Dol 5 Delivers Fast Racing, Course Records and a Meirionnydd RC Team Double
The 2026 Dolgellau 5 Mile Road Race once again showed why the “Dol 5” is such a well-loved fixture in the summer racing calendar. Starting from the bottom of Llanfachreth Road, the route wastes no time in testing the field with its famously sharp opening climb out of town before rewarding runners with wide views and a fast downhill return to the finish.
After a sunny morning in Dolgellau, clouds began to gather around an hour before the start and brought a strong breeze with them. Fortunately, the rain held off until all runners were safely back at Dolgellau Rugby Club, where refreshments, the bar and plenty of post-race chat rounded off a successful afternoon.
Race Winners
At the front of the race, Zac Campbell of Deeside AAC took the overall men’s win in 28:23, followed by Thomas Dean of Maldwyn Harriers in 29:11 and Shelley Childs of Aberystwyth AC in 31:08.
Hannah Thomas of Maldwyn Harriers led the women home in 31:45, with Lydia Sharpe of Cybi second in 32:22 and Kirstie Sharman of Higham Harriers third in 32:46.
Eight New Age Category Records
It was a record-breaking year for the Dol 5, with Eight new age category records set across the field — including first-time records in the under-17 and over-80 men’s categories, and over 75 women’s category, which added a little extra excitement during the presentations.
· Women over 40: Hannah Thomas, Maldwyn Harriers — 31:45
· Women over 50: Kirstie Sharman, Higham Harriers — 32:46
· Women over 65: Gill Bowden, Maldwyn Harriers — 41:35
· Women over 75: Rose Thomas, Rhayader RC – 50:57
· Men under 17: Zac Campbell, Deeside AAC — 28:23
· Men over 70: Tom Rowlands, Maldwyn Harriers — 36:42
· Men over 75: Peter Nicholls, Meirionnydd RC — 45:46
· Men over 80: John Evans, Aberystwyth AC — 1:03:48
Presentation pictures can be viewed here
Meirionnydd RC Shine on Home Roads
Clwb Rhedeg Meirionnydd Running Club produced the standout team performance of the day. The club had 20 finishers among the 65-strong field — almost a third of all runners — and won both the male and female club competitions.
The men’s team took victory with a combined time of 1:35:44, while the women’s team also finished first with a combined time of 1:55:25. It was a brilliant club showing across the field, with six Meirionnydd RC category wins and 15 category podium finishes.
Top Meirionnydd RC Performances
Cai Newell Jones was the first Meirionnydd RC runner home, finishing 5th overall in 31:24 and taking 2nd in the senior men’s category. Will Dunn was close behind in 6th overall in 31:33, winning the M45 category, while James Raymond finished 12th overall in 32:47 and claimed 3rd senior man.
There were category wins for Will Dunn (M45), Alec Rattray (M60), Allanah Fenwick (W45), Dave Whittey (M65), Sian Evans (W35) and Peter Nicholls (M75). Peter’s M75 win in 45:46 was also a new category record.
Thanks to the Team Behind the Race
A huge thank you goes to everyone who helped make the day happen: marshals, timekeepers, registration volunteers, front and tail runners, cake makers and sellers, and everyone who supported the race around the course and back at the rugby club.
Special thanks also go to David, who took on race director and organiser duties — and still managed to organise the club social evening at Mawddach Pizza. Well done Dave, and thank you for a brilliant event.
Congratulations to every runner who took part, from the sharp end of the race to those taking on the Dol 5 challenge for the first time. There were impressive personal bests, age-category wins, new course records and plenty of club pride on display.
Da iawn pawb — a hugely successful day for the Dol 5 and for Meirionnydd RC.
