Brecon Fans Races

Pen y Fan Race 2007 Results

Click here for photos

Report

11.00am Saturday 21st July 2007

Relentless drizzle, sodden ground and low cloud welcomed 32 runners to this year's Pen Y Fan Race. Many couldn't make it with the flooded roads - the M5 blocked and the whole of Herefordshire and Gloucestershire apparently under water. In fact all rather reminiscent of last year, but at least there wasn't much wind this time.

Andy Jones, Mark Palmer and Harry Matthews dominated the race, establishing a 1 minute lead over Martin Shaw by the obelisk, and summiting together on Corn Du and Pen y Fan. The paths were very slippery, and Mark's time to the top was about 40 seconds down on last year, but that could be because he has been injured recently.

Mark P's descent was almost as quick as last year, and he easily shook off Harry and Andy, finishing over a minute clear, and looking like there was plenty in the tank for the Fan y Big Horseshoe race tomorrow. Harry and Andy raced all the way, and both are pretty good descenders if you take Mark P out of the picture, but Harry hung on by a few seconds at the end for 2nd place.

Martin Shaw showed how fast he is improving on the hills, getting to the top a minute and a half quicker than last year. Pity about the descending though, not to mention the route choice. Ian Withers and Gus Levy were 5th and 6th to the top, but were blown away by a blistering descent from Dave Finn, who came through from 8th at the top to 4th finisher.

Gus was the leading contender from London Frontrunners - "London's gay and lesbian running club" - who had as many runners in the race as Mynydd Du, and posted some pretty good results all things considered. By that of course I mean... considering they do their training in Hyde Park! We hope this can become an annual pilgrimage for the Brecon Fans Race Weekend, but they are going to have to find some big mucky hills to practice on if they are going to challenge for the team prize next year.

Actually I was thinking about having a prize for 1st gay runner, but that would have meant changing the entry forms so we knew who was eligible, and that might have elicited a few surprises...

In the ladies' race, Helen Fines ran a minute and a half quicker than last year to take 1st place, and Alice Bedwell ran a decent race to finish 2nd, and 1st V40.

With Mynydd Du claiming the top 4 places, the team prize was never in doubt. Things are looking good for the FRA relays, except I'm worried whether I'll be able to get a place in the team!

We've now established a prize fund for beating Keith Anderson's phenomenal 30 minute race record, starting with £100 donated by Barry Tomlinson Architectural Services. This will accumulate each year with sponsorship and donations. Wheeze and Topher reckon it is impossible.

Thanks to Ade O, Mike Law and Simon Allen who marshalled up the hill and got soaked; also to Tobi for taking great photos at the finish, and to everyone else who helped in any way. Thanks also to the sponsors who helped us provide great prizes (Crickhowell Adventure, inov8, Barry Tomlinson, Breconshire Brewery) and free food and drink for all (St. Mary’s Bakery).

Crispin and Naomi

Prize Winners

Full Results