THE running event Black Beacon Mountain Races had four different distances over the last weekend of October in Bannau Brycheiniog.

One of them, Black Beacon 100 is a hundred-mile long run with over 7,500 m (25,000 ft) ascent and descent, and this proved too much of a temptation for Aberystwyth Athletic Club’s Balázs Pintér.

The start time was 2pm on Friday, 30 October in Hay on Wye, and the runners then went through Llangynidr, passing Talybont Reservoir, and finally reaching Pontneddfechan.

Once there, it was time to turn around and try to make it back to Hay on Wye before 8am on Sunday.

Balázs managed to finish the course in 34:26:35 and was delighted to reach the end as well as securing the ‘triple crown’ prize,

He said: “The weather was good for a long run, although quite cold and at times windy and foggy. I reached Pen y Fan Friday night, and my strong headtorch was not bright enough to shine through the thick fog. I had to run without seeing the ground in front of my feet.

“It was much better on Saturday with the sun shining, making it possible to see all the beautiful hills and valleys in all directions and I managed to reach the finish line just after Saturday midnight.

“The organisers of the race, Run Walk Crawl, also stage two other similar races across the year, that I have done, and, if you complete all three, you receive the triple crown prize, which now has a nice place on my mantelpiece!”

Moving across the border and the 67th edition of the Derwentwater 10-mile race took place on Sunday, 1 November, covering a single clockwise loop around Derwentwater in the heart of the Lake District.

Among the 400+ runners was Aber AC’s Elaine Rowlands who completed the course in an impressive time of 1 hour 36 minutes.

Elaine Rowlands at Derwentwater
Elaine Rowlands at Derwentwater (Aberystwyth AC)

Widely regarded as one of the UK’s most scenic autumn road races, Elaine enjoyed the experience: “The route itself starts in Keswick town centre, and it runs through some beautiful countryside before finishing in the village of Portinscale.

“This is not the largest of events but it is highly sociable as you make your way around the course while enjoying stunning views of peak autumn colours around the lake. I thoroughly enjoyed the event and would highly recommend it to others.”

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.