Who says it always rains in Wales? The city of Cardiff produced perfect half marathon weather for the 5th year in a row and a record entry of nearly 20,000 runners. This is proving to be Wales’ proud riposte to the iconic Great North Run. Croft runners that have not yet treated themselves to a fast blast around this largely flat circuit can still enter the World Half Marathon championships that take place over the same course on Saturday 26th March 2016 (yes, Saturday and you’ll be on the telly). You too could slog yourself through the last 3 miles knowing that Mo Farah finished more than half an hour earlier! This year just 6 Crofters took part, as far as I can tell. The pick of the Croft runners must be Carol Powell, comfortably breaking 2 hours in a time of 1:58:18, being 6503 overall and 198th in her category, while Greg Davies and Nigel Taylor both broke the magic 1 1/2 hours barrier with times of 1:29:18 (654) and 1:29:50 (710). Frank Luscott had a good run in 1:43:56 (2811), with me desperately trying to close the gap over the last few miles to finish in 1:44:18 (2908). Congratulations to Alison Davies, who finished in 2:50:31, chaperoned by her father Tom Davies. Give yourself a treat, have a go next year.

PS The previous day Liz ran the Cardiff Mile, on tarmac, 1st FV60 in 6.30 (?). Welsh Champion! Well done, Liz.