Great result for Martin Green at Wrexham Elite Marathon.

By Don Hale

*Martin Green (*above) pictured at a previous race.

Great result for Martin Green at Wrexham Elite Marathon.

Report by Don Hale.

Martin Green confirmed his pedigree once again as a top marathon runner and a keen competitor with another tremendous performance at the Wrexham Elite Marathon last Sunday.
The NWRRC member finished the tough 7-lap course in a great time of 2 hours 31 minutes and 19 seconds in a race that attracted numerous elite athletes who were all capable of running a Sub 3-hour marathon on a new world accredited fast course along closed roads.
The provisional results confirm that Martin finished 15th out of 167 finishers, and he came 2nd in his MV45 age cat. The overall marathon was won by Hugh Armstrong (Ballina AC) who set a new Welsh all comers record of 2.14.02.
Afterwards Martin said: “These marathons don’t get any easier, at half-way in 74:00, then got slower……pleased to finish, no complaints, onto the next one!”

Don Hale is a former award winning investigative journalist and now a best-selling author who has created a very popular blog post linked to numerous social media sites. donhaleblog.blogspot.com/2025.

Comments

Post a Comment

Your comments are welcomed

Most recent posts

Bank Holiday bonanza at North Wales parkruns.

By Don Hale
Image
*Pictured above  - the start of the Bank  Holiday parkrun at Rhos on Sea. Bank Holiday bonanza at North Wales parkruns Report by Don Hale. Photos at Rhos by Michael Finnie. donhaleblog.blogspot.com/2026 coastandcountry.blog   The Bank Holiday weekend brought in plenty of first timers and mixed ability entrants to the various North Wales parkruns, which were again blessed by mild and sunny weather. Llandrillo yn Rhos  was the top venue yet again with 511 people enjoying the unique atmosphere of this new and exciting promenade dash, where visitor  Robin Stacey  (York Acorn AC) was the first finisher overall in just 17 minutes and 6 seconds. Aidan Thomas  was the runner-up in 17.55, with JM15-17 athlete  George Ledshaw  celebrating an impressive performance with a new course PB of 18.00.  And it was interesting to see local athlete  Simon Cole  (GOG Triathlon) starting at the back of this large entry to eventually finish in 4th pl...
Read more

Landmark 10,000th runner at the new Rhos on Sea parkrun - plus other results round-up

By Don Hale
Image
*Pictured above (l-r): Rhos Run Directors' Chris Spillane, Sharon Hughes and Richard Peevor with the amazing 10,000th parkrun landmark certificate, and (*below) the commemorative golden token.  Landmark 10,000th runner at the new Rhos on Sea parkrun - plus other results round-up... Report by Don Hale. Rhos photos by John Hatton, and Conwy by Michael Finnie. coastandcountry.blog donhaleblog.blogspot.com/2026 It was another fun-packed occasion at the Llandrillo yn Rhos parkrun last Saturday morning in perfect conditions where local athlete Darren Dentith became the 10,000th person to complete this spectacular promenade course in just twenty-three events. Backed by another massive attendance with some 439 finishers including a generous assortment of elite, club, social runners and walkers, the celebrations were enhanced by a large group of supporters and participants from the  5k Your Way, Move Against Cancer group. The outstanding and rapid success of this popular seaside event ...
Read more

Podium finish for Jonathan Kettle at Caernarfon half-marathon.

By Don Hale
Image
*A fast paced start for Jonathan Kettle as he heads away from the Castle. Podium finish for Jonathan Kettle at Caernarfon half-marathon. Report by Don Hale. Photos by Paul Brooks and Mick Hall. * Some of the NWRRC members before the start of the Caernarfon half-marathon (pictured l-r) Llyr ApGeraint-Roberts, Stuart Culverhouse, Helen Hannam, Jamie Tharme and Vicky Taylor. Seven members of NWRRC entered the new Caernarfon half-marathon last Sunday with two club runners finishing in the top-ten, and Jonathan Kettle enjoyed a podium finish in 3rd place. Jonathan also won his VM45-49 age category and confirmed a steady performance to clinch his bronze medal placing in 1 hour 17 minutes and 22 seconds. He was closely followed by  Llyr ApGeraint-Roberts , who was back on his home patch again and finished 5th overall and 2nd VM45-49 in 1.21.43. *Jonathan Kettle with leading runners at the Caernarfon half-marathon. Stuart Culverhouse  ran very well and was 24th in 1.30.51, and...
Read more

Coast and Country magazine promotes THE RUNNING BUG VIRTUAL RACES

By Don Hale
Image
Join the exciting world of Virtual Events that can be completed in your own time, with limited costs, genuine recognition and superb medals.   Special Coast and Country online sports feature by Aled Mawgan.   **SPECIAL MAGAZINE OFFER OF 10% DISCOUNT ON ALL ENTRIES:  Use this Social  Coupon Code:  COAST26   donhaleblog.blogspot.com/2026 coastandcountry.blog Are you a runner, a club athlete, cyclist, a keen walker, or even a dog walker, just intent on maintaining a certain level of fitness, with some new and exciting event that may be offered and enjoyed within your local community? If so, then have you considered taking part in some VIRTUAL EVENTS ranging from 1k, 5k, 10k, half marathon to marathons, with an additional opportunity to help fundraise for good causes, or just to complete a specific distance or challenge, in your own time, and at your own pace, either on your own, or with family and friends? Many regular runners and walkers are constantly compla...
Read more

Christmas cracker at the NWRRC handicap race...plus other race results.

By Don Hale
Image
*North Wales Road Runners are pictured (*above) just before the start of the festive handicap race on the promenade at Rhos on Sea. Christmas cracker at the NWRRC handicap race. Report by Don Hale. https://donhaleblog.blogspot.com   Twenty-four members of NWRRC took part in the annual Christmas club handicap race, which this year was staged from the Rhos on Sea clock tower to the renovated far end of the promenade and back over a 4.5-mile course. Well organised with times recorded and verified by  Carla Green  and  Elizabeth Driscoll , with support from other members, the handicap rules this time included each runner having to hand in their watches and mobile phones, and the need to predict their finishing times, so that no one knew their exact pace, or whether their estimated times were likely to be accurate, until they actually reached the finish line. The top three female winners , who were the closest to their times included the winner –  Kay Hatto...
Read more

Visitors set a hot pace on a cold, frosty morning at the Rhos parkrun – plus other results and reports from the region.

By Don Hale
Image
*Runners listen to the briefing at the start of the Llandrillo yn Rhos parkrun. Visitors set a hot pace on a cold, frosty morning at the Rhos parkrun – plus other results and reports from the region... Report by Don Hale. Photos courtesy of Michael Finnie. donhaleblog.blogspot.com/2025 Pictured above and below - the mass start of the Rhos parkrun. It was another jam-packed and fun-filled occasion on Saturday morning at the new Llandrillo yn Rhos (Y Promenade) parkrun last Saturday following a record-breaking attendance on Christmas Day. Despite the freezing temperatures and a generous covering of heavy frost around the region, with the icy conditions causing the cancellation of rival events at  Conwy  and at  Nova , the Rhos parkrun, possibly aided by a light layer of sand at key points, was given the green light, much to the delight of 576 eager entrants. And many runners later expressed their gratitude to the run director  Dougie Graham  and his RD colleagues,...
Read more

English for Daily Conversation in Japan: Author Paul Stroud's being book promoted by Coast and Country online magazine

By Don Hale
Image
Special Coast and Country online magazine feature. coastandcountry.blog English for Daily Conversation:  Paul Stroud's latest books on AMAZON: Special Amazon deals:  *This is a link to all Paul Stroud's books on Amazon:   https://amzn.to/462ly6g donhaleblog.blogspot.com/2026 Paul Stroud is an English teacher in Japan and he has written numerous very interesting books about his life and work in Tokyo...and his passion for Japanese football... English for Daily Conversation: 50 topics and over 700 questions for conversation practice in the EFL classroom. About the author: Paul Stroud: My name is Paul Stroud, the author of the recently released EFL conversation text 'English for Daily Conversation', and the preceeding 'English Forum' series of materials for oral communication practice.  Additionally, I authored a couple of books on my experiences living and teaching for the past 20 years in the land of the rising sun titled 'Living in Japan: The Good, Bad, and ...
Read more

Proud moment for athletics coach John Hatton and a popular former midwife Sharon Buckley.

By Don Hale
Image
*John Hatton (*above left), with Sharon Buckley at the Conwy half-marathon. Proud moment for athletics coach John Hatton and a popular former community midwife Sharon Buckley. It was a proud moment this weekend for athletics coach, MC and promoter, John Hatton as he saw his new running protegee  Sharon Buckley – a well-known former North Wales midwife - cross the finish line at the challenging Conwy half-marathon with a remarkable time. John, who is heavily involved with North Wales Road Runners , Conwy parkrun , and is also a keen supporter and promoter of a host of charity events, confirmed: “Over the last 6 months I have been training Sharon, who is 60, to run her first half-marathon which she did today in 2.34.17, which is a fantastic achievement. “Sharon was a highly respected midwife in North Wales, and at one time she received an award as the top midwife in the Betsi Cadwalader Health Board for her dedicated service to the community.” *John Hatton was on hand last ...
Read more

The fascinating life and works of Scottish crime and thriller writer Jack Duncan - businessman turned author.

By Don Hale
Image
  *Pictured above - the popular thriller writer Jack Duncan The fascinating life and works of popular Scottish crime and thriller writer Jack Duncan - businessman turned author. Special Coast and Country book review:  Run in conjunction with:  donhaleblog.blogspot.com/2026 Featuring Jack Duncan.  Businessman Turned Author! https://www.jackduncan.co.uk *This is a link to all Jack Duncan’s book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4kXB8Hk I am a ‘bon viveur’ and enjoy life. I have been fortunate during my diverse career to have been able to pursue my hobbies including motor racing, sailing, flying, travel, fine dining and the Arts, whilst still maintaining a very strong work ethic. My career began as a Scots Guards Officer, during which period, I gained my ‘wings’ as an Army helicopter pilot flying for the Brigade and for the United Nations for five years of my Service. I also hold civilian qualifications as a Fixed wing, Seaplane and Commercial Helicopter Pilot.  I hold va...
Read more

Double boost for Welsh Master Steve Gardner with two new international Team GB dates for Sprint Duathlons in 2027.

By Don Hale
Image
*Steve Gardner - pictured above and below - at the British Champs where he was representing Tim Tri Cymru. Double boost for Welsh Master  Steve  Gardner with two new international Team GB dates for Sprint Duathlons in 2027. donhaleblog.blogspot.com/2026 coastandcountry.blog Welsh Master and track star Steve Gardner has just been selected to represent Team Great Britain in his MV60 age category at two major international Sprint Duathlon Championships during next year following his success at some prestigious recent events. This week, he confirmed:  “It’s been an exceptionally good few weeks lately. Within the last half hour, I have received an email confirming that I have qualified to represent Great Britain - age group team in the World Sprint Duathlon Championships in Edmonton Canada 2027 following my performance at the British Sprint Duathlon Champs at Oulton Park recently.  “And just seven days earlier, after winning the V60 age group at the Scottish Sprint Duathl...
Read more