Snowdon Race (Ras Yr Wyddfa) 2026

It was another long trip to North Wales for Speedy Joe's Snowdon appearance in a Scotland vest.  I was doing Dad's taxi and took the Nikon for some photos. 

I have just started to get back out on the road after my knee rehabilitation which has taken forever.  

It was the 49th running of this 10 mile Welsh classic and the Italians were back with their crack squad. The English team also had 4 very handy women runners who were joined by the Northern Irish, Irish and of course the hosts the Welsh, together with 300 other club runners and locals.

With a two o clock start, we woke to an early mist sitting over the lake in Llanberis. There was an inversion above which made everything a little grey in the valley. 

I managed two miles around the town and a slow coffee and we idled the morning away before getting out of the cottage and making our way up the hill. I speed-walked to the halfway mark, just before the bothy. 

There were the usual hoards of walkers around and for some, the walk to the top really is a major effort. I was more worried about how I was going to juggle taking photos and handing the youngsters water on the ascent and descent.  The sun began to break through around the hill, but I took most of the photos with a grey background which I think gave a spartan and rather bleak atmosphere.  As usual some very good shots, several moderate and a handful of duff images which will never see the light of day.

Once my water duties were no longer required I began to make my way down, snapping as I walked. 

All together not a bad weekend and the drive back and traffic on the Sunday was forgiving and we were pretty pleased to arrive home before four.    

Results at  https://tdleventservices.co.uk/

Photos at  https://photos.app.goo.gl/TUSpy28okM5rJnNs6

Earlston Black Hill Race 26

We've driven up and down the A68 plenty of times in the past, as you do. 

Recently, Earlston located in the Scottish Borders has been known for its cheap petrol (compared to some others who relentlessly fleece Joe public). As you look across east from the road, there is a cracking looking hill south of the town and we've commented that it would be great to run up. So it was last night that we took a trip to Earlston, sampled its fish suppers, toilets and local hill race (but not in that order!). Its got 3 pubs. Who knew?

Around sixty troopers lined up for the 5 miler including Speedy. I'm still crocked at the moment and quite resemble a fat lad.  I had the camera and took myself the 3k up along the grassy track to the start of the steep and short climb. Perched on the side I got some nice snaps and then caught some coming back down. I jogged a bit and this morning I am delighted to say that I'm no worse for the experience. Speedy was about 7th when I saw her and seemed to be enjoying the workout. I had a sweat on coming back and drove back down south in my damp t shirt. Happy days. 

On the book front, I raced through 'Stoner', an excellent read for a change and not anything to do with a druggie! I have subsequently dived into another classic, Ballards 'Empire of the Sun'' which is turning out to be another belter.  

Earlston Black Hill Race - Photos at link:   https://photos.app.goo.gl/euSAPRqHKPycjdDr6