TROTs run for Wales
November 2006

Four TROTs ladies were selected to represent the Welsh national team that ran at the British Masters Cross Country in Falkirk on 19th November. In a field of high quality international athletes, Ann Thomas did brilliantly to finish in 16th place in the 6K race. She received the silver cup which is presented each year to the fastest Welsh lady in the event. Mary Bowen Rees also ran very strongly to finish well up the field in 45th place. Ann Rowell (F50) was 111th, and Pauline Thomas (F60) was 120th. Both ladies received bronze team medals, and Pauline was also the first Welsh lady in her age category.

Ann Thomas and Ian Williams were also selected to run for the Wales senior team in the Leeds Abbey Dash 10K on 26th November. In another very high quality field, Ann was 4th F35 with a PB of 37.35. Ian Williams finished among the leading elite athletes - 19th in 30.46.

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4 Stages Winners at Welsh Castles Relay
June 2006

The TROTs team had to battle fierce sunshine and temperatures approaching 30° C at times at the Welsh Castle Relay this year, but still performed excellently against some of the UK's top road running clubs with 4 stage winners and a final ranking of 28th in the open team event.

Ian Williams dominated Stage 13 from start to finish and gave the TROTs their first ever overall stage win. There was tremendous support from the spectators at the finish line, who even applauded the arrival of the TROTs team minibus! A very proud moment for the club!

Ian's stage win followed a brilliant run from Mary Bowen Rees who was first lady on Stage 8, while Mel Watson left all the men behind to claim the first overall veteran prize on Stage 7.

Further success came on Day 2 when Ann Thomas sprinted into Brecon, not realising that she had already opened up a lead of several minutes over the next lady. But everyone enjoyed watching the fast finish - and it was good to see the look on the male athlete's faces as they trundled in exhausted behind her!

As ever, all the TROTs runners gave 100% for the team. Opening runners, Ian Morris, Tanis Hand and Pat Powell, suffered the sun first. Their experience and advice definitely helped the runners in the later stages, who were able to take on additional water and glucose, and pace their runs to avoid dehydration and the worst effects of the heat.

Ann Rowell, Helen Williams and Mike Hodges all completed their stages in good shape as the relay passed along the coast to Barmouth and headed inland to Dolgellau. A special mention must go to Martin Davies who finished 11th in Stage 9 in his first ever Castles Relay, and to Evan Williams who, having energetically supported the other runners all day, hung on in there for the team when under pressure on the final stage into Newtown.

Mike Evans gave the TROTs a great start to Day 2 with a top ten finish in Stage 11. Tom Furness took Stage 12 in his stride and even made a new friend on the way round...while Cyril Walters looked amazingly fresh at the end of the punishing Drovers ascent.

As the sun started to break through the clouds at midday on Sunday, a strong run by Dave Griffiths took the TROTs from Brecon to Beacons Reservoir. Mother and daughter pairing of Lon and Amanda Morgan maintained the TROTs position in the rankings as the race progressed through Merthyr to Abercynon.

Roger Coombs maintained a steady pace (and his sanity, this year) from Abercynon to Caerphilly Castle. Finally, after 27 hours of hard running, Kevin Griffiths (a late replacement on Stage 20) brought the TROTs into Cardiff Castle in fine style.

Thanks to Antur Insurance, who sponsored the TROTs team T-shirts, and to Dwyther and Eve for the endless driving, encouragement and all the other things that ensured the runners all got back to St Clears safe and happy!

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Ten TROTs complete London Marathon
April 2006

Ten TROTs took part in the London Marathon this year. Ann Thomas put the TROTs on national TV as she set off on her 26.2 mile dash near the front of the elite ladies race. And she was still going strong at the finish, completing the course in an exceptional 2 hours and 58 minutes.

Clive Thomas also broke the 3 hour mark in the men's race. Evan Williams, despite a lack of long runs in training, recorded a very creditable 3.18. Jim Cooper and Martin Davies also had strong runs to finish in 3.33 and 3.38.

Amanda and Lon Morgan completed the course in just over 4 hours, while Mike Hodges (with blue hair to match his TROTs vest), Tanis Hand and Tom Furness finished in a shade over 4 and a half hours.

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TROTs Ladies are Welsh 5K Champs - with medals galore in Carmarthen!
April 2006

The TROTs Ladies team won both the senior and veterans gold categories at the Welsh 5K Championships in Carmarthen on Easter Bank Holiday.

The senior team included Mel Watson (1st Masters Lady) Mary Bowen Rees (2nd ML) and Ann Rowell (2nd ML50). Claire Cleathero also won team gold. Pauline Thomas was first ML55 and Susan Thomas was runner-up in the same category.

The TROTs men also enjoyed success with Ian Williams finishing third overall in a P.B. of 15.09. In a high quality field, Ian won silver in the Under 23 and Open Welsh Male category. After running much of the race together, Kevin Griffiths and Roger Coombs, finished within two seconds of each other to take the silver and bronze medals in the Masters Men 40 category.

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TROTs Ladies complete Cross Country Season in Style!

Ian Williams wins Race and secures Men's team promotion to Division 2!

March 2006

The TROTs Ladies finished 3rd place overall in the Gwent Cross Country League 2006 after another superb performance in Swansea. Ann Thomas finshed 5th (1st F35) on the day and took the F35 gold medal for the season. Mel Watson was 7th and first F40 on the day. Mary Bowen Rees was close behind in 9th (2nd F40). Mary won the F35 silver medal for the season after a series of great runs. Ann Rowell was first F50 on the day. Pauline Thomas was 1st F60 and took the gold medal in her age group.

However the day's outstanding performance was produced by Ian Williams who won the men's race. After taking an early lead, he settled into third place in the middle of the race, then put in a burst in the closing stages to give the TROTs their first ever individual victory in the Gwent League.

Well done also to Mike Evans (38th), Malcolm Adams (77th) and Dave Griffiths (91st) for their performances in Swansea which helped guarantee the team's promotion as Division 3 Champions.

A very special thank you to Cross Country team captain Ian Morris for all his efforts behind the scenes this season, which ensured the club always put out a full team and had transport to each race!

>> View photos from Singleton Park

TROTs Ladies go third in Gwent League
February 2006

The TROTs Ladies jumped to 3rd place in the Gwent Cross Country League, after finishing 2nd on the day at Blaise Castle (beaten only by the hosts Westbury). Ann Thomas finshed 6th and was first F35. Mel Watson was just a few seconds behind in 7th overall and was first F40. Mary Bowen Rees finished 19th (2nd F40), Rowena Melbourne was 45th and Ann Rowell 75th. Pauline Thomas was 105th and 2nd F60. Susan Thomas followed close behind in 106th place.

The TROTs men retained their strong lead in Division 3. Many of the team were running at 90% (due to illness or long lay-offs) but made up for it with 110% effort (see gallery of grimaces). A good final performance at Singleton Park, Swansea on March 5th should see the men deservedly promoted to Division 2. Well done to Roger Coombs, Malcolm Adams, Martin Davies, Cyril Walters and team captain, Ian Morris.

In the Under 15 race, Emily Rees showed good speed to complete the first lap in the middle of a strong field, and held on bravely to finish in 31st place.