Athletics: Riverbank Run sees Blazier in fine form.

Byline: By GARETH HUGHES

A FIERCE side wind made conditions tough for competitors in the annual Riverbank Run at Rhuddlan, which incorporated the Eddie Faure Memorial 10k.

Eryri's Brendan Rothery went into an early lead but as they headed back along the Cob he was overhauled by Darren Blazier (Abergele), who went on to win by 14 seconds in a slower-than-usual 36min 24secs.

Behind them were two of North Wales' talented juniors, Paul Wathan (Eryri) and Steven Boyton (Abergele).

Local runner Isobel Redfern, recent winner of the North Wales 5k title, was a clear winner of the ladies' race from fellow-veteran Tammy Lewis-Jones (NWRR), with the fast-improving Jo McDonough of the host Prestatyn club third.

Conditions were generally good for the Gelert-sponsored Moel Hebog mountain race on Saturday. Bangor student Rob Samuel won by seven seconds from Eryri veteran Paul Jenkinson.

Brenda Jones (Bro Dysynni) retained her L65 title in the British Masters' 5k championship in Horwich, clocking 25.16, and her clubmate Sheila Symonds took gold in the L75 class in 37.04.

Wrexham's Mike Robbins was 29th overall in the men's race and 10th in the M45 class, with a time of 17.05.

Also in Horwich Stephen Walker of Wrexham was second M50 in the 5k walk, first in the Northern Vets' championship and gained a team gold with Lancashire Walking Club.

Tonight at Aber, near Bangor, is the seventh and final race in the Great Arete Midweek Series of hill races.

CAPTION(S):

Race winner Darren Blazier