Rhayader Round the Lakes

Race Reports

Saturday saw a group of Croft runners take on the Rhayader round the lakes races with 8 runners competing in the relatively fast and flat 5 mile and a brave 9 runners taking on the challenge of the newly branded 30K race which was the 20 mile.

The forecast was not good and it looked like both races were going to be run through a torrent of rain. However, the weather was kind to those opting for the shorter run although the temperature on the start line was not what it had been earlier in the week.

I was competing in the 5 mile, so had to take a coach to the start and the route was simple, run back the way we had come on the coach as fast as possible. The race started quickly and I found myself caught up in a pace much quicker than I would have liked considering the month off running due to injury and only managed to stay with the front 2 women for around half a mile before my better judgement made me decrease the pace slightly. It was great to see Mike and Kelly out on the course taking photographs and supporting.

The first 2 miles were mostly downhill and after moving away from the lakes it made for decent running conditions for March. We were warned that there was a hill, it came at about 3.5 miles and I could see why those running the longer distance were dreading it as I am sure that after 25km it would cause problems, but nothing compared to some of the hills us Croft runners are used to. Once the hill was climbed it was mostly downhill to the finish with a slight climb into the town before a turn for home.

I came in at 36.03, a time I was delighted with and 3rd lady which led to me being presented with a crystal glass trophy at prize giving. Will ran a great race and managed 31.19 8th overall and 5th SM.

The other Croft runners did fantastically well with all coming in under the hour. Lisa Gray 45.24, Gemma Davies 45.52, Donna Snook 46.16, Louise Reeves
46.34, Theresa Jones 52.49, Suzanne Field 56.37 (and what a sprint finish she had) and Heather Powell 56.48.
I have never run the 30k option so I don’t know what the others faced but I do know they suffered almost every weather condition known to man. Mark Lamonby had a spectacular run finishing in a staggering 1.57.20 and 3 rd overall. Gemma Mallet took the ladies 2 nd prize in 2.21.37, Roxy Woodfield 2.31.54, Greg Jones 2.36.37, Emma Jones 2.41.05, Joanne Tilby 2.45.17, Katie Jones 2.56.34, Lucy Wilding 3.04.11, Michael Powell 3.04.16 and Flora 3.05.32. It was great to see so many Croft members running their longest distance to date and in such great times.

Following Robyns comment – times added for Glyn Williams 2.21.10 (52), Sam Wickham 2.49.32 (45th lady) Sorry that we missed you off Guys.

2 thoughts on “Rhayader Round the Lakes

  1. apologies to sam whickham and Glyn for not including your times in the report but you weren’t listed as croft runners in the results!

  2. The results were updated and an apology issued from the organisers – although not presented with a prize on the day, Gemma M, Roxy and Emma were the Croft Ambrey winning ladies team! Great results for all, well done everyone!

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