Arwel had asked for help with a youth race, and Neil and I were available. And it was in y Fron, where Neil had never been. I like that area! I figured he would too.
I made a point of driving there the touristic route. And we managed to find a parking spot. Soon I was reporting for duty.
Arwel asked us to stand in a bend in the path, making sure the runners would go right and up the hill. It was the only logical way to go, but still, it’s best if it’s very obvious. We went there, and had some time to kill before the runners would appear. Neil went on a recce.
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| On our way to the marshalling stations |
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| Looking down on the bend where my marshal station was |
Then I heard whooping and cheering. They were on their way! First the under 17s came past. Most were in nation shirts: Wales, England, Scotland, Ireland and Nothern Ireland. Some were in club shirts. They looked serious! And in no time they had all passed.
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| Here they come! |
Neil and I started our way back down. The next race, of the under 20s, wouldn’t start for a while. But we ended up chatting with other people, and then saw the runners come back. We stayed to cheer them on again. And then went back to our post. Repeat!
There was one incident with a girl rolling her ankle. That’s bad enough as it is, but her dad had found out that it had happened, without seemingly knowing where she was, or how exactly she was cared for. He got quite agitated and took it out on Ann, who was marshalling too. And in touch with Arwel, who happens to be her husband. I’m glad he calmed down and apologised. I’m sure the girl was ok in the end.
When it was all done, Neil and I went on a little walk, checking out Moel Tryfan with its amazing conglomerates, and the nearby quarries. And we caught up with Arwel who had retrieved the last signage from the course. And then went back home. A nice day with duty and pleasure combined!
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| Dark industrial ruins in the distance |
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| Volcanic dyke in a slate quarry |
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