CROSS-COUNTRY runners are generally hardy souls who are prepared for tough courses and miserable weather.

However, Saturday’s second fixture of the Grand Prix Express North Wales League presented more challenges than usual – as the sight of many of the competitors would testify.

Ending full-length in the mud and muck was to escape lightly, as others tripped on rocks or roots, suffering cuts and bruises, and even fell headlong into brambles.

It was nevertheless a highly successful outing for the Prestatyn Running Club, with 18 men and 18 women in action.

The star of the day was the club’s youngest competitor Eve Scott, who has just turned 16 and who led the women’s team home.

There was strong support from new and seasoned campaigners, which means that the ladies now top Division Two.

The men, once again led by captain Steve Skates, who was fifth overall, came fourth in Division One and hold the same position on aggregate.

On his return to the discipline, Gordon Jones had a tremendous run, working his way through the field to come second in the M60 class.

George Nixon was also second in the M65 category, although the 65+ team slipped to second.

Results:

Men: 5, Steve Skates 37.23 (1st M40); 36, Josh Cerefice 41.46; 52, Rob Alexander 43.20; 53, Gordon Jones 43.25 (2nd M60); 57, Leon Bagnall 43.45; 75, James Williamson 45.27; 80, John Simpson 45.50; 106, Steve Stocker 47.52; 118, Steve Haimes 49.44; 134, Steve Weedman 51.47; 150, Steve Brown 54.21; 157, Wyn Roberts 55.04; 164, Arwel Jones 56.54.

M65: 2, George Nixon 27.20. M70: 4, Gareth Hughes 33.47; 8, Mike Davis 35.44; 11, Steve Hatfield 42.35. M75: 5, John Hickman 37.25.

Ladies: 21, Eve Scott 26.25 (4th U17); 26, Jenna Bagnall 26.50; 43, Helen Ashworth 28.14; 58, Jo Hoppes 29.20; 72, Lisa Johnson 30.29; 73, Frances Garnett 30.43; 75, Joy Hickman 30.48; 108, Hannah Garnett 31.38; 99, Nicola Eatherington 33.11; 111, Amy Williamson 34.28; 125, Cara Jones 36.11; 131, Helen Baxandall; 140, Julia Evans 38.05; 141, Helen Alefounder 38.06; 160, Jan Garnett 43.14; 153, Emma Birchall 39.29; 155, Clare Manley 42.13; 162, Karen Roberts 45.35.

After standing in the mud and rain supporting the runners, James Rogers headed for York and the Yorkshire Marathon, which include the British Masters’ championships and where he was included in the Celtic team to take on the English Masters.

He finished in 3-19.17.

Helen Alefounder completed her third competitive run in 24 hours when she ran in the Flintshire 5k in Mold.

Results: Chris Yorke 18.13; Ben Harrison 21.28; Stuart Quayle 27.32; Helen Alefounder 27.46. Flintshire 10k: 7th lady, Sian Beck 42.41 (1st L40); 60, Des Davies 46.37 (3rd M55); 72, Andy Clark 47.05; 140, Martin Gill 52.09; 63rd lady, Kat Prestwich 54.55; 204, Gareth Hughes-Roberts 59.06; 140th lady, Ceri Hughes-Roberts 64.39.

Parkrun results:

Conwy: 144, Debbie Weedman 29.42; 145, Steve Weedman 29.43. Wepre: 60, Helen Alefounder 31.29.

Two members – Steve Skates (M40) and Gareth Hughes (M70) – have been named in the Welsh squad for the annual British and Irish Masters’ cross-country international in Liverpool on November 16.

George Nixon, who has been in good form recently and did Wales proud last year in Swansea, is unlucky to be only a reserve for a very strong M65 team.

On the strength of his outstanding performance in Colwyn Bay on Saturday, Gordon Jones has also been called up as reserve for the M60 team.