TEAM spirit shone through as a smaller squad than usual turned out for Prestatyn Running Club in the fourth fixture of the Grand Prix Express North Wales Cross-Country League at Lilleshall.

After a two-year absence Gordon Jones led the men's team home and taking third place in the M50 class followed by George Nicholls Dave Henley and Chris Hayes.
Fifteen-year-old Callum Smith, in only his second cross-country event, ran a sensible race to finish seventh in the U17 category. At the other end of the age-range Dave Hughes chalked up yet another win in the M70 class.

Placings: Men: 34 Gordon Jones 39.07 (3rd M50), 52 George Nicholls 40.56, 60 Dave Henley 42.08, 66 Chris Hayes 42.40, 77 George Nixon 43.32, 104 Gareth Hughes 47.50 (2nd M60), 109 Steve Hatfield 49.31, 112 Phil Jones 52.41 (3rd M65), Men under 17: 7 Callum Smith 23.31. M70: 1 Dave Hughes 28.03. Ladies: 32 Glenda Davies 27.21, 37 Amie Bagnall 28.06, 38 Brenda Tiedtke 28.11, 39 Eleri Goddard 28.20, 40 Eleri Jones 28.35.

Less than 24 hours later Steve Hatfield also turned out in the Four Villages Half-Marathon in Helsby, finishing in 1-51.50. Shelly Ward,  finished 29 seconds outside her target.

The first of the Prestatyn trio was Mathew Anwyl, who finished 84th overall in 84.04.

This Saturday the club is hosting the Rhug Organics North Wales Cross-Country Championships at Rhug, Corwen, and although officials are encouraging as many as possible to compete there is still a need for more helpers. Anyone available is asked to notify Gareth Hughes or Jason Burton.

Running for the county

FIVE young runners will represent Denbighshire in a cross country challenge.

Jordan Hall, Matthew Graham Hammons, Daniel Disley, Nathan Harley and Nathan Jones of Blessed Edward Jones High in Rhyl have been picked to run for the county in race which takes place today (Wednesday) in Llangollen.

Mel Thomas, PE teacher for the school, said: “We are very proud of them. It’s a great honour to represent the county and if they do well today they will go on to represent North Wales in the national championship. We wish them good luck.”

Mysteruns on the road

SIX Mysteruns of Abergele took part in the the four villages half marathon at Helsby.

John Humphries led the Mysteruns home 1.42.20, followed by Austin Bell 1.50 .

Melanie Williams, Shelagh Jones, and Tanya Gizzie finished together in 2h1.

George Gospel had a leg injury but still finished in 2h5.

The Mysteruns still have places left on the London Marathon trip. Contact John Humphries on 07935312122

Abergele Harrier Darren Blazier completed the Helsby Half Marathon in 1.20.35.