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Change of plan... I've been lucky enough to also get an entry for Jura the following weekend and am gunna head up to Scotland for the week, so shalln't be racing Cader.
As above there's no waiting list, but entries are transferable. Anyone on here fancy it before I offer it up to the masses on Faceache? gazb? Sasquatch?
Sent you a PM James. Cheers.
Really enjoyed today's race - something a bit different for me. Took it reasonably easy on the way up as I was dreading the last couple of miles on the road and still got round in 2.02. Weather was just about perfect for running and fabulous support both in Dolgellau and up on the mountain. Now off for a beer.
Fully agree with PeteS. My first time and I really enjoyed it. Great atmosphere and great race. I was a bit slower in 2.22, but stil 70 behind me.
Sold out in 45 minutes! :-o
I’m in PeteS.... was a bit of a “Facebook meltdown” when the link wasn’t working as advertised at midday...Quote:
Originally Posted by PeteS
I was registered within 5mins of it working and over 100 places had already gone!
Glad you got a place - I noticed your name on the start list. As I don't do Facebook, I sat there refreshing the page on my laptop every 5 minutes while I was having lunch. I think 150 had gone by the time I got a place.
I really enjoyed it last year and it was one of the first races on my to do list for 2020 so would have been gutted not to get in.
Unsurprisingly cancelled but entries valid for 2021. You can also transfer to a friend or get a refund.
Is it really 20 years since I did this race:eek: I think it was 2000 when it was a British champs race, Ian Holmes won from what I remember
Finally ran the race yesterday which had been postponed from both 2020 and 2021. A real mix of weather made for interesting conditions - dry start, windy/wet/mist on the top and sunny, hot and humid on the way down.
I managed 2:09 for 97th place which given I'm still on an injury rehab program and not pushing it, I was quite pleased with. A few aches and pains today but nothing broken so hopefully I'll get some more races in soon.
Had a great weekend as well - we went up on Friday and got a lovely walk in the late evening sun above Bala. After the race we headed out to the coast, took the dog on a walk along the beach in glorious sunshine and then had a fantastic campervan curry watching the waves.
Today saw a beautiful B road trip back via the Breidden Hills for another walk before home
Nice one Pete.
I donated my place to someone on Facebook as couldn't make it this year. But a race I'd love to do soon.
Apart from the tarmac at the start and finish it is great race. Was that Steel Band making a racket this year?Quote:
Originally Posted by PeteS
I don't mind the tarmac at the start - at least it is up a reasonable incline - but the last 2k on tired legs are horrible.
Yes the Samba drummers (Batala) were there in force again bringing a carnival atmosphere to the whole event. Unfortunately the dog didn't appreciate their efforts..
I think others have said on here that it's not the best route up Cadair which is undoubtedly true. However, it does stand out mainly due to the atmosphere in Dolgellau. There is plenty going on with the earlier fun run and entertainment and the support from the local community both in the town and up on the mountain is fantastic.Quote:
Originally Posted by Travs
Definitely worth the trip.
Also worth a recce for a good descent line from the top to Rhiw Gwredydd. A lot of runners go wide and low, following the fence line to the south which although further is mainly on grass and avoids the rougher path sections and boulders. Probably gains you a minute or two?
I agree Pete, the atmosphere in town certainly adds something to the race. And yes, the lower grassy line for the descent every time as long as the correct line is taken to reach it because there is a short section of loose ankle snapping rocks with grass growing through them which can really slow you down.
As for the best route up Cadair my favourite is a horseshoe from Minffordd on the Southern side which takes in Penygadair and Mynydd Moel. Not very runnable for the most part as it is so steep but the most scenic. Ideal for a great 3/4hrs walk and on a nice day a refreshing dip in Llyn Cau!
While idly browsing a few weeks ago, I came across a race that does go up Cadair Idris from the Minffordd side: https://www.cadairx.co.uk . Unfortunately, a half-marathon is a bit long for me these days; after coming off the mountain to Llanfihangel-y-Pennant, I would end up walking the last 5km at a pace slower than Mary Jones when she famously went that way on her walk to Bala.Quote:
Originally Posted by Llani Boy
What would be a really good race would a short blast from Minffordd, up via Llyn Cau on the shortest route to the summit and back along the Minffordd path.
Thanks Anthony, good spot.
I don't like lining the pockets of professional race organisers but as it is Cadair I am thinking of making an exception in this case and it fits in with other plans. Hoping to round up two or three others and fingers crossed that I'll be injury free.
Agreed, really enjoyed doing this race. It was boiling hot when I did it in, I think 2009. I sorta like that it goes up a different way from the "best" hike, as it gave me a different view. : )
There's so many races to compete for this (and the next weekend) though. OCT, Jura...
Entries opened today for WFRA members (it's included in the WFRA championship this year) and then on general sale from 23rd.
See you there Pete. :)Quote:
Originally Posted by PeteS
I hope so. I may not being doing many more of the WFRA championship races but I'm going to make a conscious effort to do more Welsh races this year as I have done very few races in Wales even though for me it's nearer than the Lakes etc.Quote:
Originally Posted by Llani Boy
A scorcher on Saturday for this years run which was the 4th Welsh Champs race of 2023. I had forgotten how long the tarmac stretch at the start was, a mile and a half, and it felt even longer on the way back to the finish on empty legs.
I really enjoyed the rest of it despite the heat but lost a few seconds at each stream crossing, two up and two down, as I stopped for a capful of refreshing mountain water to pour over my head.
I also used the old trick of smearing a line of Vaseline across both eyebrows and the outside of the eye sockets. It worked, as the first bead of sweat only entered one eye as I crossed the finishing line!
It didn't make me any quicker than my last attempt in 2018, finishing 5 minutes slower in 2hr 4min 47 sec, 85th o/a and 3rd M60. My aim was to get under 2hs again but happy enough given the heat and I can handle a minute a year decline!
The winner was Finlay Grant of Dark Peak (u23) in 1.26.31 and the first lady was Sara Willhoit of Mercia, 13th o/a in 1.36.15
Rehydration was achieved with a fantastic Citra Pale Ale 3.4% from Robinsons outside The Royal Ship Hotel watching the world go by.
Well done, Llani. Another great run.
I won't say I enjoyed the race - I didn't and have decided this was my last though whether that holds up, who knows! The heat was the main factor and when we reached the zigzags, I was hoping a breeze and cooler air may arrive but no. A struggle from there in not helped by (yet another) fall on the way down. No serious damage but it does the confidence no good. Happy enough with 2:16 given the circumstances but I doubt I'll be getting anywhere near my previous best of 2:02 again. The positives I will take are that I least got a PB on some of the early Strava segments including the road section so not all bad.
A great weekend in all as well. Weather was amazing, first sunburn of the year, lovely walk/meal on the beach Saturday evening and great walk from lake Vyrnwy on the way home.
I assume you mean that this might be you're last Ras Y Gader rather than last fell race. Hope so.Quote:
Originally Posted by PeteS
You had a decent run Pete. Looking at Strava we were neck and neck on the road section with you pulling ahead around the lake and to just below the zig zags where I overtook you. I didn't recognise you or I'd have said hello. I think I was just looking a the ground in front of me by that stage, not wanting to look up and see what was ahead!
Yes, a tumble does knock ones confidence. Hopefully I'll see you at perhaps a less gnarly race later in the
year.
Well done Llani and Pete.
Llani you beat some decent guys in younger categories.... when i first started racing round Shropshire and South Wales i had some good battles with Dave Powell from Aberwystwyth. Actually he might be in your category now.
Yes probably just my last Ras Y Gader. There's a lot of positives to this race but I've done it a few times now and that box is well and truly ticked. It's certainly not my last ever fell race - indeed, I had planned to do more Welsh races this year which is something I've not really done before but work and family commitments have put pay to that. Hopefully will do some new ones in the not too distant future.Quote:
Originally Posted by Llani Boy
BTW - were you one of the Matlock AC runners? If so, I think I passed you on the road section and you were parked practically next to us - we have an orange VW campervan (and a very barky collie!)
Thanks Travs.
Yes, Dave is in my category and beat me in the Ras Barcud Coch trail half marathon. I think he is concentrating on longer, slower events like Ultras nowadays.
Yes I was. I exchanged a few words with a lady sat in the back of the VW with a collie. I assume she was your other half (the lady not the collie) ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by PeteS
Thanks Pete.Quote:
Originally Posted by Travs
Had me well and truly beaten!
The one with the grey hair is my wife. ;-)Quote:
Originally Posted by Llani Boy
Well I know who I am looking out for now and you obviously can't miss my van. Don't have any other races in the calendar at the moment but four fans is a possibility.
My next Welsh race is Pen Y Fan on 9th July.
The best race on the calendar.... you won't regret it, but its a toughie!Quote:
Originally Posted by PeteS
Race is clockwise this year, which does in my view give an added dimension to the various route options.
I did recce most of it last year but could really do with a refresher and look at options beforehand.
Hoping to fit that in next month as I'm due a trip to Cardiff anyway.