12:00, 11th July 2026

122 runners lined up for the Pen y Fan Race on this baking hot day, and made a fine race of it. The race was the 2026 UK ATHLETICS FELL AND HILL RUNNING CHAMPIONSHIPS Short Race, and a counter in the WFRA South Wales Series, so we had more entries than in 2024, the last time the race was run, but over 25 of those pre-entered didn't make it to the start line.

From the finish field we could see two runners establish a lead on the climb, with a few metres between them, Finlay Grant summitting first in about 23 minutes, Tom Crudgington not far behind - and on course for a record-breaking time. With current record holders (from 1992!) Keith Anderson and Claire Crofts in the crowd, everyone was willing for the 34-year old records to be challenged, and excitement was building. On the descent Tom took the lead, possibly through knowing the best descent line, and Fin was a few seconds behind approaching the fence and stile. In the pub Fin told me he knew he needed to do something special, so he leapt the fence while Tom clambered over the stile. The resulting conservation of speed and momentum gained Fin the lead, and he extended this to about 100m by the line, finishing in 31:46 with Tom second in 32:01. Keith Anderson's record is safe, for now! In the Women's race Nichola Jackson of Keswick AC ran a very creditable 40:22, with Helen Haigh in second in 40:58 after being in the lead at the summit, and Beth Rawlinson of Mercia only a few metres behind in 41:07. I suspect with more experience on the course, and a slightly cooler day, both of our winners would have a chance at the records.

Dark Peak took the Men's team prize, but only just, as Keswick AC packed well in 4th, 6th and 7th places and were 1 place and 37 seconds behind overall. Mynydd Du were the only Women's team, and so won most comprehensively with 36, 43 and 78th placed finishers. Several of the Northern clubs mentioned being plagued by injuries and so unable to bring teams.

A special mention has to be made for Gary Gunner, our first ever V80 finisher at Pen y Fan - so impressive!

After the race, streams and shady spots were much appreciated, as was the excellent ale from local brewery Antur Brew Co, while we ran a double prize-giving: first the usual Pen y Fan Race prizes (listed below), then handing over to Kenny Richmond to present the UKA Fell and Hill Running Championship Short Course prizes... I expect those will be published here in due course: https://www.fellrunner.org.uk/championships/british-championships

Thanks as always to the marshals: Robin and Helen Flower, Mike, Sally, Andrew and Tony Law, Lois Flower (sweeper), Joe and Gill Callow, Alexandra, and also to Adrian and Ellie at Fabian 4 for timing and online entry.

Full results here

Photos here

Summary results and prize winners