Craig YR Aderyn - Bird Rock Half Marathon at Tywyn West Wales.

The weekend in Wales took in the Welsh National 1/2 marathon at Tywyn. The race is called Craig Yr Aderyn, the Welsh for Bird Rock, the Welsh mountain situated at the turning point of the race. The club had established their training camp at Corris Youth Hostel from Friday evening. That evening we were fed at the Slaters Arms in the village of Corris and under-took intensive hydration for the task ahead. Sixteen club members made the trip with Stewart Woodhead joining us on Saturday after completing his shift at the Steel Works. On Saturday we conquered the beautiful Cadair Idris situated just 2 miles down the road from the Youth Hostel. The weather on top became quite severe with driving rain and low cloud, but the early part of the ascent produced some fine views of the surrounding valleys and Llyn Cau the large tarn situated midway on the climb upwards.

Saturday evening included a pasta party back at the YH followed by various card schools including the infamous "Spoons" where a few runners picked up early rib injuries inflicted by fellow members elbows.

Sunday morning produced grey skies but the incessant rain experienced Saturday had ceased. There was quite a stiff breeze at the start of the race. A late decision by Sarah to run her first half marathon had boosted the PFR contingent to 12 taking part in the race. Bob Innes made the early running for Penistone but tore a hamstring at four and half miles and had to retire. The runners were well supported by the Charlesworths and Ann Parkin, along with a good number of locals along the route. The route itself took the main road out of Tywyn then followed the Afon Dysynni for about 4 miles before turning at Bird Rock the home of Britains most inland breeding colony of cormorants. The return from 8 miles was perhaps a little more undulating than expected and the head wind made it a testing finish. The full results are available at www.brodysynniac.co.uk:

Sunday evening started with a superb roast dinner prepared for us by the Youth Hostel. This was followed by further re-hydration at the Slaters Arms where Ian Charleswoth took the title at "Killer Pool" a Sunday evening tradition in Corris which takes about 2 hours to complete, has nothing to do with sharks or water and has almost as many competitors as the Welsh National half marathon, well certainly a large percentage of the village of Corris.

Thanks to the Publican of the Slaters along with all his locals, and all the staff members at Corris YH for making us all very welcome and making it a memorable weekend.