A RECORD number of 43 Denbigh Harriers started the third in the summer handicap series last week.

Good handicapping on the night ensured some close finishes for the officials to cope with.

In her first race in the series, and in first place was Caz Dawe in 29.48.

She was followed by runner-up Julie Roberts (30.53) and octogenarian Ron Birch finished in third position in 37.07.

The fastest man was Shaun Hughes, in 18th place overall in a time of 18.04, while the fastest woman was Mel Morris in 22.52, which saw her finish 15th.

With five races to go in the series, it is shaping up to be an interesting competition.

On Saturday, a magnificent seven Harriers took on the Moel Eilio fell race.

This follows a classic horseshoe route from Llanberis, taking in Moel Eilio, Foel Goch and Moel Cynghorion before heading back to Llanberis.

At eight miles and with 3,000 feet of climbing, it was adventurous of Hywel Roberts to take this on as his first fell race.

The weather was kind and all the Harriers had a great afternoon of fell racing.

The first Harrier home in this North Wales Championship race was Tony Wood, showing a welcome return to form in 31st place with a time of 1-26.50.

Next back in Llanberis was David Baugh (41st in 1-30.42) followed by Sioned Griffiths (85th in 1-49.04).

Elen Baugh and Hywel Roberts finished together in 1-50.06 and winning the F60 category was Menai Baugh in 1-54.54.

Jon Whitehead wisely decided to not risk further injury by walking and jogging down from Bwlch Maesgwm.

There were a number of Harriers running parkruns at a variety of venues.

Sian Pritchard ran in Kingston and she crossed the line in 28.19.

Sarah Bayliss completed the hilly Wepre parkrun in 29.32, while Manfredi Torlado competed in Florence and his time was 20.50.

Closer to home, Gwenan Johnson finished the Bodelwyddan Castle parkrun in 28.59.