The Cilcain Mountain Race, held on Monday 31 August 2026, incorporated the Welsh Inter-Regional Mountain Championships and produced a typically testing afternoon of fell running, with steep climbing, fast technical running and muddy descents all playing their part. The published results are marked provisional.

At the front, Sam Gunning of Cybi took the overall victory in 31:34, holding off Edward Woodhead, who finished just ten seconds behind in 31:44. Gavin Roberts of Calder Valley Fell Runners was third overall in 32:28, and in doing so also claimed the M40 category victory.

Ryan Delaney shines for Deeside AAC

One of the outstanding younger performances came from Ryan Delaney of Deeside AAC. Delaney finished an excellent ninth overall in 34:23 and was the first M18 athlete home. He finished ahead of a sizeable senior field and more than four minutes clear of the next M18 finisher, Noa Dafydd, who recorded 38:37.

The accompanying image catches him at the start of the descent, just as the race changes character from hard climbing to tricky soft mud. With footing uncertain and no room for hesitation, it was a section that demanded both confidence and control.

Jacob Welsh, also of Deeside AAC, seen in the background behind Delaney,had an impressive run to finish eighth overall in 33:58, immediately ahead of Delaney. Deeside also enjoyed success in the women’s race, where Eden O’Dea was the first woman home, finishing 18th overall in 36:59.

The age categories showed the breadth of the field. Gavin Roberts won M40 in 32:28, while Adam Gordon of Helsby RC took M50 in 37:41. The M60 honours went to Arwel Lewis of Eryri Harriers in 48:11, while Jeff Adams of Pensby Runners was first M70 in 52:38.

Among the women, Joanne Henderson of Denbigh Harriers was first F40 in 39:26, Rhian Probert of Mynydd Du won F50 in 41:53, and Rachel Arnold of Helsby RC was the leading F60 in 55:24.

The younger age group was particularly noteworthy, with Delaney’s 34:23 placing him inside the overall top ten. Behind him in M18 came Noa Dafydd in 38:37 and Huw Maddox in 39:28.

With 211 recorded finishers, plus several DNFs/DNS entries, the race again brought together senior runners, juniors and experienced masters over a course where outright speed is only part of the equation.

For Deeside AAC in particular, there was plenty to celebrate: Jacob Welsh eighth overall, Ryan Delaney ninth and first M18, and Eden O’Dea first woman home — three strong performances in a demanding mountain race.