Teifi 10 - 23 March 2008

Report by David Astins

Now this was unusual - we'd decided before we even reached Lampeter for the annual Teifi 10 who was doing the race report: moi! 

I did speculate that the word "rain" would feature quite a bit in the report, but I'm pleased to report that I won't need to use it again.  It was chuffing cold at times though!  

You might be surprised to learn that the Teifi 10 is actually pretty flat - quite a feat for a race based on the Carmarthenshire / Ceredigion border.  After a frantic first mile around town, we headed out more or less north-easterly, following the river valley on a fairly quiet minor road that occasionally gave nice views across the valley, and a glimpse of the odd Red Kite or two.  A water station at 3 miles was welcome, and at 5 miles we turned across the river, and then headed back down the valley towards Lampeter. 

Up to this point I had been running with the evergreen Richard Marks of Sarn Helen, but he gradually pulled away and I couldn't close the gap.   Another water station before 7 miles, and then at the 9 mile mark it was another right turn back through the town - quite literally through the middle.  I found the last mile quite tough, it is perhaps slightly up hill, and the final turn onto the rubgy pitch and a softer, slippier terrain, brought me to the finish line in 1:04:16 and 31st place. 

This was the Welsh Championships so there were some super speedy characters racing, the winning time being 51 something which is a tad nippy.  I was even beaten by two girls!!!!  But one of them was Ann Thomas of Trots, who took the overall Welsh title - well done Ann.  

My two fellow club runners, Terry & Val, seemed to have had quite a close battle - both found it hard - but certainly enjoyed it.  Val came 108th in 1:20:56, and Terry close behind in 1:22:36. 

Terry said that an impromptu toilet stop at 8.5 miles "messed" up his race, I was quite sure whether he was being literal or not, I daren't ask quite frankly.  I dread to picture the scene at 8.5 miles, possibly it was only slightly less amusing than Terry swimming off into the reeds for a bowel movement during the swim at Bala last year.  

This was the first time I've ever been handed a Cadbury's Creme Egg as I've crossed the finish line of a race - someting I'd like to encourage more.  On the Creme Egg eating, it's well worth noting that I came third in our club, which is akin to being the 11th fastest runner in our street.  Hhmmm.   My only gripe was the poor excuse for showers in the rugby club at the finish - it would be hard to drown a fly in the dribble of water they produced - if that's the water flow after a rugby game there then I'm amazed the building is still standing!!!!

Results for Club members are below.

Full results are available by clicking here