SATURDAY was the third instalment of Deestriders’ parkrun blitz competition with most members heading for focus event Erddig.

It was Paul ‘Fred’ Aird’s 250th parkrun and Graham Bryan’s 50th, with the latter claiming the honour of first Deestrider home. He clocked 22.38, with Aird achieving 26.22.

Other Deestriders at the event were Paul Lewtey (23.13), Jay Jennions (24.57), Darren Low (25.53), Christine Cammillare (27.07), Kev Burns (27.10), Mike Norris (29.24), Amanda Scotter (29.38), Joe Blackwell (30.04), Ann-marie Fauset (30.48), Sarah Brown (31.04), Ally Morrison (31.36), Alannah O’Brien (32.17), Jane Blackwell (34.06), Bonnie Knox (34.45), Fiona Robinson (36.31), Bev Goodson (37.14) and Sue Bryan (41.29).

Pat Gawley crossed the line in 27.52 at Chester, while Claire Harper (45.09) and her son Eddie completed the extremely tough, sandy course at Great Yarmouth.

Meanwhile, Deestrider Max Dowell was the first athlete to cross the line at Greenfield. Victory was assured in a time of 18.50.

Other Deestriders: Tony Woodall 21.01; Paul Lyth 22.02.

Kew Woods: Sid Bailey 40.25. Newborough: Martin Witty 28.47; Sue McIndoe 33.29. Prestatyn: Donna Griffiths 23.29; Linda Turley 23.43 (parkrun PB); Abby Thurland 30.39. Wepre: Rayko Kolev 22.58; Tomas Kuzmicius 24.19; Mark Harney 28.18; Justin Evans 30.00; Dafydd Morris 31.45; Debbie Parry 57.20. Widnes: David Temple 23.55.

Away from the parkruns, Michelle Bowes completed the tough Abersoch 10k in 46.50.

On a very warm day, Andy Wainwright battled round the Jubilee Bridge half marathon in 2-33.08.

Julian Freeman, who currently lives in the East Midlands but joined Deestriders this year after landing a job in Deeside, competed in his first race for the club, the Northampton 10k.

A strong showing saw Freeman clock 42.34.

Up at a rainy Edinburgh marathon, Mike Salusbury made his debut at the distance in fine style with a fantastic 3-48.47. Having fractured his wrist in a fall as the training block commenced, this outcome is all the more impressive.

Nikki Wilson, in her second marathon, managed a good time of 5-04.56.

Sarah Monteith battled through a hip injury sustained in the 50k She Ultra last month before making the wise call to withdraw on mile 11.