Ffordd Y Bryniau 27/10/2002

A very windy day saw a good turnout of 41 set out from Mynydd Rudry car park. It was on the first summit that the wind was so strong a few runners were blown off balance, though the marshal did seem to keep her feet on the ground somehow.

Up the Warren I was following the Harlequin trio of Phil Holder, Ronan Carbery and Mark Benbow when 2 runners passed at speed. Hmmm, either late starters or lost already. It was the latter, with Julian Baker fast making up lost ground, although never quite catching the race winner, Tom Gibbs.

The race organiser, Algy Morgan, was finding himself an unexpected participant as he raced to get to the top of Craig Yr Allt before the lead runners. It was on the tops that the wind was fiercest, so not a fun day for the marshals. A new route off Craig Yr Allt saved all of 30 seconds and caused a tangle between Chris Blackmore and Ronan, who seemed to think the added momentum of coming down together would be quicker. Out of the wind until the Garth, up the scramble and then 400 metres into the wind to the finish. Phew!

Talking to ace orienteer and first vet home, James Clemence, after his first FYB, he admitted to checking a couple of points on the route midweek. Some of us have been running it for years and still get lost! (Sorry Gareth B).

MDC were easy winners of the team prize but Harlequins managed the highest club turnout with almost the entire club either running, organising or marshalling.

Thanks to Algy and all marshals, see you next year.

Fford Y Bryniau 2002

RESULTS

First team  MDC  T. Gibbs, A. Jones A. Clemence