WITH Christmas now a distant memory Penarth and Dinas Runners took part in their first race of the season over the weekend.

Members of the running club not only ran the Cardiff Cross Challenge, but also supported and marshalled the races held at Bute Park on Sunday afternoon.

In a fiercely competitive field Gary Brown, Andrew Frayling and Malcolm Bradley all did the club proud. With both Gary and Andrew in the midst of spring marathon and ultramarathon training respectively, the 10.4k Cross Challenge was the perfect preparation for them for future races.

Gary Brown was the first Penarth runner to cross the finish line in 44th place in 41.27.

Malcolm Bradley was 93rd in 50.20, while Andrew Frayling was hot on his heels in 95th in 51.48.

Mandy Barrington, Yvonne Williams, Janice Clement, Tricia Cottnam, Andrea Hurman, Pete Cottnam and Lisa Cleary also all marshalled the event.

Penarth and Dinas Runners will be holding their club championship presentation night on Friday, January 23, where runners will be rewarded for all their hard work last season.

they will then be given the chance to start defending their titles in the first club championship race of the season, the Lliswerry 8, on Sunday morning (January 25).

The club meet at Penarth Leisure Centre at 7pm every Monday evening, with anyone welcome to attend and try out a few sessions.