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Latest News


Steve Gardner smashed the record at the North Wales 1500m steeplechase open race...
By Don Hale donhaleblog.blogspot.com/2026 May 04, 2026 *Pictured above - Steve Gardner smashed another record at The North Wales Endurance open meeting at Deeside last weekend. (Photo by Bill Scrivens). Steve Gardner smashed the record at the NW 1500m steeplechase open race... Report by Don Hale. donhaleblog.blogspot.com/2026 coastandcountry.blog NWRRC veteran and Team GB athlete Steve Gardner competed in the North Wales Endurance open race track meeting at Deeside last Fri


Landmark 10,000th runner at the new Rhos on Sea parkrun - plus other results round-up...
*Pictured above (l-r): Rhos Run Directors' Chris Spillane, Sharon Hughes and Richard Peevor with the amazing 10,000th parkrun landmark certificate, and (below) the commemorative golden token. Landmark 10,000th runner at the new Rhos on Sea parkrun - plus other results round-up... Report by Don Hale. Rhos photos by John Hatton, and at Conwy by Michael Finnie. coastandcountry.blog donhaleblog.blogspot.com/2026 It was another fun-packed occasion at the Llandrillo yn Rhos parkru


Ben and Sarah celebrated their 26th marathon on Tyneside.
*Pictured above - Ben and Sarah Hudson at their latest marathon race on Tyneside. Ben and Sarah celebrated their 26th marathon on Tyneside. Report by Don Hale. donhaleblog.blogspot.com/2026 coastandcountry.blog Ben and Sarah Hudson took part in the challenging Newcastle and Gateshead marathon last Sunday – which was their 26th marathon! Ben finished in 3:48:59 and Sarah in 4:10:29, and 3rd in her age cat. After her race, Sarah confirmed: “Such a cool weekend exploring Newcas


BMAF Road Race report and calendar for 2026.
Update on Masters Road Race Championship Calendar 2026.. donhaleblog.blogspot.com/2026 Although the BMAF Executive has only two elected officers and an England Masters representative in post we are not a quorum, this concern has led to some delays and the ability to make decisions. However, with the help of BMAF Services we are determined to continue to provide Championships at T&F, XC and on the Road. To that effect I am posting an update on future Road and Trail Championsh


Bank Holiday bonanza at North Wales parkruns...
By Don Hale donhaleblog.blogspot.com/2026 May 03, 2026 *Pictured above - the start of the Bank Holiday parkrun at Rhos on Sea. Bank Holiday bonanza at North Wales parkruns Report by Don Hale. Photos at Rhos by Michael Finnie. donhaleblog.blogspot.com/2026 coastandcountry.blog The Bank Holiday weekend brought in plenty of first timers and mixed ability entrants to the various North Wales parkruns, which were again blessed by mild and sunny weather. Llandrillo yn Rhos was th


Double Team GB boost for Welsh Master at Sprint Duathlon events.
*Steve Gardner - pictured above and below right - at the British Champs where he was representing Tim Tri Cymru. Double boost for Welsh Master Steve Gardner with two new international Team GB dates for Sprint Duathlons in 2027. donhaleblog.blogspot.com/2026 coastandcountry.blog Welsh Master and track star Steve Gardner has just been selected to represent Team Great Britain in his MV60 age category at two major international Sprint Duathlon Championships during next year follo

Arts & Entertainments


Landmark 10,000th runner at the new Rhos on Sea parkrun - plus other results round-up...
*Pictured above (l-r): Rhos Run Directors' Chris Spillane, Sharon Hughes and Richard Peevor with the amazing 10,000th parkrun landmark certificate, and (below) the commemorative golden token. Landmark 10,000th runner at the new Rhos on Sea parkrun - plus other results round-up... Report by Don Hale. Rhos photos by John Hatton, and at Conwy by Michael Finnie. coastandcountry.blog donhaleblog.blogspot.com/2026 It was another fun-packed occasion at the Llandrillo yn Rhos parkru


Join the exciting world of Virtual Events that can be completed in your own time, with limited costs, genuine recognition and superb medals.
Join the exciting world of Virtual Events that can be completed in your own time, with limited costs, genuine recognition and superb medals. Special Coast and Country online sports feature by Aled Mawgan. **SPECIAL MAGAZINE OFFER OF 10% DISCOUNT ON ALL ENTRIES: Use this Social Coupon Code: COAST26 donhaleblog.blogspot.com/2026 coastandcountry.blog Are you a runner, a club athlete, cyclist, a keen walker, or even a dog walker, just intent on maintaining a certain level


Egg-citing medals and Easter eggs for youngsters at Conwy Junior Parkrun..
*Pictured above - junior parkrunners and officials at Conwy last Sunday. Egg-citing medals and Easter eggs for youngsters at Conwy Junior Parkrun... donhaleblog.blogspot.com/2026 coastandcountry.blog There was a massive turn-out of some 117 enthusiastic youngsters at the Conwy Junior parkrun on Easter Sunday, where some special medals provided by sponsor John Hatton, together with Easter eggs donated by the Paysanne Restaurant, were handed out to the children. John later conf


Welsh Masters at the Indoor Inter-Area track & field Championships at Lee Valley
*Pictured above - some of the Welsh Masters athletes at Lee Valley. Welsh Masters at the Indoor Inter-Area track & field Championships at Lee Valley on 14th March 2026. donhaleblog.blogspot.com/2026 coastandcountry.blog Joe Horner reports from last weekend's events. Well done to our athletes who competed last weekend:W70 Nicky B - HJSB, Shot 60m SBW55 Juliet S - 60m Age PB 200m M40 Samson C - 60m 4 x 200m W40 Rhiannon J - 4 x 200m W40 Eleri J - 200m 4 x 200m M55 Jim M - LJ


Artist Elizabeth Haines confirms her Open Studio dates over the Easter holidays with some exciting new paintings and pastels...
*Pictured above. - Headland Moon by Elizabeth Haines. Artist Elizabeth Haines confirms her Open Studio event over the Easter holidays with some exciting new paintings and pastels. Special Coast and Country arts spotlight. coastandcountry.blog donhaleblog.blogspot.com The much admired Pembrokeshire artist Elizabeth Haines will be staging an Open Studio event on Easter Saturday, Sunday, and Monday with a showing of many of her exciting new works created during the snow towards


ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Australian author - Joy Bloumis: The Storms You Walk Through: A Memoir of Roza Hamer.
*Pictured above - Australian author Joy Bloomis. Special Coast and Country Author Spotlight Feature: Welcome to another new author feature in conjunction with Amazon.. ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Australian author - Joy Bloumis: The Storms You Walk Through: A Memoir of Roza Hamer. *This book is now available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3NxPcaH Exclusive report by Don Hale. donhaleblog.blogpost.com/2026 coastandcountry.blog Occasionally, within my role as a journalist, author, a
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