ROAD runner Carla Green starred for Wales in an international 10k race last weekend and finished second in her respective age category during a controversial Home-Nations tournament at Tenby.

Ms Green turned in a spectacular performance and put her recent injury woes behind her to claim second place in her FV50 age category, whilst club colleague Richard Eccles unfortunately faced disqualification following a mix-up over alleged misdirection towards the finish of his 5k race, which involved 199 starters, with criticism later aimed at the event organisers.

Carla Green ran home in 53rd place overall and was the 13th female in the 10k race in 41 minutes 42 seconds amongst 388 entrants, whilst her husband Martin Green enjoyed another strong showing in the half-marathon finishing 17th overall and 6th in his MV45 cat in 1.18.56. Meanwhile Kay Hatton displayed her remarkable consistency by finishing 173rd in the same half-marathon event, and she was 8th in her FV55 cat in 1.49.13, amongst 705 entrants.

In the 5k Cheryl Frost confirmed her pedigree with a solid run in 22.34 to finish 64th overall out of 199 entrants, and sixth in her F55 age cat.

North Wales Pioneer: Richard Eccles.Richard Eccles.

Richard Eccles faced a traumatic experience whilst competing with members of a chasing pack in the same race, and said he was misdirected, and later ended up being disqualified despite running a fast time of 18.55.

Event organisers at this small seaside town were faced with the unenviable task of hosting this prestigious running festival which included a 5k, 10k, plus a half and full marathon, with about 1,200 elite runners competing for England, Ireland, Scotland Wales, but later became embroiled with numerous complaints from athletes concerning the lack of basic facilities, and some chaotic scenes at a couple of races.

Richard Eccles explained: “I was one of twenty-eight runners sent on the wrong route at the finish and went from a top placing place to a DQ. It was chaos at the end with runners heading towards the finish from opposite ends of the road.”

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“An announcement just pointed out that marshals were not responsible for directing, and that runners should follow the signs. I have chalked it down to experience, but doubt Wales will want me back.”

Carla Green also attested to the chaotic scenes at Tenby: “Yes, it was! Plus, there were no portable loos, as they forgot to order them! And the marathon was late starting, and the clock had started for well over a minute before they set them off! They rectified it after a few minutes though.”