2,400 runners take part in Caerphilly 10k and 2k races

The runners get the 2023 Caerphilly 10k underway

More than 2,400 runners ran through the streets of Caerphilly on Sunday morning as the Bryn Meadows Caerphilly 10k and 2k races returned.

In total, around 1,600 runners competed in the 10k, with around 800 in the 2k race, which was held earlier in the morning.

The 10k race was won by Swansea’s Dewi Griffiths for the second year running, with a time of 30 minutes and 23 seconds.

Dewi Griffiths crossing the finishing line for his second Caerphilly 10k win

Griffiths was running his first race since the London Marathon three weeks ago and told Caerphilly Observer: “It’s great to defend my title, I love doing this race.

“I was slower than last year, but that was to be expected after the London Marathon.

“This is a tough little course, it’s not one where you’re beating your personal bests. It’s a good test of fitness and strength.”

Jonathan Butler finished second in the race with a time of 30 minutes and 40 seconds, while Caerphilly’s own Alex Jackson, 21, finished third with a time of 31 minutes exactly.

From left: Mayor Mike Adams, Jonathan Butler, Dewi Griffiths, Alex Jackson and Graham Finlayson

Jackson, whose family and friends were at the race to support him, said: “I’m really happy, it’s not far off my personal best.

“It’s a tough course but it’s my local race. It’s a good feeling.”

He continued: “I used to do this race before Covid just for fun, but I’m taking it a lot more seriously now.”

The women’s race was won by Blackwood’s Lauren Cooper, with a time of 35 minutes and 40 seconds.

From left: Mayor Mike Adams, Alaw Evans, Lauren Cooper, Olivia Tsim and Graham Finlayson

Cooper, who finished second at last year’s race, said: “I’ve never won this race before, it’s always nice to win your local one.

“I’ve finished second a few times, so I’m really excited to have won.

“I knew it would be hard, but it was never about time for me today, it was all about winning.

“It’s a tough track, the second half is the hardest part, but then there’s a lovely downhill finish.”

Cooper continued: “There was a lot of support out there today. When you come through the town and see the support from locals it really helps.”

Finishing second in the women’s race was Alaw Evans, a former teacher at Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhymni, who finished in 36 minutes and 13 seconds.

Evans, who went into the race after two months out with a stress fracture, said: “I’m really happy. It’s a very hard course and I’m just happy to finish.”

Last year’s female winner was Olivia Tsim, who finished third this year. She said: “This course is always tough. I’ve been training for the 1500m run lately, so the 10k was out of my comfort zone.

“I just really like the atmosphere here.”

The race winners were presented with their medals by Caerphilly County Borough’s new mayor, Cllr Mike Adams, while Ystrad Mynach boxer Lauren Price MBE was also in attendance alongside her partner and fellow-boxer Kariss Artingstall.

Boxers Kariss Artingstall and Lauren Price MBE were in attendance

Also running the 10k was Caerphilly County Borough Council leader Sean Morgan, who said after the race: “It’s a great event – it’s like a party out there.

“While I admire the speed of those in front, I admire those at the back too. You can sense their achievement and their hard work to be here.”

Graham Finlayson, vice director and president of Welsh Athletics, said: “The event is picking up every year. We could do with some more entrants next year, but the atmosphere was brilliant.

“With Caerphilly Castle in the background it’s got to be one of the best backdrops to start and finish at.”

All imagery courtesy of Max Parker