A TOTAL of 19 members of Prestatyn Running Club made the long journey to Aberystwyth for the third fixture of the David Alun Williams North Wales Cross-Country League on Saturday (November 30), the first time for the venue to be used in 30 years.

The course around the university playing fields was largely flat, with one technical section through woodland, but it merely proved the truth in the old adage that there is no such thing as an easy cross-country course.

In the first race for women of all ages and men over 65, Gordon Jones had another "flier", winning his age-group in great style and thus helping the over-65s' team consolidate their second place behind Eryri Harriers.

Once again, there was solid support from the three "new" supervets Reg Jonas, Mark Dakeyne and Arwel Jones, as well as the ever-reliable George Nixon.

Although some of their regulars were missing nine ladies turned out and were led home by the in-form Ally Reid, who was closely followed by Sue Hughes.

The flat course suited former track athlete Tom Carter, who was the club's first finisher in the four-lap senior men's race.

Just six places behind him was Jonah Armstrong who, like Gareth Jones, has had an excellent season.

Last of the four scorers was Marc Jones, who was placed a superb second in the M60 class, and club stalwart Nem James completed the PRC squad.

Placings: Senior men: 24 Tom Carter 33.32, 32 Jonah Armstrong 34.23, 82 Gareth Jones 39.43, 96 Marc Jones 42.43 (2nd M60), 120 Nem James 53.28.

Men over 60:- 1 Gordon Jones 24.29, 14 Reg Jonas 31.01, 21 Arwel Jones 32.29, 25 Mark Dakeyne 34.50, 28 George Nixon 35.34.

Ladies:- 79 Ally Reid 32.46, 86 Sue Hughes 33.32, 94 Jo Lewis 34.15, 110 Helena Cox 36.32, 112 Liz Martin 36.42, 123 Jo Edwards 41.15, 125 Emma Birchall 41.29, 127 Clare Manley 45.30, 129 Julie Evans 50.26.

Three of the had loosened up for the race by turning out in the Aberystwyth Parkrun that morning.

Their placings were: 59 Ally Reid 30.05, 61 Sue Hughes 30.13, 119 Vic Manley 61.10, Clare Manley 61.12.

In the Nova parkrun, clubmates Alex Ryder and Jamie Betts had a personal battle, the former finishing one second ahead. 

New recruit Dafydd Montgomery had a fine run to take 17th place.

The results were: 5 Alex Ryder 19.49, 6 Jamie Betts 19.50, 9 Ed Shirt 21.14. 17 Dafydd Montgomery 23.09, 37 Martin Gill 26.34, 38 Dave Ellis 26.36, 51 Martin Cortvriend 28.00, 60 Cathy Wood 29.30, 64 Helen Alefounder 29.45, 71 Claudia Smith 31.55.

Other parkrun results were: Conwy: 81 Andy Clark 26.25, 132 Debbie Weedman 29.29.

Greenfield Valley: 54 Sophie Johnson 29.35, 59 Mandy Cartwright 30.12.

There is another call for a strong turnout next Sunday (December 8) when Cybi Striders host the third Borders League fixture on the Mon racing track.

It's an ideal opportunity for some of the club's newer members to experience inter-club competition on an unusual course.