Marshalling Moel Eilio

I think it's important to marshal once in a while. Without marshals, no races. And I would really be sad if there were no races. If I'm happy to accept the services of other people marshalling, I should be willing to do it myself as well! And Ras Moel Eilio was coming up. I had quite enjoyed marshalling that the previous year. And I volunteered again.

The previous year I had been on the ridge. It takes a while to get there, but then you get great views. This year would be different; they stationed me at a gate on the Maesgwm path. By coincidence, it was the same gate where I had marshalled the Pedol Peris two years ago. Not a spectacular location, but still beautiful. And that low down, the weather tends to be good.

Walking in

Initially, I would walk up with Steve, the marshal who would be one gate further up. He was not quite sure which gate was his, but when I got to headquarters, they had explained it to him, and he had set off. So I walked up alone. But I was quite early; I just walked the extra kilometre to his gate, and had a chat with him. That was nice!

We had radios, so you could hear where the runners were. So I had a bit of an idea when I would have to make my way back to my own gate. That worked out. And I wasn't very useful there; that gate is generally open anyway, and it is absolutely obvious where the runners have to go. But at least I could shout encouragements, and tell them how much further it was. 

With Eryri Harriers high viz vest. The stripy band is for radio; the blue one for cow bell. All kitted out! 

The first runner was Owain, an Eryri Harrier. He was quite a distance ahead! He would indeed win. Our own TNH Dyfed was, as expected, very fast as well. And a fair while after the first man I saw the first woman appear. It was Elliw, who has just won the Rhostryfan 10k three days before.

At some point, the trickle of runners became a bit less. And over the radio I could hear several marshalling stations pack up. Once the sweep has come through, you can leave! At some point I saw him approach myself. It was Marcus, a TNH veteran. When I saw him appear I threw my stuff in my bag. He invited me to run with him. I said I wasn't dressed for it. He said it didn't matter. I was mainly thinking about my running bra which I wasn't wearing. He said he wouldn't look. I said running bras are not for looks. The civilian bra I was wearing was not too bad though, so I just ran. The backpack wasn't ideal either, but doable.

Running to the finish together 

With the three of us we trundled on, with some 2 km to cover. We came past three more marshalling stations by gates. And then we reached the finish. I had a little chat with those who were there. Then Arwel asked if I would walk down with him. Of course I would. He was walking with a bit of asymmetry; he said he had done his legs in at the Rhostryfan race. Oh dear!

When we got to race HQ, the presentation wasn't far. I stayed for it. And I thought I'd have a bit more water while doing so. So I rummaged in my bag. No flask! Oh dear. I must have forgotten it at my marshalling station. That sucked! I would have to go back. I briefly entertained the thought of driving part of the way. But it was only 3 km (be it with 160 m ascent), so I dismissed that thought. And just walked up! With some jogging.

It was still there. I emptied it while making my way back down. And I was back at my car a few minutes after my parking ticket had expired, but nobody had noticed. So I could go home.

I prefer to be a little bit more useful when I am marshalling, but in spite of that, it had been a good day. And the next day, I could race again myself!