That’s another week ticked off in 2025! And, there’s been plenty of running going on at Croft Ambrey Running Club this week. Shall we take a look?
There was no Junior session this week, giving our young runners a well deserved break. Our Seniors also found themselves with a break on Tuesday as, due to the hot, hot, hot weather, the decision was made to cancel. But, it was full steam ahead for Thursday’s training at Croft with Clare. Over 20 runner came out to the session, where the ever so popular mini hurdles were back in action, before the main short interval session.
On Wednesday, our regular group of fell runners – Saffi, Flora, Guy, Gary and Tim, hopped over the border to Shropshire to take part in this year’s edition of the Ragleth Inn Fell Race! Saffi was first Croft, and first FU15 to cross the finish. She was followed by Tim (4th M55), Flora (2nd W60), Guy (1st M80) and Gary (1st M75). Guy has written us a race report for the website, in which you can find here.
Full CARC results:
Saffi Reid – 37:33 – 1st FU15
Tim Jones – 38:43 – 4th M55
Flora Gunner – 42:12 – 2nd W60
Guy Whitmarsh – 45:22 – 1st M80
Gary Gunner – 50:13 – 1st M75
Kicking off Saturday the right way, with Parkrun! Over at Ludlow, it was another win for Eric, who crossed the finish line in 18:46. Steph K was our first female in 27:41. There was also a new PB for Vanessa. Her time was 33:21. Paul L, Jamie and Neil volunteered. There was another Croft win at Hereford, with Sam J finishing in 16:43. Rob and Sue W also ran at Hereford. Only a small handful Parkrun tourists for you this week, with Naomi and son; Henry, running at Heartlands in Redruth, Angus in East Brighton and Tom, Ali D and Reachel at Newtown. Tom and Ali then went on to support the Race The Train crew in Tywyn!
Saturday also saw the 40th annual Race the Train race take place. Another fan favourite amongst Crofties, Liza, Keli P, Kath, Huw, Steve, Oscar and Stuart all headed up to Tywyn on the Welsh Coast to do exactly what it says on the tin; Race The Train. With 4 different courses at different mileage, Crofties once again took to the Welsh trails, in the hot weather, in attempt to get to the finish line before the steam train. Although described as “Far too hot. Hardest race in a while,” by Steve, all Crofties made it to the end. Huw has very kindly written a race report, which you can read here! Results:
Tynllwynhen Challenge (3.3 Miles):
Keli Partridge – 39:16
Rotary Challenge (14 Miles):
Oscar Austin – 02:08:57
Steve Partridge – 02:13:45
Kath Hardwick – 02:21:22
Stuart Austin – 02:21:46
Liza Austin – 03:02:22
Huw Williams – 03:26:18
Chepstow Running Festival was another event to take place on Saturday, with Saffi running in the 5k. Out of 120 entries, she finished 1st female and 12th overall.
Continuing on with what turned out to be a very busy Saturday was Angus, taking part in the Sussex Beer Mile Event. Yes, Beer Mile, you read that correctly. This race is 4 laps of a 400m track, with a beer on every lap! Angus took part in this event as an individual and as part of a team – Staggering X-Men! Angus finished 5th overall in his heat, and 2nd overall with his team. And, to top it off, it ran it all as a bottle of beer!
I think it’s time to round out Saturday, don’t you?
Flora and Gary ran at the Rhydycroesau Fell Race. A 5.22 mile race with around 761 total ascent. Flora finished in 50:08 and was 1st in her age category and 3rd overall female. Gary finished in 55:38, also winning his age category.
Onto Sunday, and the day of the inaugural Wild Wolf of Radnor 10 Mile Trail Race. 5 brave Crofties – Gareth, Nigel, Joe, Paul L and Lou P, took on the twists and turns of the undulating route within Radnor Woods, with Gareth bringing home the win. Although we can’t bring you the results as of yet – they’re not published!, we can tell you that our Sky Blue runners had some brilliant feed back that may see more Croft runners take to the trails next time out. Lou said “A shiny new race. Loved it!,” while Joe said; “Lovely race deffo do it again.” Well done all.
Ending off the week is Saffi who, after a brilliant race at Chepstow Running Festival on Saturday, ran at Worcester Running Festival on Sunday! She took part in both the 2k and 5k. In the 2k she finished 2nd overall and 1st female. In the 5k she finished 3rd female overall.
Well done all! The upcoming training schedule will be live on our Facebook on Monday morning. In the meantime, don’t forget, we’re always on the look out for your race reports for the website, so get posting them on Facebook or send them to either Sam H, Huw or myself (Bronwyn).