A strong representation of Aberystwyth Athletic Club ventured up the coast to take part in the Barmouth 10k, labelled the most picturesque 10k anywhere in the UK.
Twenty three Aberystwyth runners braved the scorching temperature to complete the course alongside 700 other athletes delighted to see the well-organised popular event return.
Gary Wyn Davies led the Aber contingent home in 19th position overall in a time of 38.03, Paul Williams secured 2nd position in his category in a time of 42.32 with Nick Thompson following in 45.49.
Lynwen Huxtable also got 2nd in her category in a time of 46.59 with Mel Hopkins 47.03 and Karen Davies 50.56, also securing 2nd place in her category.
Ian Brandreth finished in 51.05, Cameron Pope 54.33, Alice Rhodes 55.16, David Humphreys 55.23, Helen Williams 57.38 and Lina Land in 57.46.
John Gwynn Evans won his age category in a time of 58.50 followed by Christine Zarges 59.35, Lyndsey Wheeler 59.36, Helen Stretch 1.02.19, Cara Nisbet 1.03.01 and Wendy Williams 1.04.30.
Julie Williams completed the sunshine run in 1.08.38, followed by Helen Williams 1.12.17, Shan Breese 1.16.45, Helen Enoch 1.25.19, Rachel Richards 1.29.16.
For Gary Davies, it was great to see the race return but the heat was a challenge this year.
He said: “This is a relatively new race, held first of all in 2019, but is quickly becoming very popular due to the lovely course along the iconic Barmouth bridge.
“It is also quite flat so it is a very quick race and offers opportunities for setting records.
“Running in 25 degree heat though was challenging and the water stops were incredibly welcome.
“Great to see such representation from Aber AC showing the club continues to go from strength to strength.”
The heat continued on the Sunday but that did not deter some from Aber AC travelling to another picturesque area of Wales and taking part in a variety of races held there.
Paul Williams and Julie Williams competed their second 10k race of the weekend – the Snowdonia 10k which takes in the beautiful lower slopes of Snowdon – finishing together in a time of 1.28.30.
Also held was the Snowdonia trail marathon - ascending 1,685 metres over 27 miles of iconic and spectacular trails, this epic race circumnavigates and eventually climbs Wales’ highest peak - Snowdon.
Two runners from Aber AC embarked on this challenge with Ed Land finishing in a time of 5.29.09 and Will Lerigo in a time of 6.27.50.
Ed is battling back after injury and this was not the easiest race in which to make a comeback.
He said: “This was my first race where I felt any sort of form since injury and Covid.
“For the first half of the race I was feeling strong and in control and I moved from 67th to 9th position overall.
“But once I started climbing, the heat and dehydration got the better of me, and with no wind and shelter from the searing heat, I succumbed to the brutal conditions and finally finished in 33rd overall and 8th in my category.
“It was great to be back racing though and I’m looking forward to continuing with my running recovery.”
Also held on the weekend was the inaugural Snowdon 24 run.
The rules were quite simple – to run between Llanberis and Yr Wyddfa as many times as possible between 12pm Saturday and 12pm Sunday, so a 24 hour race.
Unsurprisingly it was Aberystwyth’s ultra runner, Balázs Pintér, who leapt at the opportunity to take part in this challenge and managed to complete seven laps, each lap consisting of over nine hundred metres ascent and descent and 10 miles long, in a time of 22.02.58.
Balázs said: “The weather was lovely, very sunny, and I was delighted to have the chance to run in Snowdonia throughout the night.
“It was beautiful watching the sunset, then the stars above and the clouds below us, and then the sunrise again – all this helped keep me going.
“It was truly a unique experience.”
If you would like to hear more about Aberystwyth Athletic Club and join in its activities visit aberystwythac.wordpress.com or find the club on Facebook.