Races of all distances attracted Aberystwyth Athletic Club runners in recent weeks with half marathon, 7 mile trails and 10k runs being held across Wales and a 24 hr relay being thrown into the mix for good measure.

The Lake Vyrnwy half marathon is a favourite by many due to its relatively flat, fast course and throws up the opportunity for securing a personal best.

Owain Schiavone secured a personal best at the Lake Vyrnwy half marathon
Owain Schiavone secured a personal best at the Lake Vyrnwy half marathon (Aber AC)

That was the case for Owain Schiavone who led the Aber contingent home in a PB time of 1.13.32. Ian Evans finished in 1.23.56, Damian Sidnell came in 1.34.54 with Mel Hopkins finishing in 1.45.40. Kevin Holland followed in 1:49:12, Mark Bloomfield finished in 1:59:10 with Mandy Glennie completing the course in 2:18:32 and Catrin Roberts finishing in 2:33:13.

Cerist Triathlon Club recently introduced the new Glyndŵr 7 mile trail, an interesting and challenging race around Machynlleth. Starting near the Owain Glyndŵr monument in the Plas grounds and following a popular run route along part of Glyndŵr’s Way climbing the Roman Steps out of Machynlleth, it takes in farm tracks, technical trail and fire roads.

John Evans at the Glyndŵr 7 mile trail 2022
John Evans at the Glyndŵr 7 mile trail (Clwb Triathlon Cerist)
Dave Humphreys at the Glyndŵr 7 mile trail 2022
Dave Humphreys at the Glyndŵr 7 mile trail (Clwb Triathlon Ceris)
Christiane Kloos at the Glyndŵr 7 mile trail 2022
Christiane Kloos at the Glyndŵr 7 mile trail (Aber AC)
Cameron Pope at the Glyndŵr 7 mile trail 2022
Cameron Pope at the Glyndŵr 7 mile trail (Clwb Triathlon Ceris)

It was also held in memory of John Williams, former club secretary, and one who inspired many to run and appreciate the beautiful mid Wales surroundings.

It was certainly a good day out for Lynwen Huxtable of Aber as she was the first female home and fifth overall in a time of 1.00.44. Sarah Purdon followed in 1.11.48 with Dave Humphreys not far behind in 1.15.51. Cameron Pope won his over 60 age category in a time of 17.55, Christiane Kloos came in 1.22.35 and John Evans also won his over 70 age category in a time of 1.37.01.

The Admiral Swansea Bay 10k took place recently, a fast and flat course that heads down the road to Mumbles along the iconic sweep of Swansea Bay before returning along the Swansea Promenade, and is a firm favourite with both experienced and first time runners.

Kevin Holland, Damian Sidnell, Mel Hopkins, Mark Bloomfield at Lake Vyrnwy
Kevin Holland, Damian Sidnell, Mel Hopkins, Mark Bloomfield at Lake Vyrnwy (Aber AC)

Janos Vranek came 17th overall from a field of over 2,700 runners in a time of 32:53 with Ed Land not far behind, tuning up nicely for his Berlin Marathon race with a PB time of 34.21. Lyndsey Wheeler, running the race for the fourth time, finished in a time of 58:22, a course PB for her by three and half minutes. Helen Williams completed the course in 1:04:30 with Rachel Richards finishing in 1:34:07.

And now for something slightly different...Equinox24 is set in the grounds of Belvoir Castle in Grantham where the objective is to complete as many laps of the 10km course as you can in 24hrs. This can be done solo or relay in pairs or as a larger team. Neil and Lynsey Gamble took on the challenge and completed 15 of the 10km laps and were 8th in the pairs category which was a fantastic achievement against some high level opposition.

Lynwen Huxtable at the Glyndŵr 7 mile trail 2022
Lynwen Huxtable at the Glyndŵr 7 mile trail (Clwb Triathlon Cerist)

It was a great event according to Neil Gamble: “Equinox24 is by far the most challenging and enjoyable event we have ever done. It’s a weekend long festival that includes some running – this was the first time we had taken part but will undoubtedly now be a permanent fixture on our race calendar going forward.”

Neil and Lynsey Gamble complete the Equinox 24 2022
Neil and Lynsey Gamble complete the Equinox 24 (Aber AC)

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.