NORTH Wales Road Runner Elizabeth Driscoll finished as the first lady yesterday (March 20) at the Stanley Marathon on the Falkland Islands, adding to her already impressive set of results in other varied races on this most southerly outpost.

The marathon is widely regarded as one of the most challenging courses of its kind, with participants rewarded by magnificent views across Stanley.

Elizabeth, who is an RAF flight control officer, is currently based on the Falkland Islands as part of her duties, and regularly takes part in numerous and varied sporting events.

Her other recent successes include winning the Ladies title in three Cape Pembroke Lighthouse parkruns, a Dri-Tri race, and in the Falkland Islands half-marathon.

Her latest victory in this tough full marathon race in just four hours and one minute, was a highly prestigious result, especially considering the challenging terrain, strong winds, and the fact that she has been battling with an injury.

After the race, Elizabeth said she was “absolutely over the moon to finish first lady (again) in 4.01.

She added: “Very pleased with my time, but now gutted that I didn’t knock another minute off, but the last four miles were into about 50mph winds, and I had nothing left.

‘The trophy was presented by the governor of the Falklands, and an invite to Government House. I have to contact the bank to sort out my prize! Not a bad day and now for some bubbly!”

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Meanwhile, it was bright and breezy at the Conwy parkrun on Saturday (March 19), as more than 200 finishers enjoyed the exceptional conditions and picturesque route to record a host of personal best and fast times, with the first nine finishers all dipping beneath the twenty-minute barrier.

Road Runner Josh Keogh ran his socks off and claimed a deserved new best, but he still finished a few seconds adrift of the overall winner, teenager James Smith, who also recorded his best in 17.00, with another young runner Peter Cotterell, finishing 3rd in 17.28.

Josh was one of three North Wales Road Runners who won their age categories, though a further eight club runners all finished second in their groups.

He led home a team of 11 seniors and one junior in 17.13 and was first in his SM30-34 age category.

Jonathan Kettle additionally won his MV45-49 category in sixth place overall in 18.33, with Harry Driscoll eighth and second in his SM20-24 category in 19.25.

Will Williams had another promising run to finish in ninth place, and second in his MV45-49 category in 20.29, with Gethin Wyn Jones another second-placer in his MV35-39 age group, and 13th overall in 20.49.

Karl Morris enjoyed a rare parkrun outing with a great result, finishing 14th and second in his MV40-44 category in 21.14.

Steve Roberts ran well again to finish in 17th place overall in 21.32, and second in his MV55-59 category.

Meanwhile, Jamie Tharme recorded another personal best in 24th place in 22.03, but he had to settle for fourth spot in his MV40-44 age category.

Sean Butler was another age category winner of his MV60-64 group, just six seconds behind Jamie in 25th place in 22.09, while Don Hale, who is still struggling with injury, finished in 67th place and second in his MV65-69 age group in 25.53.

Sue Smith finished 112th and second in her VW55-59 age category in 29.00, while Ben Spofforth claimed a new personal best in 28.38; he also finished second in his JM10 group.

Meanwhile, at the Nova Prestatyn parkrun on Saturday, Road Runners Stuart Culverhouse and his son Joe both won their respective age categories.

Stuart finished second overall and won his MV50-54 age category in 20.09, with Joe running home in 20th spot in 23.45, and first in his JM11-14 group.

Road Runners Mark Jessett also secured a great result to finish as the first runner overall at the Cyclopark parkrun at Gravesend in Kent, last weekend, with a storming performance to also win his MV35-39 age category in 17.19.