Latest News;
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Change of date for Flint 10k
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In order to avoid a clash with the Mold Food Fair event, the above race has now changed their date to Sunday 14th October.
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Jeni and Chris Conquer North Wales
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Ten Harriers turned out to the magnificent Rhug Estate near Corwen for the North Wales Cross Country Championships, with Jeni Richards and Chris Birch winning North Wales titles in the FV45 and FV60 age categories respectively. Richie Lee was runner up in the MV45 category to complete an eccellent day of the Harriers. For a full report go to the results page.
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AGM 2012
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This year's AGM takes place on Sunday 1st April at 7pm in Kinmel Bay. For full details go to the AGM page.
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Hayden wins Captain's Merit Award
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Haydn Jones recieved the Captain's Merit Award for 2011 from Darren last week for his dedication to the Club over the last twelve months. Well done Hayden.
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Slight Change to Members Stats Page
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Please note, there has been a slight change to our Member's Stats page, with the races and results now in the opposite order to before; i.e. The mort recent race is at the top, not the bottom.
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Harriers out in force at Twin Piers
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24 Abergele Harriers were among the 365 competitors lining up at the Pier in Llandudno to run the 2012 Twin Piers 10k along the seafront to Colwyn Bay. 8 harriers made their debut for the club, 7 harriers ran 10k personal bests and 4 harriers received category awards. For more details go to the results page of for full results go to;
http://www.abergeleharriers.co.uk/TP-2K12/
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Committee Meeting
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The next Committee Meeting will be on the 22nd January at 7pm in Kinmel Bay.
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Awards 2011
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The Harriers handed out their Annual Awards tonight. Male Athlete of the year; Sean McCormack (Welsh International Ultra Distance runner), Female Athlete of the Year; Chris Birch (Unbeaten in her age category all year and Welsh Masters International), Harrier of the Year; Rob Spotswood (Despite an injury that kept him out all year he still was an integral part of the Abergele 5, The Castles Relay and the Beginners Group), Most Improved Harrier; Graham Arden (From "Beginner" to "Half-Marathoner!"). The Captain's Merit Award wasnt presented and will be announced at a later date.
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Chris becomes Welsh Champion
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Chris Birch continued her outstanding year by becoming FV60 Welsh Cross Country Champion , winning her category in the Welsh Masters Championships which were held in conjunction with the Inter-Regional Cross-Country Championships in Builth Wells on Saturday. Chris, who has been so outstanding this year, that despite the fact that she is a FV60, she was selected to run in the FV45 North Wales team. She completed the 3.4 mile course in a magnificant 28mins 37secs for 49th overall but 1st in her FV60 category. Well done Chris.
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Trio selected for North Wales
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Three Abergele Harriers have been selected to represent North Wales in the Welsh Inter Regional Cross Country Championships at Builth Wells next weekend. Josh Dixon will make his debut for the Senior Men at regional level with Carol Willgoose and Jeni Richards running for the Female Masters team.
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Chris helps Welsh Masters to Bronze in Scotland
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Chris Birch, despite not feeling well, competed for the FV60 Welsh Masters team in the British and Irish Masters Cross Country Championships in Glasgow. Despite a total mix-up by the organisers with the start, Chris worked her way brilliantly through the field to finish is a superb time of 28mins 59secs for 97th overall and 9th FV60 in the high quality International field to help Wales to the Bronze team medal, only one point behind Ireland in silver, with England only marginally further ahead.
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"Beginners" success in Conwy
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Two Harriers who joined following the "Beginners" course over the summer "graduated" to the Half-Marathon distance on Sunday. Graham Arden and Helen Ingram, joined eleven other Harriers to compete in the race, with five Harriers altogether running the distance for the first time. Graham finished in 2h 22mins 29secs while Helen ran equally impressively to finish in 2h 35mins 51secs.
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Gareth makes an amazing "debut"
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Gareth Roberts made his "debut" in the V45 category in the Preston 10 and produced one of the highlight performances of the year for a Harrier, by getting a pb for the distance by 47 seconds, a distance he has raced 21 times previously over the last 5 years, a fantastic achievement. The time was good enough for the runner up position in the category, only 14 seconds behind twin brother Dewi, who of course was also debuting in the category!
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Busy weekend for the Harriers
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It was a very busy weekend for the Harriers with nine members turning out for the third round of the Grand Prix Express North Wales Cross Country League on Saturday in Northop, and fourteen turning up for the Borders League race in Wallasey the following day, including five memebrs who ran both. Go to the relevent pages to see reports and photos of both teams.
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Photos from Abergele 5
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Photos from the abergele 5 are available at;
http://www.sportpicturescymru.co.uk/abergele5saesneg2011.html
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Abergele 5 results now available
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The 25th Abergele 5 mile road race took place today, again very kindly sponsored by Spillane & Co. Wealth Management, and encorporating the North Wales 5 mile road championships as well as the first Corporate Challenge. Full "provisionsal" results are now available on the "Abergele 5" page with a report on the "results" page. If there are any issues with the results please e mail the race Director at Sean@Abergeleharriers.co.uk See you all again next year.
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Monday Night Training Runs
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A group of us are once again meeting on a monday night. We meet at 6 O'Clock at the junction of Eldon Drive and Seea Road in Abergele. We run loops of 1.25 miles. There were five of us tonight but any member is welcome to join us. Some did 4 loops (5 miles) and a couple did 5 loops (10k). Any member can join us and run as many or as few loops as they want, at whatever speed they want. Nobody will be running alone. If you can't make 6 o clock come a little later and joint us as we pass by you. Just turn up and met us or talk to Sean, Mark, Jeni or Delyth on a Wednesday.
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London Numbers drawn
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The Club numbers for the 2012 Virgin London Marathon took place at tonight's Committee meeting. The lucky members were Lucy Jones (24608) and Delyth Evans (24609) with Cheryl Richards as "substitute".
Good luck to all.
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Harriers triumph in Snowdon
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Six Harries did this years Snowdonia Marathon with Andy Simpson , making his debut at the distance, leading them home with a fantastic 3h 51m 51s. To see how they all got on go to the results and reports pages.
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Chris selected for Welsh Masters
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Congradulations to Chris Birch who has been selected for the Welsh Masters team for the British and Irish Masters Cross Country International taking place in Bellahouston Park, Glasgow on Saturday 26th November.
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Sean shortlisted for Conwy award again.
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Welsh International Ultra-Distance runner and Club Secretary Sean has been short-listed again this year for the Conwy Senior Sportsman of the Year award, following his peformances in the Anglo-Celtic Plate 100k in March and the Commonwealth 24h race in September. Sean actually won the award in 2010, and this years ceremony takes place in November.
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13 Harriers travel to Borders League
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Thirteen Harriers took part in the first round of this season's Borders Road Running League, with the ladies again stealing the show with both Carol Willgoose and Chris Birsh winning their age categories. For full details go to the Borders League page.
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Ladies success in Cross Country opener.
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Nine Harriers travelled to Bangor last weekend for the opening round of the Grand Prix Express North Wales Cross Country League in Bangor, with the ladies doing particularly well;Chris Birch 1st LV60 and Carol Willgoose 2nd LV50. For full details go to the Cross Country page.
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Club "London" numbers.
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The club has obtained its usual two guaranteed London numbers. To be eligible for the numbers you must have been a fully paid up club member on 1/1/2011, have entered London yourself and have been rejected. Rejection slips must be produced in order to go into the draw for the numbers. The slips should be given to Sean on club night. The draw will take place at the next Committee meeting on Sunday 30th October.
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Commonwealth success for Sean
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Sean McCormack represented Weles in the Commonwealth 24h Championships from Friday to Saturday. He was 13th overall, running 211.942k, 131 miles 1,221.4 yards, and helped Wales to the Silver medal in the team competition.A full report with pictures will be available when he recovers in the next few days!
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"Beginners" 5k race a massive success.
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The Harriers held a 5k race tonight strictly limited to “graduates” of the club’s highly successful “Beginners Group”. The group at its biggest had 84 people attend but 35 completed week 10 (the 30 minute run) and 23 turned up for the 5k race. All 23 pushed themselves to the limit and ran fantastically well, and hopefully all have now got “the racing bug” and will continue running for years to come. The official times were as follows;
Position Name Time
1st Darren Battersby 24:54
2nd Natalie Boobyer 25:25
3rd Mike Davis 26:47
4th Graham Arden 29:15
5th Stephanie Wynne 29:28
6th Vicky Foulkes 29:35
7th Shane McCormack 29:51
8th Ceri Cook 30:18
9th Gary Howgate 30:46
Joint 10th Kati Stewart 31:26
Joint 10th Alexandra Scarlett 31:26
12th Louise Jenkinson 32:38
13th Vicki Kennedy 33:06
14th Vicky Dale 33:15
15th Helen Ingram 33:38
16th Nichola Nixon 33:49
17th Nicola Chan Gizzi 34:00
18th Alison Faulkner 34:16
Joint 19th Nicky Stewart 36:17
Joint 19th Julie Whitehouse 36:17
Joint 19th Rebecca Chapman 36:17
Joint 19th Teresa Bushell 26:17
23rd Catherine Adey-Davies 37:55
Congratulations to all!
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Darren helps North Wales Vets to gold in Merthyr
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Darren Blazier was in South Wales this weekend competing in the Merthyr Police 10k road race incorporating the 10k Welsh Athletics Road Running Championship and Inter-Regional Championships. Darren ran 35m 26s for 26th overall and together with Desi Damiani of Wrexham and Jez Brown of Buckley took gold for the North Wales masters team in the inter-regional title.
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Beginners Group about to "graduate!"
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The Harriers' Beginners Group reaches their 10th week this week and will be "graduating" with a non stop thirty minute run on Wednesday night. The group still has over 35 dedicated members all of whom have have done fantastically well to reach this level. Good luck to all on Wednesday.
The following Wednesday (17th August), the club has organised a 5k "race" specifically for this group only, to gave each member a "5k time" to demonstate objectively to them just how much they have all progressed.
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Llanfair TH Mountain Race
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This years Llanfair TH Mountain race was another great success with the ladies race being won by Isabel Redfern of Colwyn Bay AC in a course record time of 42:57. The full results are now available on the Llanfair page.
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Olympic Tickets for Sian and Vernon
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The Club's two sets of Olympic tickets went to Sian Hall and Vernon Pownall. Congratulations to both, and thanks also to Anthony Howe who was actually selected but declined the tickets for "more longer term members". Thanks Anthony and good luck to Sian and Vernon, and I believe Jeni and Christobelle will be accompanying them.
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Olympic Tickets
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The Harriers have been allocated 2 pairs of tickets for the London 2012 Olympics. The tickets are £50 tickets for the evening sessions on Tuesday 7th August (includes the mens 1500m final) and Thursday 9th August (includes the mens 200m and 800m finals). It was decided at the most recent Committee meeting that to be eligable for the tickets one needed to be a fully paid up member of the club since at least 2010 (ie you must be a fully paid up member at the moment and last year). There are 42 members eligable and all 42 names will be put into the draw. The draw will take please at 6.45 on Friday 29th July at the reception in Abergele Leisure Centre. All memebrs are welcome to come along to see the draw taking place. Club Chairman Alan Lucas, Club Secretary Sean McCormack and Club Captain Darrren Blazier will supervise the draw. 10 names will be drawn in order and those on that list will be contacted in order over the weekend and offered the tickets until 2 members each accept a pair of tickets. Members will have 24 hours to accept the tickets. Once accepted, that member him or herself must actually use the tickets themselves (with one other)and will have to pay Welsh Athletics the £100 and supply the names and contacts of the 2 ticket holders before 12th August. Sean has the paperwork etc needed. Good luck everyone.
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Llanfair TH Mountain Race
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This years Llanfair TH Mountain race takes place on Saturday 30th July at 12 noon. Entries will only be accepted on the day with registration starting at 11am. The race as usual is over a tough course of approximately 10k in distance.
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Handicap Race postponed
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Due to holidays etc this years Handicap race has been postponed. It will no longer take place on 17th July and will now probably take place in mid September, with exact details closer to the time.
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Borders League Dates 2011-2012
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The dates for next season's Borders League fixtures have been fixed. Go to the Borders League Page for all the details.
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Castles Relay Weekend
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The Harriers had another great Castles weekend. A link to the provisional results can be found on the Castles page. Thanks again to Dave and Rob for organising another great "Castles" adventure.
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Beginners Group gets off to a flying start!
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Abergele Harriers Beginners Group got off to a flying start on Wednesday night when 61 people turned up for the free ten week course. The free ten week course, at the end of which time, all “Beginners” should be able to run 30 minutes without stopping, started off with a very simple but enjoyable run /walk program around Pentre Mawr Park. Fourteen Harriers helped out on the night, twelve of whom had recently gained qualifications from Welsh Athletics to lead out the group. Welsh Athletics had recently specifically organized a course for the Club to help establish this new group, and thanks to a Community Chest grant of £590 which partially funded the course, twelve Harriers became qualified and insured. The club are expecting several new members to attend next week, and anyone interested in attending can simply turn up to Abergele Leisure Centre between 6.30 and 6.45 on Wednesday night. The aim of the group is simple to introduce people to running, whether it be for fitness, weight loss or general health improvement, and to show people how much fun running can be. No previous running experience is needed and it doesn’t matter how “unfit” people feel they are, they will enjoy the free ten week course. A spokesman for the club said “it was one of the best days in the history of the club to see so many people out enjoying themselves and learning to enjoy running”. For further details ring Sean on 07774948596 or e-mail Sean@Abergeleharriers.co.uk.
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"Beginners Group" start on Wednesday
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The Abergele Harriers Beginners Running Group starts on Wednesday 8th June at 6.45pm from Abergele Leisure Center. The FREE 10 week walk/run programme is aimed at anyone aged 18 or over who would like an introduction to running - no previous running experience is necessary. Sessions will last between 45 - 60 minutes and will be informal, relaxed and fun. The group will follow a walk-run programme that aims towards running 3miles (5k) in 10 weeks.
If you are interested in taking part in the course please contact:
Sean McCormack on 07774948596 or sean@abergeleharriers.co.uk
Jeni Richards on 07908265745 or jeni.richards@talktalk.net
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All systems go for "Castles".
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Twenty Abergele Harriers together with a support team will join club runners from across the UK to take part in the 2011 Welsh Castles Relay on 11th – 12th June. The 210 mile route starts from Caernarvon Castle on Saturday morning and finishes in Cardiff Castle on Sunday afternoon. Competitors run stages of between 8.6 miles and 13.3 miles that take in seafronts, mountains, hills, towns, villages, castles (of course) and our beautiful Welsh countryside.
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Handicap Race 2011
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The 2011 Club Handicap will take place on Sunday 17th July 2011 starting at 11.00am in Llanfair TH, starting in the car-park on the right just over the bridge into Llanfair. For full details go to the Handicap page or ask Sean on club night.
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Sean get's the nod for the Commonwealths
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Club Secreatary Sean McCormack has been selected for the Welsh 24h team to take part in the Commonwealth Mountain and Ultra Distance Championships to take place in North Wales at the end of September. Sean's selection came as a result of his personal best performance, leading the Welsh home in the Anglo-Celtic Plate in Perth at the end of March. The 24h race will be taking place around a very short loop in Llandudno and Sean hopes that home advantage, and hopefully home support from the Harriers, will give him the edge on the day/night. Please keep some time available on the weekend of the 24th and 25th of September to come and support.
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Two new Welsh Champions for Harriers
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Abergele Harriers can boast two new Welsh Champions among its ranks with Dewi Roberts (MV40) and Jeni Richards (FV45) both winning Gold in their Categories in the Welsh 10 mile Championships help within the Llandudno 10 mile race on Sunday. Gareth Roberts also joined them on the posium with a silver medal in the MV40 category. For more details of how they and others got on, go tot the results page.
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Ladies shine in Chester
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The sun may not have been shing in Chester for this years Half Marathon, but the ladies of Abergele Harriers were in blisteringly hot form with all three, Jeni, Dominique and Sonia, all achieving personal best times for the disdtance. For full details go to the results page.
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Beginners group starts on 8th June
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RUN FOR FUN BEGINNERS GROUP
A FREE 10 WEEK WALK- RUN PROGRAMME STARTS
WEDNESDAY 8th JUNE 6.45pm
No previous running experience is necessary.
The course is open to men and women aged 18 and over.
Meet at Abergele Leisure Center at 6.45pm on Wednesday evenings.
Sessions will last between 35 – 45 minutes and will be informal, relaxed and fun.
There is no obligation to attend all the sessions so feel free to come along and see if this is for you.
You will need a pair of trainers, suitable clothing and a bottle of water.
We will take you through a walk – run programme that aims to help you run up to 3 miles/ 5k by the end of the 10 week course.
The programme is ideal for anyone wanting to enter a ‘RACE for LIFE’ but not sure where to start.
If you have any health concerns please speak to your doctor
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT
Sean McCormack on 07774948596 or sean@abergeleharriers.co.uk
Jeni Richards on 07908265745 or jeni.richards@talktalk.net
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Ladies stay in top division
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The final race of this season's Border's Road Running League took place on Wednesday in Wrexham. The ladies for the first time in the club's history managed to stay in the top division for a second season and also managed to win two individual age group categories. For further details go to the Borders League page.
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Dave smashes his pb in London
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Dave Edwards smashed his personal best time for the marathon distance by almost ten minutes in London today by finishing in exactly 3 hours 48 minutes. For full details of how all the Harriers got on see the London Marathon page.
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AGM 2011
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The 2011 AGM took place on Sunday 10th April 2011. The new Committee can be found on the Club Officials page. The club would particularly like to thank Geran Hughes (previous Chairman and ex-Captain) and Matthew Ashton (previous Treasurer) who have stepped down from their positions after a number of years of excellent service to the club.
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Press Secretary e-mail change
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Please note Jeni Richards, our Press Secretary has a new e-mail address; Jeni.richards@talktalk.net
Please e mail her your race results as soon as possible after your event.
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Cross Country Dates for 2011-2012
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The dates for next seasons League races have been announced and can be found on the cross country page.
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Sean lead's the Welsh home.
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Sean McCormack took over an hour off his personal best time for the distance when on Welsh International duty on Sunday by leading the Welsh team home in the Anglo-Celtic 100k Plate in Perth, Scotland, in a time of 7hrs, 57mins 10secs. More details on the Results page.
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Castles Relay meeting
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The first meeting for this years Castles Relay will be held on Wednesday 30th of March at 6pm at Llandrillo College, Abergele.
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AGM 2011
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The closing date for nominations for this years AGM has arrived. For full details go to the AGM page.
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Mark enjoys his best position in Mold!
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Mark Mayers was one of eleven Harriers to travel to Mold for the latest leg of the Borders League, when he finished 69th overall, his highest position ever in the League. For full details of the day go to the Borders League page.
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Champion news for Grahame.
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Grahame Shone of Abergele Harriers got some “champion” news this week when the official results of last weekend’s Village Bakery Half Marathon were announced. Shone’s excellent time of 1hr 32mins 55secs was not only his best time for the distance in over two years but also won him the North Wales V60 half marathon championship title, the club’s first regional road title of the year.
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AGM
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This years AGM will be held on Sunday 10th April, at 7.30pm, in the Community House, 57 Cyn Las, Chester Avenue, Kinmel Bay, LL18 5LP. For full details go to the AGM page.
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Chris adds Cross Country League title to Championship title
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Chris Birch added the North Wales Cross Country League FV60 title to the Championship title she won last week, with an excellent run in the final race of the season in Oswestry. For more details go to the cross country page.
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Cross Country Champions
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Unfortunately only two Abergele Harriers competed in this years North Wales Cross Country Championships, but both achieved outstanding results. For the first time in the history of the club the Senion Mens North Wales Championship was won by a Harrier with Josh Dixon running a fantastic race coming home ahead of the field, despite the freezing cold conditions. In the Ladies race Chris Birch confirmed her palce as by far the best FV60 in the region by easily winning her category, maintaining her unbeaten record in North Wales this season.
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Chris wins FV60 Category at Cross Country again
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Unfortunately Abergele Harriers had only one member who travelled to Lilleshall for the penultimate round of the Grand Prix Express North Wales Cross Country League, but although Chris Birch was on her own she flew the Harriers flag with pride, easily winning the FV60 category on the day by almost three minutes with a fantastic time of 27minutes 6 seconds.
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Beginners Group
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Abergele Harriers will be starting a new beginners group on the 4th May. A ten week course will start that night at 6pm and by the end of the 10 weeks all members of the group will be able to run 5k (3.1 miles) without stopping. The group is for anyone interested in running and is FREE. At the end of the 10 weeks you may want to join the Harriers but there is no obligation to do so. There will be 4 group leaders, under the overall leadership of Jeni Richards. Anyone interested in joing the group can contact Jeni for details on 07908265745 or e-mail Jeni.richards@tesco.net
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Wednesday Runs
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A questionnaire will be distributed to members at club nights over the next two weeks asking for your opinion regarding Wednesday runs; whether members would prefer to all start the run together (as we do at the moment), or to have a staggered start in order to all finish at about the same time (as we used to do). Please make you thoughts on the subject known either by filling out a questionnaire or by e-mailing Sean@Abergeleharriers.co.uk
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Coaches wanted!
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Would any club members like to train as a coach? The club is actively trying to recruit memebers to train as coaches. A level 1 course would be a single day course probably in Deeside Leisure Centre. The club would pay for the training and would ask any member trained to give a little back to the club by helping with coaching of beginners groups. If any members are interested would they please contact Sean or Jenni.
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2010 Trophy Winners Announced
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The club trophy winners for 2010 were announced at training tonight. The Club Person of the Year, as voted for by the Committee went to Jeni Richards for her enthusiastic work for the club , both on and off the road. The Captains Merit Award, awarded by the Club Captain Darren Blazier, went to Dave Edwards for his many league appearances and for organising the Castles Relay team. The Male Athlete of the Year, as voted by the members, went to Sean McCormack who ran Internationally for Wales this year, while the Female Athlete of the Year went to Chris Birch, who won her age group in almost every race she ran this year. The Most Improved Athlete, was won almost unanimously, by Mark Mayers after a fantastic year that saw him improve race by race.
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Sean gets another Welsh call up.
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Sean McCormack learned on Friday that his has been selected for the Welsh Senior team to run in the Celtic Plate 100k race in Perth, Scotland, on 27th March next year. His pre-selection for the race will allow Sean to concentrate entirely on the event without the need to run selection races in January or February.
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Helena Tipping 10k postponed
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The Helena Tipping 10k that was due to take please in Wrexham this sunday has been cancelled due to adverse weather conditions. It was been rescheduled for Sunday 9th January 2011.
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Four Harriers selected for Region
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Four Abergele Harriers have been selected for North Wales in the Inter-Regional Cross Country Championships in Builth Wells in December. Carol Willgoose and Jeni Richards have been selected in the female over 45 age category while Tim Cahill and Richie Lee were selected in the male 40-49 category. Congratulations to all four.
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London Marathon "Reserves"
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The draw was held tonight for the London Marathon reserves". The first Reserve is Chris Berrinton, second Sue Calvert and the third is Haydn Jones.
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Conwy Sportsman of the Year Award for Sean
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On Friday night at the Annual Conwy Sports Awards Abergele Harrier Sean McCormack won the Sportsman of the Year award for 2010 in rocognition of his victory in the Welsh Ultradistance Championships in Barry in March and his part in the Senior Welsh team that won a silver medal in the Celtic Plate 100k race in Boddington in June. The award was presented by John Regis MBE, who was a member of the famous 4 x 400m World Champion Relay team from Toyko in 1991, at the glitzy annual awards in Venue Cymru in Llandudno.
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Web Site updated
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The recent problems with the web site have been sorted, all pages have now been updates again.
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Club Awards
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The time has come to vote for this years Club Awards. Members can vote for "Male Athlete of the Year", "Female Athlete of the Year", and "Most Improved Athlete of the Year". Voting slips will be distributed by the Club Secretary over the next few weeks and must be returned on or before Wednesday 8th December, with presentation taking place before training on Wednesday 15th Decemebr. Any members not able to attend training can e-mail their vote to Sean@Abergeleharriers.co.uk
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London Marathon "Reserves"
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Peter Hardy and Dave Edwards got the Club Entries for the 2011 London Marathon. We therefore need "reserves". Any member who wishes to be a "reserve" needs to let Sean McCormack know on or before Wednesday 24th November. The only criteria to be a reserve is to be a fully paid up member at this moment. All those who wish to be a reserve will be be put "in a hat" and drawn to an order on Wednesday 24th November.
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Club Membership
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Membership fees for 2011 will be due in January. The fee to Welsh Athletics has risen from £5 to £15 so fees for 2001 will be £35 (£20 payable to Abergele Harriers and £15 to Welsh Athletics) without a Club Vest and £45 with a club vest. For those who haven't pain their fees for 2010, plase pay the Membership Secretary imediatly.
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Captain's Award
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The Captain's award for September has been awarded to Dewi Roberts for his performance at the Lake Vyrnwy Half Marathon, while the October accolate went to ever-improving Mark Mayers for his outstanding Personal best time at the Caernarfon Border League race.
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Abergele 5 Results
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The provisional results for this years Spillane & Co Wealth Management Abergele 5 are now available on the Abergele 5 page. A report is a also availoable on our results page.
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London Marathon Draw
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The draw for the Club London Marathon number took place on Wednesday 20th October before the club run. Dave Edwards was the lucky member to get the number with Peter Hardy as the reserve.
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Twins triumph in Cardiff
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Dewi and Gareth Roberts both achieved magnificant personal best times in the Cardiff Half Marathon on Sunday. For full details go to the results page.
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Sean short-listed for award
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Sean McCormack this week learned that he has been short-listed for the Conwy County Borough Council Senior Sports Man of the Year award for 2010 in recognition of his victory in the Welsh Ultra Distance Championships in Barry in March and the Silver Medal he achieved with the Welsh Senior team in the Celtic Plate 100k race in Boddington in June.
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Sixteen Harriers turn out in Colwyn Bay
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Sixteen Harriers turned out for the first round of the Grand Prix Express North Wales Cross Country League. For details of how the 8 men and 8 women got on go to the Cross Country page and even more details on the Cross Country League website linked from there.
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London Marathon Club Places, 2010
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Members who have entered the 2011 Virgin London Marathon will by now know if they have been successful or not. The two club places will be drawn on Wednesday 20th November at 6.45pm (before the club run). To be eligible for the draw runners must have been a member before the 1st January 2010, have proof of entry for the 2011 race and have proof of rejection. Also unfortunately a member cannot get the club places two years in a row (Sue Calvert and Lucy Jones had the 2010 places).
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Calling all members
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The Abergele 5 mile road race takes place on Sunday 7th November. We need at least 30 marshals on the day but so far have only half that number. All members are asked to either make themselves available on the day or nominate a marshal on their behalf. Please let Chief Marshall Haydn Jones or Race Director Sean McCormack know if you can help as soon as possible.
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Dafydd saves our ladies!
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Abergele Harriers would like to thank Dafydd Bullman, one of the helpers at The Anglesey Running Festival at the weekend. Sian and Jeni missed the bus to the start of the half-marathon, ("obviously took too long to put our make-up on!" according to Jeni) but Dafydd Bullman, who was helping out at the festival came to their rescue, and took pity on our damsels in distress and took them to the start in his own car with less than a minute to spare. Thanks again Dafydd.
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Dewi smashes his Half-Marathon PB
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Dewi Roberts took a massive 1 minute 31 seconds off his personal best for the Half-Marathon distance in the Lake Vyrnwy Half-Marathon. Dewi was among six Harriers who completed the race, for full details see the results page.
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Three New Champions
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Abergele Harriers have three new North Wales Champions following the North Wales 10k Champs in the Caernarfon 10k on sunday. Darren Blazier, Grahame Shone and Christine Birch all won their age group titles while Darren also won the overall men's bronze medal, while Jeni Richards went one better winning the overall female silver medal. For more details go to the results page.
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Llanfair TH Mountain Race Results
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Nine Harriers were among a field of 27 runners in this years Llanfair TH Mountain Race, with star of the show for the Harriers Jeni Richards who was first lady home this year. For a full report and results go to the Llanfair TH page.
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Llanfair TH Mountain Race next saturday
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All Harriers are reminded that the Llanfair TH Mountain race is on Saturday 31st July, starting at 12 noon, but with registration in the field from 10.30. This is a tough 10k (approx) road race and is Licensed by Welsh Athletics. Don't expect a fast time, but expect a good race and all the fun of the fair afterwards. This year there will be medals for all finishers.
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Cross Country dates for 2010-11
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The dates for next season's Cross-Country league fixtures are now available. Go to the Cross Country page for details.
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Lucy and Dave are Handicap Champions
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Twenty five Harriers toot part in this years Handicap race in Llanfair with the team consisting of Lucy Jones and Dave Edwards clearly winning. For full details go to the Handicap page.
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Borders League Date Change
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The date for the second Borders League race has changed from November 21st the the previous week, the 14th.
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Handicap "teams" selected
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The teams for this year's handicap race were picked "out of a hat" before tonight's training run. The teams can be found on the handicap page. Can each team give Sean their estimated "total time" as soon as possible to include the full 10k (2 x 5k) and any penalty time accumulated.
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Borders League Dates for 2010-2011
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The dates for next season's Border's League races are now available. Go to the Borders League page for details.
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EGM
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An Extraordinary General Meeting has been called for Sunday 22nd August 2010, at 6.55pm in the Community House, Cheshire Avenue, Kinmel Bay to consider the following proposal;
It is proposed to remove section 5 b) from the constitution with no replacement.
Section 5 b) reads;
“All club and committee positions can only be held for a maximum of 3 (three) years, and not retaken up by the same person for a minimum of a further 2(two) years. If there is nobody willing to take up a position an EGM must be called.”
The Committee have recommended acceptance of this proposal, as it would mean that members could stay on longer than three years in a position if it was felt to be in the club’s best interest and if the person in the position was willing to continue and if they were to win any vote if another member went up against them.
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Handicap race date fixed
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The club handicap race will now take place on Sunday 11th July, 2010. For full details go to the handicap page.
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Sean makes his Welsh Senior Debut
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Veteran Sean McCormack made his Senior debut for Wales on Saturday, over 100k, in the Anglo-Celtic Plate in Boddington. For full details go to the results page.
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Welsh Castles Relay 2010
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Abergele Harriers, for the third time in its history, took part in the Welsh Castles Relay at the weekend. for full details of how everyone got on, please go to the Castles page.
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Sian and Dominique run for charity.
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Sian Hall and Dominique Jones were among 1800 women raising money for Cancer Research UK by taking part in the 5k Race for Life at Rhyl on Sunday morning.
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Jeni does well in Borders League Handicap
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The overall results of the Borders League Handicap for the season 2009-2010 are now available on the Borders League page and Jeni Richards finished in a wonderful 6th position overall for the season, a real testament to her improvements all year.
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Sean gets Welsh call up
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Following his victory recently in the Welsh Ultra-Distance Championships in Barry Sean McCormack had his selection confirmed this week for the Welsh Senior Mens team to compete in the Anglo-Celtic Plate at the Boddington 100k on June 19th. Sean is part of a four man team the other three being John Pares of Buckley, Iain Ridgeway of Eryri Harriers and Jeremy Mower of Gloucester AC.
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Handicap Date changed
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The date for the club Handicap race has been changed as the original date fixed (11th July) clashes with the World Cup Final. A new date will be announced as soon as possible.
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Castles Meeting and Training
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A meeting will be held to confirm final arrangements for the Castles Relay on Wednesday 2nd June at 6.30 in Llandrillo College, Abergele. All those involved are urged to attend. A training session for those involved will take place on Sunday 23rd May from Abergele Leisure Centre at 10am. Two groups will go out, one tackling a "flatish" course, one a hilly course.
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Alan becomes a Life Member
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At the AGM on Sunday former Club Captain and Chairman, and present Vice-Chairman Alan Lucas was made a club Life Member in recognition of both his running prowess and hard work behind the scenes for the club over many years.
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AGM 2010
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The Annual General Meeting of Abergele Harriers will be held on Sunday 9th May at 7.30pm in the Community House, 57 Cyn Las, Chester Avenue, Kinmel Bay, LL18 5LP. All members are invited to attend. For full details go to the AGM page.
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Ladies rule in Borders League
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The Harriers Ladies team finished the League season in style to win both the Second Division and the Ladies Improvers title. As well as this there were individual prizes for Carol Willgoose (1st in her age category), Jeni Richards (2nd in hers) and Sian Hall (3rd in hers). A full report will be posted on the Borders League page very soon.
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London Marathon 2010
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Well done to the seven Harriers who completed this years Virgin London Marathon. For a full report of how they got on go to the London Marathon page.
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Details of final Borders League Race
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WEDNESDAY 28 APRIL 2010 7:15PM
Venue: Corus Sports & Social Club, Rowley’s Drive, Shotton, nr Queensferry.
Directions:
From Queensferry travel towards Flint on B5129. Pass Deeside Leisure Centre and B&Q on your right and go straight ahead at traffic lights by church (on the left). After lights, take first right into Rowley’s Drive; continue over railway bridge to end of road and turn left into sports club grounds.
From Flint travel towards Queensferry on A548 & B5129 passing Kelsterton College on your right. Continue straight on over hill and through lights at Wepre Drive. Shortly after going under railway bridge there is a car park on the left. Immediately after car park turn left into Rowley’s Drive, continue over railway bridge to end of road and turn left into sports club grounds.
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AGM 2010
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The closing date for nominations and "items for discussion" for this years AGM has arrived. For full details go tot the AGM page.
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Ladies still on course for promotion
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The ladies team are still well on course for a return to the top division of the Borders League with another excellent performance in the penultimate round in Prestatyn. For full details go to the Borders League page.
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Castles Relay 2010
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The club will be holding a Castle Relay meeting at Llandrillo College Abergele in room D69 on Wednesday the 14the of April at 6.30 -7.15. For more details go to the Castles Relay page.
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AGM 2010
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This year's AGM takes place on 9th May 2010. For full details go to the AGM page.
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Sean wins the Welsh Ultra Distance title
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Sean McCormack, in his first ever "ultra" race, won the Welsh Ultra Distance title by finishing 3rd overall and first Welsh finisher in the Barry 40 mile race on Sunday which incorporated the Welsh Ultra Distance championships. For more details go to the results page.
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New Press Secretary
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The club wishes to announce that it will have a new Press Secretary for May 2010. The new Press Secretary is Jeni Richards who can be contacted at jeni.richards@tesco.net or phone 07908265745. It is up to members to get their results to Jeni as early as possible before Sunday evening in order to be published in the press.
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New membership secretaries
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The club is delighted to announce that we now have new membership secretaries in place; Lucy Jones and Cheryl Richards. As membership fees for 2010-2011 are due on 1st April they will be giving out forms over the next few weeks. The annual fees are £25, with £20 payable to "Abergele Harriers" and £5 payable to "Welsh Athletics" (please give 2 separate cheques). Social or second claim membership is £20, while first time membership is £35, but includes a club vest.
The club would like to thank the outgoing membership secretary Angie Hughes and wish her and Geran a great future with their new child Medi.
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Jeni leads the way in the Borders league handicap
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The borders league handicap results for the recent round of the league held in Abergele have just been released and it's great news for the Harriers. Not only did the Harriers have 4 members in the top 10 on the day, Mark Mayers, Keith Elliott, John Essary and Jeni Richards, but the result puts Jeni in the overall leaders position at the half way point in the competition. For full details go to the Borders League page.
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Twin Piers Results available
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The full results of todays Twin Piers 10k are available on our results page at the end of our report on the race.
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Wrexham Cross-Country Cancelled
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Due to the adverse weather conditions this Saturdays Cross-Country League race in Wrexham has been cancelled.
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Borders League Race Cancelled
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Todays Borders League race in Tattenhall was canceled due to ice on the course. THe next round is our own race on February 14th. Any member not intending running that day is asked to help. Please let Darren Blazier know of you availability.
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Great weekend for the Harriers
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Seven Abergele Harriers were in action over the weekend in places from Builth Wells in mid Wales, to Stockport in England and Malaga in Spain. Three members were in representative duty for North Wales in the Inter-Regional Cross Country Championships, while two travelled to Stockport and another pair raced in Spain, all running superbly. For full details go to the results page.
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Bangor times in
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The official times for the Bangor Cross Country are now available. Go to the Cross Country page and follow the links to see the times.
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Angie Added to the Inter-Regional team
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Angie Hughes was celebrating this week after learning that her name has been added to the North Wales Female Veteran 35 to 44y team to take part in the Inter-Regional Championships in Builth Wells in December, following her excellent performance at Bangor last weekend.
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Ten plough through Bangor Mud
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Ten Harriers travelled to Bangor for the third round of the Grand Prix Express North Wales Cross Country League which was held in atrocious weather conditions. For a report from Cross Country Manager Sue Calvert go to the Cross Country page.
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Ladies flying high
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The official Borders League results from last Sunday have just become available and can be found by following the link from the Borders League page. The good news is that the ladies team were first second division team home on the day and are now pushing very strongly for promotion, just a single point behind Wrexham Ladies. The ladies are also sitting top of the improvers league, while the men are sadly languishing at the bottom of theirs.
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Joy for Jenni
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Jenni Richards was one of four Abergele Harriers selected to represent North Wales in the Inter Regional Cross Country in Builth Wells on Sunday 13th December. Jenni was rewarded for excellent runs in the first two races of the North Wales League in Colwyn Bay and Bridgend. Gareth Roberts was also selected for the first time following his excellent recent form, while Dewi Roberts and Geran Hughes were also selected for the MV40-49 Team.
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Wednesday Club Runs
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At a committee meeting on 15th November 2009 it was decided that in order to improve "club spirit" and as a matter of health and safety, that the whole club would run as a group for the first mile of the Wednesday night training run before then going off in smaller groups. All runners are encouraged to keep to groups of at least 2 runners even after this first mile. On a "forward winter" run, the group run will go as far as Pensarn Beach. On the reverse run, the group will run together as far as Sea Road, while in the "Summer course" the group run will go as far as the bottom of St George's Road.The club will be lead by Club Chairman Geran Hughes, with no member to "pass" him until the agreed point has been reached. The run will start promptly from the Leisure Centre at 7pm.
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Sue and Lucy off to London
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Sue Calvert and Lucy Jones have been awarded the clubs London Marathon places for 2010. Good luck to them both and all other Harriers taking part on the day.
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Abergele 5 Results are now available.
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The results from todays Spillane & Co. Wealth Management Abergele 5 are now up on Abergele 5 page. The results are provisional. If you have any queries please contact Sean@Abergeleharriers.co.uk. Thanks to all the runners today who braved the terrible weather and congratulations to all.
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Borders League is Back!
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This seasons Borders Road Running League started in Christleton where sixteen Harriers were among the 320 starters on Sunday. For full results and a report go to the Borders League page.
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New Cross-Country Web-Site
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Anew web-site for the North Wales Cross Country League has been set up. Find a link to it at the top of our cross-country page.
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Colwyn Bay Cross Country results
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The official times and positions of the first round of the Grand Prix Express North Wales Cross Country league held in Colwyn Bay are now in and on the cross country page. A full set of results will be posted on our notice board in Abergele Leisure Centre.
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Sue's team does well in Colwyn Bay
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New Cross Country Manager Sue Calvert took a slightly weakened but successful team to the first round of the Grand Prix Express North Wales Cross Country League in Colwyn Bay on Saturday. See her report on cross country page.
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Vernon and Ed win Welsh Titles
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Both Vernon Pownall (MV55) and Ed Reid (MV45) won the Welsh Masters Marathon titles at the Anglesey Marathon on Sunday. For more detains go to the results page.
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Darren Triumphs in Llanddoged again!
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Darren Blazier once again won the Llanddoged 12.5k road race on sunday in the second fastest time the race has ever been run in. For full details go to the results page.
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Darren's hatrick of North Wales titles.
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Darren Blazier added the 10k North Wales title to the Half-Marathon and 5k titles he won earlier this year, with a fantastic performance in this years Caernarfon 10k on Sunday. For full details go to the Reports page.
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Hillary runs up the Alps
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Over last weekend Hillary Jauqes travelled to Switzerland to take on two uphill mountain races on success days. On Saturday she completed the Schilthorn Half Marathon from Lauterbrunnen to the top of Schilthorn, a 7,200 foot ascent, in a magnificent time of 3hrs 44mins. She then travelled to Zermatt early the next morning, on the 5am train, to complete the International Matterhorn Race, which is a 12.49k race from Zermatt to Schwarzsee with just under 3,000 feet of climbing, in an outstanding time of 1hr 53mins.
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Geran conquers the Welsh 3000s
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On Saturday Club Chairman Geran Hughes had intended taking on the Welsh 3000’s challenge but postponed it for 24 hours because on the weather conditions. The following day, in only slightly better conditions, he set out running from the Pen-Y-Pas and ran over all 15 Welsh peaks that are over 3000 feet, running for more than 27 miles and climbing over 13,000 feet altogether to finish on the top of Foel Fras in Carneddau 8 hours and 48 minutes later. The overall challenge also included over two hours of walking/running in addition to this to get to the start and from the finish, but was all worth while as Geran raised over £500 for Autism. Thanks also to all those who helped to make the challenge possible, including wise wife Angie who supported him in Nant Peris and Ogwen Valley and ran to meet him at the finish, to Alwyn Oliver of Eryri Harriers who helped to pace him up the last section up Carneddau, and Jenny and Islwyn Richards who also helped pacing towards the end, as well as Sue Calvert and Lucy Jones who helped with the sponsorship; a tremendous team effort overall.
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PBs for all in Sale
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Four Harriers were in the field of 300 in the Sale 10 mile road race with all four achieving personal best times. For full details of how they all got on go to the results page.
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Llanfair Race biggest for years
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Eleven Abergele Harriers were among the thirty runners in this years Llanfair TH Mountain Race, the biggest field for several years. Full results and report on the Llanfair TH page.
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Darren Blazes a trail up the Orme
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Darren Blazier won the Orme 5k on Sunday in an amazing time of 19,ins 21secs. For more details go to the results page.
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Cross Country Training Run
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A Cross Country training run will take place on Saturday 5th September at Eirias Park in Colwyn Bay, starting at 10am. There will be a get together afterwards at Cross Country Captain Sue Calvert's house the same day from 4pm to 8pm.
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Committee Meeting date changed
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The next Committee meeting has been changed again and will now take place on Sunday 26th July at 7.30pm in the Be Hotel.
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Borders League Dates for 2009-10
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The dates for next seasons Borders League have now been fixed. To view them, go to the Borders League page. Please note the club has to organise the race on the 14th February, and the final race is on a Wednesday.
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Geran running the Welsh 3000s for charity.
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Club Chairman, Geran Hughes will be running the Welsh 3000s for "Autism" on Saturday 15th August, starting at 10am at the Pen Y Pas and finishing 6-8 hours later on Foel Fras in Carneddau, 27 miles later having completed 13,000 feet of climbing. Any member (or otherwise) who would like to run any part with him is very welcome, or who would like to support him along the way, please contact Geran or Angie.
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Llanfair TH Mountain Race
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This years Llanfair TH Mountain Race takes place on Saturday July 25th at 12 Noon. Members are encouraged to support this tough race over Llanfair mountain. Entries on the day only. Enjoy the fun of the fair afterwards in the Sports and Recreation field where the race finishes.
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Club Handicap 2009
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The 2009 club handicap race took place in blistering sunshine on Sunday in Llanfair TH. For a full report and photographs go to the handicap page.
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More North Wales titles for Harriers
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Abergele Harriers can boast two new North Wales Champions after nine Harriers were among the 95 runners who took on the elements in this years Sun Centre 5k which once again incorporated the championships. For full details go to our results page.
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Borders League Results Arrive
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The results of the final Borders League race in Wrexham are now available. Go to the Borders League page to view.
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Committee / Race Committee Meeting
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The next Committee meeting will be held at 7.30 pm on Sunday 10th May in the Bee Hotel. Abergele. There will be a meeting of the Race Committee immediately afterwards. It is essential that all members of the Race Committee attend as the race positions will be decided at this meeting.
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Harriers maintain Premeriership status!
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Thanks to a fantastic team performance at the last Borders League race in Wrexham on Wednesday, the men's team managed to draw in a deficit of over 100 points and climb out of the relegation zone to safety in the top flight for another season. Congratulations to all who turned up on the night and especially Club Captain Darren Blazier, who also was one of only three Harriers to win an individual prize for the season (5th Senior Man), the other two being Tim Cahill (2nd MV45 and Josh Dixon (2nd Junior Man).
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Six Harriers triumph in London.
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Six Harriers took part in this years London Marathon, with two making their debuts, two achieving personal best times and the remaining two achieving their best times for several years. For full details log on to the London Marathon page.
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Club shines in windy Wrexham
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Seven Harriers travelled to Wrexham to the North Wales 10 mile Championships, all coming home with prizes, including Four new North Wales Champions, three Runners up, the Male Vets team gold and the Senior mens team silver, making it the most successful North Wales Championship race in the clubs history. For full details go to the results page.
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Club Handicap Race 2009
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The details of this years Club Handicap race which takes place on Sunday June 14th in Llanfair TH are now available. Go to the Handicap page to find all out.
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Cross Country dates for 2009-10
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At the AGM of the North Wales Cross Country Association on 3rd April 2009
the following was decided;
Race dates 2009-10;
Colwyn Bay 26th September
Telford 10th October
Bangor 21st November
Wrexham 16th January
Oswestry 6th February
Inter-Reg East Wales 13th December
(Selection only race)
N.W. Champs ? Northup 9th January
Welsh Champs South Wales 31st January
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Josh does very well in English Schools Cross-Country Championships
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Josh Dixon ran in the English Schools Cross-Country Championships on Saturday. To see how he got on, go to the results page.
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Blazier and McCormack win Welsh medals down south
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Darren Blazier and Sean McCormack were part of the North Wales Masters team that travelled to the Atlantic College 10k race at St Donat’s Castle in the Vale of Glamorgan which also incorporated the Welsh 10k Road Championships, and both came back north with Championship medals.For details go to the results page.
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New membership forms
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Membership is now due for 2009-2010. Membership forms are available from Membership Secretary, Jaime Ashton, or can be downloaded from the "membership information site". Jaime also now holds all the club kit. Any orders of kit need to be made with a kit order form which again can be got from Jaime or downloaded from the kit page.
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Josh selected for Wales
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Josh Dixon, who has been running fantastically well recently, has been rewarded with a Welsh vest, having been selected to run for Wales in a cross-country international to be held in Caernarfon at the end of March.
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Darren becomes the Club's latest Captain
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Congratulations to Darren Blazier who was elected the club's latest Captain at the AGM on Sunday. Congratulations also to Haydn Jones who was elected Vice-Captain and Sue Clavert who was elected Cross Country Manager. For full details of the new Committee and the AGM go to the Officials page and the AGM page. Early details of this years handicap race were also discussed at the AGM (see the Handicap page)and the eligibility criteria for the 2010 London Marathon Club places (see the London Marathon page).
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Meinir is just Champion!
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Meinir Huws became the club's latest North Wales Champion when the official results of the recent Wrexham Half Marathon results became available. Meinir's outstanding performance on the day earned her the FV50 Half Marathon Championship title.
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Two new North Wales Champions for the Harriers
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Abergele Harriers is celebrating its first two North Wales Champions of the year after the Village Bakery Half-Marathon in Wrexham which as usual incorporated the North Wales Half-Marathon championships. For details go to the results page.
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So near and yet so far!
*~*~*~*~*
The final results from the Grand Prix Express North Wales Cross Country League are in and it is a matter of so near and yet so far for the men's team finishing up fourth in both the Men's first division and the Men's Veterans League, missing out on medals in the later by only five points. Unfortunately the ladies team were relegated back to the second division after only one year in the top division. Both teams will be hoping for better next season.For full details go to the Cross Country page.
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AGM News
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The closing date for nominations for next years Committee has arrived, as has the date for "items for discussion". For full details go to the AGM page.
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Cross Country season comes to an end.
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Eleven Harriers braved the weather and travelled to the final round of the Grand Prix Express North Wales cross country league on Saturday in Oswestry. To see how the season concluded go to the cross country page.
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Josh gets the nod for Nottingham
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Josh Dixon has been rewarded for his excellent recent form by being selected for the North Wales Counties Under 20 team to take part in the UK Inter-Counties Cross Country Championships in Nottingham on 7th March.
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Veteran Men retain North Wales title
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Abergele Harriers Veteran men's team retained their North Wales title at the North Wales Championships in Northop on Saturday. For full details of how the club got on go to the results page.
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Josh wins in style in Colwyn Bay.
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For the second year in succession Abergele Harriers produced the overall winner of the Twin Piers race in Colwyn Bay, when Josh Dixon ran magnificently to win the race by ten seconds from Eryri Harriers Matthew Roberts. For a full report and the complete results go to the Results page.
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Long Sunday runs
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"Long Sunday runs" are to begin again on Sunday mornings. The runs will be lead by Alan Lucas, so anyone interested please talk to Alan.The runs will be approximately 15 miles or more, but with the provision that some members may want to cut off at a shorter distance. Anyone interested in running with Alan needs to contact him on the Saturday night to confirm that they will be turning up. Alan can be contacted on 07866925818.
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AGM
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This year's AGM will take place on Sunday March 1st. Nominations are needed for the following positions which will become available at that time; Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Captain, Vice-Captain, Secretary, Membership Secretary. Nominations must be received in writing on or before Sunday 8th February, and can be given to any of the Committee. All nominations will be published on the website and on the Noticeboard by Sunday 15th February. Items for discussion must also be received by 8th February.
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Castles Relay 2009
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The date for this years Welsh Castles Relay is June 13th and 14th. The club needs commitment from 20 members before the club enters the race. Please give your name as soon as possible to Alan Lucas if you would like to run in the "relay".
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Abergele 5, 2009
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Please note the date for the 2009 Abergele 5 race which includes the North Wales 5 Mile Championships is November 1st NOT November 8th as in the Welsh Athletics Handbook.
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Cross Country success in Wrexham
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The Harriers' men's team produced its best result of the season in Wrexham on Saturday, while Sue Calvert and Sonia Wignall did the club proud in the ladies race. For full details go to the Cross Country page.
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Josh wins College Cross Country race
*~*~*~*~*
Josh Dixon ran a 5.2mile Cross Country race for his college on Saturday coming first out of a very strong field of 86 runners, finishing in a fantastic time of 27mins 57secs.
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Harriers Award Night
*~*~*~*~*
Abergele Harriers made their annual presentations at training on Wednesday night, honouring those members who went that extra mile in 2008. The trophy for the Most Improved Athlete of the Year went to Keith Elliott who achieved personal best times at most distances during the year. The Captain’s Merit Award went to John Essary who is the only club member to have competed in every Borders League race since the club entered the league over seven years ago, fifty one league races in succession. The Club Person of the Year award went to Haydn Jones, for his work for the club all season, especially his help with organising the Abergele 5 in November. Female Athlete of the Year was Carol Willgoose, who despite a major ankle injury in September in the Colwyn Bay had managed enough excellent performances earlier in the season to impress. Male Athlete of the Year went to Sean McCormack who achieved Welsh titles on the road and on the track and gained his first Welsh International vest in cross country in November.
*~*~*~*~*
PACT Grant from North Wales Police
*~*~*~*~*
Abergele Harriers are delighter to announce that they were successful in obtaining a grant from the North Wales Police and Community Trust (PACT), which helped towards the costs for this years Abergele 5 road race in November. The race this year, which was once again a huge success, required extra funding to go towards new safety signs in particular, in order to comply with Health and Safety regulations. The grant from PACT along with the support of the North Wales Police on the day helped the race to run smoothly and safely and satisfy the British Association of Road Runners (BARR) scrutinisers who were present that the race complied with all the regulations for a Gold Standard race, one of only a hand full of Gold Standard races in Wales. Once again the club would like to thank the North Wales Police for their continued support and help.
*~*~*~*~*
Harriers crowned Welsh Masters Cross-Country Champions
*~*~*~*~*
Abergele Harriers made history on Saturday by winning the Welsh Masters MV40-49 title in Wrexham for the first time ever, adding it to the Welsh 10K road title the club’s Veteran team won in September.The star of the day was Dewi Roberts in 7th position overall, and for more details go to the Results page. Photos on the Photos page.
*~*~*~*~*
Two Harriers ranked First in Wales
*~*~*~*~*
The Welsh Masters Athletic Association have published their ends of year Track and Field rankings and two Harriers find themselves ranked first in Wales. Club Captain Geran Hughes was the top ranked Veteran in the 3000m Steeplechase with a time of 10mins 56secs and second at the 3000m with a time of 9mins 29secs. Sean McCormack is ranked top Veteran at 10,000m with a time of 34mins23secs and second at 5,000m with a time of 16mins 43secs. McCormack is also ranked fourth at 3000m (9m40sec), eight at 800m (2m24sec) and fourteenth at 400m (62.9sec), with his 10,000m time also ranking him third “Welsh” male of any age for the distance in 2008.
*~*~*~*~*
Harriers of the year
*~*~*~*~*
It is time for all Harriers to vote for their “Athletes of the Year” and “Most Improved Athlete”. Voting slips can be got on Wednesday nights from the club and must be returned on or before Wednesday 17th December. Please note that these awards should be based on Athletic Performances and not “services to the Club”. The Committee award a separate trophy “Club Member of the Year” to a member that they feel has provided great service to the club throughout the year, irrespective of their performances or running ability.
*~*~*~*~*
Darren succesful in Lanzarote again
*~*~*~*~*
Darren Blazier has just come back from Lanzarote following another very successful weeks racing there. At the end of the week he finished in 8th position overall and once again won his age category following a superb 1hr 16mins for the final race, the half-marathon. During the week he also took part in his first ever aquathon, which incorporated a 200m swim and a 3k run, and won the event, and also was part of the winning triathlon and duathlon teams.
*~*~*~*~*
Six selected for North Wales
*~*~*~*~*
A club record six members have been selected for North Wales for the Inter-regional Cross-Country Championships to be held in Wrexham on December 13th, including one member making his debut for the region and one returning after many years. Dewi Roberts has been selected mfor North Wales for the first time after impressing the selectors in the Bangor Cross Country race on Saturday while Tim Cahill has been rewards for superb runs in Bangor and Colwyn Bay being reselected for the region after an absence of many years. Dewi will become one of a very select group of individuals who have represented North Wales in two different sports, having represented the area in Cricket as a junior in the past. Also in the V40-49 team is Sean McCormack and Geran Hughes, while in the under 20 team, Steven McCormack and Josh Dixon were both also selected.
*~*~*~*~*
Steve Ward leads the field
*~*~*~*~*
Steve Ward was second overall in the Handicap at the Hoylake Borders League race and is now a magnificent 3rd overall in this season's Handicap competition. For full details go to the Borders League page.
*~*~*~*~*
Sean runs for Wales in Swansea
*~*~*~*~*
Sean McCormack made his "debut" for "his country" in Swansea on Saturday, in the British and Irish Masters Cross-Country International. To see how he got on, gop to the results page and for photos to the photos page.
*~*~*~*~*
Grahame remains unbeaten in Spain
*~*~*~*~*
Grahame Shone made in four wins out of four in Spain recently, when he ran the Salou Half-Marathon. For further details go to the results page (photo on the photos page)
*~*~*~*~*
Course Recors at 22nd Annual Race.
*~*~*~*~*
Abergele Harriers held their 22nd annual road race, The Spillane & Co. Wealth Management Abergele 5 on Sunday in almost perfect running conditions. There was an extremely strong field of 240 runners, and given the quality present it was no surprise that the course record was broken. For full results go to the Abergele 5 page and for a report go to the Results page. Next years race will be on Sunday November 1st.
*~*~*~*~*
Josh Runs for St Kentigans Hospice
*~*~*~*~*
Josh Dixon is doing a charity run from Abergele to the Great Orme, along the North Wales coast, in aid of St Kentigern's Hospice in St Asaph, on Sunday 14th December. To donate to Josh, log onto http://www.justgiving.com/joshdixon
*~*~*~*~*
Sean gets to run for "his country!"
*~*~*~*~*
Irish-born Sean McCormack will be in the Welsh MV45 team to face England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and his native Republic of Ireland in Swansea on November 15th.The Harriers can boast a new International to its ranks with Sean McCormack winning his first Welsh “vest” following an International call-up at the weekend. Darren Blazier has been named as a reserve for the MV35 team.
*~*~*~*~*
London Marathon Club Places, 2009
*~*~*~*~*
The clubs 2 guaranteed places will be drawn in early December. Please remember, in order to qualify for one of the places you must;
1) Be a fully paid up first-claim member of Abergele Harriers.
2) Have attended 15 Wednesday training sessions between January 2008 and December 2008.
3) Have applied, and been rejected for the 2009 race.
Please give your rejection e-mail or slip to Sean McCormack ASAP.
The sooner we have all the rejections in, the sooner we can make the draw.
*~*~*~*~*
Busy weekend of League races for Harriers
*~*~*~*~*
It was a very busy weekend for Abergele Harriers with a Cross Country League fixture on Saturday and a Borders Road Running League fixture the following day, with six men turning out for both teams. Thanks also to Geran Hughes, on Saturday, and John Earlston on Sunday, both runners injured at present but travelled to the fixtures to help out and support. To see how both teams got on, go to the cross country and border league pages.
*~*~*~*~*
Official Cross Country times in.
*~*~*~*~*
The official times for the cross-country race in Colwyn Bay have just arrived. Go to the Cross Country page to see members' times.
*~*~*~*~*
Quartet debut well in Newcastle
*~*~*~*~*
Five Harriers competed in this year's Great North run including a quartet of women tackling the distance for the first time. To see how they all got on, go to the results page.
*~*~*~*~*
21 turn out to new "Beginners Group"
*~*~*~*~*
The first major success of the week can on Wednesday when Jamie Ashton started her latest “Beginners Group” and lead out 21 new runners. The turn out was beyond the club’s wildest dreams and all the new “runners” appeared to enjoy it. The aim for the new group is that in twelve weeks they will all be able to run 3k without stopping and who is to know, but hopefully a number may well be running in next years Great North Run.
*~*~*~*~*
Tough opening fixture for Harriers
*~*~*~*~*
It was a very tough opening fixture for the Harriers in the Grand Prix Express North Wales Cross Country League, with many key members injured both before and during the races. However, despite disappointing overall team results, there were many outstanding individual performances. To details and photos go to the cross-country page.
*~*~*~*~*
Carol gets Championship best in Flint
*~*~*~*~*
Carol Willgoose won the FV50 North Wales 10k Championship title in Flint on Sunday in a new championship best time. For more details go to the results page and ther are lots of photos to be seen on the photos page.
*~*~*~*~*
Cross-Country training
*~*~*~*~*
Members are reminded that the cross-country season is nearly upon us, with the first league race taking place on Saturday September 27th in Colwyn Bay. In preparation for this there will be a cross-country training session in Colwyn Bay on Wednesday night, 10th September, meeting at 6.30pm at the skate park in Eirias Park, and starting at 6.45pm. For further details contact Cross Country Captain Sean McCormack at Sean@Abergeleharriers.co.uk
*~*~*~*~*
Harriers Strike Gold Again
*~*~*~*~*
It was history in the making for Abergele Harriers with the club winning it’s first ever Welsh team gold medal in Caernarfon, as well as three individual Golds and one Bronze. For full details of how everyone got on go to the results page.
*~*~*~*~*
New beginners group starting up in October
*~*~*~*~*
Beginners Running Group
Club Vice-Captain Jaime Ashton is starting up a new beginners group on October 1st. For further details go to the Members Information page or contact Jaime on; jaime118@fsmail.net
*~*~*~*~*
Steven strikes gold in Neath
*~*~*~*~*
Steven McCormack became the third Welsh Champion for the club this year by winning the Welsh Under 20 10,000m gold medal in Neath on Wednesday night. On the same night, Dad Sean won silver over the same distance in the Senior Men's race , despite being 10 years out of the age category!
*~*~*~*~*
Geran does well in Europe
*~*~*~*~*
On Sunday Geran Hughes was representing Great Britain in the 16th European Veterans Championships in Ljubljana in Slovini in the 3000m steeplechase. To see how he got on go to the results page and for photos go to the photos page.
*~*~*~*~*
Hillary Shines on Snowdon
*~*~*~*~*
Hillary Jaques ran the Snowdon International Mountain race on Saturday and finished 2nd lady in her age category, a magnificent achievement in such a prestigious race. For more details go to the results page.
*~*~*~*~*
Hughes and McCormack strike Gold in Newport
*~*~*~*~*
Abergele Harriers can boast two Welsh Champions in its ranks, after Geran Hughes and Sean McCormack both won Gold Medals in the Welsh Masters Track and Field Championships in Newport just two weeks after winning bronze medals in the British Masters Championships. For more details go to the results page.
*~*~*~*~*
Tim returns to the track in style.
*~*~*~*~*
Tim Cahill returned to track racing after a fifteen year absence, to take part in the 3000m race at Trafford on Tuesday night. To see how Tim, Sean and Steven got on go to the results page.
*~*~*~*~*
British Bronzes for Geran and Sean
*~*~*~*~*
Club Captain Geran Hughes won a Bronze medal in the British Masters 3000m steeplechase in Birmingham on Saturday, while Sean McCormack also won British Masters Bronze in the 5000m in the same championships the following day. For more details go to the results page and photos on the photos page.
*~*~*~*~*
North Wales Selections
*~*~*~*~*
Darren Blazier and Sean McCormack were rewarded for the recent good form by both being selected for the North Wales Masters team to take part in the Welsh Inter-Regional 10k Championships which are incorporated into the Caernarfon 10k race which takes place on 31st August.
*~*~*~*~*
Borders League Dates for 2008-09
*~*~*~*~*
The borders League dates for the coming season have just been announced. Go to the Borders League Page to see them.
*~*~*~*~*
Castles Success!
*~*~*~*~*
It was another very successful Welsh Castles Relay for the Harriers over the weekend, with the club completing the course in a club record time of 25hrs 27mins, almost 30 minutes faster than last year. For a full report, and the provisional results go to the Castles page. See also over 400 photos of the event courtesy of Geran, Steven and Rob.
*~*~*~*~*
Two new North Wales Champions for Harriers
*~*~*~*~*
Abergele Harriers can boast two new North Wales Champions after the Rhyl 5k with Darren Blazier winning the MV35 category and Stephen Boyton winning the under 17 title. For full details go to the results page.
*~*~*~*~*
"Castles" planning meeting.
*~*~*~*~*
Plans for this years Castles Relay on the weekend of 14th and 15th of June are almost complete, and all members involved are advised that there will be a “Castles planning meeting” held in the Bee Hotel at 7.30pm on Sunday 1st June. All members involved in the race must attend this meeting for details of the course, safety regulations and marshalling duties. Anyone who finds it impossible to attend needs to contact Club Captain Geran Hughes.
*~*~*~*~*
Harriers win 5 medals at Track Championships
*~*~*~*~*
Sean and Steven McCormack travelled to the North Wales Track and Field Championships in Deeside on Saturday, taking home 3 gold and two silver medals. For a full report go to the Results page with some "action" pictures on the photos page.(Sean's "dip" for the line in the 400m and Steven's "water jump" technique are worth viewing!)
*~*~*~*~*
Another record night for Harriers
*~*~*~*~*
It was records all round for Abergele Harriers at the final race of the Borders Road Running League in Deeside on Wednesday, with the team winning the Veterans League for the first time in club’s history, winning a record seven individual prizes overall, and on the day fielding a record twenty six members and the men’s team getting a league record ten counters home in the top thirty nine positions, scoring a club record 251 points in the process. Full report on the Borders League page.
*~*~*~*~*
Harriers Double North Wales Champions
*~*~*~*~*
Five Abergele Harriers travelled to Wrexham for the Wrexham 10 Mile road race that once again incorporated the North Wales Championships, coming home with several prizes including team and individual titles. The team went one better than last year, winning both the North Wales Men’s and Veteran Men’s Championship titles, having been silver medalists in both categories twelve months previously with the exact same team. For full details go to the Results page.
*~*~*~*~*
Five do very well in London
*~*~*~*~*
Five members took on this year's Flora London Marathon, one doing it for the first time, and two others achieving personal best times. For full details of how they got on go to the London or results page.
*~*~*~*~*
Cross Country news.
*~*~*~*~*
All the important dates for next seasons Cross-Country season are just in , as well as some very import news regarding the numbers of ladies "to count" in the ladies races next season. For full details go to the Cross-Country page.
*~*~*~*~*
Harriers Champions in the Spring
*~*~*~*~*
The Harriers won the team prize in the Chest Spring 5 on Wednesday as well as a number of individual prizes. For full details go to the results page.
*~*~*~*~*
Annual General Meeting, 2008
*~*~*~*~*
The 2008 AGM takes place on Sunday April 6th at 7.30 in the Bee Hotel, Abergele. For agenda and details of committee nominations go to the AGM page. All members are urged to attend.
*~*~*~*~*
Harriers have their youngest ever International
*~*~*~*~*
Abergele Harriers have a new International added to their ranks with Josh Dixon making his debut for Wales in the Presidents Cup in Dublin on Wednesday. Josh, who has been running for less than 12 months, only made his North Wales debut on Saturday and has now been selected for full International honours.
*~*~*~*~*
Three do well in Nottingham
*~*~*~*~*
Three Abergele Harriers were on representative duty at the weekend for North Wales in the UK Inter-Counties Cross Country Championships and World Cross-Country trials which were held in Wollaton Park in Nottingham on Saturday. For details of how they got on go to the results page, and see the photos on the photos page.
*~*~*~*~*
Blazier on fire in Lanzarote
*~*~*~*~*
For the second time in less than a week Darren Blazier was victorious, this time in the La Santa Half-Marathon. For full details go to the results page.
*~*~*~*~*
Darren wins once again in Lanzarote.
*~*~*~*~*
Darren Blazier won his second 10k race of the year, by winning the La Santa 10k in Lanzarote on Saturday, while his Borders League team produced an excellent performance in Mold to stay top of the Veterans League and well in contention in both the Men's and Ladies Leagues.For Darren's race details go to the results page , while full details of the League race are on the Borders League page.
*~*~*~*~*
Two Harriers selected for North Wales
*~*~*~*~*
Two Harriers have been selected to represent North Wales at the UK Athletic Union Cross Country Championships in Nottingham on 15th March, championships that will once again be televised on Sky Sports. Steven McCormack is in the Under 20 team while Geran Hughes, a Veteran, ran so well all season that he has been selected as a reserve in the Senior Men's team. Congratulations also to Phil Edge of Deeside, who trains with the Harriers on Wednesdays and has been selected in the Under 17 team.
*~*~*~*~*
Two new North Wales Champions for the Harriers
*~*~*~*~*
The Harriers can boast two new North Wales Champions for 2008 with Darren Blazier and Sean McCormack both winning their age categories in the North Wales Half-Marathon Championships held in the Village Bakery Half-Marathon in Wrexham on Sunday. For race details go to the results page and photos on the photos page.
*~*~*~*~*
Harriers win Regional Honours
*~*~*~*~*
At the North Wales Regional Athletic Board Meeting on Friday, the road running rankings and annual awards were announced and ratified. Darren Blazier was ranked third male overall on the road in 2007 and 1st in the MV35 category, while John Earlston was ranked both first in the MV45 category and first Veteran overall for the year after outstanding results , most notable his 74mins 14secs in the Wrexham half-marathon in February. Sean McCormack won the Manager's award for Best Male Performance for North Wales in 2007, with his 77min 28secs for the Humbar Half-Marathon in June.
*~*~*~*~*
Harriers Shine on the Orme
*~*~*~*~*
Ten Harriers took part in this years Nick Beer 10k, including three who had raced in Oswestry the previous day. Two members won their age categories and all ran superbly. For full details go to the results page.
*~*~*~*~*
More Cross-Country Success for the Harriers
*~*~*~*~*
The Harriers for the second time in three weeks proved their strength in depth at cross-country,following the final race in the Majestic Travel North Wales League in Oswestry, with the ladies team winning the second devision and gaining promotion to the first, while the men's team were runners up in the first division and bronze medalists in the Veterans League. Added to this four members won individual prizes. For full details, go to the cross-country page.
*~*~*~*~*
"Abergele 5" goes Gold!
*~*~*~*~*
The Abergele 5 race in November 2008 has been awarded a "gold grading" for the first time ever this year by BARR. The race this year which will be held on November 2nd will also once again include the North Wales 5 mile championships.
*~*~*~*~*
Home advantage pays off in Borders League
*~*~*~*~*
The Harriers hosted the fourth round of this seasons Borders Road Running League, and made home advantage pay off, by not only getting the best ever score in the seven years that that club has been in the League, but also won the race on the day with the best score by any club this season. For full details go to the Borders League page.
*~*~*~*~*
Champions!
*~*~*~*~*
Saturday was one of the greatest days in the history of Abergele Harriers when the male cross-country team became both Veteran and Overall North Wales Cross-Country Champions at the championship meeting in Northop College. For details go to the results page and photos on the photos page.
*~*~*~*~*
Grahame wins in Alicante
*~*~*~*~*
Grahame Shone won the MV55 category in the Sante Pola Half-Marathon in Spain, in an excellent 1hr 27mins 59secs. For full details of how he and Alan Lucas got on, go to the results page,
*~*~*~*~*
Darren Storms to Victory
*~*~*~*~*
Darren Blazier had the greatest race triumph of his career by winning the 2008 Twin Piers race on Saturday, in an outstanding time of 33mins 13secs, 36 seconds clear of his nearest rival. Darren was one of thirteen Harriers in the race, five winning prizes. Full results are available here
*~*~*~*~*
Marshals needed!
*~*~*~*~*
All Harriers are reminded that the club will be hosting the next round of the Borders Road Running League on Sunday 3rd February. Any members not racing are asked to make themselves available to marshal on the day, by contacting Borders League Manager, Darren Blazier. All those who do race are asked to also provide a marshal to represent them.
*~*~*~*~*
Cross-Country Success in Wrexham
*~*~*~*~*
Nineteen men and six ladies took part in the penultimate round of the Majestic Travel Cross-Country League in Wrexham, all getting on very well. The ladies manages to score a record 100 points while the men also maintained their push for medals this season. For full details and photos go to the Cross-Country page.
*~*~*~*~*
Record turn-out for Handicap
*~*~*~*~*
A record 26 Abergele Harriers turned out for the club’s annual Handicap race, which this year again had a new format, simply consisting of a five mile out-and-back course, where members were asked to pace themselves evenly to try to run each direction in exactly the same time, without the aid of any timing device; the winners being the man and women who got closest to an exact split. For full details of how everyone got on and somegreat photos go to the Handicap page.
*~*~*~*~*
Darren produces the Race of a Lifetime
*~*~*~*~*
“Club Member of the Year” Darren Blazier, justified his recent award, by producing probably the greatest race performance of his career to date, and possibly the best by a Harrier all year, in the Sale 5 mile race on Sunday. For full details of who he, and three other Harriers got on, go to the results page.
*~*~*~*~*
Christmas Celebrations for the Harriers
*~*~*~*~*
The Club held its annual Christmas dinner and awards evening on Friday night in Rhos Cricket Club. For details of all the award winners and photos to be admired at go to the Christmas Dinner page.
*~*~*~*~*
Welsh Masters Cross-Country Successes
*~*~*~*~*
The official results of the Welsh Masters Cross-Country Championships were published this week, with the race taking place within the Ibter-Regional Championships. All Harriers were celebrating, none more so than Angie Hughes who achieved a fantastic 4th position, only nine seconds away from a medal, in the FV40 category. Sean McCormack was 5th in the MV40 age group and Justin McIlveen 7th in the MV35 age group. For full results log onto the Welsh Athletics web site.
*~*~*~*~*
Club Handicap Race
*~*~*~*~*
The 2008 Club Handicap race takes place on Sunday 6th January at 11am from Pensarn. Please meet first at Abergele Leisure Centre at 10.45am. The race will be approx 5 miles with details only supplied on the morning of the race. Hint; The person who can best pace themselves will win! Presentations will take place back at the Leisure Centre at about 12.30pm with food then provided by the club in the Bee Hotel at 1pm. All members, first and second claim, are welcome for the "race".
*~*~*~*~*
London Marathon Club Places
*~*~*~*~*
Congratulations to Carol Willgoose and Simon Grant who won the club's two London Marathon places, with Keith Elliott and Robert Spotswood as first and second substitute respectively.
*~*~*~*~*
Quartet of Harriers run well in Cardiff.
*~*~*~*~*
Four Harriers were on representative duty for North Wales in the Welsh Inter-Regional Cross Country Championships in Cardiff, all running fantastically well. For details go to the results page with photos on the photos page.
*~*~*~*~*
London Marathon Club Places
*~*~*~*~*
The London Marathon "rejections" are out and the Club Places need to be "raffled" as soon as possible. To be eligible for the club's numbers you need to be 1) A fully paid up first claim member of Abergele Harriers, 2) Have attended at least 15 training sessions with the club since January 2007 and 3) Have applied and been rejected for the 2008 FLM. Please give your rejection slips as soon as possible to Sean. The names so far given are Robert Spotswood, David Edwards, Carol Willgoose, Simon Grant, Pete Smith and Keith Elliott. If you haven't given Sean your rejection slip yet, please do, and if there are any other members eligible please let Sean know as soon as possible.
*~*~*~*~*
Darren wins in Lanzarote.
*~*~*~*~*
Darren Blazier easily won his age category in the Lanzarote International running week, by over 10 minutes. For full details go to the results page.
*~*~*~*~*
Five selected for North Wales
*~*~*~*~*
Five Harriers have been selected for the North Wales team to take part in the Welsh Inter-Regional Cross Country Championships on December 9th in Cardiff; Geran(v40) and Angie Hughes(fv40), Sean(v40) and Steven McCormack(u20) and Justin McIlveen (v35. Carol Willgoose was also selected but unfortunately isn't eligible. yet to compete for the region
*~*~*~*~*
Record day for Harriers in Bangor
*~*~*~*~*
The Harriers had another record turn-out in Bangor for the latest round of the North Wales Cross Country Championships, with a number of outstanding results. At the end of the day the mens team were 3rd in the first and veterans divisions, while the ladies team went top of the second division. For details go to the Cross-Country page.
*~*~*~*~*
Justin shines in Penmaenmawr
*~*~*~*~*
Justin McIlveen produced one of the performances of the season in the Penmaenmawr fell race on Saturday. To see how he got on go to the results page.
*~*~*~*~*
Justin third in North Wales Fell series.
*~*~*~*~*
Following a fantastic run in the Rhinog Horseshoe Fell race recently, Justin McIlveen finished third overall in the North Wales Fell Championship Series. For details of Justin's run go to the results page.
*~*~*~*~*
Harriers have a new North Wales Champion
*~*~*~*~*
Abergele Harriers added a new name to its long list of North Wales Champions, when John Ford won the MV35 title at the Abergele 5 mile road race on Sunday. For full results and photos go to the Slaters 5 page and for a report go to the results page.
*~*~*~*~*
Abergele 5 Results and Photos
*~*~*~*~*
The Abergele 5 results and photos are already on the Slates 5 page. Have a look!
*~*~*~*~*
Geran and Tim for Wales
*~*~*~*~*
Following outstanding performances in Colwyn Bay and Telford, Geran Hughes has been selected for the Welsh v40 team to travel to Belfast for the home internationals in four weeks time, while Tim Cahill was also rewarded for his tremendous form when he was selected as a reserve in the MV45 team for the same race.
*~*~*~*~*
Male Vets team lead the Borders League
*~*~*~*~*
The men's veteran team for the first time in the club's history are leading the Veteran League after the first round of the Borders Road running League in Prestatyn, with a hansom 105 point lead over their nearest challengers Buckley, while the overall male team is in second position in the League.
*~*~*~*~*
Telford Cross-Country
*~*~*~*~*
The mini-bus for the Telford cross-country race will be leaving Abergele Leisure Centre at 11am on Saturday 20th October and will be expecting to return at about 6pm.
*~*~*~*~*
Superb Borders League opener
*~*~*~*~*
Nineteen Abergele Harriers turned out for the first round the Borders Road Running League in Prestatyn. The men’s team, back in the first division this season, posted a fantastic team score of 336 points, one of the best on the day.For full details of how everyone got on go to the Borders League page.
*~*~*~*~*
Ladies rewarded with top spot
*~*~*~*~*
The ladies team that turned out to the Cross-Country on Saturday in Colwyn Bay got their just rewards by finishing the day top of the second division for the first time in the history of the club. The men's veteran team were also very pleased with third position overall in the Veteran League, the same position that they finished in last season. For full details and lots of new photos of the day, go to the cross-country page.
*~*~*~*~*
John still unbeatable!
*~*~*~*~*
John Earlston continued his unbeaten run in Wales this year with a fantastic run in this years Flintshire 10k. For more details see the results page.
*~*~*~*~*
Record turn-out in Colwy Bay
*~*~*~*~*
Nineteen members represented the club in the first round of the Majestic Travel Cross Country League, including a record nine women. For details and photos go to the cross-country page.
*~*~*~*~*
Darren Triumphs in Llanddoged
*~*~*~*~*
Darren Blazier ran the race of his life to win the Ras Fawr Llanddoged on Sunday, against fierce competition both from fellow Harriers and a very strong Eryri team. The Harriers also won the team prize. For full details go to the results page.
*~*~*~*~*
Sara Delivers!
*~*~*~*~*
Congratulations to Sara and Justin McIlveen on the birth of their new son Charlie, just in time for Sara to resume training for the upcoming cross-country season! A reliable source stated that Charlie had donned his first pair of trainers today, at 4 days old!
*~*~*~*~*
Haydn does well for Charity.
*~*~*~*~*
Haydn Jones ran to Llanwrst (20miles) and cycled back home (23 miles because he got lost!) on Saturday in aid on the Air Ambulance. His total time was 4hrs 58mins and he made over £150 for the cause. Very well done Haydn!
*~*~*~*~*
Three New Champions
*~*~*~*~*
The Harriers have three new North Wales Champions following the Caernarfon 10k road race which incorporated the 10k Championships, including Darren Blazier who won his first Championship in the newly formed MV35 category. For full details check out the results page.
*~*~*~*~*
Rob Races to Victory
*~*~*~*~*
Robert Spotswood achieved the first race victory of his career, with a superb run in Crewe on Sunday. For details, see the results page. Congratulations Rob!
*~*~*~*~*
Man power beats steam power.
*~*~*~*~*
Steven McCormack proved that man power can get the better of steam power, when he was one of two Harriers who took on the Talyllyn Steam train in Tywyn on Saturday. For details go to the results page and photos on the photos page.
*~*~*~*~*
Justin wins over the fells
*~*~*~*~*
Justin McIlveen of Abergele Harriers, became the latest club member to win a race, on Sunday in the Leg End fell race. For full details, go to the results page.
*~*~*~*~*
Simon right back on form.
*~*~*~*~*
Simon Shiels proved he is once again a force to be reckoned with when he raced the Sale 10 on Sunday. To see how he, and several other Harriers, got on, go to the results page.
*~*~*~*~*
Captain Geran shines in Birmingham
*~*~*~*~*
Club Captain Geran Hughes took part in the British Masters Track and Field Championships in Birmingham on Sunday. To see how he got on , go to the results page and see photos on the photos page.
*~*~*~*~*
Harriers win in Dolgellau again!
*~*~*~*~*
Abergele Harriers won the team prize in the Dolgellau 5 mile race for the second year in succession, as well as two individual prizes. See full details on the results page.
*~*~*~*~*
Sean makes it a hat-trick in Llanfair.
*~*~*~*~*
Sean McCormack, was first home in the Llanfair TH Mountain run for the third time in four years. For details of the run and photos of the days events, go to the Llanfair Sports Day page.
*~*~*~*~*
Barefoot Becky gets her reward
*~*~*~*~*
Becky Smith was the latest winner of the Captain's Award (June) for her performance in the Riverbank 10k where she had to run the second half of the race barefoot after her shoes started giving trouble. For a full list of winners see the captains Award page.
*~*~*~*~*
Six go and beat the train
*~*~*~*~*
A club record six members, out of eleven members who did the race, beat the train on Wednesday night in the Caernarfon Beat the Train event. See details on the reports page and photos on the photos page.
*~*~*~*~*
Harriers Men Clean up at the Orme
*~*~*~*~*
The Abergele Harriers Men's team made it a clean sweep at the Great Orme Challenge on Sunday, taking home eight of the eleven male trophies available, with seven men finishing in the top ten. For full details go to the results page and see photos on the photos page.
*~*~*~*~*
Men miss out in Liverpool by the narrowest of margins.
*~*~*~*~*
Four men and one lady took part in the Penny Lane 10k on Sunday, and although the quintet of runners achieved three personal best times for the distance the men missed out on the team prize by a single point, 58 points to 57, to Liverpool running club. For details gop th the race results page , with photos on the photos page.
*~*~*~*~*
Borders League Dates Arrive
*~*~*~*~*
The Borders Road Running League dates have just arrived. For details see the Borders League page.
*~*~*~*~*
Sean and Haydn shine in Northop
*~*~*~*~*
Sean McCormack and Haydn Jones took part in the Celyn Trail race in Northop and both came home with trophies. For details see the results page.
*~*~*~*~*
Record run at the Riverbank
*~*~*~*~*
Eighteen Harriers took part in this years Riverbank Run, taking home 11 prizes. For full details go to the results page, with photos on the photos page.
*~*~*~*~*
Hughes do well in Horwich
*~*~*~*~*
Geran and Angie Hughes took part in the British Masters 5K Championships in Horwich, both doing very well. For more details, go to the results page.
*~*~*~*~*
Not "A Bridge Too Far" for the Harriers
*~*~*~*~*
Darren Blazier and Sean McCormack represented North Wales in the British Inter-Counties HALF marathon Championships which were incorporated into the Humber Bridge Half MARATHON. To see how they got on, go to the results page.
*~*~*~*~*
Pete meets Ron Hill
*~*~*~*~*
Pete Smith completed the Freckleton Half-Marathon on Sunday and afterwards met the infamous Ron Hill, who also ran in the race. See a photo of Pete and Ron on the photos page.
*~*~*~*~*
Harriers record run through Wales
*~*~*~*~*
The Harriers completed the Welsh Castles relay over the hottest weekend of the year completing the 210 mile course from Caernarfon Castle to Cardiff Castle in 26hrs 8mins 49secs, 1 hr 13mins and 9secs faster than last year, finishing 16th in the King of the Mountains competition and 34th overall, massive improvements on last years results. See a full report and photos on the Castles Relay page.
*~*~*~*~*
Justin conquers Snowdon
*~*~*~*~*
Justin McIlveen finished a fantastic 2nd overall in the Snowdon section of the Welsh 1000M fell races on Saturday in an amazing time of 1hr 49mins 27secs, just 8 seconds behind the winner.
*~*~*~*~*
Blazier and McCormack head for Humber
*~*~*~*~*
Darren Blazier and Sean McCormack have been selected to represent North Wales in the British Inter-Counties Half-Marathon Championships as part of the four man team traveling to the Humber Bridge Half-Marathon on 24th June. The other two members of the team are Paul Wathan and Darren Rowlands.
*~*~*~*~*
Record Harrier turn out at the Sun Centre
*~*~*~*~*
Abergele Harriers made up over quarter of the field in the SunCentre 5k on Wednesday and took home an even higher proportion of the prizes, yet the stars of the night were Jaime Ashtons "beginners group" graduates. To see how the bclub has three new North Wales championships and several future stars in the making go to the results and stats pages.Photos very soon.
*~*~*~*~*
Bright Sunday for the Harriers
*~*~*~*~*
It was celebrations all round for Abergele Harriers on Sunday with the men’s team taking the honours at the Chester Half-Marathon, while several ladies made their club debuts in the Rhyl Race for Life. For full details of both go to the results page.
*~*~*~*~*
Final Handicap Results In
*~*~*~*~*
The handicap resultss from the final Borders League Fixture in Wrexham are here. Go to the Borders League page to view them
*~*~*~*~*
Earlston selected for North Wales
*~*~*~*~*
John Earlston has been rewarded for his outstanding form this year by being selected to represent North Wales in the UK Inter-regional Half-Marathon Championships which is incorporated into the Humber Bridge half-marathon in Hull on June 24th.
*~*~*~*~*
Harriers wrap up the league in record style!
*~*~*~*~*
The final round of the Borders Road Running League was held in Wrexham on Friday night, and it turned out to be the most historic night in the 21 year history of Abergele Harriers. Not only did the club have its biggest ever turn out for a league race (22 runners), the Harriers won the race on the night for the first time since joining the league seven years ago, they had five runners in the first 20 home for the third league race in succession, they won the second division with one of the best ever scores, and three Harriers won their individual categories overall, another was runner-up and another third. For full details of the race and season, including photos, go to the Borders League page.
*~*~*~*~*
Earlston extends unbeaten run
*~*~*~*~*
John Ealrston remains unbeaten in his age category this year following the Wrexham 10 raod race on Saturday. To see how John and five other Harriers gor on, go to the results page.
*~*~*~*~*
Geran, first Vet home for Wales in Knock Dhu
*~*~*~*~*
Club Captain Geran Hughes had a superb run in the Home International fell race in Knock Dhu in Northern Ireland. To see exactly how he got on, go to the results page, with photographs of the day on the photos page.
*~*~*~*~*
London Marathon
*~*~*~*~*
Several members traveled down to London for the capital’s annual event, including a number of members tackling the distance for the first time. For details of how they all got on, go to the results page.
*~*~*~*~*
Hilary shines in Boston
*~*~*~*~*
Hilary Jaques ran the 111th Boston Marathon on Monday, which is not only the oldest Marathon in the World, but also the only Marathon where everyone must get a qualifying time in order to run it. For details of how she got on, see the results page.
*~*~*~*~*
AGM News
*~*~*~*~*
Congratulations go to Geran Hughes who was elected unopposed for a second year as Club Captain, and Jamie Ashton who was elected unanimously as Vice-Captain, at the Club's AGM which was held on Sunday Night.
For full details of the new committee see the Club Officials page.
For further details of items discussed see the AGM page.
*~*~*~*~*
Honours Shared in "Mob Match"
*~*~*~*~*
The first "Mob Match" between Abergele Harriers and Prestatyn Running Club was held within the Borders League race in Northop on Sunday with honours shared, Abergele taking the Men's trophy and Prestatyn, the Ladies. For full details see the Borders League page. This will hopefully become an annual fixture between the clubs.
*~*~*~*~*
Ladies success in Isle of Man
*~*~*~*~*
Three female and two male Harriers travelled to the Isle of Man Easter Athletics festival, with the ladies having geat success. Angelle Hughes was not only 3rd Vet in the 5k race on Easter Sunday, but she was also 3rd Female Vet for the Festival overall. As well as Angie's success, Hilary Jaques also got among the prizes, finishing third Vet in the fell race on Saturday. For all the details go to the results page and see photos on the photos page.
*~*~*~*~*
WA Fees now due
*~*~*~*~*
Welsh Athletics Membership fees are now due for 2007-08. If you have not received a form, please inform Angella Hughes, Membership Secretary.
If your Welsh Athletics registration is not renewed by April 1st, you will not be eligible to run in the Border League or Welsh and North Wales Championship races, or represent your Region/Country, after that date. You will also have to pay the Unattached Levy in any race held under UK Athletics rules.
*~*~*~*~*
AGM
*~*~*~*~*
The closing date for nominations and items for discussion at the AGM has arrived. Go to the AGM page for details.
*~*~*~*~*
Cross Country news.
*~*~*~*~*
The provisional dates for next seasons cross country League meetings have been fixed. Go to cross country page for details.
*~*~*~*~*
Geran wins another Welsh Vest
*~*~*~*~*
Club Captain Geran Hughes has been selected for the Welsh fell running team to travel to Knockdu in Northern Ireland on 28th April after a magnificant 5th position in the selection race, the Ras Moel Wnion on Saturday. For full details of the race go to the results page.
*~*~*~*~*
Earlston remains unbeaten all year.
*~*~*~*~*
John Ealrlston has remained unbeaten in his age category all year, having once again run fantastically well in the Trafford 10k in Manchester. For full details of the race go to the results page.
*~*~*~*~*
Annual General Meeting
*~*~*~*~*
The Annual General Meeting of Abergele Harriers will be held on Sunday 15th April in the Bee Hotel, Market Street, Abergele. All committee and club positions, with the exception of President, will be up for re-election at the AGM. Please see a list of the holders of present positions on the "Club Officials" page. Nominations for any position must be made in writing to the Secretary, Chairman or Captain before Sunday 25th March 2007. For a nomination to be valid it must contain the following; the name of the fully paid up member being nominated, the position that member is being nominated for, the signature of the member making the nomination, the signature of a member seconding the nomination, and the signature of the person nominated.
Please note; nominations on the night of the AGM will only be accepted if no valid nominations have been received by the due date.
Items for discussion at the AGM must also be submitted in writing to the Secretary, Chairman or Captain Sunday 25th March 2007.
A list of nominations and items for discussion will be produced, distributed and publicised (on the notice-board and web site) by Sunday 1st April 2007.
*~*~*~*~*
Steven does well in world trials in Nottingham.
*~*~*~*~*
Steven McCormack was representing North Wales in the UK Intercounty Championships, which incorporated the world cross country trials in Nottingham. To see how he got on see the results page and for photos go to the photos page.
*~*~*~*~*
Two new North Wales Champions for 2007
*~*~*~*~*
The Club can boast two new North Wales Champions after John Ealrston and Pam Grant both won the V45 titles at the half-marathon distance, in this year's championships which were held within the Wrexham Half on Sunday. For full details see the results page, with photos on the photos page.
*~*~*~*~*
Shone's Cross Country Success
*~*~*~*~*
Cross country veteran Grahame Shone got third position in the highly competitive MV55 category in the Majestic Travel North Wales Cross County League, despite the cancellation of the final race in Oswestry, following superb races earlier in the season.
*~*~*~*~*
Cross Country team celebrate Vet success
*~*~*~*~*
The final round of the Majectic Travel Cross Country League race that was cancelled on Saturday last will not be re-scheduled, so the male vet team have won the bronze medals in the Veterans team competition for the first time in the clubs history. The men's team also finished a very safe 5th position in the first division while the ladies remain in the second division for another year following a mixed season.
*~*~*~*~*
Annual success in the Orme
*~*~*~*~*
The Harriers had their usual share of success in the annual Nick Beer 10k, with two category winners and narrowly missed out on both team prizes. See a full report on the "results" page and photos on the "photos" page.
*~*~*~*~*
Cross-Country cancelled
*~*~*~*~*
The final round of the Majestic Travel Cross-Country League was cancelled on Saturday because of sever weather conditions in Oswestry.
*~*~*~*~*
Record successes in Borders League
*~*~*~*~*
Not only did the Harriers have a recort three Category winners in Sundays Borders League race in Christleton (John Earlston 1st V45, Sean McCormack 1st V40 and Grahame Shone 1st V55) Ed Reid became the first winner of the Borders League Handicap. See the Borders League page for full details and results.
*~*~*~*~*
Record successes in Borders League
*~*~*~*~*
Not only did Abergele Harriers have a club record three category winners in Sundays Borders League race in Christleton (John Earlston 1st V45, Sean McCormack 1st V40 and Grahame Shone 1st V55), eD r
*~*~*~*~*
Three Harriers in Top 10 in North Wales rankings
*~*~*~*~*
Three men made it into the top 10 "senior men" overall road racing rankings in 2006. Darren Blazier was 4th, Sean McCormack 6th and Tim Cahill 10th. In addition , Sean was ranked 1st overall in the MV40 category, thanks to a 1st rankinjg in 10 miles and Half-Marathon and a second in 5k. The full details of the rankings will be available very soon.
*~*~*~*~*
Steven selected for North Wales.
*~*~*~*~*
Steven McCormack has been rewarded for his recent excellent form in Cross-Country by being selected for the North Wales team that will take part in the British Cross-Country Championships in Nottingham on February 24th.
*~*~*~*~*
Club has two new North Wales Cross Country Championships
*~*~*~*~*
Abergele Harriers can boast of two new North Wales Cross Country Champions in its ranks following the Championships in Northop on Saturday, with Steven McCormack taking the Under 20 title and Grahame Shone the MV55 one. For full details of how everyopne got on go to the results page.
*~*~*~*~*
PB haul in Helsby
*~*~*~*~*
Four of the six Harriers running in this years Four Villages Half-Marathon in Helsby achieved personal best times for the distance. For details of how they all got on, go to the Results Page.
*~*~*~*~*
Hughes make it a unique family double.
*~*~*~*~*
Geran and Angie Hughes made it a unique family double by both leading home their teams in the latest round of the Majestic Travel Cross-Country League in Wrexham, while Steven McCormack added his father's scalp to his list of club conquests. For full details of how everyone got on go to the Cross-Country page, and for short videos of the races go to www.telfordrunning.co.uk
*~*~*~*~*
Welsh Castles Relay 2007
*~*~*~*~*
The club has once again entered "the Castles" this year. For full details see the Castles Relay page.
*~*~*~*~*
Twin Piers Success
*~*~*~*~*
Fourteen Harriers took part in the Twin Piers 10k race which was once again staged superbly by Colwyn Bay AC. The Harriers scooped 6 induividual prizes and both men's and ladies team prizes. Photos available on the photos page.
A full set of results is available in our "race results" section at the end of our own clubs report.
*~*~*~*~*
Committee meeting
*~*~*~*~*
The next club committee meeting will be held on Sunday 14th January in the Bee hotel at 7.30pm. Among the items for discussion will be the proposed Easter trip to the Isle of Man, the 2007 AGM, the 2007 Christmas Dinner, and new and extra trophies for 2007. All club members are welcome to attend.
*~*~*~*~*
Annual Club Handicap Race
*~*~*~*~*
The 2007 Club Handicap Race was held on Sunday 7th January. For a full report see the Handicap page.
*~*~*~*~*
Its a Happy New Year for Darren!
*~*~*~*~*
Darren Blazier learned this week that following an outstanding years running, he has been selected to represent North Wales in Port Talbort on the 14th January in the Inter-Regional 10k Championships, which also include the Welsh Championships.
*~*~*~*~*
Happy Christmas
*~*~*~*~*
Happy Christmas to all from Abergele Harriers! Don't forget Club members, don't eat too much over Christmas, the Club Handicap takes place on Sunday 7th January!
*~*~*~*~*
London Club Places
*~*~*~*~*
This years London club places went to Alison Guillemin and Meinir Huws with Dave Edwards and Rob Spotswood as substitutes. Good luck to all.
*~*~*~*~*
Welsh Inter-Regional Cross-Country Championships
*~*~*~*~*
Two Harriers were on representative duty for North Wales in the Welsh Inter-Regional Cross-Countery Championships in Swansea. Go to the results page and the photos page to see how they got on.
*~*~*~*~*
Two new "graduates" from Jaime's "beginners" group.
*~*~*~*~*
Sonia Wignall and Shirley Royles joined Anwen Begley as Harriers who have "graduated" from Jaimes "beginners group" to "racers" when they were among seventeen Harriers to take on the elements in the Helena Tipping 10K race in Wrexham at the weekend. For full details of how everyone got on go to the Race Reports page. (photos also on photos page)
*~*~*~*~*
A Family Affair in Swansea
*~*~*~*~*
The Inter-Regional Cross Country Championships next week in Swansea have become a family affair with Angie Hughes being added to the squad (FV35-45 Team), making hewr debut for North Wales along with husband Geran and father and son "team" Sean and Steven McCormack
*~*~*~*~*
Club Annual Awards
*~*~*~*~*
The Clubs annual awards were presented at the Christmas Dinner on Friday. for full details see the Christmas Dinner page. Female Harrier of the Year went to Jaime Ashton, Male Harrier of the Year to Sean McCormack and Most Improved Harrier to Steven McCormack.
*~*~*~*~*
Harriers success in Cross-Country
*~*~*~*~*
Abergele Harriers had another wonderful day on saturday at the 3rd round of the cross-country league. Thanks to excellent team performances the mens team have leap-frogged into 4th position in the first division and 3rd in the male veterans league while the ladies team were one short of a complete team but still managed an excellent result. For full details of the race and league positions after the 3rd race see the cross-country page.
*~*~*~*~*
Father and Son selected for North Wales
*~*~*~*~*
Father and son, Sean and Steven McCormack were among four Harriers selected to represent North Wales in the upcoming Inter-Regional Cross-Country Championships in Swansea on the 10th December. Steven will be making his running debut for the region (has previously represented North Wales at rugby!) in the Under 20 competition, while Sean was selected in the V40-50 age group along with Geran Hughes (running for the North for the first time, having run as a seniour previously for the South). The quartet is completed by Hilary Jaques who was selected to run for the FV45+ team.
*~*~*~*~*
Club London Places
*~*~*~*~*
The Clubs two London places have arrived. Members are reminded that to be eligible for one of these places a runner must be; 1) A fully paid member of Abergele Harriers, and still so on the day of the race 2) Have attended at least 15 Club nights Since 1/1/2006 AND 3) Have applied for London themselves and been unsuccessful this year (a rejection slip must be produced). As it is clear that rejection slips will nopt be available until after the Club Christmas dinner, the places will be drawn at club night on Wednesday 13th December. 2 names and 2 substitutes will be drawn. Members are reminded that these numbers are allocated to the Club and not the individual and therefore if the four people drawn are unable to do the race the numbers must be passed back to the Committee for futrther allocation and not passed on to others of the individuals choice.
*~*~*~*~*
2007 Handicap Race
*~*~*~*~*
The date has been set for the 2007 Handicap race which will be over a GPS measured 7k course on 7/1/2007. For further datails contact Sean.
*~*~*~*~*
Easter Tour to Isle of Man
*~*~*~*~*
The club has decided to organise a tour to the Isle of MAn over Easter 2007 to the 45th Isle of Man Easter Athletics Festival. This involves 3 races in 3 days, a 10k on Good Friday, a Fell Race (4k men, 3k ladies) on Easter Saturday, and a 5k (relay for men, individual race for ladies)on Easter Sunday. There are individual cash prizes for each race and overall and members can do any or all of the races. For full details of the festival go to http://www.easterfestival.info/ and any member interested is asked to contact Sean McCormack as soon as possible.
*~*~*~*~*
Caernarfon Border League
*~*~*~*~*
Eighteen Harriers travelled to Caernarfon for the second round of the Borders League. The men's team scored 496 points maintaing their run-away position at the top of the second division, while a solid performance from the ladies keeps them well in contention for the improvers trophy.
*~*~*~*~*
Committee meeting
*~*~*~*~*
A comittee meeting is geing held on Sunday 12th Noember at 7.30 in the Bee Hotel. All members are welcome to attend. The main items for discussion include the Abegele 5 Race debrief, the Christmas Dinner and next years Handicap race.
*~*~*~*~*
Geran for Wales!
*~*~*~*~*
Club Captain Geran Hughes has been rewarded for his superb recovery from injury earlier in the season by being selected for Wales as a travelling reserve for the upcoming Vets Home International Cross Country race in Scotland. Geran was selected following superb recent cross-country performances in Telford and in Gwent.
*~*~*~*~*
Abergele Slaters 5
*~*~*~*~*
Provisional results are now available on our results page. A report is available on our results reports page. Thank you to everyone who helped on the day to make it once again such asuccessful day and thank you to all the runners who took part and hoep to see you all again next year, when we will once again be hosting the North Wales Champs.
*~*~*~*~*
Full steam ahead for Slaters 5
*~*~*~*~*
Next Sunday, the 5th of November, sees the twentieth running of the “Abergele Slaters 5 mile road race”, which this year, once again, incorporates the North Wales five mile championships. This years race already has a huge entry with many more expected on the day. The race starts at 1pm from the bottom of St Georges Road and goes on its traditional course up to St George and back to Abergele Leisure Centre via the Kinmel Manor Hotel. Entries are accepted up until 12.30pm at the race headquarters, Abergele Leisure Centre. Abergele Harriers are indebted to their sponsors, which this year includes Slaters of Abergele, Abergele Town Council, The North Wales Police and Athletes Feet, as well as many other local businesses, including AES Electrical, Cambrian Concrete Products, Crescent Services, Decantae Water, Gwalia House Butchers, Mulberrys Leisure Club, Simon Lloyd Fire and Electrical and Woods Motorcycles. Thanks also to St. John’s Ambulance Brigade, Brynwood Design and Print, Wales and West Utilities, Sovereign Trophies, Ysgol Ap Iwan, Abergele Leisure Centre, Kinmel Manor Hotel and The Kinmel Arms, all of whom also contribute to make the race such a massive success each year. The presentations, which will take place as soon as possible after the race, and again this year, the race is honoured to have the Mayor of Abergele presenting the prizes.
*~*~*~*~*
Cross-Country Vets stay third in League
*~*~*~*~*
After the second cross-country raqce of the season, the Mens Vets team remain 3rd in the League, by far their highest ever position. Full results and team positions are now available on the cross-country page.
*~*~*~*~*
Cross-Country teams keep up their excellent work.
*~*~*~*~*
It was another outstanding team performance for the Harriers in the second round of the Majestic Travel Cross Country League in Telford, with fourteen members making the trip, resulting in the men’s team consolidating their safety in the first division and the ladies also producing a superb team performance. For full details see the cross-country page
*~*~*~*~*
Running shoes found at cross-country
*~*~*~*~*
A pain of Inov8 Flyrock runners have been found at the Telford round of the Majectic Travel Cross Country League. For details contact Sean@Abergeleharriers.co.uk
*~*~*~*~*
Committee / Race meeting
*~*~*~*~*
A meeting will be held in the Bee Hotel at 7.30 on Sunday 22nd October, with the main item for discussion being the upcoming Abergele Slaters 5 race. All club members are welcome.
*~*~*~*~*
Telford Cross-Country
*~*~*~*~*
Cross-country Captains Sean McCormack and Angie Hughes are hoping to take strong teams to Telford next weekend for the second round of the Majestic Travel North Wales Cross-Country League on Saturday. A mini-bus will be leaving Abergele Leisure Centre at 11am and returning at 6pm. Could all team members please let the captains know of their availability.
*~*~*~*~*
Borders League Success
*~*~*~*~*
The mens team scored a club record score of 395, including seven finishers in the first 42 overall, while the ladies also scored fantastically well in the first round of the Borders Road Running League in Oswestry. For full details see the Borders League page.
*~*~*~*~*
Cross-Country Season off to a flying start!
*~*~*~*~*
A record team effort took place in the first round of the North Wlaes Cross Country League at Colwyn Bay on Saturday. The Men's team finished 4th in the first division and 3rd overall in the vets competition, while the ladies finished 5th in their division. For more details see the cross-country page.
*~*~*~*~*
North Wales Police Sponsor Race
*~*~*~*~*
The North Wales Police and Community Trust (PACT) was launched in 1998. It is a registered charity. The Trust supports initiatives, particularly those in which the Police are involved, which aim to improve the quality of life by reducing crime and fear of crime in all communites of North Wales.
In 2002 The Community Beat Manager Small Grant Fund was created. This fund is designed to make grants available to CBMs who know best what is needed at grassroots level in communities. As long as an activity or project improves the local community, it is likely to be approved.
Abergele CBM PC Neale Duffy says "The small grant fund is great. It helps local communities with local problems. I am really pleased that I have been able to access the £250 for Abergele Harriers. The cash will go towards the costs of organising their "Slaters 5" race which is to be held on 5th November at 1pm."
Abergele Sergeant Craig Jones handing the cheque for £250 to Sean Mccormack, race secretary
*~*~*~*~*
Spring Marathon Fever
*~*~*~*~*
Next year Abergele Harriers are considering organising a trip to a Spring Marathon abroad, rather than the traditional trip to London. If any member is interested in organising such a trip or would like to discuss it in more detail, please contact any committee member
*~*~*~*~*
20th Anniversary Celebrations
*~*~*~*~*
Abergele Harriers are celebrating its 20th year of existence in its present form. There was an Abergele Harriers many years before, but the "new" Harriers were formed in May 1986. To mark the occasion, this years Christmas dinner is open to all ex-members of the club, and anyone interested in attending is asked to contact Social Secretary Jaime Ashton (01745 825850)or Acting-Chairman Steven McCarten. The dinner will take place on 1/12/2006 in Colwyn Bay Cricket Club at 7:30.
*~*~*~*~*
Darren going to Swansea for North Wales
*~*~*~*~*
An excellent week for Abergele Harriers was topped off by the news that Darren Blazier has been once again selected to represent North Wales, this time in the Inter-Regional match which takes place in the Swansea Bay 10k next weekend. His selection was just reward for some superb performances recently over the distance, his most noteworthy being his victory in Denbigh, and his 2nd position in the Twin Piers in January.
*~*~*~*~*
Committee meeting
*~*~*~*~*
A Committee meeting has been arraged for Sunday night (17th) at 7.30 in the Bee. All members are welcome to attend. The main item for discussion is this years Abergele 5 race on November 5th.
*~*~*~*~*
League Changes
*~*~*~*~*
There has been a change in venue for the first Border League race on 8th October. It will now take place in Capenhurst, organised by Ellesmere Port RC, while the race on 18th March 2007 will now take place in Mold, organised by Buckley Runners.
The dates for the last two Cross-Country races are now January 20th, Wrexham and February 10th Oswestry (changed from February 17th).
*~*~*~*~*
Cross Country Training
*~*~*~*~*
All Harriers are reminded that the Cross-Country season kicks off in Colwyn Bay on September 30th, and special cross-country training will take place on Wednesday 20th September, leaving from Abergele Leisure Centre at 7pm, to meet in Eirias Park at 7.15pm. For all cross-country details, contact Cross-Country Captain, Sean McCormack on 07774948596.
*~*~*~*~*