PENARTH and Dinas Runners had one of their busiest weekends ever as they took part in a number of races across England and Wales.

Members from the club took part in the Newport, Llanelli, Reading and St David's Day half marathons, the final Gwent League cross country fixture in Bristol, and the St David's Day Run 10k race in Cardiff too.

On Saturday, March 1, club members competed in the final Gwent League cross country fixture in Bristol.

For almost the first time in the five race series there was bright skies and not a drop of rain.

Richard Jackson-Hookins, Chris Seal, Andrew Palmer, Andrea Hurman and Claire Phillips were celebrating after the race having now competed the Full Set, earning valuable points for the club in the process.

In the women's race Lisa Cleary was the first to finish, followed by Andrea Hurman, Claire Phillips, Jane Blethyn, Yvonne Williams, Anna Helsing and Lindsey Hunt.

In the men's race Richard Jackson-Hookins was the first to finish followed by Andy Jones, Malcolm Bradley, Chris Seal and Andrew Palmer.

The Ladies 45 and Ladies 55 age category teams achieved the impressive feat of both finishing as runners up.

The men's team were 2nd on the day and 3rd overall in their league, narrowly missing out on promotion to Division Two by a handful of points in a cruel twist after last seasons relegation.

Star performers included Richard Jackson-Hookins, who finished in the top 30 individuals, and Andrea Hurman, who was 7th overall in a very competitive Ladies Veterans 45 category.

Following the race they all enjoyed their customary home made cakes and already began looking forward to next season with some exciting new additions to the teams.

On Sunday, March 2, members enjoyed pleasant conditions as they took part in the Newport Half Marathon.

It was the first time that the race had featured in the club championship and was new ground for all the runners.

The undulating course featured a number of twists and turns, gates to navigate through, and several different types of surfaces.

It was well supported and marshalled throughout, but several club members expressed their frustration at the narrow course and the route in general.

Gary Brown was the first Penarth runner home, and an impressive 11th place overall, as he scratched five minutes off his personal best (PB) to finish in 1.21.52.

Richard Jackson-Hookins, who had run in the Gwent League Bristol cross country the day before, finished in 1.26.08.

Andrew Frayling finished in 1.31.51.

Debbie Evans was the first woman from Penarth to finish and achieved the notable accolades of finishing 1st in her age category and 4th lady overall. Debbie, who won the P&D ladies championship last season, is now 33rd in her age category and 131st lady overall in the whole of Wales.

Lisa Cleary was next up, 146th overall and 9th in her age category, in 1.39.55.

Clem Clement achieved 1.47.12.

Lindsey Hunt 1.52.39.

Janice Clement 2.06.45.

Mandy Barrington 2.10.20

Ian Warburton 2.10.23.

On Sunday Marc Durkin also completed the Llanelli Half Marathon and achieved a PB by 10 seconds with 1.38.29.

Andrea Hurman, fresh from her cross country exploits, finished the Reading Half Marathon in 1.39.45.

New member Helen Griffiths achieved 1.46.09 in the Bath Half Marathon.

Malcolm Bradley, Louise Hunt, Claire Phillips and Yvonne Williams also ran in the St David's Day 10k. Congratulations to new member Glenn Powell for taking part in the 10k, which was his first ever race.

Sarah Pope and Andrea Pace also ventured to West Wales, where they enjoyed spectacular views of the coast and cliff tops, to take part in the Ras Dewi Sant Coast Path Half Marathon on Saturday.