|
The Welsh Castles Relays 2005 - Day 1
We were represented this year by a team of enthusiasts, one or two brave souls stepping in at the eleventh hour to ensure a complete squad of 20 would cover the 210 miles from the North West corner to the South East of Wales. While there were no stage winners this year, everyone was still determined to enjoy the event. My thanks to Marathon des Sables survivor Jay Waller for most of the photos on Day 1, as I was otherwise occupied.
 |
The weather was the reverse of last year, with a glorious drive through mid-Wales taking us up to the youth hostel at Bangor, which, as some of our runners were pleased to discover, is now fully licenced. Bright blue skies greeted us at Caernarfon for the start of the race, and the beginnings of a very hot day. |
 |
 |
Chris Palmer took us out on the first leg from Caernarfon Castle to Penygroes (9 miles), along a cycle path dappled in sunlight |  |
 |
Catherine Dulla posted a great series in the Gwent League last year, but is more than happy on the roads, carrying us the 10.7 miles to Criccieth Castle (10.7 miles) | |
 |
Next up was Jullian Bailley-Gard for the 12.1 miles to Maentrog, where he handed over to Neil Miller, covering the 9.4 miles to Harlech Castle. |  |
 |
With the prospect of veteran status looming, Malcolm White is now back in regular training, and breezed the 9.6 miles to Barmouth, whence Tony Jefferies covered the 10.7 miles to Dolgellau, arriving there before the camera-man could catch up! |  |
| Joe Webb has been working over shorter distances this summer, and sensibly stuck with the pack for his 9.75 mile run to Dinas Mawddwy |  |
|
 |
Phil Court bravely took on what was the wettest leg (for spectators, at least) last year, the 11.2 miles to Foel, while Colin Marrs again outpaced the camera over the 8.6 miles to Llanfair Caereinion |  |
 |
As last year, team manager Rod Jones bagged the longest (and
possibly hilliest) leg of the weekend, running 13.3 miles into Newtown
with metronomic ease.
As last year, we stayed overnight in a bunk-house near Crossgates, preparing appropriately for Day 2. |
|
