Runners brave the rain for successful trailing festival
THE weather didn’t play ball but the Merthyrmawr Trailing Festival last Saturday ran like clockwork, writes Tony Poole.
Despite the continuous drizzle, competitors braved the ravages of a wet day in Merthyrmawr to enjoy lively competition.
Diligent work from the marshals and volunteers ensured the five running events ran smoothly.
And Bridgend Athletics Club members occupied two of the three top positions in the main 18-mile Witches run.
Andrew Tuckey won the event with Pete Williams coming home third.
The top female finisher was Jessica Hegarty, who is a member of Cornelly Striders based in Meadow Street.
There was also a Rabbit race, embracing 7.3 miles, family runs of 2k and 4k along with a Toddler’s dash for children over the age of five.
All the action on the day unfolded in front of the grand backdrop of Merthyrmawr House with a selection of children’s entertainment and refreshments.
Turning to Saturday, competitors in the Porthcawl Parkrun will make their way along a new pathway on the lower promenade.
Workmen last week completed improvements - that had been ongoing for months on a new cycle track along the length of West Drive.
Meanwhile, Welsh Athletics are next month staging a Summer Camp at the Bridgend Athletics Club track in Newbridge Fields.
The three-day event, commencing on August 3, coincides with the start of the Rio Olympic Games on August 5 in Rio de Janeiro.
The camp is aimed at children between the ages of nine and 15 with daily sessions running from 10am through to 3pm.
There is a cost for the three days of tuition and further details are available via: ryan.spencer-jones@welshathletics.org
Finally, five Bridgend Athletic Club members last weekend competed in the Wales Schools event.
Ffion Llewellyn, Hannah Longden, Hannah Pachuta, Daniel Morris and Dylan Parry all flew the Bridgend flag.