Sat 14 March 2020, Bala, North Wales What was the first British Championship fell race of the season last weekend, Ras yr Aran, is now likely have been one of the last races to be held for some time because of the Coronavirus outbreak. The race from the village of Llanuwchllyn at the south end of Bala Lake was over 10 miles with 3,100′ of ascent. The lower parts of the route were on good paths, and there were some very boggy areas. Further up, onto the highest ground, the route can easily be lost in mist and it was a wild, wet day with a strong wind and hill fog at the highest points. Conditions were not easy and runners completed the race thoroughly soaked. The marshals deserved every credit for carrying out their much needed roles.
Four Harriers made the trip, alongside runners from across the UK. Jon Green finished 94th in 1:46.27.Colin Shuttleworth suffered the misfortune of one of his shoes coming completely apart, and did well to finish in a time of 2:05.17. John Rainford was close behind in 2:05.59 and Michael McLoughlin completed in 2:28.57. There were 309 finishers with Finlay Wild of Scotland’s Lochaber AC first in 1:25.22. Despite the awful weather, the first three ladies all ran under the old course record and the winner was Hannah Horsburgh of Keswick AC in 1:36.01.