RACE REPORT
Beacons to the Blacks Race Report 2022
No rain in Wales once again! Who would have ever believed it? 😊
Perfect running weather that saw a 100% finish. Not a single DNF – awesome!
The day saw the Ultra & Marathon leave early from Llangynidr Village. Coached to the start, they arrived nervous, eager and a little excited.
After clapping them off, we had a quick return to HQ for a cuppa to start the process that Ian (We Are Timing Ltd) now has down to perfection: Dot watching. Nervous moments for us, checking that you guys all are on route, and all trackers are working (one wasn’t; call from CP staff – “Elle we have a runner off course in Libanus running at 60 miles per hour”). Medics delivering the new tracker had a chuckle at that one.
Trackers are essential on these events, with this type of terrain. They not only give you the added confidence knowing that we are watching, but also the safety aspect is crucial. They also highlight any sections that runners may accidently miss so we can ensure that the results are fair to everyone.
We saw some amazing running from both distances. Some awesome runners battling their first Ultra, and record-smashing Marathon times!
We must give a loud shout out to the Ladies of the day!!! We had joint winners of the 50 Mile Ultra – Una and Ceri battled it out from the start to the finish. Unbelievable running ladies.
Luke Grenfell-Shaw smashed the marathon in 3hrs 50, a new course record by 50 mins!! Incredible feats of endurance and strength.
HQ as usual was a hive of activity during the day. Food prep, fire pit prep (ready for the later returns), physio prep for the lucky ones. Dot watching constantly whilst getting the Half and 12km ready to hit the hills too. As the Marathon winner was flying back over the hills, we had to act fast for his speedy return. Bacon butties had to wait!
We started getting runners back in consistently. Hot food (and yes home-made) for the Ultras, or “proper food” as described by one guy.
A starry sky, and the half marathon flags to guide you home, were a welcome reward for finishing in the dark.
In the early hours we welcomed our final runners in. One guy was a little out-of-sorts, but with a little medical advice, a bowl and a bed (rather than a tent), he slept for a few hours to recover. He left feeling much better in the morning.
Aislin, an inspirational young lady, achieved her Ultra goal. Perseverance and guts, she was encouraged on the first half of the Ultra by the back runners. Her dad Brian and Richard then took the reins from mile 26. She magically stormed in with a huge smile. At 23, she fully deserved that Inspirational Award. Well done – great team work.
Here are the top 3 winners and times
50 mile Ultra
Male
Richard Ridgway 10.49.52
Paul Perratt 11.39.05
Chris Sapiano 12.03.21
Female
Una Miles 10.34.54 +15 mins penalty, awarded Joint 1st with:
Ceri Merwood 10.49.25
Sharon Cox 15.59.26
Marathon
Male
Luke Grenfell-Shaw 3.50.29
John Melbourne 4.50.12
Ian Ogilvie 5.07.13
Female
Cassie Jones 5.21.38
Athanasia Agora 6.49.40
Danielle Hopkins 7.49.20
So, we move on to the Half Marathon & 12km – both of these new distances did not disappoint. Leaving together, their first hideous hill to climb was a little indication of what was to follow.
Zig & Zag, aka Steve & Nick, had set the route and were there to compete and back-run. Zag coming in second male!! Two local legends battling it out on the 12km again.
However here we go - first home was yet another Lady!!! Lucy Williamson in 1:18mins 😊, followed closely by Alan Jordan in 1:20. Amazing running guys, and congratulations.
We do wonder what Mr Jordan plans to do with his ever-growing selection of trophies – we suggest a path of fame in the garden, leading to the hills maybe….I am convinced he will be adding to his path by Xmas.
The Half Marathon is a tough route too – we saw this being tackled by some of the best and won by Tony James 1:55 and Pippa Ebel 1:57 outstanding race (Pip being the GF of Luke! What a pair)
One of our faves from our previous events, Flora Beverley @foodfitnessflora, was back with us with her first trail event after some time out – a tough one to start back with!! She was delighted with 2nd female, and this fantastic video shows how much she enjoyed the whole thing. Bravo Flora, great to have you with us again!
Here are the top 3 winners and times
Half Marathon
Male
Tony James 1.55.36
Tomas Black 2.01.19
David Richardson 2.09.14
Female
Pippa Ebel 1.57.23
Flora Beverley 2.15.20
Rachel Burgess 2.18.21
12km
Male
Alan Jordon 1.20.06
Nick Haley 1.27.12
Paul Bird 1.33.29
Female
Lucy Williamson 1.18.39
Catherine Whitehill 1.30.47
Jane England 1.33.43
We have to mention; our furry friends who accompanied their owners and smashed the routes; the National Park for dropping paving slabs, keeping the runners focused on anything but running with the helicopter overhead; the herds of Shetland ponies apparently unconcerned by the company.
Thank you for all your lovely emails, messages of support and kind words. We have shared these with our team of amazing Volunteers and Staff, all of whom give their time for free. Our Medics at EAS, our photographers Andy & Mixxy who walk miles to capture that one pic, our timing pair Ian and Fran. Danni our inhouse physio. Nick, Steve, Mike & Juli. Our incredible back runners. Family, friends and so many more. All true legends!!
We cannot thank the team enough.
We hope that you enjoyed the event with us as much as we enjoy supporting you.
Our Secret Santa Series on 3rd December is open for a bit of a challenge, and we promise that you will have fun - maybe even in the snow?!
Elle and all the Team at Limitless