THE iconic Ras y Ddau Gopa / Twin Peaks Race was onca again a fantastic event that took advantage of the natural landscape that Aberystwyth has to offer.

Well organised by Aberystwyth Athletic Club, close to 100 runners took part in the 7.2 mile race with eager youngsters also getting in on the act as they tackled the slightly shorter but equally challenging Ras Consti.

The main race itself began by the bandstand on the promenade before going towards the RNLI and crossing Trefechan bridge in anticipation of the first climb up Pen Dinas.

Following the recent dry weather the downhill from there was relatively firm underfoot and then the route was reversed along the promenade before the second climb up Constitution hill and finishing with a fast downhill section and across the promenade to the finish line.

Aberystwyth Athletic Club was naturally well represented and managed to take 1st and 3rd in the men’s race with Owain Schiavone scooping the overall title in a time of 46.50, a new age category record, with Jamie Lloyd coming in third place in a time of 49.29.

Lynwen Huxtable succeeded in getting third place in the ladies section completing the course in a time of 59.16. Aberystwyth University’s Harriers’ Holly Hadfield won the ladies race in an age category record time of 56.08.

There were also category wins for Elliot Fletcher in the U20 category in 55.54, Damian Sidnell in the M65 category in 59.51 and Karen Davies in the F55 category in 1.06.32. Aberystwyth Athletic Club also ran away with the respective team prizes.

It was also a successful day for Aber AC juniors in Ras y Consti races with Isaac Jones, Macsen Jones, Owain Davies, Seren Alexander and Now Schiavone all winning their respective age races.

Race organiser Louise Barker was delighted with the day: “This is a great local race because it takes advantage of two of our most notable natural assets here in Aberystwyth with the beautiful promenade linking Pen Dinas and Constitution hill and offering a natural running course.

“We were blessed with perfect weather this year for running and spectating, and considering the challenging elevation, there were some exceptional times.

“We have to give credit also to the junior runners who took on the mighty Ras y Consti.

“It is a challenging course for these young people but they showed great skill and determination. Thanks also to their coaches who give of their time to help the youngsters develop their skills. All in all a great day out in Aberystwyth.”

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.