MEMBERS of Tattenhall Runners turned in a creditable performance when they competed at the Welsh Castles Relay for the first time in their 25-year history.

The annual race saw 60 clubs compete over 20 stages from Caernarfon Castle to Cardiff Castle and Tattenhall finished a proud 32nd overall.

In the 'King of the Mountains' stages, Tattenhall got off to an impressive start thanks to Marilyn Kitching who finished ninth in one hour, 2 minutes and 38 seconds.

Grace Hart took the second stage (10.7 miles) to Criccieth Castle, finishing 50th in 1:26.18. The next leg ended in Maentwrog and was completed by Peter Taylor in 1:22.11, coming 29th.

The 9.4-mile fourth leg to Harlech Castle saw Amanda Davies finish 37th in 1:13.56, while Rob Webster ran the fifth stage (9.6 miles) to Bar-mouth, finishing 27th in 1:13.47.

The next stage lasted 10.7 miles to Dolgellau and was completed by Rob Dunn in 1:17.54. The seventh leg saw Mark Smith tackle the second mountain leg (9.75 miles), finishing 46th in 1:22.11.

The eighth stage (11.2 miles) was run by Ian Simpson, who finished in 24th place with a time of 1.16.34 before the returning Mark Hockedy took the ninth leg (8.6 miles) in 1:01.53.

Simon Ellis ran the last stage of the first day, a 13.3-mile mountain leg, leaving Tattenhall lying in 27th place overall with an accumulated time of 12 hours 45 minutes and 34 seconds.

Paul Miller took the baton for the first leg of the second day, coming 32nd in 1:27.44. Dave Oldfield ran the 12th stage to Crossgates (11.2 miles) in 1:16.20 and Justin Realff the 13th (10.6 miles) to Builth Wells in 1:13.09.

The 14th stage (11 miles) to Drovers Arms was run by Nick Holmes, who was 51st in 1:26.23. Richard Barratt completed the next leg to Brecon in 1:51.00 and the last stage of the mountain stages was taken on by Dave Sykes in 1:07.16.

The 17th stage was completed by Graham Innes in 1:07.48 and Carol Williams ran next, recording a time of 1:08.30. Tim Hughes took the 19th stage in 1:25.35, leaving the final leg to Alison Smith (1:20.32).

* Tattenhall's infamous Tough Team Race takes place today (7.15pm start). Teams of three will run nine and a half miles with the slowest runner's time from each team being recorded.

Entries are £3 per club runner (£5 attached) and will be accepted on the night at no extra charge.

Participants are encouraged to arrive early to register.