A day of rain and underfoot muddy conditions did little to dampen the spirits at the fourth running of the 6th Trail event at the world-famous Portmeirion village in Gwynedd last weekend, as Welsh internationals broke race records and almost 150 trail runners took on this challenging race.
Once again runners tackled the two-lap route that took in some of the most stunning coastal views that Wales has to offer and the classic Ghost Trail steps literally took the breath away!
With its idyllic seaside setting and network of woodland, lakeside and coastal paths, Portmerion is a perfect venue for any race, and with it’s attractions and colourful architecture visitors were treated to a festival of running and culture with live performance and bubble shows adding to a day of family entertainment.
Racing was fast and furious as ever as the runners meandered their way from the village centre and onto the trail, with Welsh internationals Tom Roberts and Alaw Benyon-Thomas quickly establishing leads that they would hold for the entire event.
Roberts’ time of 27mins 27seconds for the challenging 6km route was impressive, as the Meirionnydd RC man was chased home by Geraint Jones (29:10) and Darren Rowlands (29:33).
Beynon-Thomas finished a superb seventh overall, eclipsing the former women’s race record with a time of 30:38. Smashing an over all 3min 03seconds OFF the previous record. WOW!!. Second place went to Fiona Alexander (33:20) with Eryri Harrier Elliw Haf (33:55) completing the podium. ALL three ladies were within the course female record
2017 also saw a brand-new junior race at the event as over 30 youngsters took part in a 1km supporting race, organised by local club Rhedwyr Hebog Runners.
Race organiser Stephen Edwards was rightly pleased with another excellent 6th Trail event:
“It was another great day for the 6th Trail. Every single finisher seemed to have a smile on their face, and the feedback on the location, route and atmosphere on the day has been overwhelmingly positive once again this year.
“The main aim of the event is to get new runners into trail running, as some participants this year have not competed in a race before. There were groups of females who had traveled from England and South Wales to take part. The staff and management at Portmeirion have been amazing with their support and I think that they were equally impressed with the day’s proceedings. The atmosphere was so warm, all day, with hoards of families coming out in support, despite the rain!
“It was also great to see the junior races too, and we’re grateful to local club Rhedwyr Hebog Runners for organising this and helping the kids take part and hopefully get into the sport.”
6th Trail Race Partners
