11 Jul SUNSHINE, SEA BREEZES AND SUPER PERFORMANCES
At 6am on June 15th a host of bleary-eyed Ludlow Runners and supporters boarded a coach and set off for a ‘crackin’ day on Barry Island. Several more decided to make their own way there. Was the kindly chap that accompanied the coach driver really called Dave and was anyone really sure what was’ ‘occurin’ at that time of the morning? Certainly we were all expecting a truly ‘lush’ day and we weren’t disappointed!
So why were we off to Barry Island apart from the draw of everything Gavin and Stacey? The Barry Island 10k of course. There had to be some running involved!
Arriving in the car park on the headland with spectacular views across to North Devon, we all set off like sheep following Coach Colin. There was only one place he could be heading after so much coffee! And sure enough he knew the conveniences with the shortest queues. The race was due to start at 10am so we had some time to kill, as extended warm-ups were not a high priority for many of us on such a hot day. Colin chose to consume yet more coffee whilst the rest of us ambled along the prom. But who was that breakaway Ludlow Runner down below clambering over the rocks like an excited mountain goat? It could only be Peter Cartwright, who has more energy that most of us put together!
As the race start time approached, and we dropped off our bags for safe keeping, who should we meet, resplendent in pink, but Cherry Frank, an ex-Ludlow runner now living in South Wales. A good catch up ensued and it was lovely to go to the start line with our old friend.
And so to the race itself. The route took us out along the renovated docklands area and boy was this section hard in the heat. Support from the townspeople kept us going though. After a sharp turn and we ran in front of the majestic Vale of Glamorgan Council building, past the rousing music of a brass band and into the cool under a railway bridge. Almost 3km completed! The next 2km took us through town and past the bottom of Trinity Street of Gavin and Stacey fame.
At the 5km point we entered Romilly Park, crowded with supporters, a welcome water station and people offering jelly babies. There was even a rock choir to encourage us along. Much appreciated hose pipes and water pistols were out in force in the next part of the course, while the final sections took us along the coast around The Knap, Barry Harbour and Friars Point with wonderful views out to sea. Then back onto the Island to the noise of the finish, a well-earned medal and T shirt (if you were lucky enough to get one at the back of the field).
And what about the performances? Congratulations to Jamie Shingler who finished in 23rd positon and 1st MV50 in an amazing time of 36m 53s. How he managed to avoid having his photo taken I don’t know, so on the left is one of him at another event.
Jamie was followed by a host of other great performances with 20 Ludlow Runners finishing in under an hour. Fantastic running everyone!
A special mention goes to Jemma Radmore who spurred Nelson’s friend Lucy on so she didn’t give up on a hot day and then also ran back to Tom’s aid at the finish! Class behaviour from one of our best!
A further 19 Ludlow Runners finished after the hour and we were all grateful for the loud cheers and encouragement of the crowd as we pulled up the last short hill and manged a final sparkle to cross the line! Scroll down for all the finishing times.
The race may have been over but there was more fun to be had. Some of us chose to have a post-race snooze on the beach, others opted for a cooling paddle in the sea while fish, chips and beer were enjoyed by many. And then there were the fairground rides. Say no more!
All in all, didn’t we have a lovely time the day we went to Barry!
RESULTS
