RHAYADER AC welcomed a record 225 runners to the Elan Valley 10 mile road race Saturday November 21.
The race also incorporated the East Wales 10 mile championships.
The overall winner was 33-year-old Chris Millington from Cardiff representing the city’s Les Croupiers running club. Chris, a history lecturer, spoke warmly about the event saying it was well worth the trip up the A470.
His fast time of of 57 minutes, despite losing a shoe at the start, reflected the good, albeit chilly, running conditions after a bitter north wind died down before the runners set off.
First woman home was Emma Wookey, a 22 year old travel agent from Newport with a time of just under 65 minutes. Emma, who represented Lliswerry Runners, is a member of the elite half marathon squad which will represent Wales in the World Half Marathon Championships to be held in Cardiff in 2016.
A poignant aspect of the race was created by the athletes from Aberystwyth who ran in memory of their running colleague of many years, Cliff Thomas, who died suddenly recently.
Cliff was a familiar figure - almost an ever present at local races. He competed in the 20 mile Round the Lakes race earlier this year and had plans to compete in Saturday’s race.
Eira Edwards, Rhayader’s race organiser, said: "It was a great race, everything went well and my sincere thanks go to the marshals who braved the cold. We were pleasantly surprised and delighted at the number of runners who took part this year making it the biggest ever Elan Valley 10.
"Runners really appreciate the beauty of the area – and the fact that they can get hot food at the Visitor’s Centre afterwards. Our thanks also to the Centre staff; having such a good base in which to register runners and present the prizes afterwards is a real bonus. Finally, our thanks to Deputy Mayor, Clare Evans for starting the runners off."
The full results can be found on the Rhayader AC website and for more information contact Peter Anderson on 01597 822697 or 07527 104620.