.
Gareth Hughes
Castles Results
Stage 1: 28 John McKenna; Stage 2: 29 Paul Brandrick; Stage 3 (mountain): 51 Steve Hatfield; Stage 4: 50 Helen Baxandall; Stage 5: 47 Tracy Colligan; Stage 6: 7 Andrew Jones; Stage 7 (mountain): 24 Griff Owens; Stage 8: Peter Blundell (dnf); Stage 9: 28 John Hughes Roberts; Stage 10 (mountain): 49 Des Davies; Stage 11 (mountain): 55 Glenda Davies; Stage 12: 39 Brenda Tiedtke; Stage 13: 50 Shelly Ward; Stage 14 (mountain): 44 Jo McDonough; Stage 15: 9 George Nicholls; Stage 16 (mountain): 25 Gareth Brandrick; Stage 17: 29 Gareth Hughes; Stage 18: 7 Matt Sims; Stage 19: 52 Phil Jones; Stage 20: 19 Dean Longley.
15 June 2009
MEMBERS of Prestatyn Running Club returned home from Cardiff on Sunday weary but pleased with their efforts after yet another exhilarating Welsh Castles Relay which stretched the club’s resources and abilities but also demonstrated the tremendous spirit within the club at present.
Despite the usual last-minute hitches and withdrawals – sympathy must go to Gay Waring who was taken ill on the morning of the event – the club fielded a full squad of 20 and the two-day competition from Caernarfon to Cardiff was enjoyed by all.
Every single member who ran deserves praise for his and her effort, especially in soaring temperatures on Sunday. Underlining the commitment was the fact that two of the five mountain stages were tackled by lady members, Glenda Davies and Jo McDonough, a third by one of the oldest members, Steve Hatfield, a fourth by fellow super-vet Griff Owens, who stepped into the breach only the day before and the fifth - a 13-mile “beast” – by Des Davies, who had been expecting to do another stage but agreed to help out.
Deserving a special mention was Peter Blundell, who stepped into the breach when Gay withdrew, thus ensuring that the club had at least someone on the start line for that stage.
With so many athletes unavailable the squad included no fewer than four members over 60 years of age and six women.
It was also very rewarding to see top 10 places being gained by Andrew Jones, George Nicholls and Matt Sims.
The full results are still not available and will be published next week.
Helping to create the unique atmosphere of the 200-mile event and cement the spirit was the fact that they were smartest of the 58 teams on view, thanks to sponsorship by Mackenzie Jones Solicitor.
In last week’s Park Hall 5k Griff Owens claimed another win in the M60 class – and came away with a cake for his efforts. Another cake winner was Eleri Goddard, who took first prize in the L35 category.
The club placings were: 12 Matt Sims 17.59, 26 George Nicholls 18.49 (3rd M40), 30 Griff Owens 19.05 (1st M60), 57 Gareth Hughes 21.28 (3rd M60), 72 Andrew Whitehouse 22.31, 73 Brenda Tiedtke 22.32 (2nd L45), 82 Glenda Davies 23.34 (3rd L45), 84 Eleri Goddard 23.57 (1st L35), 86 Eleri Jones 24.24 (2nd L35).
Next Sunday ((21st)) the club reverts to organization mode when it stages the annual Riverbank Run, which incorporates the Eddie Faure Memorial 10k.
The race, sponsored by Rhuddlan Town Council, Councillor and Mrs Selwyn Thomas, and CIB Insurance Brokers, starts at the Clwyd View Caravan Park in Marsh Road, Rhuddlan, at 11am.
PRESTATYN Running Club’s new super-veteran Griff Owens chalked up another victory when he led the M60 age-group in the opening race of Deestriders’ Off-Road Grand Prix.
He finished 20th overall – right behind clubmate George Nicholls – and his current form belies the fact that he has been away from competition for so many years.
Steve Hatfield was third in the M60 class, while Brenda Tiedtke and Glenda Davies were 1-2 in the F45 category. Phil Jones, who has just resumed training after injury problems, was second M65 and Eleri Goddard was third F35.
The club placings were: 19 George Nicholls 30.37, 20 Griff Owens 30.52, 34 Des Davies 33.27, 52 Brenda Tiedtke 35.14, 55 Steve Hatfield 35.54, 57 Glenda Tiedtke 36.24, 68 Philip Jones 39.11, 69 Eleri Goddard 39.16, 71 Eleri Jones 39.39.
Neil Owen was the only club member in action at the weekend, and he set a new personal best of 39.38 in the Capenhurst 10k.
There was a record turnout of 23 members for the second race in the club’s summer handicap series, with the women again dominating.
First home was Helen Ashworth, who now leads the series, and who was followed by recent recruit Amy Evans. After a long absence from the club John McKenna made a welcome return and looked comfortable while finishing seventh.
The placings were: 1 Helen Ashworth race time 26.48, actual time 24.48, 2 Amy Evans 26.52/25.52, 3 KatieBrandrick 27.14/26.14, 4 Helen Baxandall 27.52/24.52, 5 Angel Alonso 28.05/25.05, 6 Matt Sims 28.07/17.37, 7 John McKenna 28.46/20.46, 8 John Hughes Roberts 28.47/20.47, 9 Dean Longley 28.48/17.48, 10 Magda Fattah 28.55/26.55, 11 Jenny Harrowby 29.05/29.05, 12 Chris Taft 29.07/20.37, 13 Tracy Colligan 29.09/23.09, 14 Gareth Bailey 29.15/19.15, 15 Griff Owens 29.18/19.18, 16 Paul Das29.20/23.20, 17 Gareth Jones 29.26/21.56, 18 Gareth Hughes 29.20/21.30, 19 Gill Brandrick 29.40/28.40, 20 Sandra Mayers 29.42/28.42, 21 Paul Brandrick 30.16/21.16, 22 Steve Hatfield 30.20/22.50, 23 George Nicholls 32.52/22.22.
Three members took part in the annual Ras y Gader on Cader Idris last week, with Neil Owen leading the way in a cracking time of 2-01.37, finishing in 78th place overall. Des Davies was 171st ub 2-22.35 and Glenda Davies 11 places behind in 2-26.04.
This weekend sees members taking part in what many consider the highlight of the club’s year, the Welsh Castles Relay from Caernarfon to Cardiff.
The two-day event involves 20 stages and though several members are unavailable through injury or other commitments the club will still manage to field a full squad of men and women. This year the team is sponsored by Mackenzie Jones Solicitors
THIS time of year is always a busy one for Prestatyn Running Club and the past week has been exceptionally hectic, with members not only competing in various races but also being involved in the organization of two events.
The fifth Sun Centre 5k proved a great success despite a strong wind which made the going tough for athletes in the final stages.
In the circumstances the winning performance of Bangor student Nick Swinburn was exceptional as he took 21 seconds off the course record, finishing well clear in 15.38. Isabel Redfern (Colwyn Bay) retained her ladies’ title.
The race, sponsored by Rhyl Town Council and Clwyd Leisure Limited, again incorporated the North Wales championships and as well as hosting the event the club claimed three of the championship titles.
The club placings were: 15 Matt Sims 19.01, 17 George Nicholls 19.07 (2nd M40), 19 Griff Owens 19.24 (1st M60 in open and closed race), 29 Gareth Bailey 20.02, 43 Des Davies 21.16, 54 Brenda Tiedtke 22.37 (1st L45 in open and closed race), 64 Gabby Waring 23.33 (2nd L50 in open and closed), 70 Eleri Jones 24.54, 71 Roger Harrison-Jones (1st M70 in open and closed), 76 David Hughes 26.02 (2nd M60), 84 Amy Evans 27.10.
The previous evening there was a better than usual turnout from the club in the Aber fell-race, which was a counter in the club’s Grand Prix.
Des Davies ran strongly to lead the contingent home in 31st place overall, in a time of 42.55, and he was followed by club chairman Arwel Jones, 38th in 44.42.
Ladies’ captain Glenda Davies, in her second race in just over 24 hours, was 43rd in 46.47, and the other finishers were Steve Hatfield (44th in 46.52), Jayne Penrhyn Jones (45th in 47.24) and Tracy Colligan (54th in 50.41). Helen Baxandall also finished, but only after losing her way in the dense forest and having to find a rough route back.
On Bank Holiday Monday Glenda Davies finished third in the L45 category in the Mynydd Myfyr hill race at Trefonen, near Oswestry. Her time of 31.25 was exactly the same as last year, placing her 88th overall. Also competing were the club’s two Eleris, with Eleri Goddard 107th in 33.55 and Eleri Jones 110th in 34.21.
On Sunday the club also helped stage the annual Race For Life 5k in Rhyl, which attracted a total of 3,300 participants for the morning and afternoon events.
Tonight ((Wed)) the second of the club’s handicap races will be held and tomorrow night is the first race in Deestriders’ Off-Road Series, which is a club Grand Prix event. Anyone who is injured or does not plan to compete in the handicap race is asked to come along to help out.
Pick of the bunch was Jo McDonough who sliced five minutes off her personal best to finish in 1-31.54.
Just about four minutes behind her was Jayne Penrhyn-Jones who added to her rapidly growing haul of trophies by taking third place in the L45 class. The consistent Steve Hatfield clocked 1-42.35 and was surprised to learn that it was enough to win the M60 category.
The first Prestatyn runner home, in 43rd place overall, was new recruit Mathew Anwyl, with a time of 1-23.33.
The placings were: Mathew Anwyl 1-23.33, George Nicholls 1-24.15, Dave Henley 1-27.46, Jo McDonough 1-31.54 (pb), Jayne Penrhyn-Jones 1-36.03 (pb), Brenda Tiedtke 1-39.11, Steve Hatfield 1-42.35, Shelley Ward 1-47.20, Eleri Goddard 1-51.10, Tracy Colligan 1-51.46, Eleri Jones 1-54.46, Helen Baxandall 1-57.58, Bev Hendricks and Karen Bancroft 2-16.38, Jenny Harrowby 2-19.21.
As part of her preparation for the Snowdon International race club captain Glenda Davies competed in the Moel Eilio race from Llanberis, where a 70mph wind and a hailstorm made conditions even more testing.
Even experienced mountain runners said they had never experienced such appalling weather, but to her credit Glenda crossed the line in 1-46.56 to take third place in the L40 class.
Volunteers are still being sought to help with the Sun Centre 5k on May 27, which incorporates the North Wales championship.
Once again the race is sponsored by Rhyl Town Council and Clwyd Leisure Ltd, who are providing T-shirts for all finishers.
Marshals are also needed for the Race For Life in Rhyl on May 31, A total of over 3,000 participants is expected in the morning and afternoon runs.
With chairman Arwel Jones, who sets the handicaps, in the dark about the capabilities of James Jones and Paul Das ((correct)) he proved slightly too generous, with James finishing first just two seconds ahead of Paul.
Several of the club’s regulars were absent but the race marked a comeback for Chris Taft, John Hughes Roberts and Neil Halliday. Unfortunately Neil had to pull up with a new injury after less than a mile.
George Nicholls recorded the fastest time but all the runners were affected by the very strong headwind in the early stages.
The results were: 1 James Jones 27.50 (23.50 nett), 2 Paul Das 27.52 (23.52), 3 Helen Ashworth 28.02 (25.02), 4 Helen Baxandall 28.15 (25.15), 5 Nicola Hannan 28.45 (27.45), 7 Gill Brandrick 29.18 (28.18), 8 Gareth Hughes 29.34 (21.34), 9 Steve Hatfield 29.38 (22.08), 10 Mel Hooper 29.43 (28.43), 11 Gareth Bailey 29.47 (19.47), 12 Chris Taft 30.02 (21.32), 13 John Hughes Roberts 30.11 (22.11), 14 Griff Owens 30.13 (20.13), 15 George Nicholls 30.30 (19.00), 16 Bev Hendricks 30.48 (29.48).
Only three members competed in the Christleton 5k near Chester and all three finished within a minute of each other. Des Davies led thetrio home in 20 minutes, followed by Arwel Jones in 20.33 and Glenda Davies another 24 seconds back.
On Sunday George Nicholls was back in form, taking 51 seconds off last year’s time in the Market Drayton Muller 10k. He finished 48th overall in a 1,200-strong field with a time of 37.47.
The club’s committee has decided to make Gareth Hughes, the club’s founder and current secretary, an honorary member in recognition of his services.
At the committee applications from another 11 new members – four of them juniors – were received.
Volunteers are now being sought to help at the Sun Centre 5k on May 27, which again incorporates the North Wales championship. Anyone able to assist is asked to contact Arwel Jones.
Entries are now flowing in for the race, which is sponsored by Rhyl Town Council and Clwyd Leisure Ltd. For the first time all finishers will receive a T-shirt courtesy of Clwyd Leisure.
The reason for the mixed outcome is that a total of no fewer than 32 members – 17 men and 15 women – turned out, absences, injuries and other problems meant that the club had fewer competing “at the sharp end”.
Just three days after breaking three hours in London Dean Longley could be excused for not pushing it too hard, Gordon Jones has been carrying an injury and Matt Sims was missing with a back problem. From the ladies’ squad Jo McDonough was away on holiday.
On the plus side, the men’s squad contained no fewer than four League debutants, including Mathew Anwyl, who was the club’s first finisher, and Griff Owens, who won the M60 class by a big margin. The others were Andrew Whitehouse, yet another recruit from the Corwen area, and Paul Das ((correct)).
Seven members picked up awards at the annual prizegiving which followed the race. After the seven-race series Jo McDonough finished sixth senior lady and Gill Brandrick was second in the L50 class. Brenda Tiedtke and Glenda Davies were second and fourth respectively in the L45 section.
Gordon Jones was runner-up in the M50 category, while in the M55 section George Nixon and Martin Cortvriend were second and third.
The club also had the satisfaction of being presented with both the men’s and women’s trophies for the annual mob match against Abergele Harriers.
The results of the final race at Wrexham are not yet available, but the club placings were: 53 Mathew Anwyl, 72 George Nicholls, 75 George Nixon, 80 Martin Cortvriend, 87 Gordon Jones, 97 Griff Owens, 100 Gareth Bailey, 105 Neil Owen, 127 Dean Longley, 156 Paul Brandrick, 159 Des Davies, 163 Arwel Jones, 177 Gareth Hughes, 179 Jayne Penrhyn Jones, 191 Glenda Davies, 193 David A Jones, 204 Brenda Tiedtke, 205 Steve Hatfield, 216 Gay Waring, 223 Andrew Whitehouse, 244 Tracy Colligan, 248 Eleri Goddard, 257 Eleri Jones, 258 Paul Vas, 260 Helen Ashworth, 261 Helen Baxandall, 267 Howis Dafis, 270 Lesley Douglas-Griffiths, 280 Gill Brandrick, 281 Hannah Bunn.
The previous evening Steve Hatfield had also turned out in the Great Arete midweek series of fell-races at Nant Peris, which involved a very severe ascent and hair-raising descent. Phil Jones came home in 39.52 and, as usual, Steve was close behind in 41.40.
Tonight ((Wed, 6th)) is the first race in the club’s handicap series.
The club’s oldest member, 81-year-old Eddie Naisby, had a tremendous run to finish in 5-15.02.Eddie won the over 80s group to become Prestatyn Running Club's first ever London Marathon winner.Eddie boldy carried on after 10 miles despite developing a knee injury.As a results he was outside his target time but despite this has given the club its first ever winner.
PRESTATYN Running Club’s Most Improved Runner of the Year, Dean Longley, cracked the three-hour barrier at his first attempt when he scraped inside the mark in Sunday’s London Marathon.
Running a very evenly paced race he went through the halfway mark in 1-28 and crossed the line in 2-59.23.
The club’s other runners were also pleased with their performances. Tracey Howarth clocked 5-28.34, Donna Curley and LindaWilliams ran together, with Linda finishing in 5-31.36 and Donna just 12 seconds behind. Rhian Williams, another making her marathon debut after taking up running just a few months ago, clocked an excellent 5-54.12.
Nathan Aspinall, who was a member of the Prestatyn club as a junior and is the brother of Aaron Aspinall, who recently left Rhyl to live in Vancouver, had a fine run to finish in 2-39.15. Nathan is a member of Aldershot, Farnham and DistrictAC.
Though only six members took part in the Wrexham 10-mile race, which incorporated the North Wales championships, all of them came away with at least one award and three claimed age-group titles.
The event marked a remarkable comeback to competition for Griff Owens after about 12 years away from the scene.
Once one of the finest and most consistent athletes in North Wales, winning numerous awards, he is now 61 and looking in fine form. He won the M60 class in both the open and closed race by a massive six minutes.
The ladies continued their successful season by winning the team award in the open race.
The placings were: 15 George Nicholls 63.09 (3rd M40 in North Wales championship), 28 Griff Owens 66.08 (1st M60 in open and closed), 52 Brenda Tiedtke 76.00 (1st L45 in open and closed), 58 Gay Waring 78.18 (2nd L50 in open, 1st in closed), 61 Glenda Davies 78.50 (3rd L45 in open and closed), 77 Eleri Goddard 87.30 (2nd L35 in open and closed).
Three of the club’s “oldies” took to the hills again last week when they travelled to Fron, near Caernarfon, for the third race in the Great Arete midweek series of fell-races.
Phil Jones, Steve Hatfield and Gareth Hughes were within seconds of each other reaching the summit of Mynydd Mawr but Phil, having “warmed up” by doing the tough Moelwyns mountain race four days earlier, pulled away to record virtually the same time as last year.
Their placings were: 66 Phil Jones 48.10, 67 Steve Hatfield 49.17, 69 Gareth Hughes 49.55.
Wed 30th is the final race in the Borders Road Running League in Wrexham, and both the men’s and women’s teams will be looking to go out on a high, completing what has been a very satisfying season.
Next Wednesday sees the first of the club’s Summer Handicap races, with the first runners leaving Saints at 6.30pm.
((Thurs, 23rd)) the club is holding a social run on the Clwydian Hills above Llandyrnog. Anyone interested in taking part is asked to meet at the Kinmel Arms, Llandyrnog, by 6.30pm.
Not expected to risk turning their ankles on the hills are the six members who will be running in Sunday’s London marathon. They are Dean Longley, whose recent performances indicate he should achieve his sub-three hours target, the club’s oldest member Eddie Naisby, 81, who should be very well-placed in his age-group, Linda Williams, who will be hoping to improve on last year’s time, and debutants Tracy Howarth, Donna Curley and Rhian Williams.
All have put in the hard training and should now look forward to enjoying the experience.
Members are reminded that the final race in the Borders Road Running League is at Wrexham on April 29 when both the men’s and women’s teams will want to consolidate what has been an excellent season. Some members are also in line for individual age-group awards.
The opening fixture of the Great Arete midweek series of fell-races proved much tougher than Prestatyn Running Club’s five representatives had expected.
Though the Moel Tryfan race at Fron, near Caernarfon, was only 2.5 miles long the horrendous weather conditions – in sharp contrast to the fine weather they left behind in Prestatyn – made it a real ordeal.
The fierce wind and driving rain, especially in the second half of the race, meant that the hot drinks and biscuits provided were especially welcome.
Steve Hatfield, recently named as the club’s fellrunner of the year for 2008, led the contingent home in 26.34 and was followed home by super-vet Phil Jones in 27.46, Tracy Colligan in 29.03, Julie Logan in 36.06 and Mike Doolan, who used the event as part of his comeback from injury, in 36.50.
The second race in the series, at Moel Lus, Dwygyfylchi, was earlier this week and was the first fell-race to be included in the club’s Grand Prix.
Nine members of the club turned out last week in the Chester Spring 5, and they were led home by Dean Longley, who took two minutes off his pb for the distance despite his having been on a high-mileage regime in readiness for the London marathon in two weeks’ time.
Another who had good reason to be pleased was Brenda Tiedtke, who set a new pb for the distance. The full results from the race will appear next week.
Among those who ran at Chester was Jayne Penrhyn Jones, who only three days earlier had finished as third lady and first L45 in the Chirk Castle 10. Jayne clocked 45.57 for the testing course, with Helen Ashworth, the club’s only other representative, finishing in 55.48.
On April 23 the club will be holding a social run on the Clwydian hills above Llandyrnog. Anyone wanting to join in is asked to meet near the Kinmel Arms, Llandyrnog, at 6.30pm.
Experience paid off for Prestatyn Running Club’s super-veteran Phil Jones when he faced competition from the club’s ladies’ captain Glenda Davies in the Llantysilio 6.2-mile fell-race in the Dee Valley at the weekend.
Glenda, who had never before attempted a fell-race of such length but has entered this year’s Snowdon international race, led Phil at the first summit but he caught her by the final climb, and managed to hold onto his lead. He finished in 73.10, with Glenda 74 seconds behind.
Tracy Colligan and Julie Logan traveled to Cheshire for the Sandstone cross-country 10k, which was devoid of mud this year. Short queues at kissing-gates and stiles enabled to take a breather and appreciate the scenery.
Tracy finished 20th lady in 57.04 and Julie, whose training has been virtually non-existent in recent months, was rightly proud of her 63.46 timing.
To try to generate more interest in fell-running club chairman Arwel Jones has introduced one hill race – next Tuesday’s ((14th)) Moel Lus race at Dwygyfylchi – as the first event in this year’s club Grand Prix.
Other forthcoming qualifying races include the North Wales 10-mile championships in Wrexham on April 25 and the final Border League fixture at Wrexham on April 29
At the club’s annual social at Melyd Golf Club he was presented with the Pat Evans Memorial Plate by chairman Arwel Jones.
Other nominees were Gill and Paul Brandrick, Jo McDonough, Duncan Longley and Jason Burton, with Gareth’s nomination referring in particular to his work in organizing the highly successful British Masters’ cross-country championships in Ruthin two weeks ago.
Dean Longley and Jo McDonough, both of whom have been outstanding in recent months, were named as the most improved runners of the year, and Jo also received the Lady Captain’s award for outstanding service. The Men’s Captain award went to Gordon Jones, who also picked up the Grand Prix Trophy, while Glenda Davies was top of the Ladies’ Grand Prix table.
Two new awards were given this time – for New Member of the Year and Fell-runner of the Year. The first recipient of the New Member Shield was Tracy Howarth, who travels from Nercwys, near Mold, to train with the club and who supports the members in many races.
Veteran Steve Hatfield, who is also club treasurer, won the fell-runners’ award, given in the hope of encouraging more members to participate in the discipline.
The chairman presented medals to 10 members who had competed in at least five of the fixtures in the Grand Prix Express North Wales Cross-Country League. They were Glenda Davies, Eleri Goddard, Gay Waring, Steve Hatfield, Paul Brandrick, George Nixon, Gordon Jones, George Nicholls, Matt Sims, Dave Henley and Dave Hughes.
The success of the club over the past year, both in and out of competition, was highlighted at the annual general meeting the previous evening when the chairman and captains Paul Brandrick (men’s road captain), Glenda Davies (ladies’ captain) and Steve Hatfield (cross-country) all presented up-beat reports.
It was generally agreed that although the men had picked up numerous individual and team awards they were outshone by the women. Not only had the number of women increased dramatically – thanks in part to the Monday night “beginner” sessions - but they had gained successes on road, fell and country, culminating in the bronze medals in the L45 class at the British Masters’ championships.
The chairman also paid tribute to Jo McDonough and Shelly Ward for running the junior sessions, which were also gaining in popularity.
The officers elected for 2009-2010 were:- Chairman, Arwel Jones; vice-chairman, Phil Jones; secretary, Gareth Hughes; treasurer and membership secretary, Steve Hatfield; welfare officers, Gareth Hughes and Gay Waring; juniors’ representative, Shelly Ward; social co-ordinator, Brenda Tiedtke; men’s road captain, Paul Brandrick; men’s cross-country captain, Dean Longley; ladies’ captain, Glenda Davies; committee members, Dave Henley, Mike Doolan, Katie Brandrick, Jason Burton and Duncan Longley.
Jayne Penrhyn Jones was the only club member in competitive action at the weekend when she turned out in the Wilmslow half-marathon a few hours after enjoying herself at the club social.
In fine form at present, she clocked a brilliant 1-36.53 for 604th overall and ninth in the L45 class
Members of Prestatyn Running Club can hold their heads high this week after a marvellous all-round performance at the British Masters’ Cross-Country Championships at Ruthin School.
The glory was shared between those members who competed and the large number of who turned out to help and made the prestigious meeting an outstanding success.
Compliments for the smooth running of the championship, the first ever held in North Wales, came thick and fast from athletes and national officials, and once again the club enhanced its reputation for hosting events.
The three races, involving top-class athletes from all corners of Britain, produced some excellent performances, with the icing on the cake for the Prestatyn club coming when the ladies’ L45 team took the bronze medals, a well-deserved award for their determination and dedication.
The medals went to Jayne Penrhyn-Jones, Brenda Tiedtke and Gaby Waring, but all three would be keen to recognize the contribution of team captain Glenda Davies, who turned out despite having been suffering from laryngitis all week.
The L35 team of Michelle Ward, Eleri Goddard and Eleri Jones also finished fourth in their category.
Injuries and illness reduced the number of Prestatyn men who took part but those who did so could also be very proud of their efforts. The team finished sixth in the 50-59 category, with George Nixon leading the side home and being closely followed by Neil Owen, competing in his first ever cross-country race.
Paul Brandrick made up the trio, while Steve Hatfield was the club’s lone representative in the M60 class, and Dave Hughes pulled out with an injury early in the M70’s race.
The placings were: M50-69 (8k): 32 George Nixon 33.00, 49 Neil Owen 34.11, 89 Paul Brandrick 36.59, 108 Steve Hatfield 39.40. Ladies (6k): 38 Jayne Penrhyn Jones 27.23, 46 Brenda Tiedtke 28.23, 49 Gabby Waring 28.31, 51 Shelly Ward 28.49, 56 Glenda Davies 29.17, 70 Eleri Goddard 30.26, 72 Eleri Jones 30.34.
On Sunday Jo McDonough was a member of the North Wales senior ladies’ team which finished a close second in the Welsh inter-regional 10k championships at St Donat’s, Llantwit Major. Still improving, she clocked 43.03.
This Friday is the club’s annual meeting, which starts at the North Wales Indoor Bowls Centre at 7.30pm, and the following night is the club’s annual social, this time being held at Melyd Golf Club. During the evening the annual awards presentation will take place.
With the club having been accepted for this year’s Welsh Castles Relay on June 13/14 members interested in taking part are asked to notify Phil Jones as soon as possible.
The scenic course offers a tough challenge in itself, but the driving hail which battered runners in the closing stages made it a real ordeal.
Jo McDonough was rewarded for her recent good form by being the first lady home, her first ever victory, and in third place was clubmate Jayne Penrhyn Jones. Second overall, and first veteran, was Dave Henley.
The full results were not available at the time of going to press.
Super-veteran Philip Jones returned from a week’s holiday in time to compete in the Pipe Dream hill race at Dolgarrog. The five-mile race involves 1,700 feet of climbing, much of it in the very steep early stages.
The 100-strong field also had to content with a strong wind and, on the descent, slippery rocks and tree roots. Phil clocked just over 51 minutes for the course.
Fellow veteran Steve Hatfield mixed it with the speed merchants on the Oulton Park racecourse on Sunday, going smoothly through the gears to finish the half-marathon there in 1-39.55, fractionally slower than his time in last month’s Village Bakery half.
This Sunday the club’s captains are hoping for another good turnout in the sixth and penultimate Borders Road Running League fixture, with the men looking to consolidate their fourth place in Division 1. The race will be on a new course starting at Deeside College.
More volunteers are still being sought to help with the British Masters’ Cross-Country Championships at Ruthin School on March 21, the biggest event ever staged by the club. Over 370 entries have now been received for the three races.
Mike Doolan, organizer of the club’s annual social on March 28 is also appealing to members to pay up-front for their tickets, which are limited. At the social the annual prizegiving will take place, instead of at the annual general meeting which is being held the previous evening.
PRESTATYN Running Club’s Jayne Penrhyn Jones added yet another trophy to her rapidly growing collection when she finished second lady overall in Sunday’s Farndon 10k.
Since she joined the club just a few months ago the 47-year-old has won an age-group award in virtually every race she has entered but this was the first time for her to be so highly placed overall.
Jayne clocked just over 45 minutes for the undulating course, with clubmate Tracy Colligan five minutes behind. Matt Sims, trying to shake off the effects of a cold, finished in 37.59, which was slightly slower than last year.
After a highly successful winter on the road and country veteran Gordon Jones has won Prestatyn Running Club’s Grand Prix.
After 15 qualifying races he totalled 221 points, 37 more than runner-up Glenda Davies, who improved as the winter went on and has returned to her old form.
The leading places are: Gordon Jones 251 points from 17 races, Glenda Davies 192/16, George Nicholls 185/21, George Nixon 160/13, Jo McDonough 153/13, Matt Sims 151/17, Brenda Tiedtke 147/13, Steve Hatfield 110,16, Paul Brandrick 95/14, Des Davies 92/14, Gabby Waring 91/9, Dean Longley 90/12, Chris Kelly 80/8, Eleri Goddard 80/12, Gill Brandrick 72/10, Gareth Hughes 70/9, Martin Cortvriend 67/7, Arwel Jones 65/11, Tracy Colligan 60/7, Helen Baxandall 55/9, Shelly Ward 52/6, Dave Henley 45/9, Gareth Bailey 44/8, Gareth Brandrick 39/6, David A Jones 35/7.
Several of the club’s veterans feature high in the North Wales road rankings for 2008, which have just been published. Among those in the top 10 in their age-groups are Gordon Jones (1st M50 in 5m and 10k), George Nixon (2nd M55 in 5m), Steve Hatfield (1st M60 in 10k and 10m), Gareth Hughes (1st M60 in 5m, 2nd in 5k), Glenda Davies (1st L45 in 5k and 5m), and Brenda Tiedtke (2nd L45 in 5m).
Tickets are now available for the club’s annual social, to be held at Melyd Golf Club on March 28. During the evening the annual awards will be presented, including two new awards for the club’s fell-runner of the year and for the new member who has made the greatest impression through performance or support for the club.
Among those nominated for the Most Improved Runner awards are Dean Longley, Gordon Jones, Des Davies, Matt Sims, Glenda Davies, Jo McDonough, Brenda Tiedtke and Shelly Ward.
Steve Hatfield and Tracy Colligan have been nominated for the fell-runner award, and Dave Hughes and Tracy Howarth for the award for new members.
The club’s annual meeting will be the previous evening, March 27, at the North Wales Bowls Centre. Anyone wishing to have any matter placed on the agenda is asked to notify Gareth Hughes as soon as possible.
With just over a month to go Gordon Jones now seems to have clinched the club’s Grand Prix title as he held a 37-point lead over former winner Glenda Davies even before Sunday’s half-marathon.
The positions are: Gordon Jones 221 points from 15 race, Glenda Davies 184/15, George Nicholls 179/20, George Nixon 147/12, Jo McDonough 141/12, Brenda Tiedtke 141/12, Matt Sims 138/15, Steve Hatfield 94/14, Paul Brandrick 90/13, Des Davies 87/13, Gabby Waring 81/8, Chris Kelly 80/8, Eleri Goddard 75/11, Gareth Hughes 70/9, Dean Longley 66/10, Tracy Colligan 60/7, Arwel Jones 60/10, Martin Cortvriend 57/6, Helen Baxandall 55/9, Dave Henley 40/8, Gareth Brandrick 39/6, Gareth Bailey 39/7, David A Jones 30/6
Best wishes to Aaron Aspinall and his family who are moving to live in Vancouver. How about a club outing to the Vancouver Marathon?
Also we look forward to welcoming John Hughes-Roberts back after his long-awaited surgery.
Good luck in the London Marathon to Eddie Naisby and Donna Curley, who received the club entries, and to all those other members who will be taking part, several of them for the first time.
Note to old and new members: If you do take part in any race please let Gareth have your results a.s.a.p. afterwards – and not just if you do well! He needs them by Sunday evening to get them in that week’s papers and he has better things to do on Sunday nights than to try to track down an individual’s result. He does get sent many results by organizers but don’t assume that he knows what you’ve done.
Apart from anything else, the more active that members appear to be the better it reflects on the club.
Like it or not – and many people within athletics don’t – it seems inevitable that later this year Welsh Athletics will join the rest of the UK in linking up with RunBritain, which is the new all-inclusive body to govern road-running in future.
Whilst there may well be some advantages to clubs, individual athletes and race organizers there are many reservations about the scheme, not least about the “Virtual Club” which is being set up. People signing up to it will have the same benefits as members of “real” clubs, and yet the powers-that-be say it will eventually benefit grass-roots clubs like our’s.
There are also serious concerns about the introduction of race licences, as opposed to the current permit system, and the possible financial implications for clubs.
Whatever our thoughts, it’s all going to happen – so members are advised to check out the website www.realbuzzrunbritain.com
At the moment there’s not a lot on it which is relevant to us in Wales…..but be prepared for changes in the autumn
THERE’LL be a three-line whip for members of Prestatyn Running Club this Saturday as their men’s team fight for an immediate return to Division 1 of the Grand Prix Express North Wales Cross-Country League.
Members have shown terrific support and team spirit in recent months in cross-country and road competitions and it is hoped that another solid performance at Wrexham this weekend will help clinch promotion.
With just two races left they currently lie second but face tough competition from Bangor University, who lead by just seven points.
Prestatyn’s ladies, meanwhile, are comfortable placed in mid-table of Division 2 but could be down in numbers this Saturday because some regulars are taking part in Sunday’s Four Villages Half-Marathon.
Gordon Jones, who has led the team home on road and country recently, has, not surprisingly, extended his lead at the top of the club’s Grand Prix.
PRESTATYN Running Club’s oldest member, who was unlucky not to be awarded a place in this year’s London Marathon, will be on the start line in 2009.
Eighty-year-old Eddie Naisby, from Clocaenog, was understandably frustrated not to be accepted for the 2008 race and, had he run to form then, he could well have won his age-group by almost 45 minutes.
He was rejected again this time, but was lucky to win one of the two club places following a draw made at the club’s Christmas social last week.
At the moment, however, Eddie is recovering from an Achilles injury sustained during the gruelling multi-terrain race in Delamere Forest in October.
The second club place went to Donna Curley, who joined the club last year and who made a huge improvement during the summer handicap series.
She is now looking forward to training with a couple of the club’s other women who have gained charity places in the marathon.
At the Christmas social club chairman Arwel Jones presented the awards to the three leading runners in the handicap series, Chris Taft, who was third, second-placed Helen Baxandall, who had won it for the past two years, and Tracy Colligan, who won all four races.
The club’s next social is a bowls evening at the North Wales Indoor Bowls Centre on January 22. Anyone interested must let the committee know in advance and lanes and meals must be booked.
Gordon Jones (M50) and George Nixon (M55) were unlucky not to make the Welsh side for the recent British and Irish Masters’ International so their inclusion in the North Wales team is no surprise. Gordon, however, has had to turn down the chance due to family commitments.
Gaining his first representative honour is George Nicholls, one of the club’s most consistent and certainly the most prolific competitors over the past couple of years. He is included in the M35 team.
Also making her well-earned North Wales debut will be Brenda Tiedtke, who will join clubmates Glenda Davies and Gay Waring in L45 class.
It will be a tough weekend for the six, as the meeting is followed less than 24 hours later by the third fixture in the Borders Road Running League in Mold.
Organisers of the inter-regional match, which incorporates the Welsh masters’ championships, are appealing for all North Wales athletes who are not competing to help officiate on the day
A swirling, gale-force wind and driving rain made every mile of the Snowdonia Marathon an ordeal for the 1,500 competitors on Saturday, but Prestatyn Running Club’s doughty super-veteran Steve Hatfield was among those who braved the elements.
Despite the headwind which made even running down the Nant Gwynant Pass hard work Steve was just inside his 4-hour finishing target at the halfway stage. The incessant wind and tough climb at the 21-mile mark meant that he then fell behind schedule and he was just happy to cross the finishing line in 4-19.
Fellow club members Tracy Colligan and Jo McDonough, who had originally planned to take part until injuries forced their withdrawal, were happy in the circumstances to settle for supporting Steve in his efforts.
The British Indoor Grand Prix in Birmingham is on February 21.Could anyone interested contact Gareth Hughes a.s.a.p.? Everyone who came this year thoroughly enjoyed it and wants to return. Some of the biggest stars in the world are there and the atmosphere is tremendous.
Gareth does not have the final details yet but the cost is about £15 a head for adults and if we book in the next 3 weeks we get a 20% discount.So please contact Gareth as soon as you can and let him know if you would like to travel down.
Congratulations – and commiserations – to Gordon Jones and George Nixon, both of whom have been named as reserves for the Welsh team for the British and Irish Masters’ cross-country international in Swansea on November 15.
Both have been in tremendous form recently and are unlucky not to be in the team, but are victims of the very tough competition in the M50 and M55 groups respectively.
Leah Hughes, in her first road race for almost two years and her first attempt at the distance, ran in the Cardiff half-marathon on Sunday and clocked an excellent 1-32.
Rebecca Robinson clocked 1-47, just outside her pb, while Gareth Jones ran around the course with a couple of friends and finished in 1-54.
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21st April 2008:Report by Gareth Hughes
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19 April 2008:Report by Gareth Hughes
15 April 2008:Report by Gareth Hughes
7th April 2008:Report by Gareth Hughes
31st March 2008:Report by Gareth Hughes
16th March 2008:Report by Phil Jones
9th March 2008:Report by Gareth Hughes
4th March 2008:Report by Gareth Hughes
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