Welsh Castle2007

Wigan Phoenix Running Club

WELSH CASTLES RELAY

In the Midday Heat rises a Majestic Monarch

Like a proud Stag astride a Magnificent Mountain top stands the newly crowned ‘Monarch of the Mountain’.

When Wigan Phoenix Stalwart Chris Wilson was stood on the start line of the Cricceith to Maentwrog leg of this most prestigious stage race (a leg most people would have difficulty pronouncing let alone running.) Little did he or anyone else realise that this was going to be the beginning of a journey that would lead him to the top of a mountain, back down again and into running folklore!

In searing heat Chris was about to tackle one of the toughest races of his life 12.1 miles with a mountain in between him and the finish line. Chris, as those of you who know him well, likes nothing better than tackling the odd mountain or two as his poor wife and children know all too well, but that’s walking! This time it was for real and this time Angie and the kids could only stand and watch as their hero, with a steely and determined look at the runner in front of him, took his last swig of Powerade and disappeared round the first bend of this mammoth climb! The next time we were to see Chris he would be a changed man no longer would he be known as Tree Beard! For Chris was now a living legend! His fearsome double kick in the last few hundred metres had destroyed any hope would be pretenders to his throne had in claiming his rightful position of ‘MONARCH OF THE MOUNTAIN’

On any other weekend this story would be enough to satisfy anyone’s lust for a ‘Ripping Yarn’ but this was only one of many, on a weekend that would bring stories of heroism, agony, passion & above all togetherness!

This was the 25^th running of the Welsh Castles Relays and this is the Wigan Phoenix Story!

Stage 1 Caernarfon Castle to Penygroes 9.1 Miles

It’s true what they say women can multi task better than men, as Yvonne Wyke proved on the opening stage of this year’s race. Already running late for the start line Yvonne’s warm up and preparation was upset when her young son decided to empty the contents of his breakfast all over the back of the car with a bit of projectile vomiting. No fear for Yvonne as she quickly cleaned up child and car and then went on to clean up the opposition to be first lady and a top 7 finish in an excellent time of 01:01:28. Phoenix’s first ever Castle Relay was off to a flying start.

Stage 2 Penygroes to Cricceith Castle 10.7 miles

If ever you need a solid performance on a race you don’t have to look much further than one of Wigan Phoenix’s best Marathon runners and once again Barry Abram did not disappoint. A strong performance kept us high up the field as Barry ran in a time of 01:10:03 to finish in a solid 12^th place

Stage 3 Cricceith Castle to Maentwrog 12.1 miles

Chris Wilson ‘Monarch of the Mountain’ what more can I say that I haven’t already. 9^th place on a very competitive stage in a time of 01:14:10.

Stage 4 Maentwrog to Harlech Castle 9.4 miles

Mo Manir-Jolley. You can never say that Mo doesn’t give it his all, whether it’s racing or training, the bloke breaths out of every hole he can from start line to finish and today was no exception! A dodgy stomach from mile four and the thought that he was going to have to do it all again the next day for his other team Chorus didn’t restrict his level of commitment but did possibly cost him victory as he finished as Phoenix highest placed finisher in 2^nd place in a time of 56.15.

Stage 5 Harlech Castle to Barmouth 9.6 miles

Like her husband before her Lyn was also running for Chorus the next day. I’m not quite sure of her link with Chorus although it has been rumoured that she has had to get a second job in the foundry at Mo’s factory to help pay for their new country residence. Apparently she bends steel bars with her bare hands, or so the rumour goes! As the temperature was really beginning to soar by now so was Lyn’s performance finishing in 10^th place overall and our second lady stage winner in a good time of 01:05:43. I’m not sure whether it was the heat or putting in some overtime at the steel factory that had made her face go so red!

Stage 6 Barmouth to Dolgellau 10.7 miles

Kath Charnock took another step towards getting back to her former excellent standards. Following her great run at the Windermere Marathon, Kath once again pulled off a powerful run with a convincing lady’s stage win and 12^th place overall in a time of 01:11:41 and our 4^th Stage win of the day. Let’s hope Kath can carry on this return to form and rekindle those International Days!

Stage 7 Dolgellau to Dinas Mawddwy 9.75 miles

The second mountain stage of the day and a really tough course for a really tough runner. England Ultra Distance runner Andy Eccles showed why he holds 2 England vests. In one of the most competitive stages of the race Andy’s strength told up this massive climb and a blistering finish held off the challenge from the Royal Airforce team to finish in 13^th place in 01:03:28. And all this within a couple of weeks of competing in a 100km race! On completing his leg Andy stated “I think my legs are still a bit tired from the 100k” Well, you don’t say!

Stage 8 Dinas Mawddwy to Foel 11.2 miles

In the same way the previous leg might have felt a bit short for Andy Eccles. This could well have proved a tad long for Rachel Moore. Although Rachel has been winning races left, right and centre up to 10k, she has been known to go a little pale at the thought of racing beyond that distance. Though today she showed that she was capable of going beyond 10 miles without getting a nose bleed! Rachel finished a very credible 3^rd in a very competitive women’s race and 14^th overall in a time of 01:14:36. Although when we passed her in the car we did see her smiling! What’s all that about, Rachel?

Stage 9 Foel to Llanfair Caereinion 8.6 miles

What a race to have your team relay debut. Ben who’s only been running competitively for a few weeks showed just why he was selected for the team, with a performance more experienced runners would kill for! Ben ran a calculated run picking runners off throughout the race to finish in an excellent 8^th place in 00:54:31

Stage 10 Llanfair Caereinion to Newton 13.3 miles

Some might say theirs and advantage in not knowing who you’re competing against. It means you don’t end up paying them too much respect. Well this is true in some cases but when one of your fellow competitors is Richie Gardiner a sub 02:20 marathon runner you might be advised to accept you are not going to win today! This is the beauty of Andy Ward’s run he didn’t give too hoot’s who was on the start line they were all there for the taking. And when he reached the summit of the first climb of the 3^rd mountain stage of the day, neck and neck with Richie it appeared Andy’s policy of No Fear was a sound policy to take. If only it wasn’t for another 10 miles of the race to go I’m sure Andy would have used his 1500metre kick to out sprint him. Alas it wasn’t to be, as a painful stitch put paid to Andy’s challenge as he slipped back down the field but still managed a spirited run to finish in 10^th place in a time of 01:21:32. We could all do with taking a leaf out of Andy’s book, ignore who you are going up against and maybe one day you’ll be the one people fear on the start line! As Andy would say “What are they gonna do?”

Overnight rest was camping out on a school field in the middle of a large estate, cold showers and a chippy tea, unless of coarse you’re the manager of one of Wigan’s most exclusive restaurants who put everyone to shame with her BBQ, fine wine silver cutlery and Napkin. Even in the middle of a field theirs no excuse for lowering one’s standards!

Day 2

Stage 11 Newton to Llanbadam Fynydd 12.3 miles

After a night spent under canvas a 5.45 wake up call was the last thing anyone wanted. However when you need an EARLY RISER and some one who can PERFORM well no matter what time of the day it is theirs only one man UP for the job, only one person with the spirit, strength and willingness to sacrifice a sleeping bag and inflatable bed for his team mates. That man is none other than John Worthington a man you can rely upon. As ever John got the day off to a great start with a 5^th place on the first of the days mountain stages in a time of 01:12:58. Thanks again John you’re a star!

Stage 12 Llanbadam Fynydd to Crossgates 11.2 miles

It’s been a long time coming, but Vinny Robinson finally showed some of the form we all know he’s got. The half centurion charmer was in fine form and obviously meant business on this competitive stage as he finished in 12^th place in front of many younger athletes, in a time of 01:10:09 only 11 seconds behind the first lady. Well theirs a surprise! And quite a looker if I recall (that’s the first lady by the way not Vinny)

Stage 13 Crossgates to Builth Wells 10.6 miles

In true Martin Andrew’s style he made sure he wasn’t going to be beaten by a woman. A steady start however meant that the first few miles were a bit of a worry as the first lady had quite a lead on him to begin with luckily this hadn’t gone unnoticed by Martin. And sure enough he didn’t disappoint as he steadily picked off one runner after another until he reached and passed his target. A small victory but it doesn’t matter how they come! 11^th place in 01:05:29 a full 25 seconds in front his female foe!

Stage 14 Builth Wells to Drovers Arms 11.00

One of the most brutal stages of the event! Resembling something from the Tour de France! A massive mountain climb under an unforgiving sun, and it was Wigan Phoenix’s Tattooed Tyrant, Tijuana Tim Pilkington who was handed the unenviable task of having to run it.

Respect, sometimes you pay something to much respect whereas on other occasions you don’t pay it enough and this was an occasion when those who didn’t pay this stage enough respect would barely live to survive! A gentle start to this stage led a lot of runners into a false sense of security as a large lead group made a blistering start but just like ‘The Tortoise and the Hare’ it soon proved that our Tactical Tortoise was soon to be reaping the benefits of his more controlled start. As the hill and heat began to bite some of those less sensible Hare’s were soon beginning to wilt but our Tenacious Tearaway was built of sterner stuff, but even Tim the Terrible could not believe his eyes when he was met with the devastation and decimation laid out before him on this Cruel Colossus Climb! As the bodies of lesser mortals lay strewn at the side of the road gasping for air, in a scene more suited to an ancient battlefield. Our own Triumphant Trojan, Tiredly Trudged on and like the Grim Reaper swept up anyone who fell under his shadow! And as the finish line came into sight and the temperature went up a notch Tim’s devoted wife and child were there to meet their returning hero. It should have been filmed in CinemaScope!

The big question is who will tackle it next year? I think there will be quite a few pretenders to this throne. I’m Spartacus, I’m Spartacus!

By the way Tim ran 01:16:48 and finished 29^th in probably the most competitive leg of all

Stage 15 Drovers Arms to Brecon 12.4 miles

Jane Raffell has had no end of injuries and bad luck recently but she put all that behind her to tackle one of the more competitive legs in the lady’s race. Jane battled hard against some stiff competition to finish 4^th in the ladies event and 18^th overall in a brilliant time of 01:22:11. Next time Jane do take a taste of your bottle of Lucozade before you decide to pour it over your head!

Stage 16 Brecon to Beacons Reservoir 9.0 miles

No one can ever accuse Dave Townsend of being an old romantic not only did he invite half the running club on his honeymoon, he had now given himself a shorter leg to run than his wife of 4 months. Nice 1 Dave it’s nice to know chivalry isn’t dead but what do you expect from someone who used to run for Horwich and supports Bolton Wanderers. Sadly I didn’t manage to see any of Dave’s run as I was stuck in Morrison’s trying to buy my lunch, but going off his time of 57.45 and 11^th place on a tough 9 mile mountain stage it looks like he had a good one!

Stage 17 Beacons Reservoir to Cyfartha Castle 9.2 miles

On a weekend of record temperatures and cloudless skies it did seem a little strange if not a bit scary that just as Debbie was starting her leg the clouds rolled in and it started to rain steadily for the entire duration of her run. A coincidence perhaps or was it something more sinister and linked to the strange dancing she was doing round the tents the night before. Whatever it was don’t let her have a lock of your hair God knows what she gets up to! Anyway the rain seemed to do the trick for her as she ran en excellent 01:11:30 to finish in 48^th place.

Stage 18 Merthyr to Abercynon 9.1 miles

With his first full cap for the Wigan Phoenix team evergreen Roy Hart was next up. Roy has found a new lease of life since reaching the grand age of 60 with some excellent results of late and several category wins. If you ask me though I wouldn’t mind seeing his birth certificate to see if he really is 60, although if my biggest decision of the day was should I go in the steam room, sauna or just have a Jacuzzi at my local gym and what should I cook for tea tonight then I’m sure we could all look that good at his age! Even in these sorts of temperatures and on probably the least appealing part of the 200 mile course Roy still managed to look as cool as a cucumber when he finished the 9.1 miles leg in an impressive 01:11:40 to finish 35^th. If only some of that cool head could of rubbed off on his son who was running later that day on the final leg, but alas coolness like a fine wine takes many years to mature!

Stage 19 Abercynon to Caerphilly Castle 10.4 miles

Have shorts will travel!

In true Paul Wheal style why do a race in your hometown when you can travel the length of the country to find a race? And why make life easy for yourself by resting up the day before a race when you can go and tire yourself at another! Paul had travelled about 500 miles in the past 24 hours so he could take part in the Bladeon 5 mile race in the North East of England the previous night, and it showed when he lined up for leg 19. Back 2 Back races are never easy especially when your not 100% fit but why let good advice get in the way when theirs a race to be run. Luckily though all that travelling had meant he didn’t get chance to wash his Hawaiian beach shorts which meant he had to wear a pair of proper running shorts for once! Although after this performance maybe next time he might go the whole hog and wear a grass skirt! 01:17:41 and 17^th place tells the story far better than I could ever!

Stage 20 Caerphilly Castle to Cardiff Castle 10.4 miles

Oh for the patience of old age and the petulance of youth! Unlike his father before him 21 year old Rod Hart wasn’t quite so cool as he came into the final few hundred metres of this fantastic event. The last time somebody ran towards the gates of Cardiff Castle looking this angry was during the rebellion of Owain Glyndwr (How’s about that for a bit of local history) and they’d suffered years of English brutality. However poor Rod had been told he had 2 miles to go when in actual fact he still had 3.5 but I suspect the real reason he was this angry was because he’d been beaten by a woman called Barbara! Rod finished in unlucky 13^th place in a time of 01:08:42

The Grand Finally

The Presentation was held in the stunning grounds of Cardiff Castle and the vast majority of the competitors and supporters had stayed behind to be there. A true testament to how great an event it had been. And as Chris Wilson made his way up to the victory podium to collect his Monarch of the Mountain prize was it just the bright sunshine or could we detect a tear in his eye? Then again it was probably just hay fever!

So that was it the end of a fantastic weekend, a weekend that showed us the true spirit of this great sport of ours, an event that brought the club closer together than it has ever been. It showed that it’s not just about winning or being the best runner in the club it’s about teamwork. Most of the time we are there out on our own battling against one another but events like this truly make you feel part of something good. When a total stranger hands you a bottle of water and you can do the same back it makes you realise that yes, we would all like to win but only if that winning is done on a level playing field and not at someone else’s expense. And that human spirit, comradeship and most of all sportsmanship is still well and truly alive! However next year let’s hope we go down there and kick their arses!

If you missed this year’s event do try to make next years it really is worth the effort. I’ve been racing for years and this has to be the best event I’ve had the good fortune to take part in. Even if you aren’t running it’s well worth the visit as a supporter!

A big thanks to all those who supported the team, Chris Hart for putting up most of the tents, Debbie Dutton and Becki Pilkington for their photography. All the kids for their noisy support George, Hazel, Caden, Isobelle and Oliver! The drivers Sharon Andrews and Angie Wilson without who their husbands couldn’t have hung out of the car window banging on the side of the car and shouting at their team mates like a pair of 5 year olds! And last but certainly not least Mo Manir-Jolley who’s hard work and inspiration had made all of this possible! I’ll have to stop now before I do a Gwyneth Paltrow!

See you all next year!

The results can be found HERE.

Thanks to Debbie Townsend for the great selection of photos below. Click on image to enlarge

Overnight stop at Newtown Leisure Centre

Approx. 9:00 pm–6:30 am