Darrens Dash 2013 results

John Pullen strikes again


The day dawned bright and breezy, but my mid-morning the clouds were building and light rain started an hour before the race began. This did not deter the record field of 85 (including 8 Cani-X runners and their dogs) or the 58 children taking part in the children's races.

A revised course this year used a different start section. A crossing of the Olchon Brook ford avoided early congestion at a stile. (Canix-X runners had a delayed start and an amended course to open country where they rejoined the main route). From the brook steep climbing though fields led to open country and the relentless climb to the top of the Darrens crags. Longtown Mountain Rescue Team marshals awaited the hardy runners as they charged towards the Offa's Dyke ridge - the borderline between England and Wales. Patchy cloud deprived some runners of the magnificent views from Hatterrall Ridge. A turn to the south and undulating running eventually led to a fast runnable descent through Cayo farm. A sting in the tail awaited the runner in the shape of a short, sharp uphill run to the finish. Runners then sprawled in the meadow grass savouring their achievement before walking back to the school for their delicious tea and cake.

Strong running from John Pullen of Wye Valley Runners ensured that he held off the challenge from local rival and former winner and record-holder Matt James of Hereford Couriers in the men’s race. Stuart Moore of Wye Valley Runners was close behind in 4th place. Nicola Gething from Parc Bryn Bach was victorious in the Women’s race ahead of an impressive finish by Checkley-based Heather Walker, closely followed by Rebecca Davies of Wye Valley Runners.

Full results can be downloaded from www.wyevalleyrunners.co.uk


Summary Results:

MEN

1st 44.48 John Pullen, Wye Valley Runners

2nd 45.54 Matt James, Hereford Couriers

3rd 46.00 Robin Smoult, Lliswerry Runners

WOMEN

1st 54.21 Nicola Gething, Parc Bryn Bach

2nd 55.07 Heather Walker, Asylum Functional training

3rd 55.34 Rebecca Davies, Wye Valley Runners

CANI-X

1st 1.08.50 Daniel Kane

Thank you to all marshals, volunteers, competitors and supporters. The event raised over £900.00 for Longtown School, Longtown Pre School and the Mountain Rescue Team

Darrens Dash 2013 - 4 days to go, places still available!

Sunday 16th June 2013 is the date of this year's race based at Longtown Community Primary School (HR2 0LE).  Places are still available for entry on the day.  The route to the start will be signposted from Pandy and Ewyas Harold off the A465.
There is a revised start section to this year's race with an interesting water feature to avoid early congestion. Cani-X runners (runners with dogs) will share the same start line but then follow a different route to Open Country.  Children's races start immediately after the main race start.  The timings:

1 pm         Registrations opens for entry on the day / Children's enterntainment opens
2 pm         Darrens Dash starts
2.05 pm    Cani-X event starts
2.10 pm    Children's race 1
2.15 pm    Children's race 2
2.20 pm    Children's race 3
4 pm         Prize giving & Raffle

Darrens Dash 2013 - Sunday 16th June, course update.

The ponies were out in force when I did a trial run earlier today.  Due to the cold, wet winter the bracken's not nearly as dense as in previous years so there will be less bracken basking for me to do this year. Yippee!

The event HQ is Longtown Community Primary School, Herefordshire.  12 miles from Abergavenny, 15 miles from Hay-on-Wye and 18 miles from Hereford.

For those who like to navigate using landscape features a few notes about the route:

The race starts and finishes in the shadow of Longtown's Norman Castle and after a short downhill section and a crossing of the Olchon Brook, the climbing begins.  Steadily at first through fields to gain Open Country above the Turnant Farm.  After a short traverse northwards on a broad trail, the tough climbing begins to the top of the Black Darrens crags where a helpful Longtown Mountain Rescue volunteer will point you in the right direction.

A short run across the moorland towards the distant summit of Pen y Gadair Fawr brings you to Hatterall Ridge.  Turn south here and follow the undulating Offa's Dyke National Trail which first aligns with the Monnow Valley and then swings west to align with Skirrid Fawr ('The Skirrid').  Pass the trig point, descend to the col between Longtown and Llanthony, take the sharp left turn and then follow the runnable descent trail to the field boundaries above Cayo Farm.  Run steeply down through the fields in the direction of Longtown Castle, through the farm, across the brook and a short sting in the tail uphill finish!

It has got to be done.

See you in a fortnight,

Mike Fawcett
Race organiser

Darrens Dash update - 3 weeks to go!

3 weeks to go and the entries are still coming in. 
Are you tough enough to run to the top of the Darrens (see above)?
Download an entry form from the race webpage www.wyevalleyrunners.co.uk/darrens-dash
Enter in advance to make sure your race T-shirt is ready on the day.
Look forward to welcoming you to Longtown on Sunday 16th June!

Darrens Dash 2013 - Sunday 16th June 2013

5 weeks to go

Are you tough enough to run this course?

Just under 6 miles long with 1,500 ft ascent - this is a cracking borders challenge.

Enter in advance or on the day, Race t-shirt + tea / cake for all finishers.

Childrens Fun Run and entertainment.

Full details and an entry form can be downloaded at: www.wyevalleyrunners.co.uk/darrens-dash