While the majority of people were cowering from the battering effects of Storm Arwen, Aberystwyth Athletic runners braved the elements across various distances at the Betws-y-Coed Trail Challenge.

Trail Betws is run in association with, and in support of, Help for Heroes and is one of the toughest and most beautiful trail running courses in the UK, climbing up through Gwydyr Forest, lapping Llyn Elsi before returning back down to the finish line in the village of Betws-y-Coed.

In the 20k Trail Run, Damian Sidnell came 14th overall and, continuing with his remarkably successful recent winning spell, came first in the MV60 age category with a time of 1.43.19.

Ivan Courtier followed in a time of 1.50.05, coming third in the MV60 age category, closely followed by Lynwen Huxtable in a time of 1.52.19 which saw her coming in third female overall, and just pipped to second in the FV50 age category.

Another element of the Betws trail is the Bergen Challenge, where runners carry a 15kg pack round the 10k trail course.

Aber’s Ian Brandreth came second in MV50 category with a time of 1.15.34, and Karen Kemish was first female, and first in FV50 category with 1.17.37.

Karen has also held the female course record for the 10k Bergen Challenge since 2017 and was delighted with her most recent success.

She said: “This is one of my favourite races – it’s a great location and the scenery is breathtaking.

“It is a challenging course though and for some reason I run it with a pack on my back just to add to the challenge! Storm Arwen also contributed to the fun this year but it is a wonderful event offering something for all abilities.”

In the 10k Trail Run, Lyndsey Wheeler was the first of the Aberystwyth AC members home in a time of 1.16.08. Following was Rachel Lilley in 1.21.02, Helen Williams in 1.22.59, Sarah Gwenlan in 1.23.01, Joanne Walker in 1.32.57, Rachel Richards in 1.38.30 and Louise Amery in 1.38.50.

Christiane Kloos also took part in the 10k Canicross, finishing in a time of 1.08.40.

If you would like to hear more about Aberystwyth Athletic Club and join in its activities visit www.aberystwythac.wordpress.com or find the club on Facebook.