THE Caernarfon Half Marathon is part of the quartet of races that make up the Castles series of races and 13 Aberystwyth Athletic Club made the trip northwards with three of them making their half marathon debuts.

The event is one of North Wales' most popular road races, attracting runners from across the UK with its scenic route and spectacular setting around Caernarfon Castle. It is organised by Run Wales and forms part of the Four Castles Half Marathon Series.

The race begins with a loop through the town before heading out along coastal roads, country lanes and cycle paths. While there are a few climbs, the course is generally regarded as relatively fast, featuring several long downhill sections and extensive views across the Menai Strait and surrounding countrysi

It was a very successful day out for Llŷr ab Einion as he managed a top 20 finish, completing the race in a personal best time of 1.21.22, placing him 12th overall in a field of over 700 runners.

Deian Creunant finished in 1.53.00 with Ivan Courtier close behind in 1.56.10.

Paul Tonkin completed the course in 2.18.28 with Ruth Flatman and Peter Barber both finishing in 2.29.47.

In their first half marathon the trio of Nic Brett-Herriot, Mary Chamberlain and Rachel Lilley finished in 2.43.55, 2.53.10 and 2.53.12 respectively.

Rachel Richards crossed the line in 3.08.36, Irene Griffiths in 3.17.57, Joanne Walker in 3.18.04 and Martin Tranter completed the course in 3.44.15.

“This was a lovely course and the weather was close to perfect for running, dry with glimpses of sunshine and a slight cooling breeze when going along the seafront.

“It was quite flat overall with a few undulating sections and I was delighted with the PB.

“Next year’s race is looking very competitive as it hosts the British Masters Championship and I hope to be back.”

Claire and Dave at the Narberth Nobbler
Claire and Dave at the Narberth Nobbler (Aberystwyth AC)

The Narberth Nobbler daytime race was this year celebrating its 10th anniversary.

This, along with its night-time counterpart has become an iconic race to run in west Wales and two Aber AC athletes made their way down to Pembrokeshire.

Dave and Claire Humphreys ran together and completed the 10km course in a time of 1.43.00.

This was Claire’s first experience at the Nobbler and one she won’t forget in a hurry,

She said: “This was only my third 10k race and my first proper trail race.

“I’d heard so much about the Nobbler and thought it would be wise to start off with the daytime race rather than the night one – to ease me into it.

“It offers all kind of different challenges as you go through the woods, cross streams and wade through the mud – but all great fun.

“Not sure yet if I can face it in the dark though!”

Applications are now open for this year’s Aberystwyth fantastic Twin Peaks race, which will be held on Sunday, 11 October and you can enter by following this link https://aberystwythac.wordpress.com/twin-peaks/

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.