THE weather was atrocious and the course, which had to be amended because of coastal protection work, was not the most interesting, but Prestatyn Running Club members still had plenty of reasons to be happy with the weekend’s races in Rhyl.

There were five- and 10-mile competitions, with the latter incorporating the North Wales championships, and of the 15 club members who braved the elements, no fewer than 13 came away with top-three placings in the open race and/or the championship.

In the 10-miler, the outstanding performer once again was super-vet Gordon Jones, who finished 17th overall and won the M60 class in the open event and championship.

David Ellis and Craig Smith also picked up awards following their own solid runs.

Over half the distance, Will Williams continued his remarkable improvement – he is hardly recognisable from the man who began running only three years ago – and he finished fifth overall.

Results: Five miles: 5. Will Williams 30.42 (2nd M45); 8. Steve Stocker 31.44 (3rd M45); 39. Roger Harrison-Jones 56.10 (1st M80). Ladies: 3. Amy Foster 37.06 (1st 21-34); 7. Melanie Bone 40.58 (2nd 21-34).

10 miles: 17. Gordon Jones 64.57 (1st M60 in open and champs); 28. Craig Smith 67.26 (2nd M45 in champs); 34. Lee Bailey 68.16 (3rd M45 in champs); 65. Martin Cortvriend (1st M70 in open and champs); 68. David Ellis 74.21 (3rd M35 in champs); 91. Darren Thompson 79.12; 93. Des Davies 79.41 (3rd M60 in champs); 171. Nem James 1-52.54. Ladies: 26. Ally Reid 86.22 (3rd L45 in champs); 89. Amy Jones 1-42.45 (3rd L35 in champs).

Only three members turned out in the Conwy parkrun, where the weather was just as challenging.

Results: 29. Steve Weedman 23.50; 62. Benjamin Lines 26.30; 106. Debbie Weedman 32.03.

Next Sunday (February 27) sees the fourth Borders League fixture at Kelsterton, and it is hoped that some of the more recent recruits will help boost the Prestatyn numbers.