Athletics: Abergele runner competes in first duathlon

Oct 8 2009

ABERGELE Harrier Haydn Jones tackled a new discipline at the weekend when he travelled to Oulton Park for a duathlon.

The event comprised a total 12 laps, each of 2.46 miles – two running, nine cycling and rounded off with another single lap of running. Jones’ overall time was two hours 20 minutes.

On the same day six Harriers took part in the Flintshire 10k road race.

The only PB came from Rob Batterbee , who took over 20 seconds off his previous best for the distance, clocking 39.03.

First Harrier home and 12th overall out of a field of 360 runners was Dewi Roberts in 36.09 to win the very competitive MV40 category. Gareth Roberts was only one position further back in 36.38 for second in the same section.

Carol Willgoose, returning to form following a serious ankle injury at the end of last year, won her age group also in 44.41, while Angie Hughes recorded 47.39 and Rob Spotswood posted 49.02.

All Harriers are reminded the second round of the Grand Prix Express North Wales Cross Country League takes place in Bridgenorth this weekend, while the first round of the Borders Road Running League takes place the following week at a venue to be confirmed.

Colwyn Bay’s Under-13 athlete Abigail Backshall was a comfortable winner of the North Staffs Cross Country League’s first meeting of the season at Lyme Valley, Newcastle.

The Bay’s Under-13 athlete claimed victory over a strong field of 36 runners in the first race of the league held at Lyme Valley, Newcastle.

Team-mate Tom Earley also had an excellent race in the U15 boys finishing second., just 20 seconds behind the race winner.

Competing for the first time in the league in the U13 boys, Louie Bennett also had a superb race finishing in fifth place.

Remaining junior results: U11 boys – Daniel Wickerson 29th. U11girls – Catryn Wellesbury 21st. U15 boys – George Backshall 17th, Seorse Bailey 18th.

In the senior women’s race, Helen Macarthur gave a strong performance finishing 13th followed by her team-mates, Vicky Ronald 46th and Bridget Frain in 96th position (also fourth U20) in a field of 134 runners.

In the men’s race Adam Jones was first home for the Bay in a big field of 247 runners.

The men’s team results: Adam Jones 57th, Neal Jones 99th, Kerry Brinston 104th, Chris Williams 115th, Ian Taylor 119th, Phil Brooks 153rd, Leon Bennett 156th, John Wickerson 212th.

The next senior fixture in the Grand Prix Express North Wales Cross Country League is to be held at Oldbury Wells School, Bridgnorth this Saturday, while the juniors races will be held at Northop.