MORE than 750 runners competed in the Nick Beer 10 kilometre road race in Llandudno last weekend, which raised £1500 for local charities.

The race is organised by the North Wales Road Runners club and commemorates the memory of Nick Beer, a popular member of the club who died in 1991.

Winner of the race, and new Welsh 10 kilometre road race champion, was Andrew Davies, aged 36, from Newtown, who runs for Stockport Harriers. Andrew came 16 in last year's London Marathon and is a member of the Welsh Squad for the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Australia.

Second was Simon Cole of Gogs, a Llandudno based Triathlon club and third was Stephen Skates of Prestatyn Running Club.

In the ladies race Bronwen Jenkinson, second was Catherine Connell, both from Eryri Harriers of Llanberis, and third was Amie Bagnall of Prestatyn Running Club.

The race started opposite the Imperial Hotel on the promenade, followed Marine Drive around the Great Orme, and finished at the starting position. This year it was run in cold, dry conditions, but strong winds ensured no records were broken.

A spokesman for the club said Nick lived with hydrocephalus, and passed away after finishing the Vyrnwy half marathon in September 1992 aged 27. He stated: "Nick's smile soon made lots of friends. He was there at every race. He tried and tried until his improvements staggered us all, and you could always rely on that smile at the finishing post. We all need occasional laughter to make us feel good, and Nick provided that in abundance. His presence was welcome, pervasive, selflessly giving and never asking the price.

"Nick Beer was a true son of the sporting ethic who left us with a wealth of fond memories and a legacy of inspiration."

The spokesman added: "The funds raised by the race go to several charities: Shine, St John Ambulance, Ty Gobaith Hospice and St David's Hospice."