SOME tough events have been targeted by members of Denbigh Harriers.
Three Harriers made their way down to the beautiful Abergynolwyn, near Tywyn, for Ras Tarrenhendre.
This was a six-mile fell race with a whopping 2,000 feet of ascent.
For Tony Wood and Mel Morris, this was their second race in the Meirionnydd winter race series, while for Katy Baugh it was her first, but one that was certainly suited to her running abilities.
The weather was less than promising on the long drive down; rain and wind and that was the story too of the first mile or two of the race, but this soon cleared to leave a beautiful winter morning, as well as plenty of mud!
The lower reaches of the race are run on a mixture of well-marked tracks and footpaths through the forest and a seemingly never ending climb - or three - up to the open fells where competitors get approximately half-a-kilometre of flattish running before a steep descent down.
It was wild for those taking part, with bogs up to their knees, slalom mud runs with people sliding from side-to-side and over, and just wishful thinking to cling to that you are going in the right direction!
This was a really well organised race with a stunning backdrop and enough technical running to keep hardy fell runners happy.
Obviously, it was a tough competition, but Tony met this head on, coming in 20th in a field of 70 in a fantastic time of one hour and 23 seconds.
Katy too had a totally brilliant run, showing just how strong she is at the moment.
She came in 39th - and the sixth female - in a time of 1-09.35.
Mel brought up the rear - and most of the mud too - in 54th spot (the 13th female) in a time of 1-17.41.
Certainly a race to remember and definitely to be recommended.
Things were somewhat quieter for Simon Nixon at the Greenfield Valley parkrun, where he crossed the line in 10th position in 24.07.
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