the 23rd of March at 8pm. The bands who have kindly agreed to play free of charge are Namaste and Stix. The tickets cost £5.00 each and are available on Monday and Tuesday club nights or by contacting Bridget Parkinson, Glenda Roberts or Kate O'Sullivan. If you have any enquiries contact Bridget at b.parkinson@angleplc.com or call 613 426.

Next club committee meeting Wednesday 7th March
The meetings are open to all members, the more the merrier – book early to avoid disappointment! All meetings take palace at David James’s office in Eastgate Street and start at 5.45.

Dyfi Dash 2007 Cancelled
Unfortunately the Dyfi Dash has been cancelled for this year and entry cheques have been returned. http://www.cerist.co.uk/triathlon/index.htm

Will Troughton is getting married in March and would like to say…
“Can I use the newsletter to thank all the club members for the card and bottle of bubbly. Many thanks indeed from both of us.”

WELSH MOUNTAIN RUNNING COMMITTEE (Thanks to Kevin)
INTERNATIONAL EVENTS AND SELECTION RACES 2007
These include both junior and senior races – some of the selection races are in Abergavenny and Snowdon – not really surprising!
Click on www.aberystwythac.org.uk\events.htm

Aberystwyth A.C’s Borth Beach 10K Race Series 2007
Sun May 6th 16:30hrs start
Sat 28th July 14:00 start
Sat 1st Sept 17:30 start
Further details to follow (start times vary according to tides!)

Club League 2007
Choose one short, one medium and one long race from the league list and one race of your choice. Click on the Club League link on the club website for further details: www.aberystywthac.org.uk .

Ras Cors Caron Half Marathon in Tregaron – League Race (Long)
The club were well represented with 12 runners taking part. The conditions were excellent sunny, not much wind and not too cold. The official results are not out yet but there must have been over 100 runners taking part. Well done to Dave Powell, Geoff Oldrid, John Evans, Kevin Holland, Arwel James, Martyn Saycell, Kate O’Sullivan, Gwen Parry, Paul Arnold, Adriano Evola and Megan Williams. Photos will be on the web shortly!
As soon as the official results are available the league points will be calculated and available from the club website.

Next League race…17/3/07 – Rhayader 5 mile League Race (Medium) and 20 mile race League Race (Long) Entry forms on club notice board.

Club Trail Championship – Trail Race ‘Source of the Severn’ 2nd September 2007
Prizes for 1st, 2nd, 3rd Aberystwyth A.C. Male and Female.
“Exciting run through forest trails all off road, approx 9 miles.” Entry forms available on the club notice board and via www.maldwynharriers.org.uk .

Handicap 5mile race round town (date to be confirmed)
Prizes for 1st, 2nd, 3rd Aberystwyth A.C. Male and Female.

Club dates for your diaries…
17/3/07 – Rhayader 5 mile League Race (Medium) and 20 mile race League Race (Long) Entry forms on club notice board.
23/3/07 – Charity Band Night with Namaste and Stix - 8pm - tickets on sale on Monday and Tuesday club nights.
6/5/07 – Craig Yr Aderyn Half Marathon (Tywyn) - League Race (Long) Entry forms on club notice board.
13/5/07 – 10k road race in Newtown – League Race (Medium) Entry forms on club notice board.
16/5/07 – Elan Valley 5k race 1 - League Race (Short) Details to follow.
27/5/07 – Tregaron 10k Ras Y Ddau Sant - League Race (Medium) Entry forms on club notice board.
30/5/07 – Elan Valley 5k race 2 - League Race (Short) Details to follow.
13/6/07 – Elan Valley 5k race 3 - League Race (Short) Details to follow.
2/9/07 – Club Trail Championship ‘Source of the Severn’ 11am start. Entry forms on club notice board and via www.maldwynharriers.org.uk .

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Other Races of Interest:

Llys Y Fran YFC Time Trial 7 mile run Sunday 11th March 2007 @ 11am
Entry forms are available on the club notice board.

The Drovers Run’ Sunday 18th March 2007 @ 11am
6mile multi terrain run in Brynna, Nr Llantrisant see www.pencoedtri.org for further details.
Entry forms are available on the club notice board.

Bwlch Y Groes 10k multi terrain Sunday 18th March 2007 @ 11am
Entry forms are available on the club notice board.

Marathon Preparation? (Thanks to Kevin)
San Domenico 20 Mile Road Race, Sunday 1st April 2007, Rhydycar Leisure Centre, Merthyr Tydfil CF48 1UT Course information: Out and back course, incorporating a 7 mile loop, gently undulating with some (3) short, challenging climbs. Mostly on the ‘Taff trail’ (tarmacadam for all but 1 mile) with three sections on the road. More information is available on our site: http://www.sandomenico.org.uk/ Online entry is available via: http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/events/viewevent.asp?en=36582

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12th February 2007

Charity Band night in Aid of the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign and The Beacon of Hope (thanks to Bridget)
Tickets now on sale. The event is being held at the Aberystwyth Town Football Club on Friday the 23rd of March at 8pm. The bands who have kindly agreed to play free of charge are Namaste and Stix. The tickets cost £5.00 each and are available on Monday and Tuesday club nights or by contacting Bridget Parkinson, Glenda Roberts or Kate O'Sullivan. If you have any enquiries contact Bridget at b.parkinson@angleplc.com or call 613 426.

Annual St David’s Day Welsh Ladies Race
The organisers of the Annual St David’s Day Welsh Ladies Race (defending champion Aberystwyth AC member Clive Evans!) would like some volunteers to help marshal the race, If you are wiling to help for an hour from 4.00 on March 1st please give you name to David James on 01970 615789 – don’t let the idea of seeing Clive in a dress put you off!

Children in Need – Plant mewn Angen
Organiser of Aberystwyth Athletic Club’s appeal Adriano Evola will shortly be handing over a cheque for £950 to Children in Need. The money was raised by the Pudsey Bar Marathon on the promenade last November which involved Pudsey Bear being carried the full 26.1 miles by club members running one mile stints. Adriano would particularly like to thank the junior members of the club who contributed to the 26.1 mile total and also all the sponsors who gave generously of their money. With this year’s total a hair’s breath away from £1000, Adriano’s aim for next year is to beat the thousand pound mark.

Next club committee meeting Wednesday 7th March
The meeting are open to all members, the more the merrier – book early to avoid disappointment! All meetings take palace at David James’s office in Eastgate Street and start at 5.45.

Club Kit
If you are racing this year don’t forget we have club vests in stock (mens and ladies) and long sleeve club training tops in small, medium, Large and XL.
The vests are £15 and the long sleeve tops £20.

Handicap 5mile race round town (date to be confirmed)
Prizes for 1st, 2nd, 3rd Aberystwyth A.C. Male and Female.

Club dates for your diaries…
18/2/07 - Ras Cors Caron Half Marathon (Tregaron) – League Race (Long) Entry forms on club notice board.
23/3/07 – Charity Band Night with Namaste and Stix - 8pm - tickets on sale on Monday and Tuesday club nights.
6/5/07 – Craig Yr Aderyn Half Marathon (Tywyn) - League Race (Long) Entry forms on club notice board.
13/5/07 – 10k road race in Newtown – League Race (Medium) Entry forms on club notice board.
16/5/07 – Elan Valley 5k race 1 - League Race (Short) Details to follow.
30/5/07 – Elan Valley 5k race 2 - League Race (Short) Details to follow.
13/6/07 – Elan Valley 5k race 3 - League Race (Short) Details to follow.
2/9/07 – Club Trail Championship ‘Source of the Severn’ 11am start. Entry forms on club notice board and via www.maldwynharriers.org.uk .

2007 Races of interest :
Feb 18th 2007 Village Bakery Half Marathon (Wrexham) http://www.wrexhamroadrunners.org.uk/entryforms/village.pdf .
March 11th 2007 Llanelli Half Marathon http://www.llanellihalfmarathon.co.uk
Saturday March 17 2007 - Rhayader Round The lakes 20.
March 24th 2007 - Coniston 14 www.coniston14.com
March 25th 2007 Forest of Dean Half Marathon
www.rotary-royalforestofdean.org.uk/trails.html
April 22nd 2007 London Marathon

5th February 2007

Charity Band night in Aid of the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign and The Beacon of Hope (thanks to Bridget)
The bands and venue have now been confirmed and tickets will be going on sale at the end of the week. The event is being held at the Aberystwyth Town Football Club on Friday the 23rd of March at 8pm. The bands who have kindly agreed to play free of charge are Namaste and Stix. The tickets cost £5.00 each and will be available on Monday and Tuesday club nights (from Monday 12th Feb) or by contacting Bridget Parkinson, Glenda Roberts or Kate O'Sullivan. Further details + contact information will follow next week but if you have any enquiries before then please contact Bridget at b.parkinson@angleplc.com or call 613 426.

Fundraising (thanks to Bridget)
A charity collection is being held by the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign for the London Marathon Runners at Morrisons Supermarket this Friday 9th. If anybody would like to help with the collection then please contact Bridget at b.parkinson@angleplc.com or Kate at philnkate@btinternet.com . If you are passing by on Friday don't forget to say hello and let us relieve you of any annoying loose change!!
Charity Clothes Sale update - Thanks to everybody who bought items from the sale I have now made a total of £81 which will go towards the LM fundraising efforts!!

Pontypridd Reverse 10 (thanks to Bridget)
Glenda and I arrived at the Treforest Industrial Estate bright and early on Sunday morning ready to start the 10 mile road race at 10am. The weather was gorgeous and with the sun shining down everybody was in good spirits! The front runners whizzed around the course with 25 runners breaking the hour barrier. Glenda and I both settled into a good pace and tried to ignore the fact that there was only one drinks station at 5 miles!! There were a total of 255 finishers with Glenda proving that she is well and truly back into her marathon training finishing in a fab time of 1:23:45. I also had a good run achieving a new pb of 1:21:24. The 'Reverse 10' embroidered towels also made a nice change to the usual oversized t-shirts as a memento and the coffee and bacon bap at the pub afterwards finished off a lovely race experience!!!

Tarren Hendre Fell Race, 6 miles 2000ft ascent (thanks to Louise)
There was a great turnout from the club on Saturday for the first fell race of the season, which also counted as one of the North Wales Championship Races and which had a record turnout of 94 runners. It's a great race, which starts almost immediately with a tough climb/crawl for nearly two miles. The views from the top did however make it worth it… honest, especially in the sunshine. The majority of us improved our times from last year, especially Kate who took a huge 8mins off her time. Brian was resident photographer for the day and photos will be on the web site soon. Full results at www.run-meirionnydd.co.uk but from the club

14 Geoff Oldrid 59.10
22 Paul Scullion 1.01.23
32 Dave Powell 1.03.06
33 Peter Foale 1.03.18
43 Louise Barker 1.06.12
71 Kate O'sullivan 1.13.58
72 Clive Evans 1.14.42
82 Brian Ashton 1.21.53
92 Maggie Collinsborn 1.36.53

There was also no stopping the resident mountain goats of Geoff and Dave who then ran the brutal Long Mynd Valleys race on Sunday, this was 11 miles with some 5000ft of climb. Dave won the battle that day finishing 50th with Geoff right behind in 51st.

Thank you
We (Anita and Louise) would like to say a very big thank you to everyone that contributed towards our Thank You gifts – it was really kind – thank you.

Plas Talgarth and Tarren Hendre (thanks to Kevin)
Pictures from the above events are now on the club’s web site, follow the link headed - Pictures!

Cross country meeting – next Saturday Carmarthen
The next round of the Gwent Cross Country League will be held in Carmarthen on Saturday. There are races for the following female and male age groups: novice, U13, U15, U17, U20 and seniors. The club will organise a minibus, £5 return, subject to sufficient demand – please give your name to Anita, Louise, Brian or Kevin. Further details can be found at: http://www.gwent-league.org.uk/2006/fix064.htm

West Wales Regional Newsletter 2007 Edition 1 from Welsh Athletics
I will circulate this separately by e-mail and post a copy on the club notice board.

Charity looking for runners…
BLISS www.bliss.org.uk (the premature baby charity) are really keen to establish links with running clubs around the country. We have a full and varied events calendar, with Guaranteed Entry places on several major events, including The Flora London Marathon, The Great North Run, The Great South Run and The BUPA Great Manchester Run. BLISS is dedicated to making sure that more babies born prematurely or sick in the UK survive, and that each one has the best quality of life. We urgently need your help for us to achieve this goal. So, please do not hesitate to contact me if any of your members are keen to run on behalf of our charity. We pride ourselves on giving excellent fundraising support, and also provide all of our marathon runners with access to a post race venue where they can get a shower, something to eat and a massage, so that they can begin to feel human again…

All of our GE Flora London Marathon places have already been taken up this year, but we would also be really keen to hear from anyone who holds their own place who would be willing to run on behalf of BLISS and raise vital awareness and funds for our charity.

New club events this year…
Club Trail Championship – Trail Race ‘Source of the Severn’
Prizes for 1st, 2nd, 3rd Aberystwyth A.C. Male and Female.
(more details to follow)

Handicap 5mile race round town (date to be confirmed)
Prizes for 1st, 2nd, 3rd Aberystwyth A.C. Male and Female.

Club dates for your diaries…
18/2/07 - Ras Cors Caron Half Marathon (Tregaron) – First League Race
23/3/07 – Charity Band Night (more details to follow next week)

2007 Races of interest :
Feb 10th 2007 Charity “Love Run” Saturday 10th February 2007 10K and 5K Fun Run – Cardiff Bute Park www.ppuk.org
Feb 11th 2007 Nick Beer 10km www.nwrrc.co.uk
Feb 18th 2007 Tregaron Half Marathon Provisional date.
Feb 18th 2007 Village Bakery Half Marathon (Wrexham) http://www.wrexhamroadrunners.org.uk/entryforms/village.pdf .
March 11th 2007 Llanelli Half Marathon http://www.llanellihalfmarathon.co.uk
Saturday March 17 2007 - Rhayader Round The lakes 20.
March 24th 2007 - Coniston 14 www.coniston14.com
March 25th 2007 Forest of Dean Half Marathon
www.rotary-royalforestofdean.org.uk/trails.html
April 22nd 2007 London Marathon
Sunday 6th May 2007 - Craig yr Aderyn Half Marathon www.brodysynniac.co.uk
Wednesday 16 May, 30 May & 13 June 2007 - Elan Valley 5k series.

1st February 2007

Tarren Hendre Fell Race 2007 – Saturday 3rd February (thanks to Pete)
“There's a 6 mile fell race this Saturday starting from Abergynolwyn near Tywyn at 12:00, only £4 to enter on the day and there's hot soup with bread afterwards. It's one of the best short fell races around with stunning views, and the weather forecast is great!
This is an ideal race to try out fell running if you haven't tried one before.
We are meeting at Talybont village green at 10:00 on Saturday morning to sort out who's cars we're taking so there's your chance. The only rule is that you will need a bum bag, a compass and a waterproof top that will fit into the bum bag.”
http://www.run-meirionnydd.co.uk/downloads/poster_tarren.pdf

Two runners needed for Dyfi Dash relays
Chance to be involved in a triathlon relay for this popular annual event on the 25th March in Machynlleth. The run leg is about 6km.
Contact John Williams: johnwill@mobileemail.vodafone.net

Charity Clothes Sale Update (thanks to Bridget)
“The charity clothes sale has already made £50 of profit so thanks to everybody who bought items on Sunday!! I also still have some items left which I will draw up a list of and send round next week.”

2007 Club League…
You only need to run 4 races to count.
Choose a short, medium and long race from the list and then you can choose any race of your choice. This extra race can be from the 2007 league list or another from anywhere in the world!

Short (choose one)
Aberystwyth A.C. Club 5k – April 07
Rhayader 5k race 1 – 16/5/07
Rhayader 5k race 2 – 30/05/07
Rhayader 5k race 3 – 13/06/07
Aberystwyth A.C. Club 5k – September 07

Medium (choose one)
Rhayader 5 mile - 17/03/07 (contact Angela Arthur 01597 810705)
Ras Y ddau Sant 10k (Tregaron to Llanddewi Brefi and back) - 27/05/07
Newtown 10k – May ‘07
Dolgellau 5 mile – July 2007
Aberystwyth 10k – Dec 07

Long (Choose one)
Ras Cors Caron Half Marathon (Tregaron) – 18/02/07
Rhayader ‘Round the Lakes’ 20 – 17/03/07 (Angela Arthur 01597 810705)
Teifi 10 (Lampeter) - 8/04/07
Craig yr Aderyn Half Marathon at Tywyn- 06/05/07 http://www.brodysynniac.co.uk/
Lake Vyrnwy Half Marathon – 9/9/07
Penmaenpool 10mile – Oct 07

As the entry forms become available along with more details for each race I will photocopy entry forms for the club notice board and include in the newsletter.

End of Year day out at Plas Talgarth
The day began with the coach ride up to Plas Talgarth. Once we’d all been unloaded we began the 3 mile run which took in great scenery and followed a path by the river, over stiles, though fields and woodland. It was great being able to all run together. Those that wanted a longer run continued up, up and up through more woodland and tracks to reach the Bearded Lake. The views were amazing and well worth the climb. Some of us turned around to begin the descent again – while the others added an extra 3 miles to the 8 mile loop.
Arriving back at Plas Talgarth and enjoying the steam room, sauna and swimming pool was a very recommended way to end a run!
We all made our way up to the restaurant to enjoy a fantastic hot buffet and very tasty deserts and coffee.
The club presentations were then made after food.
Club League Winners:

1st Female – Glenda Roberts
2nd Female – Louise Barker
3rd Female – Delor Harvey

1st Male – Pete Foale
2nd Male – Clive Evans
3rd Male – John Evans

UK Cross Country Challenge – Cardiff
A group of eight juniors from Aberystwyth Athletic Club represented Dyfed Schools in the recent UK Cross Country Challenge in Cardiff’s Blackweir Park. Competing against athletes from across the UK and the Republic of Ireland in large fields of over a hundred runners, the Aberystwyth AC members successfully combated the high wind and muddy conditions. First to compete was Megan Turner who finished 35th in the Under 13 Girls. The next event with an Aberystwyth AC interest was the Under 15 girls were Leah Bitchell came 41st. In the Under 17 Women four club members provided some intra club competition with Rebecca Ansell 39th and Sian Thomas 51st providing the filling in a “Thorogood Sandwich” – Elinor finishing 32nd and Alexandra in 80th. . The final race of the day with an Aberystwyth AC interest was the Under 17 Men where Adam Bitchell finished 18th followed home by Gethin Holland in 95th. Attention now turns to the Inter-Counties Cross Country Championships in Nottingham next month where the above athletes will again be competing against UK wide opposition. The above performances are all the more creditable in that many of the Aberystwyth AC athletes are in the first year of their respective age category meaning that they can be competing against athletes almost two years older. A full set of results can be accessed via the club’s web site at www.aberystwythac.org.uk

The Louise Arthur Junior Track and Field League.
The Club will be competing in the Louise Arthur Junior Track and Field League. The league offers competition for boys and girls in the following age groups Under 11, Under 13 and Under 15. All first claim Aberystwyth AC juniors who wish to represent their club are welcomed to take part. The following events are offered depending on age: 75m hurdles, 100m 150m, 200m, 300m, 800m 1000m, 1500m, 1000 walk, Javelin, Long jump, High jump, and Shot Putt. Each junior can take part in a maximum of three events. The emphasis is on enjoyment as the following extract from the league rules indicates: “It is the League policy that athletes should be able to try new events. Normally the teams will give advice to all athletes taking part in Field or track events. It is not where you finish as long as you have enjoyed the day.”

The meetings which take place on Sundays are scheduled as follows:
Brecon 29 April at Brecon
Carmarthen 10 June at Carmarthen
Swansea 1 July at Swansea
Neath 5 August and
Haverfordwest 12 August

The club will be providing transport along the lines that was operated successfully for the recent Shropshire Young Athlete Cross Country League. Further details will be supplied in due course but if you have any queries in the mean time please do not hesitate to contact either Brian or Kevin.

Welsh Track & Field League to follow shortly.

New club events this year…
Club Trail Championship – Trail Race ‘Source of the Severn’
Prizes for 1st, 2nd, 3rd Aberystwyth A.C. Male and Female.
(more details to follow)

Handicap 5mile race round town (date to be confirmed)
Prizes for 1st, 2nd, 3rd Aberystwyth A.C. Male and Female.

Club dates for your diaries…
18/2/07 - Ras Cors Caron Half Marathon (Tregaron) – First League Race

2007 Races of interest :
Feb 4th 2007 Pontypridd Reverse 10mile www.pontypriddroadentsac.org.uk
Feb 10th 2007 Charity “Love Run” Saturday 10th February 2007 10K and 5K Fun Run – Cardiff Bute Park www.ppuk.org
Feb 11th 2007 Nick Beer 10km www.nwrrc.co.uk
Feb 18th 2007 Tregaron Half Marathon Provisional date.
Feb 18th 2007 Village Bakery Half Marathon (Wrexham) http://www.wrexhamroadrunners.org.uk/entryforms/village.pdf .
March 11th 2007 Llanelli Half Marathon http://www.llanellihalfmarathon.co.uk
Saturday March 17 2007 - Rhayader Round The lakes 20.
March 24th 2007 - Coniston 14 www.coniston14.com
March 25th 2007 Forest of Dean Half Marathon
www.rotary-royalforestofdean.org.uk/trails.html
April 22nd 2007 London Marathon
Sunday 6th May 2007 - Craig yr Aderyn Half Marathon www.brodysynniac.co.uk
Wednesday 16 May, 30 May & 13 June 2007 - Elan Valley 5k series.

22nd January 2007

This Sunday 28th January - Cub presentation day.
Last chance to buy your tickets for the end of year 2006 club presentations…
For anyone (parents/partners etc) not wanting to run/walk/swim why not treat yourself to some pampering in The Spa at Plas Talgarth offering everything from facials and manicures to massage for men and ladies. Ring to book 01654 791631. These treatments aren’t included in your ticket.

The runs will be very muddy and wet. It is advisable to wear old trainers, trail shoes or rubber studs.

Those planning to run - please come changed ready in your running kit.

If you are making use of the free swimming pool please remember to bring a towel!

This event is open to members and non-members so book tickets for your family and enjoy the day out. Your ticket will include the return bus, buffet lunch, swim and the organised runs and walk.

The final details eg. The time coach leaving Plascrug will be circulated this week by e-mail and on the club notice board.

The tickets are £20 each and £10 for under 18’s. Any under 18’s will need to be accompanied by an adult. Under 5’s free. (Please make cheques payable to Aberystwyth A.C.)

You can purchase your tickets this week from Anita, Louise or Dai James.

Are you running in the London Marathon 2007?
Bridget and Glenda are organising a Charity Band night to raise money for Beacon of Hope and The Muscular Dystrophy campaign.
If you would like to help organise this event and raise money for your chosen charity then let Bridget or Glenda know.

Bridget’s London Marathon 2007...
Bridget started running with us when we established the Monday ladies night training session in July 2005. Not having run before she trained hard on her own and with the club regularly. Bridget began to enter races and last year completed two half marathons. It might be no surprise that her next challenge is the London Marathon this year!

Bridget is running the 26.2 miles for The Muscular Dystrophy Campaign. You can sponsor her online at:
www.justgiving.com/bridgetparkinson

Tarren Hendre Fell Race 2007 – Saturday 3rd February
Enter on the day only - £4. 12 midday start. Railway Inn, Abergynolwyn. 6miles and 2,000’ ascent. Grid Reference: OS124; SH677069
http://www.run-meirionnydd.co.uk/downloads/poster_tarren.pdf

2007 Club League Announced…
You only need to run 4 races to count.
Choose a short, medium and long race from the list and then you can choose any race of your choice. This extra race can be from the 2007 league list or another from anywhere in the world!

Short (choose one)
Aberystwyth A.C. Club 5k – April 07
Rhayader 5k race 1 – 16/5/07
Rhayader 5k race 2 – 30/05/07
Rhayader 5k race 3 – 13/06/07
Aberystwyth A.C. Club 5k – September 07

As the entry forms become available along with more details for each race I will photocopy entry forms for the club notice board and include in the newsletter.

New club events this year…
Club Trail Championship – Trail Race ‘Source of the Severn’
Prizes for 1st, 2nd, 3rd Aberystwyth A.C. Male and Female.
(more details to follow)

Handicap 5mile race round town (date to be confirmed)
Prizes for 1st, 2nd, 3rd Aberystwyth A.C. Male and Female.

Lakeside Canal Run (thanks to Glenda)
“I was staying with my brother in Frimley near Camberley at the weekend and we both did the Lakeside Canal Run which was 8.2 miles. It was a hilly road start through a forested area and then onto the Basingstoke Canal tow path which was scenic but very muddy- a fallen tree and a broken safety rail on a bridge added to the fun! The last few miles seemed to be all uphill so it was great to see the lake coming into view again. The best thing about the race was standing on the start line and the guy next to me chatting about Aberystwyth as he'd been born here and his family still lived in the area! Small world and shows its worth wearing club shirts!”

Clives Birthday Bash (thanks to Louise)
“Twelve of us braved the weather for a dash around Nant yr Arian on Saturday in celebration of Clive's birthday. Clive selected a rather cruel 7 mile loop, which involved a descent down the Mask of Zoro and then the dreaded leg burner back up to the visitor centre.

Well deserved chips and beer were then consumed at the Druid Inn, and Clive presented trophies and other prizes to those taking part. Well done to Paul S who was first back, closely followed by Dave P.
Happy Birthday Clive and well done for organising the event. “

Looking for a long run before London? (Thanks to Dave)
San Domenico 20 Miler
Start and finish in Merthyr Tydfil, using the Taf Trail for most of the course. Predominantly flat with some undulations and challenging climbs (two short sharp and one long gradual). Entry forms and online entry will be available from mid January.
http://www.sandomenico.org.uk/San_Domenico_20_2007/20_miler_index.html

Club dates for your diaries…
Sunday 28th January – Plas Talgarth day out with presentations for juniors, males and females, bus, buffet, swim and organised runs and walk. (details above).

2007 Races of interest :
Feb 4th 2007 Pontypridd Reverse 10mile www.pontypriddroadentsac.org.uk
Feb 11th 2007 Nick Beer 10km www.nwrrc.co.uk
Feb 18th 2007 Tregaron Half Marathon Provisional date.
Feb 18th 2007 Village Bakery Half Marathon (Wrexham) http://www.wrexhamroadrunners.org.uk/entryforms/village.pdf
March 11th 2007 Llanelli Half Marathon http://www.llanellihalfmarathon.co.uk
Saturday March 17 2007 - Rhayader Round The lakes 20.
March 24th 2007 - Coniston 14 www.coniston14.com
March 25th 2007 Forest of Dean Half Marathon
www.rotary-royalforestofdean.org.uk/trails.html
April 22nd 2007 London Marathon
Sunday 6th May 2007 - Craig yr Aderyn Half Marathon www.brodysynniac.co.uk
Wednesday 16 May, 30 May & 13 June 2007 - Elan Valley 5k series.

15th January 2007

We must have your names and money if you intend to come to the end of season day out!

End of year club presentations for men, ladies and juniors – Sunday 28th January 2007
A bus will leave from Plascrug Leisure Centre in the morning and take us to Plas Talgarth, the club have organised a 7-8mile run from the hotel and a separate 3 mile walk and run. We also have the use of the swimming pool while we are there. A buffet will be provided followed by the 2006 club presentations for ladies, men and juniors. We will then return by bus late afternoon/early evening.

This event is open to members and non-members so bring your family along and enjoy the day out. Your ticket will include the return bus, buffet, swim (don’t forget your towel!) and the organised runs and walk.

The tickets are £20 each and £10 for under 18’s. Any under 18’s will need to be accompanied by an adult. Under 5’s free. (Please make cheques payable to Aberystwyth A.C.)

You can purchase your tickets from Anita, Louise or Dai James.

Committee Meeting Wednesday 17th January
The next committee meeting will be held on Wednesday 17th January, at 5.45 in David James’ Office 15 Eastgate Street. . Meetings are open to all members of the club. If you can’t attend but would like to raise a matter please email it to Kevin at k.holland@aber.ac.uk

Clive’s 60th Birthday Bash – Saturday 20th January
Aberystwyth's number one athlete (Clive Evans) has his 60th birthday on 17th January and he's organising a scenic 6 mile race at 3pm on Saturday 20th January from the visitors centre at Bwlch Nant yr Arian. Everyone is cordially invited.

Tough Guy 29th July 2007
Rachel is entering a ladies team for the Tough Guy event held on the 29th July 2007 and has a few spare places left on the team. This sounds like a really tough but fun event! If you would like any further details e-mail aiv@aber.ac.uk and I can pass your details on to Rachel.
http://www.toughguy.co.uk/

Children In Need Update…
If anyone has any still has any sponsorship money from the Children In Need event held on the Prom in November last year – please can they arrange to pass to Adriano for the final count ready for the grand total. Thanks.

2007 Club League announced next week…
Watch this space!

Dyfi Dash matchmaking service
Contact the person directly to make up your relay teams
Kevin Holland – Would like to take part and is able to run/cycle.
Danny Thorogood – Has two swimmers wanting to make up a relay team.
More details: http://www.cerist.co.uk/

Wales wins Gold with the help of Adam…
Adam competed at the weekend in the Celtic International (incorporated in the Belfast Cross Challenge). There were four home countries, Wales, Scotland, Ireland and Northern Ireland, comprising of four members per team. Adam was the third International home, therefore receiving a bronze medal, and helping Wales win the gold in the team event in his age category. In so far as this was incorporated in the Cross Challenge Series, he came 10th overall in the Under 17's and gaining an extra 20 points towards his overall standing in the Series. He now lies joint third in the Series, with two more meetings to go.

Leah (Adam’s sister) also ran in the Belfast Cross Challenge and had an excellent race and finished in 28th position in a field of 79. She, like Adam, is running up a year in the Under 15's.

Contact details changed (Anita)
My mobile number has expired and I currently don’t have a replacement. If you need to contact me use: aiv@aber.ac.uk or 01970 832013. Thanks.

Club dates for your diaries…
Saturday 20th January – Clive’s 60th Birthday Bash (more details above).
Sunday 28th January – Plas Talgarth day out with presentations for juniors, males and females, bus, buffet, swim and organised runs and walk. (details above).

2007 Races of interest :
Feb 4th 2007 Pontypridd Reverse 10mile www.pontypriddroadentsac.org.uk
Feb 11th 2007 Nick Beer 10km www.nwrrc.co.uk
Feb 18th 2007 Tregaron Half Marathon Provisional date.
Feb 18th 2007 Village Bakery Half Marathon (Wrexham) http://www.wrexhamroadrunners.org.uk/entryforms/village.pdf .
March 11th 2007 Llanelli Half Marathon http://www.llanellihalfmarathon.co.uk
Saturday March 17 2007 - Rhayader Round The lakes 20.
March 24th 2007 - Coniston 14 www.coniston14.com
March 25th 2007 Forest of Dean Half Marathon
www.rotary-royalforestofdean.org.uk/trails.html
April 22nd 2007 London Marathon
Sunday 6th May 2007 - Craig yr Aderyn Half Marathon www.brodysynniac.co.uk
Wednesday 16 May, 30 May & 13 June 2007 - Elan Valley 5k series.

8th January 2007 - Happy New Year!

Monday and Tuesday night training
Resumes this week. Monday night sessions start back tonight the 8th January and Tuesday sessions start tomorrow the 9th January.

The tickets are £20 each and £10 for under 18’s. Any under 18’s will need to be accompanied by an adult. Under 5’s free. (Please make cheques payable to Aberystwyth A.C.)

Tickets have already started selling – book early to avoid disappointment. You can purchase your tickets from Anita, Louise or Dai James.

Clive’s 60th Birthday Bash – Saturday 20th January
To help us celebrate Clive’s birthday with him a run will be arranged at Nant Yr Arian with drinks afterwards in town. More details soon.

Dyfi Dash entry forms now available
This local triathlon fills up very quickly. If you would like to complete the race as part of a team just let me know which section you would prefer to do and we’ll see if we can match up people for teams.
More details: http://www.cerist.co.uk/

Running Advice (thanks to Kevin)
Even if you’re not training for a marathon the London Marathon web site contains pages of helpful information on training, diet etc – see http://www.london-marathon.co.uk/site/training_support/ You can even download them as pod casts on to your new MP3 player
http://www.london-marathon.co.uk/site/entry_info/index.php?page=11

Excellent finish to 2006 for Adam Bitchell…
Adam finished 10th in Brussels, second Welsh boy back - he was a bit disappointed, but ran with a chest infection and was off school for the rest of the week when he came back!

He has now been selected to represent Wales in the Under 17's Celtic International in Belfast on 6 January, so will let you know how he gets on in that.

Aberystwyth A.C. in New York!
After we’d booked our trip to the Big Apple - Martyn found out about a New Year’s Eve run held in Central Park and organised by the New York Road Runners. It sounded like fun and a better alternative to getting squashed in Times Square watching a ball drop!

We arrived at 10pm on New Year’s Eve at the Bandstand in Central Park and enjoyed the live music and fancy dress competitions. We collected our 2007 hats (see photo on below!) and at 11.30pm began to make our way with 5000 others to the start line. The atmosphere was excellent – we began to count down to the New Year and the start to the fireworks and start of the race. The fireworks continued for about 15mins and were so loud! They were echoing off the buildings around the Park. The run was 4 miles around Central Park and was lit by temporary police lighting around the whole route. At the half way point there was champagne as well as water at the drinks stop!

Included in the entry fee we received the event mug, long sleeve t-shirt and photos as a reminder of the day. Definitely a New Years Eve we won’t forget!

Club dates for your diaries…
Saturday 20th January – Clive’s 60th Birthday Bash (more details above).
Sunday 28th January – Plas Talgarth day out with presentations for juniors, males and females, bus, buffet, swim and organised runs and walk. (details above).

2007 Races of interest :
Jan 13th 2007 - Twin Piers 10km Llandudno-Colwyn Bay
Feb 4th 2007 Pontypridd Reverse 10mile www.pontypriddroadentsac.org.uk
Feb 11th 2007 Nick Beer 10km www.nwrrc.co.uk
Feb 18th 2007 Tregaron Half Marathon Provisional date.
Feb 18th 2007 Village Bakery Half Marathon (Wrexham) http://www.wrexhamroadrunners.org.uk/entryforms/village.pdf .
March 11th 2007 Llanelli Half Marathon http://www.llanellihalfmarathon.co.uk
Saturday March 17 2007 - Rhayader Round The lakes 20.
March 24th 2007 - Coniston 14 www.coniston14.com
March 25th 2007 Forest of Dean Half Marathon
www.rotary-royalforestofdean.org.uk/trails.html
April 22nd 2007 London Marathon
Sunday 6th May 2007 - Craig yr Aderyn Half Marathon www.brodysynniac.co.uk
Wednesday 16 May, 30 May & 13 June 2007 - Elan Valley 5k series.

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If there's anything you would like posted just e-mail me at: aiv@aber.ac.uk

The information provided on this and other pages by me, Anita Saycell aiv@aber.ac.uk, is under my own personal responsibility and not that of the Aberystwyth University. Similarly, any opinions expressed are my own and are in no way to be taken as those of A.U.