A FORMER Ruthin rugby player has made his mark on the international stage... in a different sport!

Stuart Roberts has put his best foot forward by competing in an athletics competition including the best runners from Wales and England.

Stuart, who hails from Ruthin, was called up to run for Wales Masters at the age of 47.

He took to the start line in the Wales 5k competition between Wales and England athletes in Tenby earlier this month.

This event was across multiple Masters age groups, starting at over 35 years, and it also included Masters International races at the 5k distance, plus 10k and half-marathon distances.

Stuart, a former Ysgol Brynhyfryd student and Ruthin Rugby Club player, now lives in Brighton with his family.

 

Denbighshire Free Press:

 

He has been taking running more seriously since joining Brighton Phoenix 18 months ago.

This is a club that was started by Olympic Games gold medal winner Steve Ovett.

Showing his development in the sport, Stuart won the Horsham 10k outright back in May and he has triumphed with other age group prizes in recent months.

Added to this, he also ran last year's London Marathon in under three hours, while he set a 5k personal best of 17 minutes and one second back in May.

Reflecting on his international debut, Stuart said: “A course mix-up for all leading runners affected results in the Wales 5k but it certainly didn’t spoil a fantastic day, and a very proud moment.

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"I never thought I’d ever get the chance to represent my country – at anything.

"I’d imagine no-one else did either!

"To do so at the age of 47 is something I’ll never forget.

"It was fantastic to have members of the family there watching, including my father Neil who drove down from Ruthin.

"It was a buzzing atmosphere, with great support from Welsh athletics, as well as a chance to meet fellow runners from across Wales, including from Buckley.

"The goal now is to start training for October’s Chester Marathon, and to go again for another shot at Wales selection in 2023.”