MACSEN PROVES JUST TOO GOOD
PEMBREY Country Park got the opportunity to showcase what it has to offer as a sports venue as the renamed John H Collins Gwent Cross Country League was hailed as a great success.
Hosted by Carmarthen Harriers in conjunction with Carmarthenshire County Council, the event returned for the third year in succession and attracted junior and senior athletes from all over South Wales and the South West of England.
It also incorporated the West Wales Cross Country Championships.
There was a large turnout of competitors and supporters from Carmarthen Harriers and Llanelli AC, who were all taking advantage of competing on home turf ahead of trips to Parc Bryn Bach (near Tredegar), Pontypool Park and Bristol in the next three fixtures.
Standout performances on the day included a second successive victory for Macsen Toogood in the novice boys’ race, with his team-mate Daniel Warrender following behind in second.
Elsewhere, Adam Beer came through a tactical battle to take the under-15 boys’ victory and GB international Ben Thomas was a clear winner in the under-20 men’s age group on his home patch.
Finishing in the top 10 over the 10race programme in their respective age groups were Liam Upton-Boorman, James Sloyan, Ifan Bowen, Iwan Thomas, Zach Elvy, Frances Mackie, Liam Edwards, Frank Morgan and Carys Jones.
The other juniors taking part were Noa Prendiville, Cai Prendiville, James Thomas, Callum Campion, Samuel Bird, Ieuan Griffiths, Alex Coles, William Coles, Tristan Warrender, Jac Jones, Harri James, William Davies, Jimmy Davis, Tom Morgan, Jack Thomas, Steffan Davies, Carmarthen Harriers’ youngsters get ready for the under-13 girls’ race. Rogan Cox, Jake Lynock, Ellis Caddick, Brynmor Peters, Tygan Davies, Scott Price, Ioan Cressey-Rodgers, Lewis Jones, Mari Wilson, Amelie Campion, Bethan Adams, Amy Tucker, Jessica Norman, Ellie-May John, Martha Morgan, Esme Lynock, Lybbi Greatrick, Jemima Taylor, Chloe Hale, Amy Greatrick, Erin Morgan, Faye Jones, Carys Wood, Nel Davies and Tanwen Moon.
More than 700 seniors and masters also took to the start line in the one of the biggest turnouts the league has seen.
Women’s finishing times: Wendy Price (25:26), Rowena Melbourne (28:59), Kate Parker (30:11), Mel Best (31:50), Lisa Forest (33:59), Suzanne Owens (34:16), Karen Price (35:46), Vanessa Buckler (35:58), Janet Webb (39:30), Jacky Lewis (39:43), Amanda de la Hey (40:20) and Jessica Davies (40:32).
Men’s finishing times: Eric Davey (34:04 M65), Jack Tremlett (34:53), Jason Price (36:11), Matthew Phillips (37:41), Peter Osborne (38:19), Dai Clarke (38:24), Jamie Best (38:36), Dan Totterdale (38:54), Huw Davies (41:06), Dafydd Bowen (41:48), Nick Fox (41:52), Jonathan Cox (43:54), Craig Hopkins (45:35), Leighton Webb (46:32), Dai Rees (50:13), Mike Halsall (50:23), Richard Wilkins (51:11) and Andrew Stephens (63:10).
Senior outdoor recreation manager at Pembrey Country Park Neil Thomas said: “Carmarthenshire County Council’s partnership with Carmarthen Harriers continues to attract major events to one of Wales’s top visitor attractions.
“It was a challenging but fast course through flat parkland, forest trails, man-made hills and a little bit of sand.
“It was designed to be accessible for all runners of all speeds and abilities.” Carmarthen Harriers’ Under-13 boys extended their lead in the Gwent Cross Country League thanks to eight finishers in the first 24 in the race at Pembrey.