With Gary suffering fell race withdrawal symptoms after his lay off in the Philippines, I travelled with him to Talybont to take part in the Tor Y Foel fell race, David Thomlinson also turned up to run for the Club. The weather was kind to us with the fog and frost lifting to give a sunny but cold afternoon for this excellent 4.5 mile race, resurrected after a period of about 4 years.
The race goes out along the old tramway before climbing the grassy slopes of Tor Y Foel, summitting at 551 metres before a fast descent and run in along the byway. Gary has not lost the knack of downhill running, passing several runners on the steepest part, including me! just failing to catch Steve Herington and Les Williams for the over 60 category. After the race there were free tea and cakes at the Adventure Centre and the awards were presented before we had finished our second cup of tea – not bad for a £3 entry !
Ben Moon won in 34:29, Gary was 32 nd. (3rd over 60) in 44:38, I came in 39th. in 47:14, David Thomlinson was 43rd. in 49:28, there were 60 finishers.
If anyone fancies a try at fell running the next race of 3.2 miles and 1150 feet of climb is at Longtown, 2pm Saturday 28th. January.