Gareth's Press Report - 3rd May 2026

Nine members of Prestatyn Running Club took a Bank Holiday break overseas, combining socialising and exercising.

They were among 13,000 who lined up in the Dublin City half-marathon and produced an excellent set of results performances, all finishing well inside two hours.

The official times were not available, but according to Strava their results were: Oliver Birch-Jones 1-21, Dave Ellis 1-28, Tom Coen 1-35, Erin Thomas 1-35, Lewis Pierce 1-38, Zack Webster 1-38, Sarah Hill-Dunt 1-40, Tilly Jones 1-49, Millie Robinson 1-51. 

Nicki Triggs competed in two very different races in 24 hours. On Tuesday she was among  13 club members who turned out in the Penmaenmawr 3 Hills race, the third event in the Tuesday Evening Series, in which Rachel Jackson had another very good run. It was a counter for this year’s North Wales Fellracing Series.

The placings were: 57 Gareth Jones 40.42, 72 Ben Thomas 42.43, 108 Lee Bailey 46.35, 124 Rachel Jackson 48.10, 137 Neil Davidson 50.10, 151 Andy Thomas 52.42, 160 Tim Cahill 55.17, 166 Mark Dakeyne 57.29, 176 Phil Howarth 60.46. 177 Karl Martin 61.31, 183 Liz Martin 65.25, 187 Nick Triggs 71.08.

The following evening Nicki and Nem James were the club’s sole representatives in the second race in the Seaside 5k Series on the Wirral. The course is very flat but the wind was a hindrance on the night.

Nem James showed little effect of his London Marathon just three days earlier, clocking 25.15 in 267th place, while Nicki was 353rd  in 29.55.

Alex Ryder again travelled to Manchester to test his speed in the 3,000 metres at the Trafford open meeting and, not having rested in his build-up, was slightly disappointed with his time of 10.21, but it gave him the incentive to break 10 minutes next time.

What was almost certainly a club record was set on Saturday when members turned out in no fewer than 12 different Parkruns, including four who were in Dublin for the weekend.

The placings were:- Nova: 5 Ben Lewis 19.46, 14 Alex Ryders 21.01, 20 Ed Shirt 21.49, 21 Paul Sanders 22.07, 22 Dafydd Montgomery 22.21, 23 Adam Jaffers 22.22, 26 Lisa Lines 22.28, 30 Jack Lally 22.36, 36 Andy Thomas 23.08 (pb), 43 Jamie Betts 23.49, 44 Marc Jones 23.50, 55 Reg Jonas 24.19, 59 Steve Weedman 24.40, 63 Neil Davidson 24.48, 93 Gareth Bailey 26.28 (pb), 194 Claudia Smith 34.32.

Crosby: 176 Cara Jones 29.57, 273 Emma Birchall 34.18,  328 Julie Evans 45.14.

Fairview (Dublin): 27 Zack Webster 24.28, 33 Oliver Birch-Jones 25.02, 34 David Ellis 25.03.

Poolbeg (Dublin): 138 Tilly Jones 28.56.

Greenfield Valley: 1 Steve Skates 19.03, 62 Steve Hatfield 38.57.

Llandrillo-yn-Rhos: 74 Beth English 22.37 (pb).

Park in the Past: 39 Martin Cortvriend 24.17.

Whinlatter Forest: 44 Jenna Bagnall 27.40.

Newborough: 175 Katie Newe 32.00.

Chester: 112 Andy Carter 26.59.

Ruthin: 81 Roger Harrison-Jones 34.17.

Hereford: 112 Ann Claire Jones 26.20.

The next few days are very busy for the club which on Wednesday (6th) hosts the Borders League relays on the prom near the Nova. The races will be followed by the League’s annual prizegiving.

On Friday the club’s own awards night takes place, when members will be able to vote for Member of the Year. The other category winners have already been decided. The programme will also include a quiz and short review of the club’s activities.

A feature on the recent 51-mile walk by club President Gareth Hughes is expected to be included in the S4C programme “Dechrau Canu, Dechrau Canmol” on Sunday, May 10, which is the start of Christian Aid Week. Gareth has raised over £2,300 for the charity.