Bethel 5k 2026

A few weeks after the Llanrug 5k is the Bethel 5k. I seem to have a tradition of doing rubbish in Llanrug. Last year, I did better in Bethel. Maybe I could do that this year as well?

When the day approached I figured that the answer was probably going to be no. We were still in the heat wave. During the day, I had been ok, but running is a different kettle of fish. During the day I had barely done anything more than between buildings to have meetings in. 

I got to Bethel, parked up, and got my race number. I went for a little warmup with my fellow Eryri Harriers Mike and Tony (a track mate; not Welsh Castles Relay Tony). I kept a T-shirt on over my race vest, as I was trying to protect my vulnerable skin from the sun. I also made sure to really lather on the sun cream after I took the T-shirt off. In this case I was glad the Eryri Harriers vests don’t leave that much skin exposed. 

Team pic

We set off. It always takes a while for the field to settle. I ran along with my track mate Sion for a bit, but he pulled away from me. He was also faster than me in Llanrug. I didn’t think I would be able to catch up. And in this weather, I am not going to be ambitious. Then I found Tony (the track mate I had done the warm up with; other Tony is way too fast for me) behind me. He is an Eryri Harrier. Not that that matters; if Sion wants to hang behind me he is most welcome too. But it was good to have Tony back; he hasn’t been to track in ages. 

Sweatily running along with Tony

As it was so hot there were several water stations. The first was after one mile; I ignored it. The second one, two miles in, I accepted. I drank some, and threw the rest over my head and into my shirt. I was so hot! It was a bit of a shock to feel the cold water on my back but it was good. By that time, Tony had overtaken me. But he did not run away far. 

Water but no Tony

At 4 km, there was a man with a garden hose, spraying everyone who was up for it. I think that was everyone. And we were in for the last push. 

I overtook Tony again. Shortly before the finish I looked over my shoulder. Tony said “go for it”. I knew I was faster than in Llanrug, but slower than in Bethel last year. And then we finished, me a second before him. 

Almost at the finish

I got out of the sun again. It had been good! Too hot, but I clearly didn’t have heat stroke. And I didn’t know what my time was but I was happy with it. And after some socialising with Harriers and track mates and the combination thereof I decided it was time to go home. 

The next day I found out I had done it in 22 minutes sharp. In my world, a good time in that heat! And I had my category win. Only three women over fifty had competed, so it wasn’t the hardest-fought victory ever, but I was glad anyway. 

I am starting to accept that the shorter distances are not really my thing. I come into my own on the five mile onwards. But I still want to break my 5k record. I think I need a cool morning for it. There is a thought to go run the Newborough Parkrun with Chris one day. That is another chance!