THERE was quality if not quantity at Rhyl’s Marsh Tracks circuit at the weekend.

The 5k races are understood to be the first “live” race permitted by Welsh Athletics since Covid-19 restrictions were implemented early last year.

A well-organised event on the closed road circuit involved many social distancing precautions in line with the relaxation of Welsh Government rules, including individual chip-timing used for accuracy, and was the first 5k event in this summer series.

The tough qualifying standards set initially were removed a few days beforehand, resulting in a few extra entries.

Womens race runners line up ahead of their race, said to be the first allowed by Welsh Athletics since last year.

Women's race runners line up ahead of their race, said to be the first allowed by Welsh Athletics since last year.

Conditions were perfect for the races and, as expected, the smooth, flat course produced some excellent performances.

The outstanding run of the day came from Welsh international marathoner Andrew Davies (Stockport), from Welshpool. Colwyn Bay’s talented youngster Bryn Woodall stayed with him for a couple of laps before the experienced veteran turned on the power to pull away and win by 20 seconds in 14.31.

In third place was Cardiff veteran Christian Prior, who was brought up in Prestatyn and was a highly regarded member of the town’s cricket club.

Prestatyn Running Club had five men taking part, with Steve Forsyth, Andrew Bromley and Alex Ryder having their own internal battle.

Their placings were: 14 Steve Forsyth (5thM40) 16.19, 16 Andrew Bromley (8th SM) 16.29, 17 Alex Ryder (9th SM), 16.32, 24 William Williams 1st M45) 19.35, 25 Benjamin Harrison (12th SM) 22.21.

In the ladies’ race Carol Parson (Cheshire Dragons) led from the start and shook off the early challenge Wrexham veteran Emma Crowe and former Prestatyn member Amie Bagnall (new Cheshire Dragons).

Parsons never looked in danger, winning in 17.49, with Crowe second in 18.00,Tracey Rogers (Buckley) third in 18.18 and Bagnall fourth in 18.29.

Carla Green continued her excellent form and knocked more than a minute off her previous personal best (PB) time.

The North Wales Road Runner finished as the 8th female athlete, and she was 2nd in her respective F45 age category on this popular lapped course held last Saturday afternoon as part of a special Welsh Athletics test event.

North Wales Road Runners Club member Carla Green finished in eighth place.

North Wales Road Runners Club member Carla Green finished in eighth place.

The second Marsh Tracks races will be on July 3 and again there will be a limit of 50 in each of the two races.