THERE was a clear winner so far as last weekend’s races were concerned – and that was Storm Arwen.

The biggest victim of the 80mph gale was the third fixture of the David Alun Williams North Wales Cross-Country League which Prestatyn Running Club were due to host at a new venue, Mostyn Hall’s Upper Park in Whitford.

The race was called off not only for the runners’ safety but because of fears that the mobile toilets and catering van would be blown away. As it happened, several trees on the course were brought down.

Parkruns across the region were cancelled, but Prestatyn Running Club’s intrepid Martin Cortvriend found one that did go ahead – at Pont-y-Bala – and that proved something of an adventure.

He arrived late after a detour caused by a fallen tree, only to see the tailenders disappearing in the distance. His laces then became entangled and so set off in pursuit five minutes late.

He gradually worked his way through the field and finished a highly creditable 13th in an official time of 26.13.

Back in her home town of Crewe, Kat Prestwich also did a Parkrun, placing 82nd in 29.05.

There were some superb performances in last week’s Conwy Half-Marathon, in which Steve Forsyth finished fourth overall and first M40 in 73.28. Newcomer Ben Williams clocked an excellent 81.10 (20th) and another recent recruit Craig Smith was 132nd in 92.37.

Ann Claire Jones led the trio of ladies, coming 155th lady in 1-57.34, with captain Helen Alefounder 293rd in 2-10.42 and Linda Friar 524th in 2-30.06.

Next Sunday sees the third Borders Road-Running League fixture in Birkenhead Park when both the men’s and women’s teams will be hoping to make up lost ground after disappointing turnouts in the first two races.