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Meet the Committee
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS PAGE IS CURRENTLY BEING UPDATED WITH OUR NEW COMMITTEE
Below are the elected Committee Members for 2026/2027 and a short paragraph about why they run and what they do within the club
Club Chair, Club Kit Co-ordinator & Run Leader
Mark Dakeyne
I started running when I lived in Essex in the 1980’s, completing 2 marathons and some shorter races in between playing football for my local team. When I moved to North Wales more than 30 years ago, I joined the ‘legendary’ Berserkers when my love of running up, down and around hills was born. Since then, I have completed Marathon Eryri 5 times, and taken part in many fell and trail races.
I joined Prestatyn Running Club in 2023 to give my running fresh impetus. So far, I’ve enjoyed the cross country and Tuesday evening fell races that I’ve been able to attend, as well as the Tuesday morning session with fellow retirees on the Meadows.
Although a newcomer to the club I’ve soon been made to feel at home. I’m happy to help on the Committee and contribute to the club going forward.
Vice Chair, Run Leader & Mental Health Champion
Ben Thomas
I should start off by saying I’ve loved running all my life. Apparently though bare faced lying isn’t appropriate for committee members! So in more truthful prose; I despised running in my Teens, I strongly disliked running in my Twenties and then in my early Thirties something odd happened and I found myself at the start line of the 2019 Berlin Marathon…. in the rain! A rather love-hate relationship with the sport followed until joining Prestatyn Running Club in 2022 where I was able to focus on the love aspect of that fairly fickle relationship. In the relatively short time that I have been a member of the club I have ventured into Cross Country, Trail Running, Fell Running and completed my first Ultra Marathon. The encouragement from my fellow team members has been nothing shy of fab’ and has in no small way been key to my continued enjoyment for the sport and ongoing joyful participation. In a bid to be more useful I have recently qualified as a Run Leader to help support on the training runs and I am excited to be able to support further through joining the committee.
Club President
Gareth Hughes
I started running in 1980 for the first London Marathon in '81, havingpreviously played football. With interest in the sport booming I called a public meeting which led to
Prestatyn Running Club being formed in 1982. I certainly didn't think I would still be running 42 years later at the age of 77 and have the honour
of representing Wales several times.
Over the years I have been chairman, vice-chairman, secretary and social secretary of the club and have organized numerous social events and races including four British and Irish Masters' cross-country championships on
behalf of Welsh Masters, as well as Welsh and North Wales championships.
I think I'm more suited to road-running but enjoy trail and cross-country much more, though my confidence in descending has waned with age.
Treasurer & Social Co-ordinator
Sue Rodgers
I started running in 2013 in preparation for entering my first ever race at Blenheim Palace, Oxford with my daughter . I was introduced to the club by a club member who has become a good friend. I now run to keep fit and being a member of the club means I have people to run with and have since made more friends. I enjoy being involved in the running of the club, which being Treasurer allows me to do.
Membership Secretary
Nicki Triggs
I first started running in 2017 with the goal of completing the Mersey Tunnel 10k in October. I’d previously been involved in other sports like rowing and open-water swimming, however running felt like a real challenge and certainly didn’t come naturally to me. I kept myself accountable by training with a group of friends on Saturday mornings, slowly increasing the distance but keeping a similar steady pace. Very quickly, I found myself hooked and just five months later I was running the Liverpool Half Marathon. Fast forward to now, I’ve been a member of PRC for almost 3 years. I joined shortly after moving to Prestatyn, to keep myself accountable for regular training, meet new people and feel part of a community. Beyond the obvious physical benefits, PRC offers a great social environment, with members from a range of backgrounds and various ages. In addition to the weekly training runs, we attend various road and off-road events throughout the year and turning up in club kit with other team members, genuinely creates a real sense of belonging. We have an inclusive environment for everyone, regardless of running ability so whether you’re just starting out on your running journey or training for an Ultramarathon, you’re sure to find like-minded people here to support you!
Marketing, Research & Development Officer, Club Kit Co-ordinator & Run Leader
Jo Lewis
I updated my Welsh Athletics Run Leader qualification this year. Running’s been part of my life since starting as an Abergele Harrier back in 2007. From day one, I’ve squeezed running in amidst raising family, balancing a career and life in general. Infact, I still maintain that running helped me both physically and mentally to juggle it all. This was always helped too by the friendships I’ve made through running - nothing beats a run and a good old natter!
I’m championing the Back to Running group at Prestatyn RC. I wanted to offer a relaxed option on club nights to welcome anyone wanting to get back - for whatever reason. I’ve enjoyed being part of our friendly club since 2012, chipping in to support the club as committee member, Ladies’ Captain and one of the original Run Leaders in 2015 when the club first launched its successful Beginners Programme. I’m also a Guide Runner for the Blind or Visually Impaired. When it comes to my own running preferences ..I adore getting up into the hills and the Clwydians in particular.
My proudest running moment has to be at one of our club favourite outings to Deestriders Off Road Series this year, when both my daughter and son represented Team PRC too.
Committee Secretary
Laura Rich
Since joining the club in September 2025, running has become a huge part of my life – I very easily caught the running bug! I have completed two half marathons so far, with three more planned in 2026. I even managed to tick a 50km Ultra Marathon off my list. I’ve recently taken on the role of Committee Secretary and hope to keep things running smoothly behind the scenes.
I juggle running with a full-time job and a busy family life with three children, including two-yea old twins, and enjoy running with my 5-year-old and Junior Park Run every Sunday. For me, running is more than just km – it is my way of switching off, finding space in a full-on life, and gives me the ability to discover what I am truly capable of.
Social Co-ordinator
Clare Manley
I have been running for 11 years , and started using a couch to 5k book . I enjoy running as I love to be outside in the fresh air , and want to maintain my fitness and wellbeing . I like being a member of a club because I enjoy running with others , helping each other along and motivating each other. I have made great friendships within the club.
I enjoy helping organise social events within the club and also enjoy marshalling at events and generally helping where ever I am needed.
In the above photo, I am wearing race number 331
Committee Member
Mike Davis
I ran as a teenager & represented school and county (Surrey) but as an adult since 1986. I ran because I could forget the pressures of life & work, that also helps by being in a club & training with friends to help us all improve. Since 1986 helping to start up my old club Skipton A C & joining PRC i've always been a committee member as Chair, Vice chair,& juniors coach, maintaining PRC going in a positive direction.
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Female Welfare Officer
Leah Hughes
A short bio will appear here shortly
Male Welfare Officer
Judah Eastwell
I've been running on and off since I was 13, originally along with PRC Juniors back in the 1990s! Running has stayed with me, in more recent years through Park Run and the occasional race - though it's only since joining Prestatyn Running Club at the start of 2025 that I have really started to enjoy it again. The club is a great environment to meet people of all abilities from a wide variety of backgrounds - conversation at training runs and races is never dull! There is a huge amount of encouragement on offer every step of the way and always somebody cheering you on (and for you to cheer on) at races.
Club Night Coordinator
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Committee Member, Club Captain & Run Leader
Gareth Jones
I started running over 10 years ago to spend more time active and away from my desk, focusing on long distance races up to 100k ultras. I joined the club relatively recently when I was finding a training block for an ultra quite difficult. I've always enjoyed off-road running which was mainly on trails but through the club I've been introduced to fell running, which I'm keen to encourage other people to enjoy. I've also run in the Borders and Cross Country leagues, which are fantastic free races available through the club.
Club Captain
Oliver Birch Jones
A short bio will appear here shortly
Club Captain
Jonah Armstrong
I started running back in 2023, following a friend inviting me to compete in Chester Half Marathon. I’d had a background in sport from a young age with my main focus being ice hockey, playing semi-professionally. Running came later when I got the bug from training outside of football but also that Chester Half! I followed that bug and same friend, who was part of the club, and joined right away. Following a London Marathon, an assortment of races and North Wales representation, you can say I’m obsessed! You’ll usually find me running on Road or Track, but I definitely have a soft spot for Cross Country and Trails - they’re just that little bit exciting! PRC is unique and special. The camaraderie, along with healthy competition in club nights, races and park runs makes it feel like family. It makes those hard runs feel a little bit easier. It’s my first year being road captain but it’s safe to say I love this club and will look to support and guide our members wherever they need it.
Club Captain
Liz Martin
I stared running back in 1998 at university, a friend said come and do a mountain marathon in Scotland it would be fun! So I competed in the Low Alpine Mountain Marathon. It was a 2-day orienteering event around Ardgour in Scotland. It was indeed fun but tough. I then met my husband on the train on my return! Following that I entered many more LAMMs and also the KIM, with my husband. Running this when I was 6 months pregnant with my first son! We completed the Chester half & Great North Run in 1999. I then had a family but continued running, doing the Lake Vyrnwy half in 2007, and Conway half in 2011. My Mum sadly became ill with MMD and passed away so I did Coniston 14 to raise money for MMD in her memory in 2012. I joined Prestatyn running club around this time & have competed in many races with the club, park runs, road races, cross country, fell and trail. My husband joined the club and even our sons ran a few races. They often came with me cheering on the side-lines and taking photos. I mostly run for fun and the social side but my husband and I have a fun competitive banter. (I generally beat him!) Last year post covid I set myself a challenge to complete the entire club cross country and border league races in one season. This meant that I won the clubs grand prix trophy with the most points for participation! As club captain I just want to encourage all runners and it is not about being the fastest it is about participation and enjoying it and setting your own goals and challenges. There is something for everyone.
Committee member & Run Leader
Nem James
I started running in 2018, after completing a ‘Couch to 5K’ course, after searching for a 5K race in Prestatyn, I found that Prestatyn Running Club at the time hosted a “Ffrith 5k” race. I entered that to test my time in preparation for a Tough Mudder later that year.
I now try to keep fit by running with the club twice a week and aim to run a parkrun every Saturday. Along with running at Saturday parkruns, I am a Run Director at the Sunday junior parkruns.I’ve increased my mileage up to running half marathons, and hope to complete a triathlon next year. I enjoy the social aspect of the club, which throughout the year holds something for everyone.
Committee Member
Emma Birchall
I started running in 2015 when a work colleague asked if I fancied doing a triathlon—how hard could it be?
At the time, I wasn’t doing any real exercise, but I joined the beginners’ group at Prestatyn Running Club, bought a bike, and started swimming in lakes. Before long, I completed my first (and, so far, only!) triathlon.
Running quickly became my favourite discipline, so I stuck with it—gradually building strength, speed, and stamina.
In 2018, I was diagnosed with double breast cancer. Despite the diagnosis, I was the healthiest and strongest I had ever been, and I truly believe that helped me get through treatment. I continued running whenever my body—and the treatment—allowed.
Afterward treatment, I founded a breast cancer awareness group called FeelFindMind. We visit different parkruns, mainly across North Wales and the North West, wearing bright awareness T-shirts. The support I’ve received—and continue to receive—from the team at PRC never ceases to amaze me. It’s why I love being part of such an inclusive club with such incredible people.
Anyone who knows me will tell you that my true love is cross country. There’s something special about running through fields and woods, with mud and water reminding you that you’re truly alive.
I’ll never be the fastest or the strongest—but that’s not what matters. Showing up is!
Honorary Members of PRC
We are proud to have several honorary members of the club, who have dedicated their time & effort over the years, to help make the club the success it is today.
These are our honorary members -
GARETH HUGHES Founded the club in 1982 and served as club secretary for over 25 years. He has also been the club’s Press Officer since the club was first established and is currently the Club President. Has organized races at almost 20 different venues, including regional, Welsh and British championships.
STEVE HATFIELD Joined the club in 1987 and served as treasurer for over 30 years, but more recently has audited the accounts. He has volunteered as marshal for numerous races and helped mark cross-country courses.
MIKE DAVIS Was chairman of Skipton Running Club before moving to Prestatyn in 2010 and becoming Chairman of the club three years later. He was a coach with the junior section, marshal and course marker, assisting at virtually every event organized by the club.
DUNCAN LONGLEY Joined the club in the late 1990s and been an active member ever since, most recently as Chairman. Among the roles he has filled are race entries secretary, chief marshal, results co-ordinator and social organizer.
ALUN PARRY First became involved when his daughter Katie was a junior member and, though a non-runner, he remained among the first to volunteer to help at club races as marshal, timekeeper or recorder.
GILL BRANDRICK A member of the club since the 1980s (like husband Paul, son Gareth and daughter Katie), she was ladies’ captain, organizer of social events, marshal and, especially, was a brilliant entries secretary for the British Masters’ cross-country championships.