On Saturday 13th July five novice fell runners dressed in Maroon stood nervously outside the Tyn Y Cornel Hotel in the Snowdonia mountain range ready to tackle the inaugural Cadair X Half Marathon.
Dominic Ashton, Paul Mansell, Karl Moore, Russell Collins , and Dave Long attacked the race with gusto on an overcast July morning. The race billed as “one of the toughest half marathons…” covers 14 miles and has a total height of 3720ft and the first four miles contained the biggest climbs and took over an hour to reach the summit of Cadair Idris.
Once in the cloud cover the ability to pick out the correct path became difficult and the Harriers soon learned how the fell running community support each other by assisting with navigation off the mountain on to the decent sections of the course.
Dave Long was the first WBH over the line in 2hours 35 minutes and in 11th place, with Karl Moore close behind in 2:47. Dominic broke 3 hours and finished in 2:57. Mean while Karl and Dave took a dip in the lake with Karl swimming and Dave cramping up and having to be helped out the water! Russell completed the tough course in 3:27 closely followed by Paul Mansell in 3:29.
None of the Harriers truly prepared for this race and took part for the challenge of running one of the most stunning mountains in Wales. The community feel and social aspect to this race made it a truly spectacular event and is highly recommended. Despite the heavy legs, several falls, and getting lost some of the harrier vow to continue the mountain running in the future, with several ideas of racing being shared on social media .
Pictures below courtesy of aberdovey Swim Flikr.
West Bromwich Harriers 