Santa Dash success on Llandudno promenade

Report by Don Hale. Photos by Steve Jeffery

Hundreds of runners, children, and even dogs took part in the children’s fun run and the 5k Santa Dash along Llandudno promenade last Saturday morning (December 3) which raised plenty of funds for local charities.

This was a real family event where even pets were welcomed to join in with the festivities. Anyone could walk, jog, or run the 5k, and all participants received their own Santa suit to wear plus a medal at the finish.

Starting on North Shore by the pier, entrants journeyed down the pier before dashing down towards the paddling pool and the RNLI base before returning to the finish.

And as this event was not listed as a competitive race, the organisers confirmed that although there was an electronic timer at the finish, no chip times were recorded.

Hot pace on a cold day at Conwy Parkrun

Report by Don Hale. Photos by Steve Jeffery

One hundred and fifty mixed ability runners braved a cold but clear morning at Conwy Parkrun last Saturday where a trio of North Wales Road Runners claimed three out of the top four finishing places.

Josh Keogh continued his recent domination of this challenging 5k event and this week, apart from being the 1st runner home, he also set a hot pace and recorded an incredible new personal best time of just 17 minutes and 1 second to win his SM30 age cat.

Josh led a team of 11 NWRRC club members, who recorded nine podium places overall including four wins, three second, and two third place finishes.

Martin Green was 2nd in 17.56, and he won his MV45 cat, but he was pushed all the way by Matthew Baker, who was just one second adrift in 3rd place in 17.57, with Martin’s club colleague Steve Mason 4th, and 2nd in his MV45 cat, despite claiming a new PB in 18.31.

The 1st female runner was Emma Alofs in 21.01 (13th place), with Lizzie Irvine (Gog Triathlon) 2nd in 22.49 (20th) and Kristen Luke (Eryri Harriers) 3rd in 23.38 (37th).

Some other interesting data emerged from the results at parkrun with some surprising age contrasts including four talented JM11-14 junior runners.

Oliver Howson (Colwyn Bay) was 1st in this age cat in 22.43, with Finn Eames-Hughes 2nd in 23.13 and Joe Culverhouse 3rd in 23.27, whilst at the opposite end of the scale, master veteran Sandy Johnston (Les Croupiers) won his MV70 age cat in 22.36.

NWRRC athlete Harry Driscoll made a welcome return to the Conwy Parkrun after finishing 5th last week at the Sandall Park parkrun in 21.06.

Harry improved his time this week however, to finish 7th overall and he also won his SM20 cat in 19.41, and Stuart Culverhouse was only 17-seconds behind Harry in 8th place and won his MV50 cat in 19.58.

John Dalzell continued his own fine form to finish in 11th place overall, and 3rd in his MV45 cat in 20.40, and young Joe Culverhouse was another welcome returnee after his junior football match was postponed and recorded an excellent time of 23.27 for 32nd place and 3rd JM11.

Master veteran Don Hale continued his recovery from injury to finish in 62nd place overall with his best time since last July of 26.43 and he was 2nd in his MV70 age cat. And Vicky Taylor made a rare parkrun appearance and finished well in 73rd place overall, and 2nd in her VW45 cat in 27.44.

Gwennan Charlton enjoyed a good work out in 102nd spot, and she was 4th in her VW35 cat in 29.43, with Rachel Morris heading back to form in 113th place, and 4th in her VW40 age cat in 30.44.

*Plaudits were given to race director Gwyn Williams and to all the volunteers and marshals. Afterwards, Gwyn said: “A big well done to all 150 of you that joined us this morning for a cold but beautifully calm Conwy parkrun, and a huge thanks to the 23 volunteers that made the magic happen.”

Success for club trio at Ruthin Parkrun

Three members of NWRRC travelled to the Ruthin Parkrun last Saturday where Carla Green celebrated as the 1st finisher overall, the 1st lady and VW50 age cat winner in 19.46.

Cheryl Frost and Kay Hatton also ran extremely well with Cheryl finishing in 8th place in 22.17, and she won her VW55 age cat, with Kay 11th, and 2nd VW55 cat in 23.00.

North Wales Cross Country championships at Wrexham

Report by Don Hale

Entries are now open for the North Wales Cross Country Championships which will be held at Ysgol Morgan Llwyd, Wrexham, on Saturday 7th January 2023.

The timetable of races is as follows: 11am – Under 11 Girls; 11-20am – Under 13 Girls/Under 11 Boys; 11-45am – Under 15 Girls/Under 13 Boys;12-15pm – Under 17 Women/Under 15 Boys; 1-00pm Under 20/Senior/Master Women/Under 17 Men/65+Men 2-00pm – Senior/Master Men.
* For the first time, entries are on-line and are available via the following link: https://www.entrycentral.com/North_Wales_CC_Champs

North Wales Indoor Championships at Deeside

Report by Don Hale

Entries have opened for the North Wales Indoor Regional Championships at Coleg Cambria, Connah’s Quay, Deeside, on Sunday 15th January 2023.

The events include: U11’s – RJT Event Challenge (60m, Long Jump, Shot Put,) – £10 which covers all 3 events & athletes must compete in all 3 events. U13B & U13G = 60m, 60mH, High Jump, Long Jump, Shot Put. U15B & U15G = 60m, 60m Hurdles, High Jump, Long Jump, Triple jump, Shot Put.

U17 to Senior = 60m, 60m Hurdles, High Jump, Pole Vault, Triple Jump, Shot Put.

Masters included into Senior events. ENTRY FEE £5 per event

*ENTRIES CLOSE: 30th December 2:59. This is the link for entries: –
https://wales.opentrack.run/en-gb/x/2023/GBR/nwind/?fbclid=IwAR0FtmVCqAub4BqTybi0JEd5vuPAJucnYKT67kwJl9e8arBWXevXCj7axms