Andy joins world elite after Croatian podium

Forden endurance ace Andrew Davies is in the form of his life after finishing third in the longest race he has ever entered, and booking his spot in one of the world’s great running events.

The Newtown campus college lecturer took a podium place in the Istria 100 held in Croatia at the weekend, ensuring a spot in the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc (UTMB), described as the “most mythical trail race in the world”.

Davies finished behind winner, Stian Angermund, and second placed Andrzej Witek in the 69km (43 mile) race that included an elevation of almost 2,500m.

“I am really pleased how it turned out in the end!” said Davies, who won the Welshpool 10k last month.

“I needed to get a top three position to qualify for UTMB, so to get it was brilliant. I was going into it a bit blind as I haven’t been involved in the trail scene for a few years now so didn’t have a clue how it would go!”

Davies has qualified for the 55km race at the UTMB running festival in France, which is held from August 28-September 3.