HAVING been cancelled last year due to stormy weather making the course unpassable, many were looking forward to the return of the Lake Vyrnwy Half Marathon.

This is a relatively flat course set in beautiful surroundings, which begins from the village of Llanwddyn and does one loop of the beautiful lake.

Its proximity to Aberystwyth makes it an attractive race and 16 club members made the journey eastwards.

Roger Matthews ready for Lake Vyrnwy
Roger Matthews ready for Lake Vyrnwy (Aberystwyth AC)

Gary Wyn Davies led the Aber team home in a time of 1.19.48, 18th place overall out of a total field of over 800 runners.

Paul Jones finished in 1.23.55 securing 2nd place in his category with Shane Roberts in 1.27.22 and Roger Matthews coming 2nd in his category in a time of 1.37.43.

Gwilym Jones was 3rd in his category in a time of 1.46.54, Kevin Holland finished in 1.49.27 with Sian Owen securing a half marathon PB in 1.49.29.

It was a PB also for Chris Bates in 1.57.04 with Dave Humphreys finishing in 2.00.36 and Lina Land in 2.08.32.

Charlie Priddy completed the course in 2.13.24 with Deian Creunant finishing in 2.29.47 just ahead of Helen Stretch in 2.31.18.

Brian Garrod finished in 2.41.06 with Shan Breese in 2.45.35 and Elen Roberts crossed the finish line in 2.52.56.

Bethan and Ceirios at the Great North Run
Bethan and Ceirios at the Great North Run (Aberystwyth AC)

A good day out for Sian Owen as she secured a half marathon PB: “I had targetted this race to try and get a sub 1.50 time.

“It is a relatively flat course and the weather was good although slightly warm at times.

“I had a plan beforehand and sometimes they don’t always go as you wish but everything worked perfectly today and I’m delighted with the time.”

From a field of around 800 runners at Lake Vyrnwy to the biggest half marathon in the world.

The A J Bell Great North Run this year attracted over 63,000 runners and among them were four Aber AC athletes.

Elaine with her Great North Run medal
Elaine with her Great North Run medal (Aberystwyth AC)

Elaine Rowlands finished the course in 2.10.42 followed closely by Michelle Totterdell in 2.12.06.

Mother and daughter duo Bethan and Ceirios Evans completed the course together in 3.01.25.

The day itself was quite challenging according to Elaine: “This is a great event to be part of, so many runners and spectators and supporters all along the course.

“But that can be challenging as we well as you try and dodge runners and walkers and that can be quite tiring, on top of trying to run 13.1 miles.

“But it was great to be there, along with the others representing Aber AC and part of the largest race of its type in the world.”

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.