Gareth's Press Report - 8th February 2026

Two Parkrun milestones, one podium place and a great turnout of volunteers were among the varied successes of Prestatyn Running Club at the weekend.

The busy programme got underway on Friday evening with the third of the Dash in the Dark series in Llandegla Forest, and the club’s seven ladies outnumbered the men.

Steve Skates grabbed the limelight with an outstanding run, coming second overall, while Oliver Birch-Jones also had a fine outing.

The placings were: 2 Steve Skates 28.14, 9 Oliver Birch-Jones 33.58, 19 Gareth Jones 34.28, 35 Ben Thomas 40.09, 46 Rachel Jackson 44.21, 47 Nem James 45.17, 69 Philip Howarth 57.15, 70 Sue Hughes 57.20, 71 Nicki Triggs 57.25, 72 Cathy Wood 57.49, 81 Emma Birchall 65.25, 82 Julie Evans 65.30, 83 Clare Manley 65.40.

The following morning some of them in action again in the Nova Parkrun which was taken over the club to give the regular officials a well-earned rest.

Among the 21 members taking part were Andy Thomas, for whom it was his 100th Parkrun, and Jamie Betts, for whom it was the 200th. This time, Jamie opted for walking, with his regular companion, son Reuben in his buggy.

The placings were: 3 Alex Ryder 18.31, 8 Lisa Lines 21.12 (pb, 1st female),  9 Lewis Pierce 21.13, 16 Jon Puleston-Jones 22.32, 22 Janne Bagnall 24.12, 24 Steve Weedman 24.31, 25 Andy Thomas 24.32, 28 Martin Cortvriend 24.50, 34 Oliver Birch-Jones 25.23, 38 Paul Samders 25.54, 40 Ben Thomas 25.59, 91 Claire Manifold 32.02, 144 Daniel Bull 38.59, 160 Steve Hatfield 44.07, 167 Jamie Betts 49.07, 168 Ann Claire Jones 50.04, 170 Helen Alefounder 50.05, 175 Neil Davidson (Tailwalker), 178 Cara Jones (Tailwalker), 179 Andy Scott (Tailwalker), 181 Julie Evans 59.24 (Tailwalker).

Other Parkruns:- Llandrillo yn Rhos: 30 Eve Manifold 21.19 (pb).

Conwy: 6 David Hudd 22.11.

Wyre Forest (Worcs): 36 Paul Robson 25.34. 

To complete a busy weekend seven members joined the record 170-strong field for the Conwy fell-race which started only a couple of hours after the Parkrun. For some it was their second off-road race in 24 hours, and for Ben Thomas it was his third event.

The 5-mile race was the first in the North Wales Series, and as well as some stiff climbs competitors faced some muddy, slippery conditions. The club positions were: 38 Gareth Jones 58.02, 47 Lee Bailey, 95 Ben Thomas 73.48, 117 Rachel Jackson 78.49, 140 Nem James 88.32, 141 Mark Dakeyne 88.38, 154 Nicki Triggs 95.28.

This Saturday sees the final fixture in the David Alun Williams North Wales Cross-Country League in Oswestry, and the ladies, in particular, will be hoping for a strong turnout as they are only two points behind Division 2 leaders Aberystwyth University so have a great chance of promotion.