Excellect runs in Gwent League cross-country (From Penarth Times)

Excellect runs in Gwent League cross-country

The first of five cross-county races in the Gwent League Championship took place recently at Margam Park.

Eleven members of Penarth and Dinas Runners battled through the muddy, undulating course, producing some excellent performances.

Clem put on a combative performance in the men's race, finishing in a well-earned 46th position. Rob Wilcox also ran an excellent race and finished in 194th place, particularly impressive as he has not competed in cross-country for three years.

Margam saw a sterling performance from Ian Carter who managed a superb sprint finish, ranking 229th. Neil Hendry made an excellent debut, smiling all the way and finishing in 247th place. You're not supposed to enjoy it, Neil!

Not far behind was Mike Renwick, whose good performance secured him 258th position. Andrew Palmer, another newcomer to cross-country, certainly proved himself on this testing course, ranking 282nd overall in the men's category.

A much awaited appearance was made by Joanne Laity at Margam Park. Previously hampered by flu, a flat car battery and lack of child care, she made up for it with an excellent run, finishing in 74th position in the ladies' race. Julie Wassell, having only recently joined Penarth and Dinas Runners, performed exceptionally well in her first cross-country race, finishing in 95th position.

Sarah Davies was not far behind Julie, maintaining a good, steady pace throughout and finishing 98th.

Angela Stone displayed her usual strength and determination on this hard-going course, ranking 119th overall. Nineteen-year-old Ceri Hopkins is now an affirmed Gwent League veteran, having competed in 46 races consecutively over the last ten years.

Ceri put on a good, determined performance, finishing in 141st position in the ladies race. Great support for the runners was received from Keith and Carol Hopkins and John Wilson, who cheered their colleagues during this tough race.

Penarth and District Runners would like to congratulate Alex Hains who finished in second position in the Male Under 20 category. The Club would also like to congratulate Mick McGeogh of Les Croupiers Running Club, who had a fantastic run at the Berlin Marathon on September 30. Mick was first male veteran in the over-45 category to cross the finishing line.

Clem and Janice Clement represented Penarth and Dinas Runners at the Burnden 10k race in Bolton, Lancs on Sunday, October 21.

This two-lap, undulating road race with a particularly gruelling quarter-mile uphill stretch to the finish line, certainly tested the ability and determination of the runners. Conditions were dry but windy, which proved to be hard going on times. Despite this, 176 runners completed the course.

Janice performed exceptionally well, ranking 18th lady overall in a convincing time of 58 minutes. Clem 'clever clogs' Clement stormed home in 37 minutes and picked up the prize for first Male Veteran in the over-40 category!