OVER THE years members of Prestatyn Running Club have always had a soft spot for Deestriders’ Off-Road Grand Prix Series and when the new season opened last week the 30 red vests on view made up almost a third of the total field.

In addition to the sheer numbers there were several pluses for the club, with eight members gaining podium places, three making their GP debuts and a handful of comebacks being recorded.

Tom Carter led the squad home in fourth place and there was another very impressive run from Jonah Armstrong in 14th place overall.

Making her debut in a club vest – and looking very comfortable on the mixed terrain – was Megan Lewis, daughter of club stalwart Jo Lewis.

The placings were:- 4 Tom Carter 24.30  (1st M40), 14 Jonah Armstrong 26.52, 16 Dave Ellis 27.15, 17 Gareth Jones 27.24, 18 Steve Stocker 27.25 (3rd M45), 25 Oliver Birch-Jones 28.08 (2nd U20), 42 Dan Liddle 30.23, 43 Marc Jones 30.50, 44 Ben Thomas 30.57, 57 James Rogers 33.31, 59 Martin Cortvriend 33.50 (1st M70), 63 Ann Claire Jones 34.34 (3rd L50), 65 Andy Carter 35.04, 67 Andy Scott 35.17, 71 Megan Lewis 35.41, 77 Ally Reid 36.15, 78 Nicki Triggs 36.18, 82 Jo Lewis 36.59, 61 Glenda Roberts 38.09 (2nd L60), 91 Helen Alefounder 39.34, 92 Gareth Hughes 30.35 (1st M75), 93 Alan Jones 39.44, 96 Helena Cox 40.05, 98 Liz Martin 40.58, 99 Nem James 41.06, 100 Debbie Jones 41.25, 102 Karl Martin 42.07, 105 Emma Birchall 45.48, 109 Julie Evans 54.36, 110 Steve Hatfield 54.36 (2nd M75).

The previous evening Steve Stocker (M45) and Marc Jones (M60) both picked up bronze medals in their categories in the Llanrug 5k, which incorporated the North Wales championships. Their respective times were 18.57 and 20.44.

Only four club members travelled to Nebo for the latest race in the Joe Brown Tuesday Night series of fellraces on Mynydd Graig Goch. Ben Thomas was first of the quartet hto finish in 37th place, with a time of 44.15,and he was followed by Mark Dakeyne (79th, 58m), Ann Claire Jones (84th, 62.38) and James Rogers (88th, 62.38).

Members travelled far and wide for their Parkrun action at the weekend. In support of Emma Birchall’s “Feel, Find, Mind” breast cancer campaign 10 members travelled to Pwllheli for the Hafan Parkrun along the beach, while another group was in the Lake District.

Nova Parkrun: 6 Cam Askan 20.09, 7 Oliver Birch-Jones 20.13, 31 Reg Jonas 24.54, 64 Nem James 28.56, 70 Claudia Smith 29.41, 148 Ian Cummins 49.44.

Hafan Pwllheli: 4 Dave Ellis 23.41, 27 Andy Carter 30.14, 31 Helen Alefounder 31.43, 32 Ann Claire Jones 31.44, 39 Sophie Johnson 33.02, 46 Mandy Cartwright 34.38, 48 Debbie Jones 34.56, 54 Emma Birchall 36.35, 64 Julie Evans 49.58, 65 Suzanne Evans 49.59.

Greenfield Valley: 1 Tom Carter 18.10, 15 Martin Cortvriend 25,11, 47 Cathy Wood 31.54 (pb).

Wepre: 25 Steve Weedman 25.57, 37 Andy Clark 29.27, 66 Debbie Weedman 34.44.

Rothay Park (Ambleside): 43 Marc Jones 24.43, 139 Jo Lewis 30.45, 173 Helen Baxandall 33.47.

Sewerby (Bridlington): 9 Jamie Betts 19.38.

Skipton: 81 Mark Dakeyne 27.53.