The 2021 Welsh Inter-Regional Cross Country Championships were held recently at Penlan Arena in Brecon and Aberystwyth runners returned home with silverware.
With 10 races taking place during the day ranging from primary age to Masters 55+ age, three Aberystwyth AC runners had been selected to represent their West Wales teams – Maggie Collingborn in the MW55 team, Owain Schiavone in the MM35 team and Damian Sidnell in the MM55 team.
The Senior and Masters Women race was a 6,075m distance course run at midday and was won by Lauren Cooper from East Wales, with former Aberystwyth based runner Megan Carter-Davies (now running for Swansea Harriers) taking second place overall.
Maggie Collingborn ran a fabulous race to finish in 28.18, fifth in her category and just a couple of places off the individual podium.
She was however third scorer of five in the West Wales MW55 team, who managed to win the team gold in their category – a fabulous achievement and Maggie was delighted,
“It was great to be selected as part of the team and represent west Wales and it was wonderful to see these cross country events return,” she said.
“The field of runners across all categories was exceptionally strong and I was delighted that I could help the team come away with a gold medal.”
The Senior and Masters Men race was the final event of the day and was a four lap, 9,335m course.
It was a stacked field which included Wales’ number one distance runner and seven time Welsh Cross Country champion, Dewi Griffiths representing West Wales.
However, Griffiths was only able to secure a bronze medal on the day with South Wales’ Matt Edwards taking the win in 29.45.
Aberystwyth’s Owain Schiavone’s run of 33.08 secured him a 30th place finish overall, and 11th in the MM35 category.
He was also in the first five West Wales MM35 runners meaning he came home with a silver team medal.
Damian Sidnell had a great run as well, crossing the line in 39.59 and finishing 20th in his category
He was also second scorer for his MM55 team, whom unfortunately just missed out on a podium place.
Moving to north Wales and five runners from Aberystwyth AC took part in the Conwy Half Marathon.
Voted in the top five most scenic half marathons in the UK by the readers of Runners World, the route heads from Conwy, through Deganwy towards West Shore Llandudno and up and around the Great Orme, before returning to the finish line at Conwy Castle.
With course personal bests being gained all round by the Aber contingent, Wendy Williams also gained an overall new half marathon PB in a time of 2.29.54.
The other finishers were Sue Lee, 2.13.28, Lyndsey Wheeler, 2.33.38, Helen Williams, 2.33.41 and Rachel Richards, 3.02.37.
For Helen Williams it marked crossing the halfway point of her own personal challenge.
She explained: “I will be 50 in February 2024, and I set myself a challenge to run 50 half marathons before I reach that milestone.
“Conwy was number 26 so I’m on the home straight at least – just need to keep on going now.
“Next up is Wrexham in February.”
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.