PRESTATYN Running Club’s secretary Gareth Hughes is to receive a national award for his work in organising successful regional and national events.
He has been named as winner of Welsh Athletics’ off-track official of the year award for 2010 and will receive the trophy at the annual prizegiving ceremony at the Angel Hotel, Cardiff, on September 18.
Gareth, who founded the club in 1982, has organised several major competitions including last year’s British Masters’ cross-country championships in Ruthin and this year’s North Wales championships at Rhug, Corwen, a new venue which he discovered.
“Obviously I’m delighted to win such a prestigious award but it’s a massive tribute to our small club whose members are recognised as being the most efficient and supportive in North Wales in helping to make events such a success,” he said.
“I’ll be very proud when the name of Prestatyn Running Club is mentioned at such a high-profile ceremony which will be attended by most of the biggest names in Welsh athletics.”
The club has three new North Wales champions following Sunday’s Caernarfon 10k.
Seventeen-year-old Oliver Harrison-Jones, grandson of super-vet Roger Harrison-Jones, picked up his first honour as a club member when he won the U-20s category in both the open race and championship.
Neil Owen did likewise in the M55 class and Dave Hughes, coming back to real form after a series of injuries, had a cracking run to win the M70 class.
Club placings: 19, Neil Owen 40.20 (1st M55 in open and champs); 21, Oliver Harrison-Jones 40.31 (1st U20 in open and champs); 24, Des Davies 41.28 (3rd M50 in open race); 45, Paul Brandrick 44.07; 58, Darrell Gavin 45.56; 84, Katie Brandrick 48.42; 101, Dave Hughes 50.48 (1st M70 in open and champs); 134, Sharon Hullett 56.05; 167, Gill Brandrick 63.00 (2nd L50 in open race).
David Alan Jones (Denbigh Harriers) also had a good run completing the course in 44.54.
Five members picked up awards after the final race in The Deestriders’ Off-Road Grand Prix at Shotton, including Dean Longley, who won the senior men’s category on aggregate despite finishing fourth overall on the night.
Other prizewinners were Glenda Davies (2nd L45), Des Davies (3rd M50), Steve Hatfield (3rd M60) and Phil Jones (2nd M65).
Placings in the final race: 4, Dean Longley 29.48; 22, George Nicholls 34.11; 36, Darrell Gavin 36.42; 44, Steve Hatfield 37.34; 52, Glenda Davies 39.11; 62, Phil Jones 41.42.
Only two members turned out in the annual Moel Famau race from Cilcain.
In a field of about 180 competitors Matthew Anwyl finished 18th in 37.16 and Ron Harrison-Jones, in his first race since rejoining the club after turning 70, clocked 55.46 for 147th position.
On a less competitive note, 18 members turned out for a social run in Rhewl and were joined by 12 members of Denbigh Harriers for what turned out to be an enjoyable evening.