San Domenico 30k

4 FoDAC athletes with upcoming marathons completed this as their final long runs before their big day. Simon Dimmer (Marathon des Sables), myself (Jools Boon, Brighton) together with Kate Frost & Alan Robertson preparing for London.
Normally a 20 miler it had been reduced to 30K this year due to roadworks. The course is 90% traffic free along the Taff & Trevithick Trails starting from Merthyr. The first 11K is gently downhill on tarmac before a sharp climb & descent to the river. I went out like James Dobbing (& paid for it on the long windy climb back to the finish) going through 10K in 41:30!! but the hill at 11K & the muddy loose surface of the Trevithick trail with it’s inclines & footbridge took their toll. The last couple of miles were slow & painful made all the more so by being overtaken by 3 people the last one in a Scott Berry sprint finish (him not me!). There were 205 finishers with the winner completing it in 1:45. I was 24th in 2:16, Simon 2:21, Alan 2:41 & Kate 2:57.
FoDAC verdict: a good well organised race with friendly marshals but we preferred Rhayader.