Running man’s Commonwealth silver

 

But despite being 31 and having his face splashed across local TV and newspapers over the last week, he was brought back down to earth by being asked for ID at Newtown Tesco just two days later!

 

But it was a fantastic achievement for the Forden runner who joined older brother Tim in the Wales team which was up against some of the world’s most renowned endurance running countries including Kenya.

 

Tim was first up on Saturday in the mountain race and finished a respectable 18^th in an event won by Englishman James McMullan. The Welsh team finished third.

Also on the Saturday was the junior international mountain race, where Newtown’s Gwynant Jones finished 9th on his debut for Wales. Jones helped the Wales team finish third.

But the best was to come 24 hours later when Maldwyn Harrier Davies swept to second in the inaugural Commonwealth Ultra-Trail Running Championships in the beautiful Newborough Forest on Anglesey.

 

The 55km-race saw Davies follow behind countryman Richie Gardiner, with Nat Lane in third to complete a 1-2-3 for Wales and team gold.

 

Davies was 10th at the half way stage but the tough conditions eventually caught out the top athletes who initially raced into an early lead. It meant the African runners faded in the latter stages, allowing the Welsh to thrive in the ‘home’ conditions.

 

“I’m chuffed,” said Davies who is also signed on with Caersws FC. “I knew I would be strong over the second half of the race, but to come through for second is amazing. I’ve had a pretty good season, and this caps it off really.”

 

Davies completed the course in 3 hours 34.33 seconds.