PENARTH and Dinas Runners had plenty of reasons to celebrate after competing in the Ponty Loop 10k race over the weekend.

They scooped medals in three age categories as well as the women's team division, in the race that also doubled up as a club championship fixture.

The first Penarth runner to finish, in fifth place overall and the third senior man, was Gary Brown in an impressive 42.01.

Also sharing the limelight was Chris Nellins, who was first in his age category; Debbie Evans, who was the first lady finisher and first in her age category; and the successful women's team of Debbie Evans, Danielle Rayner and Michelle Hoey.

The 10k race featured three miles uphill, one mile flat, and two steep miles downhill along stones and uneven ground all the way through the forest.

Chris Nellins was the second Penarth runner to cross the finish line in 13th place overall in 45.52.

Proving that not all bad things come in threes, the next three Penarth runners all crossed the line simultaneously.

Knill Baird-Murray was 21st overall in 48.29, Ian Warburton followed in 48.32, and Debbie Evans completed the trio in 48.48.

Battling his way back to fitness Richard Jackson-Hookins was next up in 26th in 49.27.

Malcolm Bradley took two minutes off his personal best to finish in 27th in 49.57.

Paul Furlong was 44th in 58.21.

Danielle Rayner smashed her target of finishing under an hour by crossing the line in 46th in 59.17.

Michelle Hoey finished in 52nd in 61.14, with Steve Hill crossing the line at the same time in 53rd.

Judy Maragna was 57th in 1.11.09.

Justine Cass was 60th in 1.13.11.