Sunday, 18 December 2011
Saturday, 18 June 2011
You did it!
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.
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.
Saturday, 11 June 2011
1 day to go
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.
Look forward to seeing you tomorrow. The route to Longtown is signposted from both Pontrilas and Pandy on the A465 or Satnav HR2 0LE.
Wednesday, 8 June 2011
Four days to go!
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!
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!
Monday, 6 June 2011
Wednesday, 1 June 2011
10 days to go!
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!
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!
Monday, 23 May 2011
What runners say about the event
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.
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
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.
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
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
Wednesday, 18 May 2011
Less than 3 weeks to go!
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/.
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/.
Thursday, 17 February 2011
2011 Dates Confirmed
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.
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