Darrens Dash

Darrens Dash 2012

2011-12-18T11:14:00.000Z

The date for the 2012 event has been set as Sunday 17th June at 2 pm.

You did it!

2011-06-18T15:15:00.000+01:00

The weather forecast certainly wasn't promising - 50 mph winds, extensive hill fog down to 300m and persistent heavy rain! A quick emergency route choice had to be devised and 30 brave runners took up the challenge. A newcomer to the Darrens Dash - Duncan Birtwistle of Harrogate Harriers - won the race in fine style in 36:00 whilst the first lady home was Emma McWilliams from Mynydd Du in 40:50.

The childrens fun run also attracted 18 entrants who battled it out on the slippery course. A bouncy castle, raffle, BBQ, produce stall and fantastic teas and cakes compensated for the dampness. Many thanks to all runners who took part and a particular big thank you to Longtown Mountain Rescue Team who provided marshalls 'on the hill', to the farmers / landowners who let us use their land, to the Wye Valley Runners team who manned the registration desk and finish line timing and to all the event sponsors without whom the event could not have taken place.

More than £500 was raised for Longtown School and Pre-School.

1 day to go

2011-06-11T22:09:00.000+01:00

The course is now set! There are still places available to enter on the day. Its firm and dry underfoot at the moment but the forecast for tomorrow promises something a little different. Cloud, wind and rain are going to make this unique course a little bit tougher. Don't be deterred you can be sure of great tea and cake at the end and you can sport your new Darrens Dash baseball cap with pride after having tackled this tough new course.

Look forward to seeing you tomorrow. The route to Longtown is signposted from both Pontrilas and Pandy on the A465 or Satnav HR2 0LE.

Four days to go!

2011-06-08T23:36:00.000+01:00

Although the event is filling up fast there are still sufficient places for runners to ENTER ON THE DAY for both the Darrens Dash Hill Race and the Castle Canter Family Fun Run.

We certainly won't turn anyone away and lots of lovely cakes are being baked in anticipation for hordes of hungry runners.

It looks like Sunday will start dry and bright producing a firm, fast course with occasional showers coming through to cool down runners in the afternoon!

The route to Longtown Community Primary School (Event Centre) will be signposted from the A465 from Pontrilas (Hereford direction) and Pandy (Abergavenny direction).
Satnav: HR2 0LE.

Look forward to seeing you on Sunday!

Darrens Dash Course Map - 12th June 2011

2011-06-06T19:21:00.000+01:00

10 days to go!

2011-06-01T22:13:00.000+01:00

Please note that the day and time of the event are different from previous years: this event is on Sunday 12th June at the earlier time of 2 pm. All previous events have been Saturday events and have started an hour later. It does mean that this year the mad among you can do the 'Man v Horse' on the Saturday and the 'Darrens Dash' on the Sunday!

There are still plenty of places left, so don't delay get your entry in to benefit for the pre-entry discount (it's almost worth a pint).

On Sunday I ran in the excellent Crocodile 8 event at Tillington in Herefordshire. The course was as dry as I've ever known it and a new course record was posted by Luke Mason from Wye Valley Runners. At the moment conditions on the Darrens Dash course are also very dry, but being a hill course this could all change in the next 10 days. One things for sure there will be a new course record on Sunday 12th as it's a brand new course!

What runners say about the event

2011-05-23T23:54:00.000+01:00

Really enjoyed this, more that I was expecting to, to be honest. Very steep hill at the start then a quick run along the ridge and an even quicker descent. There isn't a more beautiful setting in my opinion. I managed to sprain my ankle, not during the race but getting the cake afterwards... not sure what that says but there you go ...
What a fantastic run. Hard first mile, but then a belt along Offa's Dyke before heading down again. Most of it was runnable - although may not have been in bad weather. I loved it!

Brilliant race really enjoyed it,very friendly atmosphere and well marshalled. Starts with a zig zag climb to the ridge of the mountain,along the top then straight down… one to mark in the diary for next year. Thanks guys

Great race, with a very very very hard start, but lovely scenary at the top of the "hill".

Extremely well organised, beginner friendly fell race. Ascent was hard, but once on the ridge it was almost flat and then downhill all the way.

I loved the family-friendly feel and the kids races.

How to enter the Darrens Dash

2011-05-23T21:10:00.000+01:00

To enter the Darrens Dash download an entry form from http://www.wyevalleyrunners.co.uk/entry-forms/

Event info
Venue: Longtown, Herefordshire Minimum age: 16 Entry limit: 100

Start: 2 pm at Longtown Community Primary School, HR2 0LE

Course Description: The Darrens Dash is a challenging 6 mile hill run on the eastern edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park. The run includes a total of 1,500 ft ascent, undulating running along the Offa’s Dyke path, a swift descent to the Olchon Valley and a short uphill run to the finish! The start and finish are at Longtown Community Primary School. 100% of the running is off-road on farmland, tracks & paths. Longtown Mountain Rescue Team will provide mountain safety & first aid cover at key locations on the course.

Prizes: Optional* race memento included in entry fee. A range of other category prizes will be awarded. Parking/Toilets: At Longtown Community Primary School

Further information? Contact Mike Fawcett on 01873 860219 (eve)

Entry fee: £8 Attached, £10 Unattached (£2 extra on the day). *Deduct £3 if no memento is wanted.

A taste of what's to come - a summary of last year's event

2011-05-23T21:01:00.000+01:00

Darrens Dash & Courthouse Canter 2010

This popular charity running and walking event for all the family took place on 5th June 2010. This special 5-5-5 event had a clown theme so stilt walkers, fire breathers and clowns spiced up the event. As well as the running and walking events, adventure activities, a bouncy castle, bran tub, ice cream stall and BBQ provided fun and sustenance for the family. £1000 was raised to be split between The Children's Hospital for Wales, Longtown MRT and the Longtown OEC Bursary Fund.

NB.
Aspirant 2011 runners: the times recorded below were for a shorter course with significantly less ascent!
Results for All Competitors in the Darrens Dash in finish order:

1 0:35:15 RYALL, Samuel Mynydd Du Open Male 935 1

2 0:35:18 MOORE, Stuart Wye Valley Runners Open Male 930 2

3 0:35:30 PULLEN, John Wye Valley Runners MV 40 941 3

4 0:35:45 WOODS, Adrian Mynydd Du MV 40 933 4

5 0:36:52 PENNY, Stuart Chepstow Harriers MV 40 942 5

6 0:38:45 LINK, Mike Hereford Couriers MV 40 950 6

7 0:39:26 CHAMMINGS, Martin Parc Bryn Bach Open Male 948 7

8 0:39:40 NIXON, Ann Forest of Dean A C FV 50 960 8

9 0:39:54 JONES, Chris Unattached Junior Male 936 9

10 0:40:43 DRINKWATER, Kim Gloucester A C Open Female 951 10

Less than 3 weeks to go!

2011-05-18T23:29:00.001+01:00

This year's event takes place at 2 pm on Sunday 12th June at Longtown Community Primary School, Herefordshire, HR2 0LE

A new longer tougher course, a new event centre but the same organising team and a warm Longtown welcome to all competitors. Download an entry form at http://www.wyevalleyrunners.co.uk/.

2011 Dates Confirmed

2011-02-17T14:53:00.000Z

We are pleased to announce that the Darrens Dash 2011 will take place on Sunday 12 June. Further details will be coming soon so keep checking back to see what's going on this year.

Have You Heard About Us?

2010-05-19T15:49:00.000+01:00

Have you been listening to Sunshine FM? If so then you may have heard mention of Darrens Dash 555 as it is broadcast over the airways.

This years event is shaping up to be the biggest yet. We're pushing the boat out to celebrate our 5th anniversary. We've teamed up with many people to help raise funds for the Longtown Mountain Rescue Team, The Noah's Ark Appeal for a new children's MRI scanner, and the Longtown Outdoor Education Centre Bursary Fund.

Building on the ever popular 8km hill run over challenging terrain, we're adding events for all the family. It's on the 5th of June at the end of National Family Week who are organising a national sports day. Events will be taking place all over the country so why not come and join in your local event. There's plenty for everyone - have a go at climbing and kayaking, get your face painted, try stilt walking, take on our inflatable obstacle course.

We've also had great support from local businesses when it comes to our Grand Raffle. The prize fund is growing and now includes dinner, bed & breakfast at Allt Yr Ynys hotel, outdoor jackets from Montane and Mardale, free family entry to the Hedge Puzzle and Butterfly Zoo at Symonds Yat, petrol vouchers - the list is growing all the time.

We've booked the weather for the day so why not bring the whole family and have a great day out.

The Clowns Are Out!

2010-05-11T10:18:00.001+01:00

A pair of clowns have escaped and have bee spotted in the local area - have you seen them??

Our family fun day we're setting up Clown World - a chance for you to have a go a stilt walking, juggling and riding a unicylce. There'll be face painting and a host of other games and attraction to keep everyone active and entertained.

Feeling Fit?? Why not enter our Catch The Clown family fun run. One of our tame clowns will be let lose and it's your chance to chase.

Our clowns have been kept busy lately visiting local events and turning up during assembly at local primary schools. They're still on tour so keep you eyes peeled....

Can You Help??

2010-04-28T09:26:00.003+01:00

The Darrens Dash 555 is shaping up to be a massive event this year. We've already got many runners signed up for the challenging 5 mile hill run. It's not just about the race though, we're planning a fun packed family day for all to enjoy.

One of the most popular events during the day has always been the Grand Raffle. This wouldn't be nearly so popular if it wasn't for the generosity of local businesses donating prizes.

So, can you help make this years raffle bigger and better than those that have gone before? Can you, or your business, donate a prize to make the raffle live up to reputation that it has. And remember, you will be helping to raise funds for the Noah's Ark Appeal - they're looking to raise £1.5million for a new state of the art MRI scanner at the Children's Hospital For Wales. Proceeds will also be going to the Longtown Mountain Rescue Team and the Longtown Outdoor Education Centre Bursary Fund.

Please get in touch if you can help out, all donations will be gratefully received.

Race Marshalls

2010-04-13T13:05:00.000+01:00

It has just been confirmed that the Longtown Mountain Rescue Team have very kindly agreed to act as marshalls for our challenging 5 mile hill run (not that we're anticipating any incidents that would need their services!).

The team provide a valuable service for the local area and is staffed entirely by volunteers. Although now based in Abergavenny the team have a long association with the Longtown Outdoor Education Centre.

The Longtown MRT will be one of the beneficiaries of money raised at our fun packed Darrens Dash 555. If you're looking for a fun packed family day out on the 5th June then come and join us for a whole days excitement and entertainment. There's something on offer for all the family.

Accommodation Now Available

2010-04-07T15:42:00.000+01:00

If you're travelling from away to compete in the Darrens Dash on 5th June then why not stay at the Longtown Outdoor Education Centre. Bed & Breakfast is available in the centre, or why not bring your tent or caravan and stay in the grounds - we'll even supply breakfast!

There's a party in the evening at our local The Crown Inn, with live music. So if you want to stay and enjoy the fun and relax after a tough race then there's all the more reason to stay.

Entry forms for the popular hill run have now been sent out to all previous competitors and are available if you email your details to info@darrensdash.co.uk

The Darrens Dash 5-5-5

2010-04-01T10:01:00.000+01:00

This year is the 5th anniversary of the Darrens Dash. It's taking place on the 5th June and promises to be an exciting, fun packed day for all the familly.

We've got 5 fantastic challenges through out the day:
The Darrens Dare Mountain Walk
The Darrens Dash Hill Run
Catch The Clown Family Fun Run
Adventure Challenges including climbing and kayaking.
Family Challenges including a family sack race, giant egg & spoon, clown world, inflatable obstacle course and much, much more.