Records smashed as Caerphilly 10k returns for first time in three years

The Bryn Meadows Caerphilly 10k returned today for the first time in three years as thousands descended on Caerphilly town centre.

Around 1,400 runners took part in the 10k, with a further 450 taking part in the 2k race which was held earlier in the morning.

The 10k course record was smashed by Swansea’s Dewi Griffiths in what was his first attempt at the race.

Griffiths came in with a time of 29 minutes and 39 seconds – beating Matthew Clowes’ record of 30 minutes and 21 seconds set in 2019.

After crossing the finishing line, Griffiths told Caerphilly Observer: “It’s a sign of things to come hopefully. It’s my first time running here today and I’m glad to have finally done it.

“Hopefully I’ll be back here again next year.”

Newport’s Abed Teweldebrhan also beat 2019’s record time, coming second with a time of 30 minutes and 20 seconds. He said: “It’s a tough course, I’ve done it twice before and I’m hoping to do it again next year.

“I feel really good about my time.”

In third was Lloyd Sheppard-Brown, from Blackwood, in what was his second Caerphilly 10k. He beat his previous time by three minutes – achieving a time of 30 minutes and 57 seconds.

He said: “This is my local race. There was a lot of support along the way – it was really good.”

The female winner was Olivia Tsim, who completed the 10k in 35 minutes and 44 seconds.

The female course record was set by Rachel Felton in 2019, with a time of 34 minutes and 59 seconds.

Tsim said: “It was so hard but I loved it. I didn’t have a target in mind – I just wanted to enjoy it. I’m used to flat courses so I knew this would be tough.

“If you had told me eight months ago I’d be in this position right now I wouldn’t have believed you. I have no coach and do this as a hobby.”

Tsim, who comes from a sprinting background, said she took up running longer distances during lockdown.

“I went through a tough patch mentally and found that just getting out in the sunshine and running really helped.”

The second woman to cross the line was Blackwood’s Lauren Cooper, who was celebrating her 28th birthday.

After achieving a time of 36 minutes and 38 seconds, Cooper said: “It’s not a great time but I’m happy to have done it. I ran at the Birmingham 2k Steeplechase last night and didn’t get home until midnight.

“There was plenty of support all the way around today – I had plenty of birthday wishes and shout-outs along the way.”

The third woman to finish the race was 39-year-old Donna Morris, from Llanwrtyd Wells in Powys, completing the race in 36 minutes and 46 seconds.

Morris said: “I’m really chuffed. There was a good field of women out there – I didn’t think I’d be third.

“It’s my first Caerphilly 10k and I was a bit apprehensive before because people had told me it’s a hard one. But it was really enjoyable and I’m chuffed to bits.”

Also running the 10k were firefighters Lee Prescott and Tony Howarth, both based at Caerphilly Fire Station.

The pair ran the race wearing their firefighter uniforms. Lee said: “It was a challenge and a bit of fun. We didn’t realise how hot it would be in the uniforms.”

They joked: “We’re happy with our times but we’re happier to have finished.”

Meanwhile, Helen Shades ran the race for the first time alongside her father, Michael Garrett – who was dressed as a dragon.

Michael, who is a member of the Caerphilly Triers Club, wore the costume to slow himself down so he could race at the same pace as his daughter, who completed the race in one hour and 25 minutes.

Also taking part was Morgan Jones ward councillor Jamie Pritchard, who said it was great to be back out after a “gruelling” election campaign.

He said: “This is a flagship event for the borough – there were lots of people out supporting today, which is great to see.”

Jared Lougher, Sport and Leisure Services Manager for Caerphilly County Borough Council, said: “It’s great to be back out again.

Mr Lougher, who helped organise the event, said: “There’s a really good calibre of runners and it’s fantastic to see the people of Caerphilly come out to support after two tough years.

“There’s all ages and abilities out there which is great to see. Everyone has a smile on their face.

“It’s great to have the event back on. We’ve had some really good feedback from the community.

“This is an iconic event in our calendar and I just want to thank the community, the sponsors and all the volunteers too.”