Aberystwyth Athletic Club runners rise to the challenge

THE annual Elan Valley 10-mile race is a breathtaking event with spectacular scenery but with plenty of elevation, it is a tough run for the athletes.

This year the weather was perfect - a lovely autumnal day and that was enough to attract four of Aberystwyth Athletic Club’s runners across the A44 and support the event.

Damian Sidnell led the Aber team home and won his category in a time of 1:17:08 with Lynwen Huxtable hot on his heels and winning her category in a time of 1:17:51. Morgan Commins finished in 1:24:02 with Elen Clwyd Roberts completing the course in 1:47:07.

A challenging race but Damian enjoyed the day: “This is a tough race but so typical of what we have to offer in mid Wales with regards to the wonderful landscape.

“The weather was great – a beautiful autumn day on the last day of October and the only scary things around were the hills which faced us around every corner.

“Lynwen and myself had set ourselves a target of finishing within one hour and twenty so we were both delighted with the times - it made the hills all worthwhile.”

The annual Ras y Maer 10km race is an undulating route that begins in Cardigan before taking runners out of the town along quiet roads before finishing with a fast downhill. The race also incorporated the west Wales championships and two Aber runers came away with bronze awards.

Gary Wyn Davies finished 5th overall in a time of 36.56 securing him the bronze medal in his category with partner Caryl Davies also securing bronze medal in her category in a time of 47.23.

Emma Davies finished in a time of 54.47 with Dave Humphreys crossing the line in 56.36 and Claire Humphreys completing the course in 1.15.49.

It was a good day out to start the month of November according to Caryl Davies: “For the 1st of November the weather was great for running, blue skies and sun and a lovely course in Cardigan.

“The first few miles are tough but runners can look forward to the final two miles which are downhill and allows you to pick up the pace. A well organised event and not too far to travel to take part.”

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.