Members of running clubs from the Gwent and South Powys area will have the opportunity in 2008 to put down a marker to be considered for selection to the East Wales regional road running team.
This year, four road races over a variety of different distances will be held where runners can stake their claim to make the team.
First off, a five mile race will be held on 3rd June in Brecon. This is followed by a six mile (10k) race in Magor on 20th July, then back to Brecon on 3rd August for a ten mile race, and finishing the series with a half marathon (13 miles) between Blaenavon and Cwmbran (the Tour of Torfaen on 26th October.
The East Wales Road Running Representative, Eric Bailey said, “There hasn’t been a road running championship in this region for as long as I can remember. But with so many clubs who have a lot of talented runners in their ranks, we feel the time is right to change that.
On an all-Wales basis there will be a competition between all 4 regions in the future, and we hope to be able to select a team from the East based on this year’s results. So we will be looking for a good turn out and some top-notch performances in the four races in 2008.
There will be prizes for all 10 age categories (17-20, 20-34, 35-44, 45-54 and 55+ for both sexes) based on the ranking of performances in these four races.
It’s part of an exciting programme being planned for all athletics disciplines in the East Wales region, with Track and Field, Cross Country and Mountain/Fell Running all due to be developed in months to come.”
Any athletes interested in entering will be able to obtain details from their Club Secretaries in the near future. Details of the East Wales Road Running Championships can be obtained from Eric Bailey, e-mail devildance@ntlworld.com.
Anyone interested in joining a local running club can find details on the Welsh Athletics website.
21st April 2008
Contacts – Eric Bailey, 01633 282962, devildance@ntlworld.com
Andrew Taylor (Secretary, andrewjtaylor@supanet.com)
Deb Hill-Howells (Chairman, debhillhowells@btworld.com)
