North Wales Road Runners Triumph with Multiple Victories in Metric Half-Marathon and Marathon

North Wales Road Runners Club Triumphs with Multiple Victories in Metric Half-Marathon and Marathon

In a remarkable display of endurance and determination, runners from the North Wales Road Runners Club (NWRRC) dominated the recent Metric Half-Marathon and Marathon, securing an impressive haul of age category wins, podium finishes, and personal best times.

Metric Half-Marathon

The Metric Half-Marathon, a challenging 13.1-kilometer race, attracted an impressive 87 participants, including five members of NWRRC who showcased their exceptional abilities. Veteran runner Rob Fryer led the charge, delivering a strong and spirited performance to claim victory in the M65-69 age category. Finishing as the 17th male overall and 21st overall in a time of one hour, 11 minutes, and 19 seconds, Fryer demonstrated his unwavering resolve.

Master veteran Don Hale, despite his longest run in over four years, proved unstoppable in the M70-74 age category, securing a well-deserved victory as the 18th male and 23rd overall in 1.13.00. Carol Moss continued the NWRRC's winning streak, claiming the W55-59 age category title as the 12th female athlete and 41st overall in 1.18.15. Master veteran Mike Hayton also enjoyed a commendable performance, finishing as the 37th male and 57th overall in 1.24.52, securing second place in the M70-74 age category. Rachel Morris completed NWRRC's successful outing with a solid performance, finishing as the 40th female and 81st overall in 1.40.

Metric Marathon

The Metric Marathon, a grueling 26.2-kilometer race, presented a unique challenge that NWRRC members embraced with fervor. A total of 12 club members took part in this endurance test, capturing four age category wins, two second places, and one third place. Steve Mason celebrated a remarkable podium finish, claiming third place overall in an impressive time of 1.48.21. He also emerged victorious in the M45-49 age category, showcasing his versatility and exceptional endurance capabilities.

Newcomer Michael Roberts made an auspicious debut, finishing as the ninth male athlete and 10th overall in 1.53.13, securing the M55-59 age category win. Mal Preece demonstrated his resilience by capturing the M60-64 age category title with a strong performance, finishing 17th and 21st overall in 2.03.25. Ben Hudson also impressed, finishing 19th and 24th overall in 2.04.19, securing third place in the M45-49 age category.

Veteran Kevin Slattery displayed unwavering determination, finishing second in the M65-69 age category as the 23rd male and 29th overall in 2.07.06. Sarah Ferguson Hudson delivered an inspiring performance, claiming fourth place in the W45-49 age category as the 10th female athlete and 39th overall in 2.09.21.

Other notable performances included David Jones, who finished as the 32nd male and 43rd overall in 2.11.34; Cheryl Frost, who won the W55-59 age category as the 14th female and 53rd overall in 2.15.10; and newcomer Philip Moss, who crossed the finish line as the 72nd male and 112th overall in 2.38.66. Completing NWRRC's successful outing were Sarah Jones and Daniel Hennel, who demonstrated their camaraderie by running together, with Sarah finishing as the 52nd female and 131st overall in 2.46.13 and Daniel just one place and one second behind.

International and Local Races

NWRRC members extended their winning streak beyond the Metric Half-Marathon and Marathon, achieving success in various races both at home and abroad. Stuart Culverhouse competed in the Valetta Half-Marathon in Malta, delivering a commendable performance despite a calf niggle and the challenging heat, completing the race in a respectable one hour and 36 minutes.

Closer to home, Will Williams participated in the Cheshire Elite 10k race but encountered difficulties due to a chest infection. However, he bravely continued after a brief stop, demonstrating his tenacity and finishing in 211th place in 41.39. Sion Thomas showcased his speed at the Newborough Forest parkrun, securing seventh place overall in 21.40 and capturing the VM40 age category win.

Tony Price Jones made his debut at the Nova Prestatyn parkrun, leaving a lasting impression by claiming the VM40 age category title with a strong performance, finishing fourth in 22.40.

Conwy parkrun

Undeterred by the cold and blustery conditions, nearly 200 hardy participants braved the elements at the Conwy parkrun, a challenging 5k course with testing terrain. NWRRC entered 13 members, who collectively secured three age category wins, three second places, and one third place.

Adam Lemalle emerged as the first NWRRC member to cross the finish line, claiming second place in the VM40 age category and finishing 15th overall in 21.54. Stuart Culverhouse also impressed, finishing 21st overall and second in the VM50 age category in 23.42.

Master veteran Don Hale continued his winning ways, capturing the MV70 age category with a strong performance, finishing 46th overall in 25.41. Hannah Griffith and Elizabeth Driscoll teamed up, with Griffith claiming second place in the VW50 age category in 27.25 and Driscoll winning the VW55 age category, finishing just one place and one second behind her teammate.

Other notable performances included:

• Kelly Marie Alford and Gethin Wyn Jones, who ran together and finished within one place and one second of each other
• Master veteran Mark Mason, who demonstrated his determination and progress with a solid performance, finishing second in the MV70 age category and 87th overall in 29.45
• Veteran John O'Shea, who enjoyed a strong workout, finishing 106th overall in 30.25
• Helen Hannam, who won the VW45 age category and finished 112th overall in 30.47

Steve Mason continued his role as a tail walker volunteer, ensuring that every participant safely completed the course, finishing 190th in 47.58. The North Wales Road Runners Club continues to showcase its exceptional talent and unwavering spirit, achieving remarkable victories and podium finishes in races both at home and abroad. As the club's members continue to train and compete, they will undoubtedly bring further glory to their organization and inspire others to strive for excellence in the world of running.