Full marks to American student Bryn at a heavy Conwy Parkrun course

Report by Don Hale. Photos by Steve Jeffery

Colwyn Bay athlete Bryn Woodall was first runner back at a very heavy Conwy Parkrun on Saturday, where the talented teenager celebrated another superb result.

It was also his 100th parkrun, during a break from his studies and running adventures in America.

Bryn also won his SM18 age cat and incredibly, dashed around this saturated course in just 15 minutes and 38 seconds and finished the best part of three minutes ahead of nearest senior rival Jonathan Kettle from NWRRC, 2nd in 18.21, with JM15-17 runner Ciaran Keyworth 3rd in 18.59.

The first female runner was Kirsty Stevenson (Stone Masters Marathon) in 21.26, with Lizzie Irvine (GOG Triathlon) 2nd in 23.47 and Lisa Allsup 3rd in 25.02.

North Wales Road Runners entered 11 members and collected seven podium placings including two age category wins, but their numbers were depleted due to other fixtures at Wrexham and Tatton Park on the same day.

Jonathan Kettle led the team home among 158 entrants of mixed abilities, and from all parts of the UK, and even some from Australia, but despite his best efforts, he could only finish second to an outstanding young athlete.

Jonathan won his MV45 cat in 18.21, with Steve Mason 4th and 2nd MV45 in 19.09.

Dave Spofforth had a good run, finishing in 12th place in 21.53 and claimed 2nd MV40 cat.

John Dalzell was 16th overall in 22.15, and Martin Green trotted around the puddles in 21st place – saving his energy for the afternoon cross-country event – but still finished strong in 22.35.

Ben Hudson made a welcome return to parkrun after his recent world travels and was pleased with 24th place in 23.34. Jamie Tharme was another holiday returnee, and he too was satisfied with his run, placing 35th in 24.32.

Newcomer Barrie Wells finished 3rd MV65 in 54th place in 26.34, and another new member Mark Mason, also celebrated another MV70 age cat win in 28.20 in 78th place overall.

Good to see Mandy Owen back at Conwy and running well again in 94th place in 30.02, and she also finished 3rd VW45, with Sue Smith 99th in 30.16, also 3rd VW55.

• Praise was given to Conwy Parkrun race director Gwyn Williams and all the volunteers and marshals who bravely supported all the runners on another very wet day underfoot, and plaudits were given to veteran runner Ken Poulter, who completed his 100th parkrun to add to his 100th time of volunteering duties.
• This is the link to the provisional results from Conwy: https://www.parkrun.org.uk/conwy/results/latestresults/