COMPARED to some mountain races the Snowdon Race is pretty straightforward, following a well-worn path on a pretty steady gradient, but it nevertheless offers a real challenge – and this year the weather gave it an extra dimension.

On one of the hottest days of the year (Saturday, July 16), three members of Prestatyn Running Club joined the large field for the 10-mile up-and-down race, and all three survived – and even enjoyed – the experience.

Despite carrying an injury, Steve Brown led the trio home in 2:23.12, and he was followed by Cara Jones in 2:36.35 and Helen Alefounder in 2:40.22.

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Steve had also hit the heights earlier in the week; on that occasion, the 1,800 feet of Moel Famau.

He and his partner Caroline Cafferty, a member of Buckley Runners, took part in the relay in which she ran from Llangynhafal to the summit and he ran down.

Among others, they were up against another Prestatyn Running Club pair of Ann Claire Jones and Lisa Lines.

Steve and Lisa, the club’s off-road captains, had their own downhill battle and both took a tumble in the heather, with Lisa eventually winning by 30 seconds in an aggregate time of 55.03.

Martin Cortvriend, on his travels once again, set another M70 record, this time taking 10 minutes off the previous best in the Bramshall Road Parkrun near Uttoxeter.

He was pushed hard all the way by fellow-septuagenarian Chris Mason (Derbyshire), but Martin pipped him in 22.08.

Other Parkrun results: Nova: 19 Martin Gill 24.15, 21 Ann Claire Jones 24.31 (pb), 55 Nicki Triggs 30.05 (pb), 59 Linda Friar 31.08, 66 Steve Hatfield 33.09, 73 Nem James 35.00.

Ruthin: 11 Steve Weedman 21.32. Wepre: 87 Eva Brewer 50.03.