Athletics: Rhyl young gun in fine form in Welsh Championships

Jun 17 2009 by Our Correspondent, Denbigh Visitor

HANNAH PENDLEBURY continued her excellent form by picking up the gold in the Under-20 Welsh Championships in Newport.

Pendlebury won gold in the 100m gaining a PB of 12.15, as well as securing first in the 200m also gaining a PB of 25.16.

Members of Prestatyn Running Club returned home from Cardiff on Sunday weary but pleased with their efforts after yet another exhilarating Welsh Castles Relay which stretched the club’s resources and abilities but also demonstrated the tremendous spirit within the club at present.

Despite the usual last-minute hitches and withdrawals – sympathy must go to Gay Waring who was taken ill on the morning of the event – the club fielded a full squad of 20 and the two-day competition from Caernarfon to Cardiff was enjoyed.

Underlining the commitment was the fact that two of the five mountain stages were tackled by lady members, Glenda Davies and Jo McDonough, a third by one of the oldest members, Steve Hatfield, a fourth by fellow super-vet Griff Owens, who stepped into the breach only the day before and the fifth – a 13-mile “beast” – by Des Davies, who had been expecting to do another stage but agreed to help out.

Deserving a special mention was Peter Blundell, who stepped into the breach when Gay withdrew, thus ensuring that the club had at least someone on the start line for that stage.

With so many athletes unavailable the squad included no fewer than four members over 60 years of age and six women.

It was also very rewarding to see top 10 places being gained by Andrew Jones, George Nicholls and Matt Sims.

Helping to create the unique atmosphere of the 200-mile event and cement the spirit was the fact that they were smartest of the 58 teams on view, thanks to sponsorship by Mackenzie Jones Solicitor.

In last week’s Park Hall 5k Griff Owens claimed another win in the M60 class – and came away with a cake for his efforts. Another cake winner was Eleri Goddard, who took first prize in the L35 category.

Next Sunday the club is organising the annual Riverbank Run, which incorporates the Eddie Faure Memorial 10k.

The race, sponsored by Rhuddlan Town Council, Councillor and Mrs Selwyn Thomas, and CIB Insurance Brokers, starts at the Clwyd View Caravan Park in Marsh Road, Rhuddlan, at 11am.