Thirty-seven years after Prestatyn Running Club was established veteran Steve Skates broke new ground last week with a brilliant endurance display.

He finished third overall in the gruelling 185-mile King Offa's Dyke race in which virtually half the 54 entrants did not make it to the finish in Prestatyn.

Running with his friend Phil Rushton, Steve was in the leading eight all the way and at one point was in third position.

"The toughest point was around Knighton, where there was a very steep hill, and there was still a long way to go," he said.

Almost inevitably, he suffered from sore feet and required medical attention, but his tenacity paid off, reaching the finish with Phil in 68 hours 37 minutes.

The first man home, in an amazing 49 hours 43 minutes, was Jack Scott.

After a few days' rest and reflection Steve said he was very happy with his performance and things had gone pretty well as planned.

"I would consider doing it again," he said.