31 August 2007 

Aberaeron’s Sydney Olympic star Andres Jones is aiming to be king of the mountains when he heads to the World Mountain Running Championships next month.

The 30-year-old runner has stepped out of the limelight since racing in the 10,000m at the Sydney Olympics but has reignited his passion by running along the scenic routes near his home in Ceredigion.

The renewed desire led to triumph last weekend at Abergavenny’s Sugar Loaf mountain over Wales’ most accomplished runners. His obvious talent caught the eye of selectors charged with picking the Welsh team to challenge in Switzerland’s World Mountain Running Championships (15 September):

“Mountain running is a world away from running on a track,” explains Jones. “I find it really inspirational. I did think I’d give up completely – now I think I’ll just see where it takes me. I’m looking forward to mingling with mountain runners from all over the world in Switzerland.”

Jones clocked a time of 62.14, more than five minutes clear of Cwmbran Harrier Afan Humphries who put in a strong performance, particularly considering he is still only 19-years-old and, therefore, still classed as a junior.

The duo now features in a men’s team of six who will travel to Ozronnaz in Switzerland with a four-strong ladies team.

Leading the ladies charge is Shrewsbury art teacher Anna Bartlett. The 37-year-old gained her fifth Welsh vest when she competed in her second International Snowdon Race in July. Though a relative newcomer to mountain running, she has demonstrated that she is set to be a keen contender at the Worlds.