A SMALL contingent of Brecon AC athletes took part in the Welsh Road Relays at Pembrey Park, Llanelli.
At the time of entry two weeks previously the U13 boys team looked most likely to upset the bigger club teams and take a podium place. By the time of the event enforced withdrawals meant that there was no longer a team in this age group and the other athletes probably travelled more in hope than expectation. However, references to “it’s all on the day” and larger ladies warbling proved to be appropriate here as the club came home with a number of medals.
First up was a mixed race for primary school pupils over approximately 1300m. Brecon twins Ruby and Will Herdman made the long journey to compete and in Ruby’s case she was particularly glad that she did because she came in first girl and got to stand proudly on the podium that was to be used later for some of the best current senior athletes in wales. Will had a few medical issues that restricted his speed but he was still in a very respectable position just below midway down the finish list.
Next up were the U17 women and Tiegan Ward kicked off the club challenge by running the eigth fastest leg out of 28 competitors. Her 12 mins 8 sec time for the two-mile loop was the fourth fastest of the opening leg runners. Ruby Carleton took over for the second leg and ran strongly to record 13.41 – a little more racing would ensure an extra turn of speed. Glesni Powell unfortunately found herself isolated for much of her final leg which pushed her time out to 15.30, although to be fair not many athletes went past her. The team finished eighth out of 10 but this is an excellent statement of intent for the girls.
The major race was the mixed and combined age group senior/masters race. Brecon contributed F45 and M55 teams to the large number who toed the line.
Although the Brecon men’s team finished (slightly) ahead of the women it was the women who were the winners as they swept the F45 opposition aside.
Catherine Olivant opened with a solid 26.08 (5.4K legs) which put the team second and was the sixth fastest of the 12 runners from four different clubs. It was, however, impossible to see who was where in amongst the men and women of all ages. Bev Tucker took over from Catherine and also ran strongly with her 26.19 making her eighth fastest of the day. Nicole Johnson however took the team from second by almost a minute to first place with a winning margin of about half a minute. Nic’s supercharged run (25.59) was the fifth fastest F45 time of the day. Kathryn Powell travelled as reserve and wouldn’t have weakened this team if she had been needed to run.
The M55 team were one of seven teams containing a number of wily old goats who have been running for many years and still retain an incredible level of fitness. The fastest time of the day was an impressive 21.41 for the 5.4k leg. Occasional runner Derek Osborne kicked off for Brecon and managed a 25.07 effort before handing over to David Grant who was making his debut in competitive running.
Despite also giving a few years to some of the opposition David recorded a very respectable 26.51 before passing on to former British League steeplechaser Mark Roberts who showed that he still has a fair turn of speed by recording 23.33, the ninth fastest leg of the day. The team finished sixth out of seven but will know that with just small improvements this could be higher next year.