The Magic Roundabout 2009.
What a fantastic day, 162 runners including 6 Cani X runners and dogs ran the very hot and fast course on Sunday 31st of May. The course record was set at 39.21 by Matt James of Hereford Couriers. The first lady in was Lisa Quinn also of Hereford Couriers in 45.21. Well done to everyone who took part.
There will be a full report coming soon and loads of photos. Just to start you off here are the results for 2009 and click here all the photos so far. The pics are pre race, the start, the water station, the ford and some at the finish line.
Elevation
THE COURSE
The Course begins at the Roundabout, 500 m. from the Race H.Q. and at an elevation of 415m with stunning views over the surrounding countryside. It’s an undulating course, 90% being on springy, close-cropped grass with a short section on hard-packed stone track. It will be marked with small, white arrows with Marshals every 500 m. or so.
From the Start the runners descend through low grassy hillocks to a wide, flat grass track for a fast and enjoyable 1700 metres. They then turn right up a narrow track bordered by gorse bushes for about 300 m. then bearing left to descend down a rutted tractor route until, after 3,200 m. they turn right along the stone track for the next 700 m.
So far it has been practically all downhill but now they have then reached the lowest part of the course, 150 m below the roundabout, and meet a broad, grassy, uphill section leading to a shallow ford. Having splashed through this, runners follow the wheel-rutted track for 500 m. before turning uphill just before the 5 km marker.
Cresting the hill, the course leads down towards the water station at 5.8 km before crossing the road close to the race HQ. It’s then uphill again followed by a steep downhill and then a fast kilometre leading to another wheel-rutted section along the fence beside Croesfeilliog farm.
At 7.9 km there’s a sharp turn right and a short, challenging uphill before another good 700 metres of grassy slope followed by a 600 m. steady, uphill push. Over this crest and there’s the last dip and rise ahead after which the last Marshall stands 500 m. from the Finish, a sweet downhill run to the tape, 50 m from race H.Q.
You won’t achieve a 10 K PB on this course, it’s just challenging enough to give all runners a great feeling of achievement but not too hard for the less experienced. You’ll just have to be satisfied with running the best 10 K in South Wales! | 
