Penarth and Dinas runners took part in the recent Welsh Castles Relay.

The event was organised by Les Croupiers Running Club in Cardiff and held on June 8 and 9.

The Welsh Castles Relay is a two-day race involving a 200-mile-plus, 20-stage relay from Caernarfon Castle to Cardiff Castle.

A total of 60 leading UK running clubs, each with a 20-runner squad, assembled in Caernarfon for the race start.

Counted among the competitors were teams from distinguished clubs including Leeds City, Kent, and Salford Harriers, as well as local rivals Pontypridd Roadents, Lliswerry Runners and event-hosts Les Croupiers.

It provided an opportunity for the Penarth and Dinas competitors to pit themselves against top-level opposition.

The six gruelling "Mountain Stages" added another layer of complexity to the challenge.

Despite being one of the smaller clubs, Penarth and Dinas more than held their ground, finishing 34th overall and 28th in the Open Category.

The team completed the relay in 24 hours, 9 minutes, and 26 seconds, a performance considerably superior to their preceding year's effort and just off their 2022 record time of 23 hours, 43 minutes, 41 seconds.

Members Duncan Sheldon and Ladies Champion Catherine Barker, were standout performers.

Mr Sheldon secured 11th place among 60 on Stage 13 (Crossgates to Builth Wells) and came in 4th in the Male Vet category.

Ms Barker had a remarkable run on Stage 15 (Drover’s Arms to Brecon) where she attained the status of 2nd Female Vet and 3rd Overall Female.

The Open category was awarded to Highgate Harriers, while hosts Les Croupiers took home the Vets and Ladies categories.

The Penarth team's full report and race photos can be viewed on their official website.