June 12th /13th Welsh Castles Relay

Leg 1 Hayley French The 28th Welsh Castles Relay got off to a noisy 10.30am start in the sunshine at Caernarfon Castle in north Wales. The 58 leg one runners were led on a slow jog around the perimeter of the castle by the Interval Madrid team before the race began as the runners passed over the footbridge and onto the coastal path. After a breezy flat three miles along the edge of the Menai Straight the route turned inland for a steady mile climb up country lanes. The last five miles followed a gentle uphill route along pretty lanes and footpaths to the finish at Penygroes. A big thank you to Beth, Millie, Poppy and Chris for all the water and encouragement ("look - there's a granny beating mummy!") and to Vicki, Andy, Joe, Paul, Pete, Amy and Oriana for cheering me on!

Leg 2 Harky Kalsi This was my first time doing the Welsh Castles and I really really enjoyed it. My leg (Penygroes to Criccieth) was nice and smooth on a cycle path and then there were a few hills towards the end. I was on my own most of the way until I caught up with this guy who stopped and took an energy gel from Pete. So there was little me thinking wohooo I took over someone and then all of a sudden the guy comes speeding past me and I was like NOOOOOOOOO. But still I had fun and running down the hill at the end and seeing the castle and the sea was beautiful. It was all worth it.

Leg 3 Vicki Smith My aim was just to complete this 12.3 leg. My ankle was still playing up and was extremely weak. I’d badgered all the other girls into running and felt I couldn’t let anyone down. I had done this leg 2 years ago and had a very good run on it. Leg 3 starts on a hill, but nothing too onerous. There is a very long flat between miles 3 and 8. The tendency here is to pick up the pace and chase the runner in front. With a long straight road ahead of me I could see runners at least a mile in front and wished I had a tardis to put me where they were! I was getting great support from Joe, Andy, Jenny and Martin. Joe took great delight in waving an icecream at me saying ‘look what I’ve got!’ Jenny reckons I’m a camel because I wasn’t accepting drinks off her! At mile 8 the leg starts to climb 500ft in the space of 2 miles. It follows a single track road, so there is no support for the latter part of the leg. I was aware of another female runner behind me and knew at some point she was going to overtake me. We were both catching the Prestatyn runner who kept stopping to walk on the hill climb. Towards the top we both passed him. We then had a very steep run down for the last mile to the finish. The Tata Steel runner was far stronger than me going down. I was just thankful that my ankle held out and I finished in one piece! All I could think about now was a nice refreshing dip in the sea at Barmouth!

Leg4 Bev Brown 20 people finishing with no problems was great even if we were last! I will put the date in my diary for next year with an early request for the same leg before anyone else snaps it up! Leg 4 from Maentwrog to Harlech is very scenic and apart from the slight undulation at the beginning is nice and flat. I did think I was last for most of the race because I couldn't see or hear anyone behind (or in front) of me so was really pleased to see that there were several people behind me when I finished. A word of warning to anyone competing next year - don't go and ask the Red Cross for a plaster. I had a blister and they insisted on filling in a very lengthy form of my whole medical history before handing one over!

Leg 5 Em Dwyer

Leg 6 Melissa This was my first ever team race and so I was somewhat anxious about letting everyone down.
As I think Claire said, our competitors were "quick". I think I must have blinked and they were gone. From then, for much of the way I also had a lonely run with a few people just in sight and I think the heavy breathing of one other runner behind. I felt very lucky to be a newbie to the striders and subsequently fortunate enough to have the lovely flat leg of Barmouth to Dolgelleth - I managed these 10.7 miles in 1 hr 18 mins which almost finished me off and I dont think I would ever have achieved prior to running with and having the encouragement of the striders. I know its only been 4/52 but its amazing what a bit of support and camaraderie can do. Anyway as I sprinted (my kind of sprint not that of the elites who finished way ahead) to the end the realisation hit that I do officially have the bug for racing so if there is a leg going next year preferably not too hilly, count me in. Thanks again all for the chance to do the Castles and for welcoming me to the striders.

Leg 7 Joanne Hawkins This was my first Welsh Castles Relay and I’d heard before how good all the runners were. Stupidly, instead of learning from this, I turned up at the race the most unprepared ever after a heavy night the night before and very little training over the past few weeks. Luckily arriving at the race without having eaten any lunch, Steph fed me with a banana and Jenny turned up with everything else that I’d forgotten – water, lucozade, jelly babies, safety pins and suntan lotion!
My leg was a mountain leg ( leg 7) and involved about 6 miles running up some very steep, never-ending hills where there seemed to be very little shade from the sun. I swore to myself never to drink so much wine the night before again. By the time I got to the top, the steep downhill seemed just as hard as I developed the horrible jelly leg feeling. For most of the run I thought I was at the back as everyone seemed so much further ahead, but was pleased when Jenny told me there were a few others behind me. I ended up doing the 9.75 miles in 1 hour 25 minutes. I thought the whole weekend was brilliant. It was a really fun atmosphere with all marshals and runners supporting each other regardless of who you ran for, as well as all the cars driving past and cheering everyone on too. Thanks so much to Jenny, Martin and Steph for supporting me throughout. Also thanks Vicki for organising it all. It must have been quite stressful trying to fill all the places! I also agree with Dawn – a BBQ on the Saturday night at the campsite would be good fun!

Leg 8 Dawn Clarke For my 3rd year of this event I had my “easiest” leg yet, leg 8 (after doing Drovers the first year, then leg 3 last year) and I have to say I almost enjoyed it! Or I did once I reached about mile 6 of the uphill and started on the nice 4mile downhill finish! Whilst not as steep as some of the climbs I’ve done, I found the gradual uphill still a challenge. Support from everyone (including other teams) was superb as always, and the weather was good too.

Leg 9 Sandra Stokes Really enjoyed the Welsh Castles – ran my socks off! Never ran so fast in my life but still finished 5th Lady – but not quite last (4 runners behind me!). I had a flattish short bit in between the Elite runners Dawn and Carolyn who had the hills – so Thanks Vicky – it suited me down to the ground. Not too hot as it was later in the day (5.40 pm start). Thanks go to Peter & his girls who supported me and even to Adam (non running partner) – who has finally got the hang of “support” (his original plan was “I’ll drop you off Sandra but I am off to watch the football at 7.00pm…can you make your own way back to Newtown????? Bring on plan B (found pub at end of run). Peter I think you must have given him a pep talk! Adam was even on excellent supporting form the next day to support Clare’s leg. Camping – was as good as camping gets. Weather superb!
Suggestion for next year -
Bitten runners had a spear shaped promotional flag and they all spotted it /camped around it in the field. I had put a spa strider vest on my tent as we were 2nd tent on the field but hardly anyone saw it as we were around the corner of the field near the track. The field was open from mid afternoon. They had “alternative notes” on each leg. So it is worth saving our run reports!! Food – agree BBQ. There was only one pub doing food in Newtown and everything shuts up early! Yes the rumour is true we didn’t get to eat on Saturday we missed the toast as well next day! The BBQ would need a “cut off” point for those running next day – the Bitten BBQ noise continued into the early hours so I felt for those who had to get up early and run/support – well done to those that did ! Run report: Stage 9 - Foel to Llanfair Caereinion - 8.6 miles Start from the Chapel (there is some parking – Chapel on LHS – you could park on road on the right). Starts with a longish slow hill (but nothing daunting) …then a bit undulating…..and then flat – you follow the road (albeit a bit winding) all the way). There are not loads of stopping off points for cars but everyone offered drinks. Towards the end it is flat and downhill. Worst bit is at the very end! There is a steep climb up to the Recreation Centre – it goes up hill and then around the corner to the left (so you don’t see the round the corner bit when you drive past it!). This was the most disappointing bit for me…..I managed to catch up the runner in front……I knew it was possible when I spotted her slowing down looking back on the corner …I caught her and passed her at the very bottom of the steep slope up to the Recreation Centre. …but she then just came straight past me again about 10 strides later …..I just did not expect this!! (Naive I know… but good lessons learnt)! If it ever happens again – I will be ready!!! (Note she was not the 4th lady so I would still have been 5th Lady! The 4th Lady was Bitten.) If you want me next year I should be available!

Leg 10 Carolyn Wilkinson This was my 2nd running of the Welsh Castles. Last year I ran Stage 11 - Newtown to Llanbadarn Fynydd - 12.3 miles (the early leg on day 2) but this year I ran Stage 10 - Llanfair Caereinion to Newtown - 13.3 miles (last leg on day 1). Most of you will know that I generally don't mind running up hills but I did find leg 10 tough. The route out of Llanfair Caereinion started with a long steep hill, a bit of steep downhill then up another massive hill. I was nearly broken towards the top of this second hill but resisted the temptation to walk. The summit was then immediately followed by a very steep downhill which was worse than the ascent. The last 6 miles of the course was then predominantly level but my legs were too weak to really enjoy them and the leading ladies were too far off to even attempt to chase. The last mile was on a cycle path next to the river, a very pleasant stretch but with no support. Then suddenly you rounded a corner and the finish line was in sight. I was disappointed with my overall finishing position (having won a stage leg last year) but my mood was then lifted by being given a spot prize goody bag. The latter consisted of a bright yellow t-shirt (you may see Trevor wearing this as it is too big for me) and a £25 running shop voucher.

The final challenge of the day was braving the freezing cold showers at the Sports Centre at Newton- you certainly felt refreshed after them. The day was rounded off with a very nice impromptu BBQ in the sports field camping ground next to the sports centre. On the day I certainly found this to be the toughest race I've done. With hindsight I think this may have been due to feeling a bit under the weather as I've been off work ever since with the mother of all sore throats. So don't let me put anyone off stage 10.....!

Leg 12 Sue Cox

Leg 13 Steph Garies This was my first Welsh Castles Relay and it was also my first 10 mile run! With absolutely no sleep the night before (forgot to close the tent door and my tent became an icebox - rookie camping mistake!) and a daunting looong run ahead, I was absolutely grateful for all the support from the Striders and the other teams. In fact, I actually really enjoyed my run - a scenic 10.6 miles from Crossgates to Builth Wells, a few hills thrown in, and a beautiful landscape to keep me completely distracted! I took it slow and steady (not knowing anything about pacing a 10m run) and managed to finish in 1 hour 30 min.¬ Thanks again Jo, Fiona, and Kate for driving me to and from Wales; a huge thanks to Dawn and Mike for giving me lots of support on my leg, even with an early morning start! And thanks, Vicki, for roping me into this at the last minute - I ended up having a great time and managed to see most of Wales in just two days!

Leg 14 Esther Wollaston I can only only say what others above me have said. I was not looking forward to the day at all but actually had a really nice day. I large part of that was how easy the run was made by Jude's Husband Pete being an excellent chauffeur and Vicky and Family being a wonderful transfers before legs. I have driven myself in the past and the whole day had a totally different pressure. The best thing is about the Welsh castles is the team spirit, both your own and every other. I think everyone took pity on me, being way at the back of the Drover's field and supported me continuously. By the time I reached the top I think all supporters knew my name and the fact that I strongly dislike hills! When we do the Hilly 100 we support our own teams and smile and clap at the right times for others but this is just a totally different race. I even had people stopping me in Morrisons in Breacon and congratulating me on my leg (regardless of the fact that I was second to last!) Well I am glad it is done and for future reference ( Carolyn!) it is not a stroll in the hills but I am still here and my legs feel fine. Thanks again for everyone's support. Especially to my favourite supporter Joe, who was a super star !!

Leg 15 Kate Evans

Leg 16 Clare Hinton I think I can safely say that I have never run amongst such an elite field! When I looked at my average pace during the first mile (before the climb began!) and it was sub-7mm and I was at the back(!!), I knew that it was a different league. Fortunately I knew I had to slow down with the imminent hill if I had a chance of keeping going all the way up, so I did which put me firmly in what I thought was last place, but pretty soon into the climb, I picked off 2 other runners and managed to widen my lead on them, but not gaining on the bloke infront of me in the distance! I had fantastic support from Sandra and her husband all the way up with regular words of encouragement, drinks and a sponge- thank you.
What I also love about this race is the support you get from other support crews - whether it be some kind words, a drink, a sponge or being passed by a minibus with a blow up doll strapped to the back wearing a running vest! Didn't fail to make me chuckle to myself during those tough moments up the hill! I have never run that far all uphill before in one go without some flats/downs to recuperate and am proud of the pace I did and for not walking/stopping at all - even if I was near the bottom of the results list and 5th lady out of 5 from the ladies' teams! To put it into context and make myself feel better, I googled the other lady competitors on my stage / looked them up on 'thepowerof10' to see their race PBs (sad I know!) - the 1st lady on my stage has a half PB of 70 mins (yes,1hr 10!) and 10k PB of 33:34, the 2nd has a half PB of 1:20 and mara 2:49! etc etc.They certainly put their elites out for this race - no wonder I was way out of my comfort zone!

Leg 18 Jude Baum We dropped Esther off at the start of the Drovers leg and then drove up it just to see if it's as bad as everyone says it is: it is! (Husband's observation was that we managed to get to the top in second gear so it could have been worse.) The running standard was certainly high and it was somewhat disconcerting to see some of our runners who I think of as being good nearer to the back of the field, even though they were running some great times. This did not bode well. Leg 18 is a bit of a peach though, especially as much if it is off road on tracks, well away from any traffic, and parts which are on the on road have good pavements and there were also good bush stops! It's also flat or gradually downhill for much of the way. Time was not brilliant (should have taken porridge for lunch) but I did manage a bit of a sprint at the end, and looking at the results there were more people behind me than I realised.

Leg 19 Fiona Salmon

Leg 20 Kathy Harris