THE ONA series is not for the faint hearted – it is a series of three ultra races featuring 100 miles of some of the toughest terrain across Wales each time.

The final race in the series was run recently in mid Wales and it was a natural attraction for Aberystwyth Athletic Club’s ultra addicts, Lyndsey Wheeler and Dan Back.

It is a tough course at the best of times but when the weather is also against you, it makes it even tougher according to Lyndsey: “This route was mostly following the Cambrian ‘NO’ Way with many pathless sections, flooded fast flowing rivers/streams that had to be crossed, bogs everywhere and to top it all the weather was horrendous right from the start.

“Trying to navigate pathless flooded and boggy terrain in heavy rain especially at night was exhausting and we had some really slow miles but we never gave up, we pushed on to the end to complete the series.

“Our feet were pretty battered by the end, mainly due to them being wet for over 40 hours.

“But on reflection three 100 mile ultras (Epona, Sirona and Divona) in four months is not too shabby.

“Quite an adventure but a rest is now on the cards.”

Deian, Clive and Helen all smiles at Dale
Deian, Clive and Helen all smiles at Dale (Aberystwyth AC)

Not quite as daunting is the Dale 10k race in Pembrokeshire wonderfuly organised by the Pembrokeshire Triathlon Club.

The forecast was for strong winds and heavy showers but luckily the rain kept away for much of the time although the wind, as you would expect in a coastal race, was a challenge.

Three Aberystwyth Athletic Club members made the journey southwards with Deian Creunant finishing in 51.21 and 3rd in his category with Clive Williams winning his category in a time of 1.00.33 and Helen Williams crossing the line in 1.08.11 securing 3rd place in her category.

A great event in a wonderful setting according to Deian: “The location of this race on the seafront at Dale is idyllic, and while the climb up to St Anne’s Head, especially the steep first section, is quite a challenge, some of the views around St Anne’s Head are stunning and really show off the best of Wales’ coastline.

Lyndesy and Dan ready for the ONA Ultra
Lyndesy and Dan ready for the ONA Ultra (Aberystwyth AC)

“It stayed mostly dry but the buffering wind on the climb did make me question my decision but after the turn on the top it is a swift descent back to the village which makes it all worthwhile.”

If you would like to hear more about Aberystwyth Athletic Club and join in its activities visit https://aberystwythac.wordpress.com/ or find the club on Facebook.

A reminder also that applications are open for this year’s Aberystwyth fantastic Twin Peaks race which will be held on Sunday, 11 October and you can enter by following this link TWIN PEAKS & RAS CONSTI – Clwb Athletau Aberystwyth Athletics Club