Porthkerry Country Park hosts popular running event
A turnout of more than 150 competitors has highlighted the
growing popularity of the annual LifeStyle Porthkerry Plod.
Sponsored by LifeStyle Health & Fitness for the second year,
the five-mile event was staged at Porthkerry Country Park in Barry
and took the runners through some wonderful scenery including
woods, coastline and fields.
One of the organisers, Seona Currie, from Penarth and Dinas
Runners, said: “On behalf of the club, I would like to extend a
huge thank you to everyone involved. The race was a great success
and 120 runners completed the course this year.”
The event attracted runners ranging from novices to a British
international, and South Wales clubs represented included Cardiff
ACC, Les Croupiers, Bridgend AC, Port Talbot, Amman Valley, Road
Runners, Pegasus, San Domenico, Presteigne, Mumbles Miles and
Barry.
The feedback from runners was very positive, with the wonderful
seeting being a highlight. One of the finishers said: “The
Porthkerry Plod was challenging but achievable and a nice
introduction to off road racing. The marshals were very encouraging
and the crowd friendly. The race offered a lovely morning out.”
Vale of Glamorgan Council Cabinet Member for Tourism and Leisure
Cllr Gwyn John, who started the race, commented: “The atmosphere
was friendly and the setting was perfect. I was pleased to support
this event that has clearly grown in popularity from last year. A
few years ago I would have entered the Plod myself.”
The sponsoirship of LifeStyle Health & Fitness, which offers
a range of memberships through the Barry, Cowbridge, Llantwit Major
and Penarth leisure centres, ensured a commemorative T-shirt for
each competitor.
All finishers completed the race within 70 minutes, and the top
three were: 1, James Thie (27m 13s); 2, Chris Discomb (28m 25s); 3,
Gareth Green (31m 01s). First lady finisher was Sandra Chipper (36m
03s).
For more information on LifeStyle Health & Fitness,
telephone (01446) 732457 or, alternatively, visit www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk/lifestyle for
details.