In 2024, Rhayader Round The Lakes celebrated it’s 40th year and, as a favourite race among Croft runners, there was plenty of Sky Blue representation on and off the course.
Race day wasn’t exactly the beautiful morning we were all expecting and, if anyone else was like me, found themselves questioning as to why we were about to run either the 10k or 30k races in, what appeared to be, blizzard like conditions. But, with gloves, coats and numerous layers packed, it was into the car and off to mid-Wales, where surely, being in the mountains, the weather would be worse? It’s something I tried, with difficulty, not to think about.
Fast forward to the start of 10k race at 11:15am and the weather was bearable, with the odd raindrop here and there. The runners got on their way, with our terrific group of 4 Croft ladies – Sam H, Louise R, Tom P and Reachel, looking strong. 15 minutes later it was the turn of the 30kers – the race I partook in.
The first few miles of the 30k takes runners straight up the mountain road, which is a challenge in itself. But, how about having to run the mountain road in a blizzard? That is what we had to contend with and what can only be described as a mind and body numbing experience. Are you surprised that I wanted to quit? Alas, I did not quit and battled on through the snow and wind to get back down the mountain, where a scrumptious tub of wine gums was waiting for me.
Running through Elan Valley is one of my favourite places to run, so once I had chewed on my sweeties, I got myself back onto the course, keeping to a comfortable pace as I ran the undulating route, taking in the scenery as I went. I quickly managed to catch up those who passed me on the mountain road, including Liza, who I happily ran with for a few miles. Come half-marathon distance, I was still pacing myself comfortably and still felt that I had plenty of juice left in the can. I was determined to record a new PB on this course. But all good things come to an end right? The mental wall hit me with less than 2km to go, thanks to the horrific sight of a hill and the pain from blisters forming on my toes. I wont lie, I walked the majority of the final 2km, at least until we started going down hill back into Rhayader.
I have not seen a view more spectacular in my life – and I’m not referring to Elan Valley, but more the finish line and bottle of water that was calling my name. I crossed the line, hand in hand with Liza, in 03:03:10 – over five minutes quicker than my last attempt in 2022. I was extremely content with how I ran, and feeling slightly more positive for the upcoming Manchester Marathon.
As for my fellow Crofties, their races were just as fantastic! Although the only prize I went away with was pride and the feeling of like I was going to pass out at any moment, Croft runners were really out there, showing they meant some kind of business. In the 10k race, Sam H and Tom P took home second in their age categories, whereas in the 30k, Hannah finished second female, with Gareth and Jo M finishing second and third, respectively, in their age categories. It was a brilliant day to be a Croftie!
Full Croft Results:
10K:
Sam Harper: 57:11 – 2nd V45
Tori Dickinson aka Tom Powell: 01:05:06 – 2nd V55
Louise Reeves: 01:08:41
Reachel Kenny: 01:15:32
30K:
Gareth Leek: 01:56:04 – 2nd Senior Male
Eric Apperley: 02:03:47
Hannah Fletcher: 02:13:40 – 2nd Female
Jo Marriott: 02:35:16 – 2nd V55
Stuart Austin: 02:46:41
Liza Austin: 03:03:06
Bronwyn Preece: 03:03:10
Thea Preece: 03:10:42
Gemma Davies: 03:27:29
Theresa Jones: 04:00:23
Claire Verran: 04:02:53
Croft Cheerleaders:
Clare P, Roland P, Kelly B, Tori D, The 10kers – Thank you all for the motivation!
Great running Team Croft!
