A SUCCESSION of course records were smashed despite the hot conditions at last Saturday’s challenging Holyhead Mountain race (Ras Mynydd Caergybi).

Some 37 hardy and experienced fell runners from across the UK took part in this gruelling event, which included plenty of hills and coastal paths over a near seven-mile route.

Matthew Roberts, from the Calder Vale Running Club, claimed a new course record in 47 minutes and 49 seconds as the overall winner of the event.

Nia Albison, from Eryri Harriers, finished 13th overall and she took the women’s prize in 1-03.19.

It was a particularly good day for the local Harriers, who had three runners in the top-10 placings.

Matthew Fortes was third in 54.59, followed by Michael Coyne (fifth in 56.33) and Craig Jones (sixth in 58.00).

Three club members also recorded course records and won their respective age categories.

Mathew Fortes added to his third place by being the VM40 winner, with Arwel Lewis (12th) claiming the VM60 title (1-13.14) and Ellie Salisbury winning the VF50 prize (1-22.16).

Max Dunford, from St David’s College, took the MU23 prize in 54.40, with Eryri Harrier Ed Harmer winning the VM50 award in 1-04.16.

Clubmate Becki Law crossed the line in 1-05.43 to take the FU40 title.

Promising and unattached local runner Ryan Roberts finished fourth in 55.21 and other local athletes included Andy Jones (GOG Triathlon) who finished eighth in 1-01.50; Peter Jones, from Cybi, ninth in 1-02.40 and Leon Davies (NWRRC) was 20th in 1-05.40.