Deestriders Shine at Pen Llyn Winter Ultra

Deestriders showcased their endurance and determination across a weekend packed with challenges, including the 37-mile Pen Llyn Winter Ultra, the gruelling Mad Jack’s 5, and the Run Tatton Half Marathon.

At the Pen Llyn Winter Ultra on Saturday, three club members took on the scenic but tough course.

Leading the charge was Nige Parr, who finished in a stunning 7:56:42.

Christine Cammillare followed with a strong 8:25:39, completing her fundraising efforts for Jackson’s Animal Rescue.

Sallyann Oneil showed remarkable resilience, finishing in 8:37:07 despite sustaining a knee injury in the opening mile.

Meanwhile, a clash with the Mad Jack’s 5, a multiterrain event held at Attingham Park in Shrewsbury, led to the postponement of the club’s parkrun blitz at Llangollen.

Mad Jack’s 5 lived up to its eccentric reputation, challenging runners with obstacles like fallen trees, cattle, and a knee-deep pond.

Claire Harper’s enthusiasm was evident as she tackled the course with fellow runners.

Deestriders’ results at Mad Jack’s 5 included:

• Paul Lewtey: 42:38
• Fred Aird: 42:48
• Debbie Parry: 50:12
• Joe Blackwell, Amanda Scotter, Claire Harper: 54:07
• Fiona Robinson, Jane Blackwell: 58:26

At Llangollen’s Old Railway Trail parkrun, Jay Jennions represented the club, finishing 23rd overall out of 134 participants in 24:17 and taking second place among women.

Sunday saw further success at the Run Tatton Half Marathon, where Chris Preston smashed his personal best with a time of 1:41:19.

Linda Turley also delivered a strong performance, finishing in 1:51:44.

In an international showing, Gary Martin completed the Athens Marathon, a race steeped in history, in 4:18:14.