IT is that time of year again when cross country running takes centre stage and the first north Wales XC league fixture at St Asaph saw Aberystwyth Athletic Club make a strong start in the second division.

With a full team of four turning out, Owain Schiavone completed the course in 30.30 with Llyr ab Einion in 32.15, Shane Roberts finishing in 33.56 and Ian Evans completing the course in 38.19.

The combined team scores mean that Aber AC currently sit in second place in the second division. The under 12 and under 10 boys went a step further and sit atop their respective divisions.

As Owain Schiavone explains, cross country is all about the team: “With many running events it is your individual times that are considered but with the cross country league every team member makes a valuable contribution to the end result, and this was proved today.

“Every position matters, and even if you’re not in the first four scoring positions for your club, you can still effect the result by taking points off the opposition – it’s very much a numbers game.

“On a glorious day this is a varied course offering a nice starting down hill section followed by a tough drag back up, flowing into a nice technical downhill section before climbing back up to the start area.

“This was a great start to the season and hopefully we can build on this going forward, and gain promotion back into the top division for next season.

“It was fantastic also to see the youngsters making an impact in this discipline and the future looks bright for the club.”

On the previous weekend while many Aber AC members were running around the Welsh capital at the Cardff half marathon, two members ventured over the border to take part in the Manchester half marathon and both came away with impressive PBs.

Owain and Morgan in Manchester
Owain and Morgan in Manchester (Aberystwyth AC)

Morgan Roberts-Young finished in 1.16.50 while Owain Rowlands completed the 13.1 mile course in 1.18.08.

A very good day out according to Morgan Roberts-Young: “This is recognised as a fast course and I came here with a PB target in the back of my mind.

“The weather was pretty good albeit a bit warm but with a race this size the supporting crowd really keeps you going. Nearing the end I could see that a pb was possible so I gave it one final kick and managed to sneak home in a new personal best.”

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