IT WAS a case of third time lucky for many Penarth runners taking part in the Caerphilly 10k race over the weekend.

Although the course proved tougher than expected and the conditions were a little warmer and windier than comfortable, the race still proved popular among the running club.

There were a few personal bests, closely fought battles and impressive times in the club championship fixture.

With more than 2,000 people taking part in the race, which has grown massively in popularity since it was launched in 2013, runners faced a little bit of a bottleneck at the start through the town centre.

But once the runners got past the first gradual hill and on to the roads they could stretch their legs and concentrate on beating their rivals.

After the race they were treated to a host of goodies, including a drawstring bag, water bottle, banana, chocolate bar and a medal.

Richard Jackson-Hookins was the first Penarth runner to cross the finish line, just shy of his personal best for a 10k, in 36.52.

Ben Butler-Madden was next up with a PB in 36.58.

Chris Seal notched up his fastest time running the race in 42.53.

Ian Warburton, just a week after running the gruelling Man V Horse race, was just on his shoulder in 43.00.

Rob Wilcox was next in 43.28.

Debbie Evans, who was 3rd in her age category in Man v Horse, was the first Penarth woman home in 45.20.

Andrea Hurman, the only P&D member to run all seven club championship races this year so far, was 46.19.

Malcolm Bradley, set to tackle a triathlon next weekend, was 46.42.

Louise Hunt was next in 46.47.

Mark Taylor was 47.15.

Steve Hill was 52.31.

Yvonne Williams, fresh from her recent ultramarathon, was 52.59.

Michell Hoey 53.06.

The next club championship fixture will be the Pontypool Loop on July 12.

Penarth and Dinas Runners will be hosting the 25th anniversary run of the Cosmeston Relays on Wednesday, July 8.

Teams of three or four are welcome to enter the 3mile race. Entry is £15 for three runners and £20 for four runners. For the first time the race will be chip timed with batons. Enter here at www.tiny.cc/cosrelays.