One of the toughest half marathons in the world - Gareth's Press Report - 11th May 2025

It’s billed as “one of the toughest half-marathons in the world and perhaps the most awe-inspiring “ -– and Sophie Johnson and Mandy Cartwright would not disagree!

The Prestatyn Running Club pair travelled to Tywyn on Saturday for the Cadair X race on Cader Idris, which involves 65% of trail running, 25% mountain paths and 10% tarmac, with severe climbs soon after the start and 5k from the finish.

The total ascent comes to 1,150 metres in just under 13 miles, and Sophie and Mandy, who ran together, finished in 3-57.00.

“It was tough and warm, but the scenery was stunning, and we enjoyed it,” said Sophie.

Three other members also took to the hills  - the Clwydians - at the weekend. Club captain Lee Bailey chose the Excalibur Marathon and it paid off, as he won the event in 4-50.16, his first race victory.

Ally Reid and Helen Ashworth opted for the half-marathon and finished together in 3-15.

The club broke new ground last week when, for the first time in its 43-year history, it staged relay races in the Ffrith Gardens.

The races, which attracted 38 teams, four of them from the host club, were the final event in this year’s Borders Road-Running League programme, and they were followed by the League’s awards ceremony.

The organisation of the races went very smoothly and reflected well on the club. The club also had cause to be pleased with its haul of awards, individual prizes going to Gordon Jones (1st M65), Graham Shone (2nd M70), George Nixon (3rd M70), Gareth Hughes (1st M75) and Emma Collins (1st L60).

Two of the club’s younger speed merchants travelled to Stretford last week to pit themselves against class opposition in the Trafford open track meeting. Just a week after his pb in the Manchester Marathon Jonah Armstrong recorded another personal record in the 3,000m. He clocked 9:37, taking 40 seconds off his previous best.

In a separate heat Alex Ryder finished in 10:59 and then clocked 2:31 in the 800m, both times well outside his best but a satisfying result as he gets back to fitness.

Another member in excellent form at present, Marc Jones, joined the large field in the Race For Victory 5k in Cardiff, and on a fast, closed course, finished in 19:47.

There was a familiar look to the sixth race in the Tuesday Evening series on Y Garn with Lee Bailey leading a\ trio of Prestatyn members. He was 25th overall in 33.03, with Gareth Jones 44th in 36.43 and Ann Claire Jones 121st in 62.27.

Once again the club claimed three of the top 10 places in the Nova Parkrun, Alex Ryder and new recruit being given the same times and Eve Manifold was again the first female finisher.

The placings were: 4 Alex Ryder 19.15, 5 Dafydd Montgomery 19.15 (pb), 7 Dave Ellis 20.20, 13 Eve Manifold 21.32, 15 Marc Jones 21.40, 23 Judah Eastwell 22.28, 34 Meg Lewis, 38 Martin Cortvriend 24.39, 40 Neil Davidson 24.57, 44 Philip Howarth 25.06, 60 Reg Jonas 26.18, 68 Mark Dakeyne 26.48, 71 Paul Sanders 26.57, 104 Mike Davis 29.52, 228 Julie Evans 61.27 (Parkwalker).

Greenfield Valley: 14 Ann Claire Jones 26.19.

Delamere Forest:101: Steve Weedman 26.04, 219 Debbie Weedman 30.55.

Forest Rec (Nottingham): 6 Jamie Betts 20.27.

The club’s annual prizegiving will take place at the Scala on May 31 when members will be able to vote for Member of th(in no particular order)  are:- Male road-runner of the year: Jonah Armstrong, Andy Parry, Marc Jones. Female road-runner: Meg Lewis, Sue Hughes, Ally Reid, Emma Collins. Male cross-country runner: Marc Jones, Jonah Armstrong, Gordon Jones, Mark Dakeyne. Female cross-country runner: Ally Reid, Nicki Triggs, Sue Hughes, Clare Manley. Male fell-runner: Gareth Jones, Lee Bailey, Ben Thomas. Female fell-runner: Ann Claire Jones, Nicki Triggs, Mandy Cartwright, Sophie Johnson. Most improved male: Marc Jones, Nem James, Jonah Armstrong. Most improved female: Cathy Wood, Meg Lewis, Debbie Jones, Ally Reid, Sue Hughes, Nicki Triggs, Sophie Johnson, Jo Lewis. Best newcomer: Meg Lewis, Jonah Armstrong, Gareth Jones. Volunteer of the year: Debbie Jones, Nem James, Julie Evans.

The evening’s programme will also include a fun quiz and summaries of the year’s achievements.

At the annual meeting of the North Wales Cross-Country Association on Friday it was decided that Prestatyn Running Club, in conjunction with Denbigh Harriers, would host the first League fixture of the 2025-2026 season at Llannerch Park on October 4.

The other fixtures, subject to confirmation, are:- October 25, Colwyn Bay; November 22, Bala; January 24, Shrewsbury; February 14, Oswestry. The North Wales championships will be in Bangor on January 10.