Running news: Penrhyn was King of the Castle for popular parkruns

Report by Don Hale. Photos courtesy of Michael (Pat) Finnie

https://donhaleblog.blogspot.com

The Penrhyn Castle Parkrun was one of the most popular local events again last Saturday morning, with 256 visiting club and social athletes enjoying the picturesque but undulating 5k woodland trail course, despite a very cool and blustery wind.

Young Andrew Moore won his SM20 age cat with an outstanding display in just 17 minutes and 8 seconds, and was over a minute ahead of his nearest rival Luke Hilliard (Elswick Harriers) on his debut in 18.21, with teenager Aidan Thomas 3rd in 18.30.

The 1st female finisher was SW25 athlete Anna Drinkwater (Eryri Harriers) in 19.26, who was 6th overall, with Laura McKenzie (Betsi Runaways) 2nd (27th), in 22.54, whilst Elen Jones claimed the 3rd spot (33rd), with a new PB in 23.09.

This event also attracted another generous contingent of ‘Conwy on Tour’ members, who were ably represented by multi-clubs, local organisations, and mixed ability individuals.

Super-veteran Liz Evans (GOG Triathlon) turned in a very positive performance, to win her VW75 age cat with a new PB of 26.46 in 77th place, and her club colleague Billy Thomas also hit top-form, and he finished 52nd on his debut and won his SM25 cat in 24.56.

Master vet Don Hale (NWRRC) celebrated another course PB in 27.11, and he finished 2nd in his VM70 cat, with fellow club master Mike Hayton making a successful course debut in 129th place in 29.42, and he claimed the 3rd spot in the same cat as Don, with club veteran John O’Shea 156th with a PB in 31.23.

* Colwyn Bay AC members Josh Mottram and Ian Taylor both enjoyed good results, with Josh completing in 18th place with a new PB of 21.59, and was 2nd SM18, with Ian 37th and 3rd VM55 in 23.40.
Bethan Wyn Roberts, and identical twins Karen and Amanda Durber, ran the course together. Bethan was 112th in 28.58, and 2nd VW50, with Karen 113th in 28.59 and Amanda 114th in 29.04; and a brief mention to John Stallard, who is still building back his fitness following an injury, and was pleased after finishing 127th in 29.32.
Praise was given to the Penrhyn run director and to all the volunteers and marshalls. This is the link to the provisional results:
https://www.parkrun.org.uk/penrhyn/results/latestresults/

Other results:

Carla Green (NWRRC) finished 2nd at the Ruthin Parkrun, was 1st female, and won her VW50 age cat in 20.35. First finisher overall was Mark Hannant with a PB 20.25, with Carla 2nd and Gareth Williams (Vale Royal) 3rd in 20.41.

And with Carla deservedly claiming the top ladies spot, Lisa Wheildon (Running at 40) was 2nd female athlete, 19th overall, in 25.05, with Georgia Lloyd (Ossy Joggers) 3rd (22nd), on her debut in 27.32. There were 67 finishers.

Stuart Culverhouse (NWRRC) ran with his wife Lucy and colleague Darren Dentith at the Nant y Pandy Nature Reserve Parkrun on Anglesey. Stuart finished in 3rd place overall, and he won his VM50 age cat with a new PB in 20.38, Darren was 8th and 3rd VM50 in 22.46 whilst Lucy enjoyed a good run out in 58th place, with a new PB 35.40.

Harry Driscoll (Meirionnydd RC) finished 2nd at the Sandall Park Parkrun and won his SM20 age cat with a new PB of 17.50, and his mum, Elizabeth Driscoll (NWRRC), running with her dog Winston, claimed 22nd place in 32.49.

Tomos Infante Addie was 1st finisher at the Nova Parkrun at Prestatyn last Saturday. The SM20 athlete and Lancaster University student made his course debut, and finished well in 17.36, with Mathew Baker 2nd in close pursuit with a PB in 17.37, and Thomas Stevens (Lawley RC) was 3rd on debut in 18.31.

The 1st female finisher was Megan Tibbetts (Lawley RC), 12th overall on her course debut in 21.53, with Caroline Shepheard (Paddock Wood AC) 2nd (19th) on debut in 22.43, whilst Myra Jones (Valley Striders) finished 3rd (21st overall), in 22.53.

And it was great to see NWRRC veteran Sean Butler back in action, and he finished in 110th place on course debut in 29.28. There were 247 finishers.

North Wales trio competed in the Brighton Marathon

Congratulations to three North Wales athletes who made the long trek down South at the weekend to compete in the Brighton Marathon last Sunday.

They included veterans Paula Jones and Ann O’Connor from Porth Eirias Runners, and young paramedic Caitlin Owen, who completed her first ever marathon.

After the event Paula said: “It wasn’t easy, and it wasn’t pretty. It was the perfect day for drinking wine on the beach and not dragging yourself round a marathon course. Brilliant sunshine with hardly any shade really took its toll and made it and even harder challenge.

“Thank you to Ann O’Connor for staying with me and keeping me focused, you were amazing and a huge thank you to everyone that sponsored me, it was really appreciated and made it all worthwhile.”

Caitlin Owen’s proud father Steve, from GOG Triathlon, also confirmed: “Just watched Caitlin complete her first marathon in Brighton in 4:32:04, which was an amazing achievement, especially considering she’s been out of regular training for a bit. So proud of her for pushing through and giving it her all. What a great day out in Brighton!”