HUNDREDS of runners, including many families, and even their pet dogs, took part in the popular 5k Santa Dash on Llandudno Promenade last Saturday morning (December 2).

This helped to raise generous funds for St David’s Hospice, and other charities in the area, despite the freezing temperatures.

A total of five members of North Wales Road Runners Club (NWRRC) joined in with the festive fun and, although not a competitive or timed race, all ran well and revelled in the unique atmosphere of this annual event.

Runners collected their special suits at the registration point as part of the entry fee before walking, jogging, or running along an interesting route, which included travelling up and down the pier, before heading out towards the paddling pool at the far end of the prom, and then back to the start.

Many entrants also collected welcome sponsorship towards St David’s Hospice and other charities, and every finisher received a special commemorative medal.

Road Running trio on their parkrun travels

Three NWRRC members went on their travels last Saturday to enjoy a couple of parkruns at different venues due to the early cancellation notice at Conwy.

Steve Mason performed well on his debut at the Alexandra parkrun at Moss Side, Manchester, and he finished 23rd despite a fast time of 19 minutes and 38 seconds.

Meanwhile, Will Williams and Richard Scamans both ran in the Penrhyn Castle parkrun, where Will won his VM50 age cat, finishing eighth overall in 18.50, with Richard 35th in 23.54.

NWRRC Christmas Handicap race and buffet

NWRRC will be staging its Christmas Handicap race on December 17 with a special festive buffet arranged afterwards, plus a chance to win an entry in the London Marathon.

This unique four-mile annual festive handicap for NWRRC members starts on West Shore promenade with runners travelling up to the old WW2 gun sites and back.

Registration will be in the car park at West Shore at 10.30am, for an 11.am start.

The later buffet will be at the RAOB club on Madoc Street at 1pm.

The draw for a place in next year’s London Marathon will also be made on the same day.

Green light for Arthur Bebbington Twin Piers 10k race

The revised Arthur Bebbington Twin Piers 10k will now be staged on January 13, following an absence of a few years due to delayed construction work to the promenade, and essential flood defence work at Rhos-on-Sea and at Colwyn Bay.

The race starts from the Cenotaph on Llandudno promenade by the pier heading along the promenade before going up the hill and down into Penrhyn Bay.

Here, competitors will be kept on the pavement at the roundabout and directed along the main pavement past the filling station and junction heading slightly downhill before joining the promenade.

The race will continue along the promenade through Rhos-on-Sea, passing the pier and Porth Eirias to the finish line.

A special “fun run” will take place at 11am from Colwyn Bay Promenade, starting and finishing at the 10k finish.

It is an out and back course which heads 1500m west along the promenade to a turn point on the promenade.

Runners must be at least nine years of age to take part.

Results will be available, free of charge, at the race headquarters as soon after the last runner finishes.