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parkruns 

This month saw 203 parkrun finishes by our members across 42 parkruns. As well as covering most of the South Wales parkruns, we had 20 members who crossed the border at one or more of Milton Keynes, Eastville, Newcastle, Camperdown, Worcester, Newbiggin, Portobello, Melksham, Sale, Eden Project, Weymouth, Exmouth, Northallerton and Sheffield Hallam.

Some highlights in month included a first placed finish at Maesteg for Niki Puleio, a PB for Bev Sheard on her 100th parkrun, and a first sub 40 for Ffion Smith. Claire Taylor becomes one of our only members to have a parkrun PB outside of Wales as she knocked over 2 minutes off her previous overall parkrun best at Weymouth. We also had a record for this year of 48 parkrunners on the final Saturday of the month.

10K races

Every September brings the two biggest Welsh 10K’s with Cardiff and Swansea 10K’s. At Cardiff we had 35 runners led back by Niki Puleio in a PB time of 38:08. There were 16 PB’s in total with that list including Sam Miller, Alun Wylde, Jo Betty (equalled her PB), Michael Brain, Tammie Baker, Sian Jenkins, Sara Davies, Nicola Allen and Claire Taylor. Chris Pratt who had run the 16 mile Roman Run the day before offered to pace anyone who wanted sub 1 hour which prompted a huge response with Amanda Taylor, Steph Dyke, Chris Stanlake, Kaye Pedler, Natalie Esp and Emma Marshall all getting PB’s and finishing between 59:01 to 59:57.

At Swansea we had 21 runners and an even greater PB percentage with 10 of our runners getting personal best times despite wet and windy conditions. Ryan Evans who finished just behind Niki at Cardiff ran an incredible 37:55 PB ahead of Niki in second who didn’t quite make it 2 PB’s for the month but added yet another sub 40 time to his records. Wayne Hayhurst added another PB to his list for the year having already bagged 5K and Half Marathon PB’s this year. Completing the PBers for the day were Tim Rees, Michael Brain, Gary Piper, Rosaleen Lian, Deb Edwards, Hannah Knight, Tracey Kembery and Ffion Smith. On the same day as Swansea 10K we had 6 runners in the rearrange St Davids Day 10K where new members and Maesteg parkrun regulars Emma Cox, Jamie Puddy and Stephne Puddy all got PB’s.

Other 10K’s in month included Shawn Cullen running the Snape 10K whilst on the final weekend we had 5 runners at Cowbridge 10K. A huge well done to several members who completed their first 10K’s as part of one of those races.

Half Marathons

Dawn Hopkins and Carol Bartle ran the Great North Run. Steven James helped pace in the English Half Marathon, whilst Karl Johnson notched up more events for his 18 in 18 with the Worcester Half Marathon, Bristol Half Marathon and Milton Keynes Half Marathon on all consecutive weekends. We had an impressive 17 runners at the Forest of Dean Autumn Half Marathon where despite the multi-terrain challenging course, Steven James, Wayne Randall and Suzanne Harrison all achieved PB’s.

Other races

Steven James ran a 5K race which was part of the English Half Marathon weekend. Sharon Pritchard and Debbie Bennion completed the ‘Thornbury AC trilogy’ by completing the Oldbury 10 miler with first time PB’s for both at the distance. It’s rare we have month without some crazy Ultra or long distance trail race and this month was no different. Liz Sim completed 2 Ultras just 7 days apart with the first being the Random Act of Kindness 50K Ultra in West Wales where she was joined by Simon Harrison, whilst the second was a 12 hour multi-lap event where she completed 44 miles whilst Kris Denholm managed one more lap to finish on around 48-49 miles.

This month also saw the 16 mile Roman Run which 10 of our runners completed and the Vicious Wentwood Weasel a day later with 14 members completing the course. Male club captain Richard Lowcock James completed both notching up close to a marathon of trail running for the weekend whilst Simon Harrison ran the Wentwood Weasel a day after his 50K Ultra.

In the first event of the West Glamorgan Cross Country League we had 10 runners take the trip down to Llanmadoc for the 4.5 mile multi-terrain course. A change to the usual course meant there was a much shorter beach section, but still plenty of energy-sapping sand to run through during the middle section of the course. With 5 to score for the men and 5 to score for the women we had the perfect balance in terms of entrants and everyone gave it their all to score as best we could for the club. Dai James was first home followed by Steven James and myself following close behind. Paul Johnson and David Sheard completed the points scorers for the men’s team before Emma Winch, Jo Gamba, Victoria Hillman, Bev Sheard and Hannah Knight made up the scorers for the women. Both teams are 6th out of 8 in their respective divisions and recruitment has already begun for the next fixture.

We had an amazing turnout of 77 runners for the final Bridgend League fixture of the year. Having held second place in the club standings from fixture 1 and throughout the season, Brackla had got themselves back into contention having beaten us the previous 2 fixtures making it an exciting finale to the season. To add to the drama, the organisers decided to set teams off in one minute waves in reverse order of where they stood in the league going into the fixture. This meant we started one from last. Arguably one of the best performances by our top 15 scorers along with a massive minus 62 points accumulated from all our other finishes ensured we maintained our second place in the league and therefore our best finish in the 3 years the Bridgend League has been running. Also a massive congratulations to Anneliese Loveluck who finished 3rd in the individual competition which is based on age graded scoring for each fixture. Worth mentioning that one of the ladies to finish ahead of her has represented Wales and won some pretty big races.

Chairman’s Runners of the Month

I said last month that this task gets ever more difficult.  We have just short of 250 members currently and all are worthy in some way of recognition.  But choose I must…

My first choice this month caught my eye last month and another good performance this month has warranted the accolade.  With a chequered running history dogged by a significant injury, there have been long periods where the running took a back seat.  Her interest faltered for a time as a result.  However, within the last few months, we’ve witnessed a renewed vigour in her running.  More frequent.  Distance increasing.  As a result, she achieved several impressive PB’s last month.  Not to be one to stand still she did it again this month as well!  Always running with a smile.  Always determined.  One thing you have to witness is her amazing sprint finish – focussed race face right to the bitter end.  A never give up attitude that inspires others to do the same.  I am absolutely delighted to name my chairman’s female runner of the month as Tammie Baker.  Well done Tammie – keep inspiring us all!

My second choice is on a mission.  We see numerous people tackling challenges each year.  Run a distance over a month, run every day for so many days or complete several events over a year.  The latter was a challenge set at the start of the year for one.  The distance – half marathon.  The number of them to match the year – 18!!  Yes, 18 half marathons in 12 months.  Not only is that a tough ask to maintain fitness and remain injury free for the whole year, but finding the events and booking them up and then finding the time to fit them in to a hectic working life with a growing family at home.  Why honour it this month…  because September saw him complete four half marathon distances – one of which was actually a tough 16 mile run (which had been preceded on the morning by a parkrun).  He’ll be the first to admit he’s not at his best fitness currently but he’s still managed to complete the events even if some have pushed him to his limits.  An admirable and valiant effort and all for a very worthy cause.  With a great deal of admiration I award my chairman’s male runner of the month to Karl Johnson.  Nice work Karl and best of luck with the rest of the challenge!!

parkruns

August saw 166 parkrun finishes across 32 events and 26 different venues. August included the inaugural Severn Bridge parkrun attended my Aled Hughes, Jo Betty and I. Emma Loyns clocked a tourism PB at Lee-on-the-Solent.

Other tourists outside of Wales in month were Kris Denholm at Lydney, Chris Roberts at Heaton and Fulham Palace parkruns, Chris Stanlake at Heartlands and Victoria Docks parkruns, James Littlewood at Sewerby, Angela Walsh at Colchester, the Sheards at Rothwell, Saul Harris at Dartford, Chris Pratt at Cotswold Feilds, Karl at Wotton and myself and Jo Betty at Sandwell Valley.

Even further afield Karl ran at Inverness and Fiona Drysdale ran at Aviemore whilst Jayne Powney ran at Nose Hill in Canada.

Highlights in month included a new PB for Wayne Hayhurst who is closing in on his first sub 20. Cath Griffiths got the perfect sub 30 with a 29:59. Niki Puleio had a first finish at Maesteg parkrun. Plus we had several first time parkrunners.

At the start of the month we had 43 runners at Porthcawl for our ‘parkrun celebration day’ where myself and Chris Pratt ran our 250th parkruns whilst Liz Davis and Jo Betty celebrated their 100th parkuns.

Races

10K

17 runners took on the inaugural Barry Island 10K in hot conditions on an undulating course. Despite the conditions, Ryan Evans managed a sub 40 finish with Niki Puleio just outside. Emma Loyns, Sam Miller, Tim Rees and Natalie

The Lovelucks were back amongst the prize-winners again at the Barry Epic 10K where Shawn Cullen also completed the tough course.

Emma Morris was the 55 minute pacer at the Westonbirt 10K coming in at 54:26.

We had 17 runners at the Llantwit Major 10K where Steve Loveluck picked up another age category prize and Anneliese was first female overall.

The month ended with Wayne Randall, Vickie Cameron Davies, Suzanne Harrison, Rhiannon Whiteley and Pippa Clark completing the Narbeth Nobbler 10K.

Half Marathons

37 members ran the Port Talbot Half Marathon which included some a couple of very heavy rain showers. Gareth Richards was our first runner home whilst Claire DB continued her excellent form as 3rd club member across the line and first female in the club. Liz Sim picked up a sub 2 hour PB with a 1:57:29 with myself, Mark Burgess and Alun Wylde for company. Alun was only a few seconds off bagging himself a PB as well. Natalie Esp knocked another huge chunk off her half marathon PB with a 2:15:30 whilst Fran Collins completed our PBers on the day. On the same day, Dawn Hopkins completed the Dublin Half Marathon.

Two very different halves to finish off the month with 5 members completing the Narbeth Nobbler Half Marathon with all time in excess of 2 hours 30. At the Severn Bridge we had 8 runners all well under 2:30 led home by Wayne Hayhurst with a 1:35:10 knocking 4 minutes off his HM PB which had stood for almost 2 years. There were also PB’s for Chris Roberts and Deb Griffin.

Marathons

The only marathon of the month was the Narbeth Nobbler. A very challenging trail race which Chris Pratt and Kris Denholm took on last year and were back again for more along with Gareth Richards, Simon Harrison (who did the Half last year) and Dan Clark.

Other Races

A week before her heroic PB in the wet conditions at Port Talbot Half, Liz Sim ran a 10 mile PB at the Brecon 10 miler whilst Ian Lewis completed the course just outside of his PB in scorching conditions.

On the lighter side of ‘running events’, we had 30 members at the Bridgend Beer Mile. Some even had a second go when the organisers offered another round at the end. I went down to watch the first couple of groups and would highly recommend keeping it free next year either to sign up (if brave / stupid enough) or go along and support as it was a great atmosphere and sociable event.

Another fun event this month (but with a bit more running involved) was the 14 mile Race the Train event. It’s exactly what the title suggests. Fiona Drysdale did this one and highly recommends it with plenty of shorter distances available for younger runners as well.

Kris Denholm completed the Bath Two Tunnels 50K Ultra. The course includes over 20K underground in the tunnels.

Finally onto the Bridgend County Running League fixture this month which was at Newbridge Fields. A 3.6 mile, 2 lap course with a mixture of surfaces to contend with. We had an impressive 73 runners with Niki leading the way for the club. In the female standings, Anneliese had to settle for 5th this time out as Bridgend brought out their big guns for the race. Bridgend had 10 of the first 13 runners. A few of our top runners were missing resulting in Brackla clawing back more points and setting up an exciting last fixture in the race for 2nd place.

Well done all.

Chairman’s runners of the month

My first choice will come as very little surprise. 

Here is someone who has shown immense strength of character.  Life has thrown many things at her but she continues to get back up time and time again.  She has taken life by the scruff of the neck and she’s showing it who’s boss!!  Challenge after challenge we see her battle and win!!  Last month we saw her and her very dear friend Fiona smash the Long Course Weekend in Tenby – 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride and then run a marathon on three consecutive days!!  (You might have got it now)  Not only that but this month she organised a bike-athon on Wattbikes to cover the distance from John O Groats to Lands End in one day with friends.  Not only did they complete it, they smashed it out of the park with several Ogmore Phoenix Runners along for the “ride” raising lots of money for Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA), a charity very close to her heart.  Then on the back of that she headed off to complete the North to South challenge, again for MNDA, cycling from North Wales to South Wales in 3 days but stopping off to climb the 3 peaks of Snowdon, Cader Idris and Pen y Fan on the way!!  Not only that but she is one of our welfare officers and (as some of you may not know) a founder member of the club!  A lovely person and wonderful role model for all of us.  Without hesitation I award the chairmans female runner of the month to Helen Griffiths.  What’s next Helen?  Dare I ask?  Whatever it is – we salute you!

My second choice goes to a runner who is returning to form.  With a penchant for very long distance events his focus has changed slightly recently with a return to shorter distances which has had the inevitable effect of falling times.  A PB at parkrun produced a time homing in on 20 minutes.  The holy grail is within sight!!  These are not isolated incidents – they are consistently being achieved.  Severn Bridge saw a new half marathon PB so endurance is still good.  Running long distance all the time leaves the body tired and performance suffers as a result.  Sometimes you need to back off from it to allow the body to rest and recover properly and off the back of it better performances at shorter distances arise.  He is a prime example of that.  Chatting with him just last week revealed how excited he is to be regaining that form and pushing the boundaries again.  Long may it continue!  I am delighted to award the chairmans male runner of the month to Wayne Hayhurst.  Keep it up Wayne.

parkrunning

This month saw 182 parkrun finishes across 32 events with 22 different parkrun venues. We covered most of Wales with members running at Haverfordwest in the South West of the country to Wepre parkrun in the North East. Outside of Wales, Karl Johnson ran at Burnham and Seaton parkruns, Jo and I ran at Sixfields Upton, Chris Robrets ran at Osmskirk and Barclay parkruns, Dawn ran at Fulham Palace, Liz ran her 99th parkrun overall at Boston whilst Juliet Amner ran at Reigate Priory. Fiona Drysdale wins for furthest parkrun away this  month with Fort William parkrun which is close to Ben Nevis in Scotland.

Some highlights in month included Claire Dunbar-Bowen beating her own club age category record with her first sub 23 time of 22:55. Tammie Clemett had an outstanding month with 3 PB’s in 3 parkruns knocking almost 2 minutes off her previous PB time during the month. For the final PB of the month Tammie was joined by Lisa Jenkins, Nicola Allen and Angela Parry at Swansea Bay parkrun where Lisa and Nicola also got PB’s.

At Maesteg, Kris Denholm became the 4th current member to finish first overall at a parkrun, joining David Kembery, Niki Puleio and Neil Jones.

Races in July

5K

The first Wednesday of July saw 15 members at the third and final race of the Aberavon 5K series. Jamie Vanstone led the club members home with Natalie Esp clocking a 30:10 PB accompanied by Jo Betty. Jo ended up finishing 4th overall senior female in the 3 race series.

The 4th race of the Bridgend Running League saw the ‘challenging’ Kenfig Sands 5K fixture. The race was first run 3 years ago as a ‘one off’ between the current Bridgend League clubs. As the main contact for the club at the time for parkrun, I suggested in a regular group e-mail with the other clubs contacts that we could start some sort of Bridgend League and a few months later, mainly due to Steve Brace, the league was up and running. This time out we had 63 runners with Ryan Evans leading the way. With a few of our top runners missing, Brackla and Cornelly gained points on us but we remained second overall. Anneliese Lovelock finished 3rd lady overall.

In his swansong for the club before joining the newly affiliated Pontyclyn Roadrunners, Jamie Vanstone ran a PB and a slightly agonising time of 18:00 in his mission to get sub 18.  He ended up doing so a week later in his first 5K for Pontyclyn knocking over 20 seconds off his PB.

The final 5K of the month saw Sian Jenkins, Fran Hipkiss and Alyson Morris complete the challenging Afan Epic 5K.

5 mile

No 5 milers in July but I’ve missed Porthkerry 5 miler off my last 2 blogs so want to mention the 8 runners that ran the course back in May. Fiona Drysdale led the way whilst a rare 5 mile event allowed for PB’s for Chris Stanlake, Sharon Pritchard, Debbie Bennion and Rhiannon Whitely. Shawn Cullen, Julie Ransom and Pippa Clark completed our finishers on the multi-terrain course which is also the starting venue for the Vale 18 miler.

10K

The month kicked off with the free Maesteg 10K. I was expecting a reasonably flat road 10K so it was a bit of a shock to only discover on the day that it was a reasonably hilly trail race that ended up being 6.7 miles. Niki Puleio finished 2nd overall on a course he often uses on training runs. I was 7th overall whilst Claire DB was 1st female and 8th overall. Sara Bayliss and Jo Betty also completed the challenging course whilst Jayne Powney did the 5K.

On the same day, Chris Pratt completed the Lindley 10K with a course best time of 47:59.

At the Cardiff Epic 10K, Neil Jones finished 1st overall whilst Anneliese was 2nd female and first in her age category with husband Steve also picking up a first in age category prize.

We had 4 runners at the Thornbury 10K where Emma Loyns picked up a new PB whilst there were good age category places for Claire DB, Sharon Pritchard and Debbie Bennion.

Three very different 10K’s on the 3rd Sunday of the month with Kevin James running the Virgin Sport British 10K, Rebecca Newton running Tenby 10K and Bev Sheard completing the Snowdonia Trail 10K.

At the Magor 10K Steve Loveluck finished 3rd in his age category against a strong field of runners, whilst Anneliese set a new female 10K club record with a 41:36.

Finally in a very busy month of 10K’s, Alun Wylde, Debbie Bennion, Sharon Pritchard and Nicola Cornock completed the Afan Epic 10K.

Half Marathons

A month of many 10K’s but very few Half Marathons. Peter Harrop completed the Snowdonia Trail Half Marathon – by far the toughest HM I’ve done and I would go as far to say there can’t be many tougher in the UK. We had 10 runners at the Wales Half Marathon in Tenby where Karl Johnson was our first finisher notching up another event for his 18 in 18.

Marathons

We had 5 runners at the Wales Marathon in Tenby which included Fiona Evans and Helen Griffiths who completed the full distances of all 3 disciplines over the Long Course Weekend. For those that don’t know that’s a 2.4 mile swim on the Friday, a 112 mile bike on the Saturday, and running a marathon on the Sunday. Amazing.

Kris Denholm ran the only other marathon of the month with a 4:14 in scorching conditions at the Dorchester Marathon.

Other races

Plenty of other non-standard distance races in the month and the Lovelucks were at it again with Anneliese winning another age category prize at The Loop 6 miler organised by Pontypridd Roadents. Karl Johnson and Brett Bonnell completed the Tintern Trot. 17 of us ran at the Cosmeston Relays where due to a few last minute changes, Jo and I both ran 2 legs for our respective teams. Neil and Sian Price ran at the Buxton Carnival 4 miler. Darija Kennor completed the 14 mile Lundy Island race.

At the more extreme end of the scale, Simon Williams completed the Ham and Lyme 50K Ultra whilst Chris Pratt and David Sheard completed the 39 mile Snowdonia Trail Ultra. Given my comments on the Half Marathon being the toughest event I’ve ever done, then I can’t imagine what running 3 times that distance is like including climbing the summit of Snowdon towards the end.

Well done to all that represented the club this month whether it was a parkrun or an Ultra, be proud to be Phoenix.

Chairman’s runners of the month

July was a month of incredible achievements by so many members.  The task of selecting winners becomes more difficult as our membership grows and the members we have continue, en masse, to show so much spirit in their endeavours.

My first accolade goes to someone that I’ve held in high esteem for a long time.  I remember not long after joining the club tagging along with her on some club training sessions hearing her regale stories of marathon attempts not ending as planned and how tapering never worked for her because it always seemed to leave her with a cold!  It was back then that I gained a sense of reservation from her when it came to the long distances.  I’ve seen her take on the might of Snowdonia (and conquer it) but never really show the love for it that some us feel resulting in last year being cycle mounted support crew along the route.  Turning to (as some in the club call it) “the dark side” her love for multi-sport has grown and one particular competition wooed her with it’s glamorous approach very much akin to Ironman.  Spread over three days, she’d always feared the open waters but with the big five-o approaching it was time to bite the bullet and throw off the shackles of fear to get the job done.  This is a runners accolade but when the marathon distance is tackled by someone on day 3 of an event that involves a 2.4 mile sea swim and a 112 mile bike ride on the two days previous it is worthy of very high praise.  When it comes from someone who has battled with the fear of open water and a desire to complete the event spanning 7 years it carries even more weight.  With her partner in crime at her side (who may be honoured very soon in the same way) she made us all proud the day she completed the full distance with most incredible smile on her face – which was still there when I congratulated her at training the Thursday after!!  I am absolutely delighted to award my chairmans female runner of the month to Fiona Evans.  Continue to inspire us Fiona…

My second choice this month was a foregone conclusion that it was going to happen at some point soon.  It will be difficult to mask who I am talking about really as soon as I mention that he’s the other half of a wonderful couple who have been honoured many times since joining the club just a short time ago for simply outstanding running.  It’s almost every month where we see them pick up age category prizes or they appear in the top 3 finishers.  This month saw some fantastic running by them both.  I honoured one half of the pair back in January but it’s now the time of the other.  In a month of great running July saw yet another significant result and a second in age category prize.  The benefit of writing this much after the event gives me the benefit of adding that in August he went on to pick up a silver medal in his age category at Llantwit 10k which formed part of the South Wales regional championships with his wife picking up gold in the same age category and third lady overall.  Someone who shows consistent form and a passion for representing the club at events is definitely worth of accolade.  I have great pleasure in awarding my chairmans male runner of the month to Steve Loveluck.

parkrunning in June

Our runners clocked up 201 parkruns across 44 parkruns during the month which are the highest totals this year. Our runners visited 29 different parkruns in total. This included an amazing 17 different Welsh parkruns including Porthcawl, Maesteg, Barry Island, Newport, Cardiff, Bryn Bach, Rogeit, Swansea, Llanelli, Colby, Dolgellau, Llanerchaeron, Haverfordwest, Riverfront, Pontypridd, Gnoll, plus several members visiting the newest Welsh parkrun at Aberdare.

Further afield we had runners at Alness, Chester, Eastville, Worcester, Crane Park, Dartford Heath, Bedford, Minehead, Maidstone, Chipping Sodbury, Huddersfield and Trelissick. At Huddersfield, our Chairman Chris Pratt ran a parkrun alongside his daughter Ffion and his son Joseph for the first time. Trelissick parkrun had the honour of our parkrun tourism King and Queen otherwise known as Shawn and Julie completing their 50th different parkrun venue there.

Neil Jones had two first place finishes in the month at two different venues (Pontypridd and Porthcawl) whilst he also had an impressive 6th place in Cardiff parkrun. Sian Jenkins knocked over 2 minutes off her PB at Maesteg with her 8th PB in 10 parkruns.

Races in June

5K

At the second race of the Run 4 All Aberavon 5K series, Niki Puleio lead the way with a 18:53 whilst I was next up with a course best of 20:52. Jo Betty was our first female with 25:00 whilst Natalie Aryal clocked a new PB of 31:55.

Niki also ran the second race of the Swansea Bay 5K series with another sub 19 time. Jamie Vanstone came agonisingly close again to getting sub 18 with a 18:08 at the SSAFA 5K whilst injury meant that Karl Johnson had to settle for 25:24 after a seasons best on the course in the previous race.

10K

We had 9 runners at the Sospan 10K with a few having run Llanelli parkrun on the same course just a couple of hours before the 10K start. Niki sneaked under 40 minutes with a 39:54 whilst Dai James clocked a PB of 44:23. Nicola Cornock also bagged herself a PB with 1:11:21 in hot conditions.

Half Marathon

Back for a 5th year, the Swansea Half Marathon saw 44 of our runners in attendance plus several volunteering on the course. We even provided the tail walkers. Ryan Evans led the way with an outstanding 1:26:24 in very hot conditions. Jamie Vanstone sneaked under 90 minutes again as our second finisher. Mark Gabb got a PB of 1:41:07. On what was my 50th half marathon, I ran with Claire Dunbar-Bowen who set a new personal best time of 1:45:46. Claire was amongst the top 10% of women running. Despite far from perfect conditions for running fast times, Leigh Francis, Wayne Randall, Kayley Griffiths, Deb Griffin, Amanda Taylor, Natalie Aryal, Alexis Barrett, Nicola Allen and Claire Taylor all also achieved PB’s.

Other races

June saw the usual wide variety of events from short relay events to Ultra’s. Chris Pratt and Nick Harris kicked off the month with the inaugural Vale of Glamorgan Ultra. A 40 mile route along the Wales Coastal Path from Porthcawl to Penarth. A challenge in itself, it was made all the more difficult by a long day of blazing sunshine. They stuck together and somehow got through in 12 hours.

Something a little more appealing to club members was the 2.4 mile Cottrell Park Relays. Ogmore Phoenix had an amazing 19 teams of three members each which including all male teams, female teams, mixed teams and even family teams. Also a mention for Neil Jones who was running with Pontyclun Roadents and won the event by some distance. A great evening with so much support from our amazing runners (plus additional supporters in tow).

Neil Jones, Fiona Drysdale and Wayne Hayhurst took on the Man vs Horse race. Yes, it really is racing against horses…. over a 22 mile course…. including river crossings and multi terrain. Fiona ran it as part of a relay team whilst Wayne ran the entire course. Just in case you are wondering, a horse won. In 38 years, only two runners have ever finished ahead of the horses.

Nicola Symmonds, Simon Harrison and Steven James took on the Race to the Tower event. A 52 mile (double marathon) event that can be completed over 1 or 2 days. Nicola pulled out after the first marathon whilst Simon carried on to complete the 52 miles in just over 14 hours. Steven was walking the route and finished in just under 19 hours.

The second race of the Bridgend County Running League (BCRL) saw a brand new event hosted by our club – the Beast of Blackmill. A challenging trail course that reduced even the speediest and toughest runners to walking pace on one particular climb. Despite needing members to help set and marshal the race, we still managed to have 57 runners lead home by Neil Jones, and ending with our tail runner, Emma Loyns. Just as we did in the first fixture, we finished second in the club standings to Bridgend therefore maintaining our second place overall and increasing the gap on 3rd.

This years Merthyr Mawr Trail Festival only included a 7.3 mile option rather than the Giant Rabbit Run offered in previous years. 27 of our runners took on the challenge with Jamie Vanstone finishing amongst the top 10 with a  speedy 55 minute clocking. Our first female was Emma Loyns who was just seconds ahead of Emma Winch.

The 3rd fixture of the BCRL was the Beauty of Bryngarw. Another new event to the league with an out and back within Bryngarw Park. Temperatures soared with hot and humid conditions throughout. Neil Jones, Ryan Evans and Jamie Vanstone all finished in the top 10 and with a huge turnout of 78 runners from the club we yet again finished in second place and increased our lead on Brackla in 3rd. Another busy and event-filled month ending on a great note for our club.

Chairman’s runners of the month

June’s choice for chairman’s runner of the month was a given for me. 

I have an affinity for parkrun.  It was the cornerstone of my running when I did the first one Porthcawl in April 2013.  I’ve never looked back and it has always been there for me, even when my running fell to virtually nothing.  I always had my free 5k on a Saturday morning at 9am, usually on the seafront in Porthcawl… but not always.  parkrun is always there when you travel.  Invariably there will be a one wherever you go – if not, go somewhere where there is one!  

Some take this to the extreme and travel far and wide in search of new locations.  It’s a thing.  parkrun tourism!  Recognition for this is a place on the UK or world most events list.  The former requiring 20 unique locations, the latter 30.  That’s equivalent to over 6 months of parkrunning if done in succession as it’s only possible once a week to increase that tally (excepting Christmas and New Year of course).  

So, not to be constrained by normal limits two of our midst have smashed through both barriers, well and truly positioning themselves on the world most events list and beyond…  During June they reached and have now exceeded the crazy level of 50 unique locations.  For the relatively short time that they’ve been parkrunning this is impressive stuff.  Exhausting all those local they now venture off in their camper to search out more and more locations every week… although I did see them both last week in Porthcawl – a rare occurrence these days.  

I am delighted to announce that my Chairman’s runners of the month for June are Julie Ransom and Shawn Cullen.