Five long-serving members of Prestatyn Running Club gain deserved recognition

Report: Gareth Hughes

A total of more than 200 years of involvement in athletics by five members of Prestatyn Running Club were recognised at a pre-Christmas lunch.

The club is unique throughout the region in having so many long-serving members who are still active, and tribute to their remarkable record was paid by Bernie Jones, secretary of the North Wales Cross-Country Association during an event at the Eagle and Child, Gwaenysgor.

Welsh Athletics meritorious awards for at least 15 years’ service were presented to former club chairman Mike Davis and current post-holder Duncan Longley.

Duncan joined the club in the mid-1990s and has filled a variety of roles, including chief marshal at regional and national championships, and registration and results co-ordinator for several races.

He is a qualified Run Leader and has figured prominently in the club’s Couch to 5k sessions.

Mike has been a PRC member since 2010, having previously been chairman of Skipton Runners Club. He remains an enthusiastic member, supporting all club events and has helped organise numerous races as well as being competitive in his age-group.

The club committee itself decided to honour three of its supervets: Roger Harrison-Jones, David Hughes and George Nixon, each of whom has competed in the North Wales Cross-Country League for over 50 years – an amazing record.

Bernie detailed the successes of all three at regional, national and international level on road and country, and emphasised the respect in which they are still held in athletics circles.

In the past all three have received the Bebbington Shield from the North Wales Cross-Country Association for their loyalty to the League.

Club President Gareth Hughes commented: “As a club we have been very fortunate in having such outstanding servants who have contributed so much to the club and to the sport in general.

“Many of our newer members aren’t aware of their impressive achievements as Roger, Dave and George are so modest. All three are superb role-models for the younger members.”

*Storm Darragh put paid to the entire North Wales Parkrun programme on Saturday as well as the third Borders League fixture in Anglesey on Sunday.

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