Welsh Castles Relay 2009


Overall position: 31st of 57 teams and 23rd open team in 25hrs 41 mins 28 secs. We were also 19th team on the 6 mountain stages. Mountain stages highlighted below.  Photographs © John Tymukas
Stage 1: Caernarfon Castle to Penygroes
Distance: 9.1 Miles
Level 4 (flat, then climbs, then flat)

Runner: Kev Wood 1:16:39
Stage 2: Penygroes to Criccieth Castle
Distance: 10.8 Miles
Level 6 (Flat then hilly second half)

Runner: Nicola Richmond 1:16:30
Stage 3: Criccieth Castle to Maentwrog
Distance: 12.3 Miles
Level 9 (Mountain stage)

Runner: Alastair Bayliss  1:16:43

Alastair Bayliss reports on stage 3: The start of stage 3 is a real beauty spot with a gorgeous view South along the Welsh coast. It is also host to the world's best ice cream shop, it says so on the outside of the shop. Now I'm not a big fan of ice cream, but "world's best" would be worth a try. However I didn't think it would sit well with this poxy race I was supposed to be doing so I laid off and will be content with the memory of watching everyone else eating theirs and the photo of me outside the shop next to lots of people with ice cream.
Stage 4: Maentwrog to Harlech Castle
Distance: 9.5 Miles
Level 3 (Flat - shady first half - exposed 2nd half)

Runner: Olga Gillane  1:16:34

Olga Gillane reports on stage 4: My 2nd year at the Welsh castles relay and another superb weekend!! I was very pleased to see the sun blazing once again in Wales. I took advantage of the mini bus on Friday morning, which was a relaxing start to the weekend armed with music and a magazine to read!! The bunk house was an upgrade from last year, however I did forget my bug spray... ha ha be warned! However I managed to get a good nights kip… with a little help from my ear plugs.. yes another tip for you thinking of joining us next year. Saturday started off well, we had breakfast outside looking up at Snowdon, and a lazy morning coffee in Caernarfon awaiting the start at 10:30hrs.
My leg commenced at 13:30 from Maentwrog, which if anyone is looking for some decent nourishment…the local pub serves some quite tasty homemade treats…!! I was relieved to see that Andy had given me a flat leg this year as hills were off-bound due to problems with calves and Achilles, which will soon be resolved with some orthodontics, another few weeks off running and a bit of physio. It was a beautiful leg.. to get I would definitely recommend it as the road was quieter than most and the views were impressive with a little shade thrown in now and again. I had a steady 8 minute mile run, my calves held out with a bit of strapping on my feet and temporary orthodontics.. however I gave myself another problem with a very stiff left glute.. that did slow me a bit.. allowing one women to get the better of me that I had passed out previously, I was extremely glad to reach Harlech castle however I was pleased with the run and enjoyed it thoroughly. My leg over now back to supporting and sun- worshipping !! Someone made a little error at one point and placed me overall 4th and first lady on the results board… where is my stage winners t- shirt, ha ha it was an error which Jose informed us about as obviously I was looking much further down the page.. 42nd to be precise! Well the fame did not last that long as it was rectified later the next day. A great weekend……had by all and thanks again to Andy, Mike.
Back to top
 
Stage 5: Harlech Castle to Barmouth
Distance: 9.6 Miles
Level 6 (Long steep hill at beginning)

Runner: Andy Murray  1:05:49

Andy Murray reports on stage 5: The warm-up for this stage was idyllic- jog past a golf course to the sand dunes then on a board walk to the beach; return towards the base of the cliffs with Harlech and its castle perched above. The hard work started straight after the stage started, though, as most of the first mile was uphill. I planned to run steadily for the first half and then try and pick up towards the end, so tucked in behind a Sale Harrier with a Poole Runner also close by. The second long uphill was between three and four miles and I felt OK so pushed ahead of those two near the top but the effort meant I was not fresh enough to pick up much speed in the second half. At this stage we were on a road about half a mile from the coast with great views down to the sea on a warm afternoon. I eventually caught a yellow-vested runner, again on an uphill stretch, and stayed ahead but was gradually tiring due to the undulating route. As we neared the outskirts of Barmouth we were turned down a steep slope to the finish and a welcome dip in the sea I hoped - but there was no time as we had drive to support stages 7 and 8.
Back to top
 
Stage 6: Barmouth to Dolgellau
Distance: 10.7 Miles 
Level 4 (Flat and well protected from sun and wind)

Runner: Teresa Gaillard de Laubenque  1:09:32

Back to top
Stage 7: Dolgellau to Dinas Mawddwy
Distance: 9.75 Miles
Level 8 Mountain Stage

Runner: Mike Mann  1:10:16

Mike Mann reports on stage 7: Although I have willingly offered (and sometimes regretted) to run some of the other mountain stages, I have never really fancied this one, but I guess it was my turn this year. I can see why. The downside is that much of it follows a busy road and that the leg consists of a 5.5 mile climb with a few short downhill recoveries followed by a thigh shattering and sometimes precipitous 4 mile descent. The reward is the spectacular mountain scenery as one approaches and goes through the pass at the summit. The weather was perfect as although the sun was strong at times, there was a pleasant following breeze. Having travelled this leg on four wheels on several previous occasions, I could well remember the sharp climb to the summit followed by the deep descent. What I had not noticed or realized was that it climbs steadily almost from the start on leaving Dolgellau. However I got into quite a good steady rhythm early on, and only regressed into granny mode with short rather pathetic strides for the last half mile of the climb. The first part of the descent was very enjoyable and I relaxed into it with arms flailing around, but after a mile or so of that my legs started to protest and although flattening out somewhat for the last couple of miles, it became something of a struggle. On several occasions I regressed into Bart Simpson mode asking supporters "Am I nearly there yet?" I was beginning to relish another climb, but none came, apart from the final 50m. This together some of the other mountain stages is amongst the toughest events I have participated in, but this is more than compensated for by the enjoyment of the event and the weekend. But note for self "Do more hill training in preparation next year."
Back to top
 
Stage 8: Dinas Mawddwy to Foel
Distance: 11.2 Miles
Level 6 (Undulating throughout)

Runner: Ros Tabor  1:21:50

Ros Tabor reports on stage 8: I was originally going to do Stage 13 on Sunday, but none of our fantastic guest runners could run leg 8, so I changed and did it instead. In the end I was really glad I changed. I previously ran this leg in 2000, and if anyone who was there too can remember, it poured with rain the whole weekend, and my memory of the run was running up hill for ages ankle deep (literally) in water, with no views. This year was completely different - not the hills, which last for the first 8 miles, but the weather. It was sunny, but not too hot, and the views ahead and to the right were fantastic. The leg is quite dangerous, and since an accident a few years ago, teams are not allowed to support their runners with drinks or sponges, but instead there were 3 official water stations, which were quite sufficient. I ran steadily on the ups so I had a bit left for the last 2 miles down, where I was met by the Dulwich Runners marshalling squad who guided me safely across the road to the finish. My time was 1.21.50 (almost exactly my 2000 time (1.21.55), so better weather conditions must compensate for old age!)
Back to top
 
Stage 9: Foel to Llanfair Caereinion
Distance: 8.6 Miles
Level 3 (Generally downhill but undulating)

Runner: Cory Wharton-Malcolm  1:26:00

Cory Wharton-Malcolm reports on stage 9: After weeks of preparation the day had come. History was about to be made, the 1st 16 Stone giant was about to participate in what had been dubbed the tour de France of running. After a long journey to the edge of the earth aka North Wales I’d spent all night sleeping and all day stuffing my face I believe the technical term is carbo loading.

I had a apparently been given the easiest flattest leg which shall we say was to prove a tad bumpy for want of a better word.

17:40 Stage 9 warm up? Check, stretching? Check, Lucozade? Check. In this heat sunhat a must, check. Official Briefing? Sorted, On your marks, get set and we are off. Clearly the rest of the field was here to impress as they all bolted off and left me a few others behind. But it was all part of the strategy that if I were to explain to you, you just wouldn’t understand. Technical fellow runners, technical!

The 1st part of my flat stage was guess what? A hill. But I was prepared for it. The 1st 3 miles flew by and I was making good time, it wasn’t until mile 4 that the bumps started to appear one after the other and I lost a bit of time and I could feel our friends from over the pond breathing down my neck. We entered mile 5 and I kicked off in a bid to break her but she stuck with me, I kicked again, still there, one last time I tried and left her for dead, well so I thought, she had obviously read my file and knew that come the hills I may have been left wanting. 6 was a nice quick mile then came the fatigue from all that kicking and the body gradually asked me who I thought I was, alas, I had gone too early LOL. Gradually she pulled me in and just after Mile 8 she passed me. I smiled and said good running and continued my journey through this beautiful countryside. As I came round the last bend Tiarnan, Charlie and Joe were there Cam in hand screaming sprint, sprint, sprint, I looked up this hill I’d say a fair estimate of the angle of it was 45 degrees, a beast LOL, a joke is what it was, why its there I don’t know and I don’t think they do, I reckon they put it there for a laugh. I sprinted half way up b4 the lactic acid came tap tap tapping on the door but with help from fellow runners and supporters alike I made it across the line, happy as Larry pride intact and a few pounds lighter. Great weekend, great company, great scenery. I’ll see you next year.
Back to top
 
Stage 10: Llanfair Caereinion to Newtown
Distance: 13.3 Miles
Level 9 Mountain Stage

Runner: Mike Williams  1:30:08

Mike Williams reports on stage 10: This stage is the last on Saturday and is classified a (hard) mountain stage. The race started off late because of an absent runner, but when it finally got going, loads of spectators gave it some razzmatazz and cheered the runners on. The lead pack took off at 6 minute miling and launched up the first climb of 18% gradient. I was feeling a little excited and got to the top of the hill in 20th position; my heart rate pounding at maximum & already digging into reserves I would need later. I was still recovering from a cold earlier in the week which I then realised had taken its toll on my fitness.

The pack dropped down into a gully and then straight up into the second big hill. There were many runners around me, each of us ebbing and flowing as was determined by which runner suited the on-going gradient. During the steep descent from the third hill, I started to feel really tired and my fellow runners were getting away; I was dropped. I glanced at my Garmin; 8 miles gone. “OK, over halfway”, I thought. It felt like every mile was taking forever. More runners kept passing me; this was turning into not so much a race for a decent place, more damage limitation. I glanced at the Garmin again and realised I had misread it; It was only mile 5. Psychologically that was hard to take!
The next few miles took forever, and I slipped a few more positions. Thankfully I got some great support from fellow Dulwich Runners. I needed a second kick but nothing was forthcoming. At some point I heard a “Come on Dulwich! Dig into those reserves!” It was Ros’s brother from Les Croupiers running club in Cardiff who was also running the same leg. I felt like I was going backwards as we approached the final big hill, and saw Ros’s brother disappear over the top with relative ease.

On the final descent into Newtown, I put on a last ditch spurt to stay ahead of a couple runners who closed the gap. I couldn’t hold it and they breezed past. With the finishing line in sight I put on a final effort which saw me claw back a place to finish in 34th.

That was three days ago and I’m still aching pretty badly. The Welsh Castles is a fantastic race though, and made really worthwhile by all the support!
Back to the top
 
Stage 11: Newtown to Llanbadarn Fynydd
Distance: 12.3 Miles
Level 8 Mountain Stage

Runner: Jose Barretta   1:23:21

Jose Barretta reports on stage 11: This stage was not too difficult as mountain stages go - certainly compared to 10 and 14 from what I saw! The early start - and not arriving prepared to kip in the leisure centre - are the only down sides to it. Looking at other people's inflatable mattresses made me long for my own one back in London. Still, the leg offers some nice views which you can admire as you go, and 90 % or so of it is in shade, which even at that time in the morning was appreciated. Having looked at the profile route, and knowing that it was all down hill after about 6.5 mi, made me glad that I had brought my Forerunner as there aren't any mile markers. That way, I was able to gauge how much effort I could realistically put in as the leg progressed. I managed to pass 3 other competitors even after about 4 mi into it which is always satisfying, but from then I was on my own until the finish - no one to push or drag me along. It was also gutting that the advertised tea and toast place at the end on the notes was closed.

I was so grateful to the support from the other teams too. It really does put a smile on your face.
Stage 12: Llanbadarn Fynydd to Crossgates
Distance: 11.2 Miles
Level 5 (Undulating)

Runner: Brent Plump (Serpentine RC)  1:13:44

Brent Plump reports on stage 12: From a running standpoint, the stage was very gently downhill the whole way (not enough to cause knee problems, it was only noticeable at a few points). There were two minor uphill bits, but both only lasted for 200-400 meters... nothing compared to the rest of the stages! The whole stage is along a 2-lane road and most of the cars alongside were supporters. There were loads of turnoffs along the route, so support was great.

Thanks a ton for the chance to run! I really enjoyed it and will need to train hard to see if I can make the Serpie team next year.
Back to top
 
Stage 13: Crossgates to Builth Wells
Distance: 10.6 Miles
Level 5 (Flattish and gradually uphill, big downhill near end)

Runner: Bruno Cherel  1:22:44

Back to top
Stage 14: Builth Wells to Drovers Arms
Distance: 11 Miles
Level 10 Mountain Stage (The toughest)

Runner: Charles Lound  1:15:04

Charles Lound reports on stage 14: This was my first Welsh Castles and I was thrown in at the deep end with this tough leg, drawing looks ranging from amusement to pity from those in the know. Having been tipped off in advance, I knew the trick was to conserve energy through the undulating first seven miles to leave enough for the challenging two-mile mountain climb. I didn’t come into this in great form, struggling with a hamstring niggle and training only lightly since London. But I prepared well with a curry and a few pints of “Reverend James” the night before.
I went off cautiously, covering the first seven miles in between six and seven minute miling. The hamstring was sore after a few miles, so I was gaining ground on the rises and losing on the descents, swapping places several times with the same runners.

After a challenging introductory foothill and descent, it was onto the mountain and my pace fell away to around nine-minute miling. It was getting hot and I was grateful for the drinks and sponges provided by all teams to all runners and for the cheers and encouragement. I was pleased to hold my position in the field on the climb and gain some ground on another runner. At the top, there is a mile-long downhill, but although I had a little energy left, I couldn’t stretch out and frustratingly lost a couple of places although I did pull back a bit on the final three-quarter mile climb to the finish.
I will definitely take part in this event again and would like to have another crack at this stage, although I would like to arrive in better form and have some solid hill training in preparation.

Welsh Castles is an amazing event. It’s a relay race, but it’s also twenty good quality races in two days. It’s a chance to get out in the countryside and socialise with team mates, but also an opportunity to see an Olympic athlete in action. I fully recommend it.
Back to top
 
Stage 15: Drovers Arms - Red Kite Centre to Brecon
Distance: 12.8 Miles
Level 6 (Undulating but overall downhill)

Runner: Joe Brady

Joe Brady reports on stage 15: The leg started on time just before 11am. Pretty warm sun beating down & not a lot of shelter on this leg. I was glad to accept welcome sips of water from supporting teams but tried not to over-drink. The first mile was a steep uphill climb. Then lots of dips. Enjoyed the dips but not the gradual ups that always came afterwards. Any bit of tree cover was a bonus, even to cool down for just a few seconds. At mile 10, you turn right towards Crannoc - only to face a scary, sharp climb. Then lots more dips & ups, before finishing with the last downhill mile into Brecon.

I am not fit at the moment, but I was pleased to be able to, at least, hang in there and maintain a solid pace throughout the race. Many nice long down hills on this leg & being tubby meant gravity was on my side. In the last two miles, even managed to speed up a bit & overtake 3 x runners who were flagging a bit in the heat.

Bit slower than my previous effort on Leg 15 in 2005 when I finished 12th position in 1:16. It did seem a lot bit harder second time around. But hey-ho, happy that I did as well as I could on the day. On the next day all limbs were aching. Felt like I'd run the marathon. More training required methinks.... It's a great route to toughen you up a bit.
Back to top
Stage 16: Brecon to Beacons Reservoir
Distance: 8.8 Miles
Level 9 Mountain Stage

Runner: Tiarnan Ocleirigh  1:09:59

Back to top
 
Stage 17: Beacons Reservoir to Cyfarthfa Castle
Distance: 9.2 Miles
Level 2 (Generally flat and downhill)

Runner: Richard Sewell (Les Croupiers RC)  1:03:50

Back to top
 
Stage 18: Rhyd-y-Car Centre to Abercynon (Navigation Park)
Distance: 9.1 Miles
Level 4 (Undulating)

Runner: Clare Johnson (Les Croupiers RC)  1:18:57

Back to top
 
Stage 19: Navigation Park to Caerphilly Castle
Distance: 10.8 Miles
Level 5 (Undulating)

Runner: Martin Morley  1:22:38

Martin Morley reports on stage 19: I intended to spend the whole weekend on the relay but had to travel up on the Sunday due to other circumstances. This is just such a great event with wonderful people from DR and the other clubs. So much camaraderie amongst all the people involved.

I started my leg from the most inhospitable place of the relay, an industrial site with no toilets or any shops, only closed buildings. Once you start running you climb up a short sharp hill that spreads the runners out nicely. It is then nearly 4 miles of road running with the heat reflecting of the pavement making it very warm to run, but a lot of teams handing out water, thanks to you all. At 4 miles you then go onto The Taff Trail which is mainly tree lined wide footpath. My stomach did not feel good at this stage so slowed a little and surprised only 2 people went pass me but could still see the 3 in front of me. By mile six I began to feel better so gently increased my pace and soon passed one runner and catching up on 3 more. The Taff Trail was lovely and just gently undulating for 3.5 miles and then we were directed up a steep little path and back onto the road. I’ve done this route before but this part is different (or else a very senior moment has occurred again) but I thought hell this is not supposed to be a mountain stage! This road just kept climbing upwards, very steeply. People who were behind me just went backwards but I was slowly but surely catching the 3 in front with a walk/jog effort. The Serpentine lady in front kept looking back and seeing me walking and still catching her up. Right at the top of the hill I finally caught her up and she was really tired with the effort she had put in up the hill. I said to her to follow me but she was just too tired to try so off I went downhill now for 2 miles in pursuit of the next 2 runners I can see just down the road. A few twisty parts and then quite a long straight bit of road and the 2 in front are nowhere to be seen! Have they or I gone off route? I keep going and find a marshal so I am OK and told as usual “not far now” I know where I am and can see Caerphilly Castle way over the other side of the valley. Two more little sharp hills (ok humps in the road to go over the railway and a footbridge over a roundabout but they felt like big hills) then flat to finish. The last mile must have had about 20 marshals (that’s how dangerous and hard this leg really is ha ha) including the DR’s tribe who as usual gave great encouragement to me and all the other runners, thanks. Quite a strong finish for me of late, and although not a great run certainly a better one for me.

I will be back next year, hopefully for the whole weekend. It is that good.
Back to top
Stage 20: Caerphilly Castle to Cardiff Castle
Distance: 10.7 Miles
Level 9 Mountain Stage

Runner Colin Bailey Wood  1:07:21

Back to top