Running: Jo is Prestatyn's star at Colwyn Bay

Oct 1 2008 by Dave Jones, Denbigh Visitor

DESPITE the unavoidable absence of some regular performers the Grand Prix Express North Wales Cross-Country League got off to a cracking start for Prestatyn Running Club at Colwyn Bay.

The six-strong women’s team was led home by Jo McDonough in 25th overall. There were excellent debuts from Helen Ashworth and Howys Dafis.

The ladies’ team finished fourth on the day in division two but with four races left there is still plenty of time to close on those ahead of them.

Also making his long-awaited debut for the club in the same race, competing in the M70 class, was David Hughes. The former Wrexham athlete, who still holds the M40 record for the North Wales Marathon, has been out of competition for many years.

Having dropped to division two this year the men turned in a very solid all-round performance, finishing second to Wrecsam Tri Club, whilst the veterans’ team did superbly to take third overall behind Shrewsbury and Wrexham.

The 11-strong squad was led home by Gordon Jones, fourth in a highly competitive M50 class which he has just entered, and 34th overall. Ever-reliable George Nixon was second M55.

Placings – Men: 34 Gordon Jones 35.12, 39 George Nicholls 35.35, 40 Chris Kelly 35.41, 50 George Nixon 36.18, 59 Matt Sims 36.42, 74 Dave Henley 37.49, 87 Gareth Bailey 38.50, 95 Des Davies 39.35, 101 Paul Brandrick 40.18, 133 Gareth Hughes 43.00, 145 Steve Hatfield 44.21.

Ladies: 25 Jo McDonough 20.50, 38 Glenda Davies 22.13, 48 Eleri Goddard 24.02, 50 Helen Ashworth 24.13, 51 Katie Brandrick 24.17, 54 Howys Dafis 25.27. David Hughes 25.03 (2nd M70).

Tracey Howarth tackled the hills around Macclesfield on Sunday in a tough half-marathon, and also had to contend with high temperatures. In the circumstances she was very pleased with her time of 2–20, five minutes down on her time in the Liverpool Half.