ONE of Rhedwyr Emlyn Runners longest-serving members has made the club’s 10th anniversary year one to remember after being selected to represent Wales – at the age of 69.

Helen Lutley joined the running club in 2011 when she moved to the area with her husband Jonathan.

She was returning to running after a break of many years and with the support of the club soon found her pace again and began winning her age category in local races.

She was soon entering endurance runs, winning silver at a half marathon and more recently gold in the Snowdon Marathon last October.

Helen’s determination and endurance is almost legendary and always an inspiration to fellow club members. Her daily routine starts at an unearthly pre-5am, when Helen and her faithful black Labrador Jet set out the door for their first run of the day.

Seven miles completed come rain or shine before the rest of the world awakes from its slumber.

If work allows, Helen may complete another eight--mile mid-morning run with her friend Chris, or if it’s the weekend, she’ll be ready for action to set PB after PB at her local Park Run in Llanerchaeron.

Be it 1,500 meters or 26.2 miles, Helen takes it all in her very quick stride and her never-say-die attitude puts others to shame.

Helen caught the eye of Welsh selectors through her incredible times at the local Llanerchaeron Park Runs, and was invited to try racing shorter distances on track.

Her first race saw her win gold at the Welsh Masters in the 1,500 metres, and she has now been selected to represent Wales for the first time in the upcoming Inter-Regional Masters Championship.