ATHLETICS

BEN Williams last Saturday turned up for a first time at Porthcawl 5k Parkrun, and promptly made a winning start, writes Tony Poole.

The Port Talbot Harriers runner completed the new course – taking competitors closer to Royal Porthcawl Golf Club as the Lower Promenade is closed for major repairs to sea defences – in a time of 17 minutes 42 seconds.

He finished a mere six seconds ahead of Simon Anthony Lewis (Pontypridd Roadents), who was also attending the event for a first time.

The 236th staging of the popular Saturday morning run on this occasion gave runners three theme choices.

As it was the 13th anniversary of Parkrun nationwide, some apricot shirts were spotted.

Those that competed in the Cardiff Half Marathon the previous week donned those shirts – and then there was the Natalie Griffiths celebration.

As she was competing in a 150th Porthcawl Parkrun, a request was made to wear Mexicanlinked kit.

The other top-10 places last Saturday went to Donovan Williams-Hole (Bridgend) 18:36, Graeme Rand 18:46, Joshua Audsley (both unattached) 19:33, Matthew Edwards (Pencoed Tri Club) 19:40, Richard Self (Les Croupiers) 19:44, Ian Edwards (unattached) 19:47, Jeffrey Thomas (Bridgend) 20:03 and Dave Bennett (Porthcawl Runners) 20:07.

Top female in 21st place overall was Deborah Goule (Porthcawl Runners) from Fleur Jones (Cornelly Striders) 21:00 (22nd), Mandy Morris (Port Talbot Harri- ers) 21:46 (32nd), Justine Dawkins 23:34 (53rd) and Sally Hopkins (both unattached) 23:49.