Runners take on Gower Trail Races
Seven members of Farnham Runners travelled to Wales recently to take part in the Gower Trail Races, long distance events following the Wales Coast Path along the Gower Peninsula, organised by the aptly named Run Walk Crawl company.
Billie McCulloch, Nic O’Connor, Sue Taylor and Kate Townsend ran the Gower Trail Race, 23 miles from Rhossilli to Mumbles, while Tanya Bricknell, Colette Grist and Linda Tyler took on the Gower Ultra – a 50-mile circumnavigation of the entire Gower Peninsula.
Conditions were perfect for the event, with clear blue skies and sunshine throughout the day – and clear skies at night!
The Ultra started off mainly on roads following the north Gower coast; runners were able to change into trail shoes after the first 16 miles to complete the rest of the course – a mixture of fields, woodland and beach to begin with, before joining the start of the Trail Race which followed the tricky coastal path from Rhossilli, including a long sandy beach and sand dunes of epic proportions! Runners were rewarded with stunning scenery, excellent aid stations and very friendly volunteers throughout the race.
Billie, Sue and Kate ran together and completed the Trail Race in 06:57:45; Nic crossed the finish line in 08:49:37.
Tanya, Colette and Linda ran most of the 50 miles together, having to navigate the last four and a half hours in darkness; Tanya finished just ahead in 15:26:32, while Colette and Linda were very relieved to cross the finish line in 15:27: 20, just three minutes ahead of the strict fifteen-and-a-half-hour deadline!!
Kate Townsend said:
“Seriously tough but breathtakingly beautiful”
Sue Taylor said:
“Some of the most beautiful scenery in the country”
Colette Grist said:
“Amazing views in the sunshine with the best company and support got us across the finish line”
See the Photo Gallery 2024 for further photos from this event.