Brecon Fans Races

Pen y Fan Race 2006 Results

Click here for photos

Report

11.00am Saturday 29th July 2006.

The recent heat wave was rudely interrupted for the Pen y Fan Race, with a welcome respite from sweltering temperatures, but with rain and high winds making things very tricky on the steeper and rockier parts of the course. A storming run from Mark Palmer made light of these minor irritations, and he won by the unbelievable margin of 4½ minutes. Matthew Collins was in contention at the top, leading for some of the steep Corn Du ascent, but kit choices let him down… racing flats on a steep wet descent, plus dark glasses in low visibility and rain, allowing Andy Jones to take second spot. Andy was disappointed with his time, but it was solid result after a fall and DNF at Snowdon the week before.

Of only two female entries, one bizarrely set off 20 minutes before the start, and had to be retired by the summit marshals. The other, Helen Fines, had a steady climb and a superb descent (4^th fastest) to finish 10^th overall. The team contest was very close, but MDC couldn’t convert their 1^st and 3^rd places into an overall result, as Mynydd Du’s 2^nd, 8^th and 13^th places just pipped MDC’s total of 26.

Mark’s 34:37 was a good time in the conditions, but with dry ground and a bit more competition on the descent, I think he could go under 32 minutes. But will anyone challenge Keith Anderson’s 30 minute record? Maybe next year!

Huge thanks to marshals who were soaked and blasted on the tops, to the photographers, and to everyone who helped in any way. All appreciated the great prizes and free food and drink for all, generously sponsored by St. Mary’s Bakery, Barry Tomlinson Architectural Services, Breconshire Brewery, and Gibb’s Sports, Brecon.

This was our first attempt at race organising, so we weren’t too upset at the modest turnout of 29. And it was great to see several local unattached runners braving one of Britain’s classic fell races. Hope to see a few more next year!

Prize Winners

Full Results