Ros Tabor

Stage 1: Caernarfon Castle to Penygroes; Distance: 9.1 Miles
Record: 00:52:37 (2005) - Mick O'Doherty [Bristol & West AC]
Level 4 (flat, then climbs, then flat)

Runner Ros Tabor  1:08:22  27th

Ros writes: I have always wanted to run the leg at the start of the relay, so was pleased when I was able to do it this year. The race is started by the Mayor of Caernarfon. At the start foreign teams are given special mention, so we welcomed the Haarlem Globetrotters from Holland. They are a regular team, and many of them run twice- once for Haarlem, and once for their employers Corus. The leg is traditionally led out over the first bridge by the 3 runners from Les Croupiers who are the race organisers.

It is a pleasant leg, along the side of the estuary and then a little bit of road. The last half is on a cycle track. The race profile shows a slight uphill from beginning to end, but it is so gentle as to be unnoticeable. There was little support except in a couple of places where supporters dressed as cooks and banging saucepans did their best.

My Garmin measured the distance as 9.33, rather than the 9.1 stated on the race details, so I'll go with that!
Note: Ros has Dulwich Runners coloured ribbons on her sunglasses!

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Chris Vernon

Stage 2: Penygroes to Criccieth Castle; Distance: 10.7 Miles
Record: 00:55:34 (2005) - Philip Parry [Bristol & West AC]
Level 6 (Flat then hilly second half)

Runner Chris Vernon  1:31:06  54th

Chris writes: I had not done this leg since 1996 when it was mostly on main roads but the new route is now half on a cycle path and half on quiet roads, which came as a pleasant surprise.

At the start the weather was sunshine with some cloud and a good breeze. All the other competitors who gathered there looked a tad racey but never mind, someone has to be last. As I expected, the field quickly stretched ahead of me and I dare not look over my shoulder. The first retirement came at 2 miles, a Thames Hare and Hound runner with a magnificent moustache. At 4 miles a vet lady pulled up with a painful looking leg injury. On the cycle path, which followed an old railway line I had great support from our team bus and Sue, Marion and Martin so plenty of drinks of water as it was now quite hot.

After the turn onto a side road at 6 miles, there was no one in sight so I just had to grind out the now undulating miles. At 8 miles another retiree appeared and his support van gave me a cup of water with the remark “you look as if you need this, he is catching you” they know how to encourage a chap! I struggled to the top of the last hill not daring to look back but I knew the last mile to be a steep downhill so I managed a passable sub 8 minute mile down into Criccieth to the finish on the village green by the castle. Sue, Marion and Martin were there to greet me as the rest of the team had leapfrogged on to get the others to their starts, and I was only 20 minutes slower than 1996

One other runner finished a couple of minutes behind me so with 3 DNFs I was not last, objective achieved. Thank you DR for giving me another crack at ‘The Castles’; it is a great event to be part of.

On a beautiful day Sue and I headed for the best ice creams in the world while everyone else continued the charge south leaving Criccieth to slip back into its usual sleepy ways

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John Tymukas

Stage 3: Criccieth Castle to Maentwrog; Distance: 12.1 Miles
Record: 01:02:23 (1996) - Martin Rees [British Steel]
Level 9 (Mountain stage)

Runner John Tymukas  1:30:43 49th

John writes: This year I am able to run further and better and so it was that I ran my first ever mountain stage and lived to tell the tale! There seemed a slight reluctance for people to put themselves forward for a mountain stage and so I volunteered since I have managed to get out of doing one in the past! There are 6 mountain stages in all. I consider this to be a medium one compared to the others - but it IS definitely steep!

During the early part of the race there is a nice view of the coast. There are a couple of small hills at miles 1 and 3 but the remainder of the first 8.5 miles of this stage almost completely flat. After 3.7 miles the remainder of the course goes along quiet roads with only minimal traffic so it was pleasant to run. I completed that much in 58 minutes. During that part of the race I managed to become part of a group of 4 runners feeding off each other to help maintain a pace. But then it was everyone for themselves.

But then comes the mountain part, which had been looming in the background for most of the stage: 150 metres (500 feet) of climb in 1.5 miles - most of it very steep. I ran the early steep part against the good advice of Tiarnan who ran this stage last year. He advised me to walk some of it. However, I do not consider myself a very fast walker and I seemed to be coping quite well running step by step up the mountain, getting ahead of my nearest competition. But when I got to the 10 mile mark I was expecting it to be flat or downhill only - but then there were 3 more hills after that! By that time my legs were feeling a bit wasted and 5 (more sensible) people – 2 women and 3 men (only one was from my previous “group of 4”) passed me, while all I could do was only plod a long, offering only token resistance. From 11 miles it was mostly long downhill back below the tree-line to sea level. It was not all downhill though. Between the top and the final part there was a flat section of road about 500m long, alongside a lake. The last couple of minutes was sheer flight down a road that is so steep it was the only way to go – I was running with my arms flailing around like windmills trying to keep my balance and not to fall flat on my face!

Despite dragging the team slightly backwards with my 49th place – my apologies to the faster members of the team - I was thrilled with how I went, since it represents a noticeable improvement for me on my 1:38 in the Hastings Half Marathon in March. And my knees were fine afterwards despite my hammering down that last hill – I must have been landing at the correct angle on them.

It was great to have finished early on and able to enjoy the rest of the weekend watching the other people suffer, with a clear conscience!
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Louise Welsh

Stage 4: Maentwrog to Harlech Castle; Distance: 9.4 Miles
Record: 00:50:07 (2003) - Darren Hale [Salford Harriers]
Level 3 (Flat - shady first half - exposed 2nd half)

Runner Louise Welsh  1:14:24  49th

Louise writes: The Welsh Castles Relay is really a fabulous opportunity to see a stunning part of the UK that isn’t as far as you think from London. The scenery is beautiful and I seem to spend most of my time saying ‘wow’ at the beauty of it all! It’s a great way to meet other members of the club and to do something we all love with lots of others who feel the same in a very relaxed atmosphere. Most of us have a few drinks on Friday and Saturday as well as a curry on Saturday night and one of our international runners even had sugar on her cereal!

Leg four started at 1.30pm from Maentwrog but although it was hot and sunny there was a breeze which was always in my face. Naturally this added minutes to my time (any old excuse!) but I was hugely grateful for it. It was an incredibly pretty run and very easy, a couple of undulations but mostly flat along pretty country roads to Harlech Castle. I had done a hilly half marathon the weekend before which was absolutely miserable and this race really gave my confidence a much needed boost as it was really enjoyable.

If I am completely honest I can’t remember much about the scenery as I was busy trying to keep myself at an even pace, something I can never do but I succeeded this time. Lots of other people started off very quickly so I overtook quite a few towards the end which is always a good feeling! As usual there was a huge amount of support, both from the Dulwich team and all the other teams support groups.

All in all it was a really great weekend and thanks very much to Kirstin, the drivers, runners and supporters for making it such fun.
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Olga Gillane

Stage 5: Harlech Castle to Barmouth; Distance: 9.6 Miles
Record: 00:55:38 (2002) - Kevin Lewis [Swansea Harriers AC]
Level 6 (Long steep hill at beginning)

Runner Olga Gillane  1:16:31  41st

Olga writes: I had a great weekend away at the Welsh Castles. I did the Harlech to Barmouth Leg which is known as one of the easier legs. Before the race I warmed up looking at Harlech castle and having a little run out to the beach and with the sun beating down it was really pretty.

My start time was 14.20hrs. Within a few minutes there is a nice climb shall we say for a ½ mile or so and through out the run there is a couple more small hills.

The course is along a main road, where you pass a couple of villages and there are some beautiful views out onto the coast. At the end of the route you turn right down a steep hill onto Barmouth Beach where I just had to jump in for a swim as by then I was very hot.

There was little shade on this run and therefore it was difficult to hide from the sun although besides this there was a great amount of support and regular stations with people offering water and sponges which I was very pleased about.
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Lis Pritchard

Stage 6: Barmouth to Dolgellau; Distance: 10.7 Miles 
Record: 00:59:03 (2004) - Chris Henry [Wirral AC]
Level 4 (Flat and well protected from sun and wind)

Runner Lis Pritchard  1:16:15  25th

Lis writes: This is perhaps the best leg, along what I think is the most beautiful estuary in Wales.

A run along the harbour wall and over the causeway leads to over 7 miles along a cycle trail beside the river with hills and mountains all around. The route is flat, traffic free and wooded along much of the way, providing welcome shade from the sun.

I started alongside three other women but gradually left them behind. I then focussed on catching a man who had overtaken me near the start. I caught him at about 6 miles and then ran on my own for the remainder of the leg, with no other runners in sight for much of the way.

I enjoyed the run, though I found the last two miles hard in spite of the welcome support at the pub just before the two mile balloon. I was reasonably satisfied with my time, as judging the pace is hard with no other runners around and no mile markers.
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Joe Brady

Stage 7: Dolgellau to Dinas Mawddwy; Distance: 9.75 Miles
Record: 00:55:07 (2005) – Ian Harkness [Thames Hare & Hounds]
Level 8 Mountain Stage

Runner Joe Brady  1:16:46  52nd

Joe writes: I could just remember, from previous times doing the WCR, that this was a mountain leg. So I was grateful to Barry & Di’s driving the car to arrive first in Dinas Mawddwy and then driving onto Dolgellau. This meant I was lucky enough to see the route in reverse from a car, before having to tackle the run.

I knew it wouldn’t be easy especially in my current state of unfitness – a blocked nose & blubbery belly. The race started in the village and was a steady uphill climb for the first six miles, reaching a peak through the mountains at the G.O.D feature on this route – The Gap Of Doom through some mountains. A very scenic, mountain pass if you can find the timeout to glance at the rocky outcrops & grassy valleys.

The really steep bit of the climb actually runs for only 1.5 miles approx. Once you reach the summit, - another very scenic spot though a stunning mountain pass, you’re then hit with a very steep downhill for 3 miles. It did feel, during the really steep bits of the descent, that the soles of my feet and plastic soles of my shoes were melting into the tarmac – I tried to get some relief by running on the grassy verges where possible. The last mile was another gradual climb but not so bad.

In summary, fit or unfit it’s a good challenging course to get around. Also a bit exposed to the sun for most of it. I did take some comfort that it’s not nearly as hilly/ difficult as say Leg 14.

Would like to have gone a bit faster and got a higher placing but really glad I did it.
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Peter Gibbons

Stage 8: Dinas Mawddwy to Foel; Distance: 11.2 Miles
Record: 00:55:14 (1992) - Justin Hobbs [Cardiff AC]
Level 6 (Undulating throughout)

Runner Peter Gibbons  1:21:06  39th

Peter writes: This particular leg was sold to me as an initially flat 3 miles, followed by 5 miles gradual uphill and the last section a pleasant downhill to the finish. Not so bad considering that there aren’t many flat legs in this relay. I found out on the Saturday morning that it was the only leg of the weekend where for (road) safety reasons the support teams weren’t allowed to stop and provide water. Instead three ‘official’ water stations were provided.

Dinas Mawddwy is very small village situated just off the main road, consisting of a pub, a public toilet and a few uninspiring houses. Things didn’t start too well pre-race when I cut my finger on the rusty toilet door, spending my warm-up time trying to stop the flow of blood!

I found that within 800m of the start there was a short but sharp uphill section leading onto the main ‘A’ road, which the race followed for the next 11 miles. And then within a further mile the uphill seemed to start! It seemed to go on and on, but I found I was running strongly and by the pass at the top had passed several runners and had nobody in sight ahead or behind me.

The down-hill to the finish included a few slight inclines up, which because I was tired seemed more like uphill.

I was pleased with my run apart from the final mile when I struggled to maintain my pace. Not the most inspiring leg to run but made up by the atmosphere of the whole event and just being in Welsh Wales.
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Bruno Cherrile

Stage 9: Foel to Llanfair Caereinion; Distance: 8.6 Miles
Record: 00:43:32 (2004) - Steve Watterson [Westbury Harriers]
Level 3 (Generally downhill but undulating)

Runner Bruno Cherrile  1:07:29  40th

Bruno writes: I was given the shortest, easiest leg of the relay, thanks to Kirstin. It was described as mostly flat and downhill so I felt I should be able to do it. After the first two miles, I convinced myself that a more appropriate description of the leg would have been "lightly bumpy". I tactically decided not to burn all my energy as I knew there was a light "bump" about 2 miles before the end. Unfortunately I "missed" that part and found myself having to sprint for the last 100 metres...

The last mile of the day was to head off to the restaurant before trekking to the gite for a well deserved night of sleep. Driving Nicola and Andy around for their legs was a good opportunity to give some support to the other members of the team.

I would do it again next year

PS: running is less scary than driving on the wrong side of the road with steering wheel and gear box on the wrong side of the car.
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Alastair Bayliss

Stage 10: Llanfair Caereinion to Newtown; Distance: 13.3 Miles
Record: 01:10:51 (2006) - Willard Chinhanhu [Poole Runners]
Level 9 Mountain Stage

Runner Alastair Bayliss  1:25:12  17th

Alastair writes: Leg 10, somewhere in them hills to a curry house

I was really looking forward to this and was buoyed up by the gorgeous scenery and the travelling circus that we had been part of all day.

I knew the start was going to be tough and it didn't disappoint climbing a few hundred metres in about a mile and a half. What I wasn't prepared for though was that what looked like a steady downhill was actually a whole lot more undulating. This really tested me. Thankfully I benefited from all the support the final leg of the day gets which I loved. Apparently there was even a bevy of girls in mini skirts, but I didn't even notice – that is how hard I was working!

The photos, of course, show me relaxed as if out feeding the ducks (note to self: got to work on that grimace, speak to Morley). The race was just a bit longer than my training had dealt with (read "agony, not enough, I was dying out there"). I started to suffer with about four miles to go, got whacked in the face by a final hill and struggled to find any momentum along a flat finish. If there had been a larger field I would have been battling to hold on to my 17th place. All in all I was very chuffed with 1:25:12 though which I reckon puts me just a smidgen off my best ever form.A dizzy wander into a curry house and a dizzier exit finished me off, boy did I sleep well. What a lot of fun!
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Iain Millar

Stage 11: Newtown to Llanbadarn Fynydd; Distance: 12.3 Miles
Record: 01:03:29 (1988) - Paul Dugdale [Horwich RMI Harriers]
Level 8 Mountain Stage

Runner Iain Millar  1:36:04  47th

Iain writes: Stage 11 is one of the more scenic and quiet legs of WCR. With a 7a.m. start, it helps if you are a morning person. Probably the easiest 'mountain' stage, the road curves up from Newtown through woods and meadow around the hillside in a series of gentle undulations for about seven miles. The second half is five miles downhill. The early start means there is little road traffic, other than some of the hugely enthusiastic team supporter’s convoy who were extremely generous with their water, sponges and encouragement for all competitors.

Heeding the advice of wiser veterans who had done this route before, for once I stuck to my race plan. I started slowly near the back, then reeled in eight runners going uphill and another two fellow 'laggards ' on the down stretch.

Apart from at the start, I did not see the other forty who finished in front but I was pleased with my first attempt at this event. Nobody passed me and I had a strong finish.

If you have not tried Welsh Castles before it’s worth putting the date in your diary and signing up now. You don't need to be fast but it helps if you have done a few long /hilly events before hand.
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Kirstin Baker

Stage 12: Llanbadarn Fynydd to Crossgates; Distance: 11.2 Miles
Record: 00:53:33 (1993) - Huw Roberts [Bridgend AC]
Level 5 (Undulating)

Runner Kirstin Baker  1:17:03  29th

Kirstin writes: Having suffered on a hot and hilly leg at Castles last year, I chose to return to an early Sunday morning run to be sure of cooler temperatures.

This is a lovely, gently downhill leg and it was a beautiful still morning perfect for running. I was a bit worried that 11 miles might feel like a long way given my recent slack attitude to training (I've been busy working, honestly). But actually it wasn't too bad and I managed a pace that was close to my best 10 mile form.

Running aside, it was a great weekend and apart from getting lost on the way to our bunkhouse on Saturday, everything went pretty smoothly.

Many thanks to my team mates for the Welsh beers - much appreciated.
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Nicola Richmond

Stage 13: Crossgates to Builth Wells; Distance: 10.6 Miles
Record: 00:52:19 (1998) - Greg Newhams [Bridgend AC]
Level 5 (Flattish and gradually uphill, big downhill near end)

Runner Nicola Richmond  1:13:36  28th

Nicola writes: Having acquired the coveted "Yellow Jersey" for WCR, Leg 5, 2005, I now find myself eyeing up the female competition during the pre-start. To my dismay, I spotted Sonia O'Sullivan on the start line and quickly ascertained that 2008 wouldn't be my year. At least the pressure was off!

As I'd not run anywhere near 10 miles since Cabbage Patch 10 of October last year, my race plan was to play it by ear. After the first couple of miles, I began to wonder how I'd manage a further 9.6. Negativity lurked until I reached the top of the last climb, approximately 1.5 miles before the finish, after which, I put my foot down, shaking off the Prestatyn vet who'd stuck with me for the duration and picking off a couple more people en route. Sonia was nowhere to be seen.

Overall, despite the lack of long distance training and the up hills, I managed just under 7 minute miling, certainly assisted by the last 1.5 miles of down hill.

The leg was a good one - I'd recommend it!
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Martin Morley

Stage 14: Builth Wells to Drovers Arms; Distance: 11 Miles
Record: 00:58:00 (2005) - Phill Sly [Thames Hare & Hounds]
Level 10 Mountain Stage (The toughest)

Runner Martin Morley  1:25:55  45th

Martin writes: So here I was on the start line for the hardest leg and was I fully prepared? Well nearly, slight back problem needing a visit to osteopath in the week and still very apprehensive if it was OK meant that I took a cautious start and settled into a hard but sustainable pace (I hoped).

The first five miles are undulating but still about 1200ft of ups and downs, just like running around Crystal Palace on a Wednesday. Not much of a view as hedgerows were taller than me but this meant the “hill” was also out of sight.

At five and half miles you start the tester hill for the main one and you climb 150ft quite quickly then drop 200ft and then the real hill starts! In just over two miles you climb 1000ft and have a spectacular view of the countryside if you can appreciate it, I did not! I ran (sorry just about jogged) up the hill and was catching two other runners and knew that the quickest way for me up this hill was a run/walk effort as advised by Clive Sentence some years ago. This allowed me to pass two runners and gain on others but also allowed me a fairly fast last two miles.

The last two miles catches a lot of people out as it goes downhill for just over a mile and then uphill to finish, another 500ft of up and downs. You should see the Garmin elevation sheet, scary.

Fantastic support from Dulwich on this leg helped me greatly (thanks to you all) and thanks to the other teams that watered me along the route. Would I do this leg again? Yes but only if I felt fully fit and had been able to train for it.

Another great weekend in Wales, thanks DRs.
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Teresa Gaillard de Laubenque

Stage 15: Drovers Arms - Red Kite Centre to Brecon; Distance: 12.8 Miles
Shortened Stage for 2008 – Record 01:07:46 (2008) - Julian Baker [Les Croupiers RC]
Level 6 (Undulating but overall downhill)

Runner Teresa Gaillard de Laubenque  1:25:02  33rd

Teresa writes: Lovely conditions, and a late start.

The first hundred metres was uphill, but overall a downhill stage, with undulations on country roads through a couple of small villages.

Had amazing support and for the first 5 or so miles, was running with the Bath AC woman – however, the uphills got the better of me and I began to slow.

The final half mile into Brecon was downhill and I enjoyed a nice “sprint” finish…. hadn’t quite anticipated “marathon legs” for the next couple of days… so ice bath the next day helped. I finished 4th lady and was slightly faster pacing than last year – the Garmin tells me it was 12.47miles.

Great scenery and thanks to everyone that cheered me on; much appreciated!

Really enjoyed the whole weekend – great team effort!!!
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Andy Murray

Stage 16: Brecon to Beacons Reservoir; Distance: 8.8 Miles
Route Changed for 2008 – Record 00:51:51(2008) - Matthew King [Winchester & District]
Level 9 Mountain Stage

Runner Andy Murray  1:07:14  43rd

Andy writes: There was some debate beforehand as to mountain stages only being suitable for blokes, as welsh hilltops were considered a place where chaps could smoke a pipe and have a chinwag about the run up. Eventually most of our mountain stages were allocated to older blokes, who one might describe as being slightly over the hill, if only they could get up it. I had run this one a few years back and tried the same training, hilly runs for the two Sundays before. However, this time it only aggravated sore hamstrings and also brought tight calves. We had a great Friday evening, courtesy of the Vernon’s hospitality and I then spent Saturday watching and supporting our runners through north Wales. There was a chance for a quick sea swim, which slightly revived the legs, at Barmouth.

Early on the Sunday, Bruno, Nicola and I set of early from our remote bunkhouse to the start of stage 13, where Sonia O' Sullivan, running for Thames, was obligingly allowing herself to be photographed with various runners. Nicola ran through strongly towards the end of her undulating stage.

Stage 16 is started by the mayor in the centre of Brecon and after a few side roads follows the A470 1000 feet up to the pass at the Beacons reservoir. Although trafficky, the road is wide and has lay-by's for support plus some shade before the last three miles, where the view to the top opens out.

The intention was to run steadily and then push on a bit when I got used to the hill but the legs were not pushing through properly and it was hard work for the first four miles. The group I was running with then broke up, mostly ahead but I managed to overtake one or two and the gradually slower pace became more comfortable. Ex-DR Dylan Owen also ran and finished ahead in 24th place. Despite being a bit disappointed with my run at least I got up a big hill and greatly enjoyed the weekend. I am coming round to the view that older blokes should be given girly legs, if you know what I mean. As ever the relay is a great spectacle and offers a challenge to every runner.
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Di Morgan

Stage 17: Beacons Reservoir to Cyfarthfa Castle; Distance: 9.2 Miles
Record: 00:47:53 (2005) - Chris Meyler [Bridgend AC]
Level 2 (Generally flat and downhill)

Runner Di Morgan  1:10:32  50th

Di writes: A memorable weekend of 650 miles driving through stunning scenery, whilst visiting some old haunts and exorcising a few ghosts.

My leg was the easiest as I was the worst runner but nowhere near as easy as I believed it would be.

Yes, it was mainly downhill, the effect of which I felt over the next few days, but it was more undulating than I expected. I even took relief in the uphills!

The hardest part was running into the sun; I have never had so much water during a race. It was also hard running in a constant stream of traffic in spite of the excellent support form the teams.

I was pleased with my time at the end but disappointed at being 50th and letting the team down. (Ed - no she didn't).
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Kev Wood

Stage 18: Rhyd-y-Car Centre to Abercynon (Navigation Park); Distance: 9.1 Miles
Record: 00:50:07 (2005) - Christian Cobbold [Les Croupiers RC]
Level 4 (Undulating)

Runner Kev Wood  1:09:24  31st

Kev writes: The Welsh Castles Relay is amongst of the very best multi-stage distance running events that I have ever taken part in. Only the unrepeatable Great Russian Relay, which was an adventure of a lifetime and the late and much lamented Tour of Tameside surpass it amongst my memories.

Although I have raced over most of the hardest stages in my early years, in the event I have been confined to the softer stuff on my last few outings. This means that I have looked on as others have tackled the great climb from Dollgellau followed by a leg numbing descent to Dinas Mawddy and the Sunday morning outing from Builth Wells that turns into an ordeal as the long climb to the roof of Mid-Wales at Drovers Arms starts to punish legs and lungs. I’ve never done the great last stage of Saturday evening into Newtown but I think I once ran the glory leg into Cardiff, with its massive climb from Caerphilly. (New route now misses out hill)

If you have never taken part and get the chance, grab it- it’s a very special event and a brilliant weekend- even on the rare occasions when it rains ‘cath & ci’ (my go at cat and dog- sorry Dylan) as they say locally.

This year my own stage took me from Merthyr to Abercynon. It is a remarkably easy 9 miles or so. The route it takes follows a valley through the very heart of the Welsh Industrial Revolution. The Iron Master, Crawshay, built his home at Cyfartha Castle in Merthyr from the blood and toil of thousands of steel workers and miners and within a couple of miles of the start lies Aberfan, where a whole generation of schoolchildren the same age as me perished in seconds when a slag heap suddenly engulfed the village school on 21 October 1966.

As time passes and memories of heavy industries fade away, the valley has slowly reverted to nature. Indeed there is a rural feel about the place which was consolidated when I encountered a local youth who had dismounted from his horse to let the runners pass. He was dressed in a style which in Woolwich would have been set off by a pit bull terrier as a must-have accessory. But here he acknowledged my thanks and said ‘Good luck’ as I went by. I was battling away, not amongst the mid-pack men but with a batch of women runners, beating some whilst being defeated by others- but shaking hands with all. Not my best performance, in terms of stopwatch time, but, as ever, it was a race to burn onto the memory along with thoughts of other days and other friends who no longer pull on the red and blue vest. I’ll be back, if Dulwich will have me (although I know that it helps to be one of our van drivers).
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Barry Dabrowski

Stage 19: Navigation Park to Caerphilly Castle; Distance: 10.4 Miles
Record: 01:02:07 (2002) - Alun Wood [Brackla Harriers]
Level 5 (Undulating)

Runner Barry Dabrowski  1:44:00  58th

Barry writes: Navigation Park is difficult to find, and when you do get there you wish you hadn’t found it.

A few new industrial buildings on what is generally a derelict site with no facilities, no shops.

Having got back to a reasonable state of fitness in recent weeks, I was keen to have a go at running a WCR leg, but after 2 miles I got a twinge in my hamstring, which gradually got stiffer, so by the time that Di came along to give support at about 3.5 miles, I was ready to give up what had become a painful jog.

I blame it on my silly decision to go to the track the previous Tuesday, the first time for years – and the last !
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Colin Bailey Wood

Stage 20: Caerphilly Castle to Cardiff Castle; Distance: 10.4 Miles
Record: 00:55:02 (2005) - Richie Gardiner [South Wales Police AAC]
Level 9 Mountain Stage

Runner Colin Bailey Wood  1:09:22  20th

Colin writes: Each year I really look forward to the Welsh Castles relay, in particular leg 20.

Thankfully I know that the revised version of this leg avoids going over Caerphilly mountain and although a tough climb to begin with soon becomes almost flat as the route descends to the river Taff and back towards Cardiff.

After suffering with stomach cramp during the early miles I was relieved to begin to feel better as I revisited familiar territory. I was brought up just outside Cardiff, and went to school in Llandaff, so although there are no mile markers I am aware of where I am in relation to the finish in Cardiff Castle. At last Llandaff Rowing Club appears in the distance and I begin to start to try and pick up the pace and catch those in front, by the time I sight the Cathedral I have a number of runners ahead to chase down. Two of them are from local clubs San Domineco and host club Les Croupiers and another from sponsors Corus, I flash past the rugby club, many pints of been had in there, and my final push for home begins. First the runner from San Domineco gives way and then Les Croupiers another couple of runners are slowing and I'm holding my pace, not far to go and the runner from Corus looks likely to be the last I might catch. I briefly think about my famous sprint finish but aware that it hasn't been seen for at least 25 years I decide to go all out for the last half mile, the Castle is getting closer and so is the Corus runner and then approaching the draw bridge I over take and the finish is in sight.

You might assume that it is the attraction of doing the glory leg or the opportunity to run down memory lane that brings me back most years but the real incentive is knowing that 19 of my club mates have completed their legs, the enjoyment is being part of that Dulwich team that takes part each year in a fantastic event with tremendous atmosphere and its fun.........at least it is once I get my breath back. I managed to break 70 mins, which was my target, and dream of getting into shape to run closer to my best of 65 mins............maybe next year!

Thanks to Kirstin in particular, I'm sure she thinks I'm not going to be in Caerphilly for my leg, and all the Dulwich runners involved in organising the Welsh Castles Relay each year and for Les Croupiers running club in Cardiff for hosting a very special running event.
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