Two North Wales runners claim age category wins

North Wales Road Runners claimed several age-related podium places in last weekend’s Kidsgrove virtual 10k and 5k races, which attracted over 500 athletes, despite an extended spell of icy weather and extensive Covid-19 restrictions.

Stuart Culverhouse and Kevin Slattery both won their individual age categories in the 10k challenge, with Stuart having a fine run to finish 7th overall and 1st M45 cat winner in 42 mins 43 secs, and Kevin completing a fantastic performance to win his M65 cat in 17th place overall in 45.21.

In addition, charity fundraiser Llinos Davies from GOG Triathlon finished in 163rd place overall and was the 7th F60 runner in 68.19. The overall race was won by Scott Zikmanis from Newcastle (Staffs), 1st M40 cat runner in 36.25.

Exciting family finishes in 5k race

It was an exciting finish, and an extraordinary family battle for some talented runners in the Kidsgrove virtual 5k race, with Nic Brook from Eryri Harriers claiming overall race victory from rival Jonathan Kettle of NWRRC by just 4 seconds.

Nic ran home in 17 mins 32 secs, with Jonathan recording 17.36. The runners also finished as 1st and 2nd in their respective M45 age category.

Nic’s partner Gemma Moore, a former NWRCC runner was the 1st female athlete and 1st M35 cat winner in 5th place overall in 19.53, whilst Jonathan’s son Troy Kettle, finished 6th overall, and was also the 2nd senior man, just 4 seconds adrift in 19.57.

Tony Price-Jones was 21st in 22.47, with Charlotte-Rose Wilton-Jones 52nd overall and 28th female in 26.17.

Helen Hannam was 56th overall and 31st female in 27.13, and she was just 3 seconds ahead of her training partner Mia Morris, from Colwyn Bay in 27.16.

And Natasha Kettle made a welcome return to running in a semi-competitive outing and finished 175th in 36.06. NWRRC also won the team prize with Jonathan and Troy Kettle with Tony Price-Jones.

*Other local runners included: Janine Butterworth from Criw Colwyn, who finished in 24th place and was 2nd female runner in 23.06. Rachel Cook from GOG Triathlon, who was 26th and 1st F-Sen in 23.26, and her club colleagues Hayley Price-Jones finished in 53rd spot in 26.25, and Miklos Bird 79th in 29.29. Sharon Hughes from Conwy Parkrun was 161st in 34.41.

Steve wins Hereford Couriers virtual 10k

North Wales athlete Steve Bozier was finally confirmed this week as the overall winner of the Hereford Couriers virtual 10k race, held the previous weekend, and again delayed due to bad weather.

Steve put in a great performance to claim the top prize in this challenge, which attracted 74 quality competitors.

His time of 41 mins 20 secs also won 1st place in his MV40 age category, and was just 22 seconds ahead of the 2nd placed runner and 1st lady, Joanna Eddy.