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A record number of runners descended on Caerphilly as the town hosted its annual 2k and 10k races on a sunny Sunday morning.

More than 2,000 runners signed up for the 10k race, with around 1,000 signing up for the 2k.

This year’s 10k race, held on May 11, was won by Jonathan Butler, who completed the event in 30 minutes and 39 seconds.

Mike Ward came in second with a time of 30m 49s, while in third was Adam Bull, who achieved a time of 31m 19s.

Speaking to Caerphilly Observer after his victory, Butler, of Swansea Harriers, said: “I’m chuffed to win, it’s a tough course. This is my third year, so I came third last year and second the year before, so I’ve completed the set this year.

“It’s a brilliant event, probably one of the best in Wales. It’s not the quickest, but the support all the way round is amazing.”

Meanwhile, Pontypridd’s Olivia Tsim won the women’s race for a second time, with a personal best of 34m 58s. Tsim, who became a mum just eight months ago, said: “I love this course. It’s not fast because it’s obviously so hilly, but I really like the challenge of it.

“I think this is my fourth or fifth year now. Last year, I was four months pregnant, so it’s nice to come back and do it again post-baby.”

The second fastest woman was Alaw Beynon-Evans, with a time of 35m 50s , while Donna Morris came third after completing the race in 36m 56s.

Before the 10k, the 2k race was held. Dylan Powell won with a time of 6m 11s, with Harley Morris finishing second (6m 20s) and Maksymilian Figurski in third (6m 29s).

Ariana Sullivan won the female 2k with a time of 7m 24s. In second place was Rosie Gabriele (7m 49s), while Emily Dando came third with a time of 7m 51s.

‘Absolute party out there’

The event was organised by Caerphilly County Borough Council, whose leader, Cllr Sean Morgan, was among the runners taking part in the 10k.

He said: “This run really puts Caerphilly on the sporting map. We’ve had the Tour of Britain come through here, we’ve got the iconic castle, and people travel from all over to come here for this – and what an event.

“It was an absolute party out there today.”

As runners passed through the Pontygwindy Road stretch of the course, Caerphilly town mayor Mike Prew was on hand with a hose, spraying some much-needed cool water on them.

Cllr Prew said: “What a fantastic event, it was well organised, well run, and well appreciated by residents.”

He added: “I was sat by the castle the other day and there were people from the Netherlands who came here for the event, which is fantastic for the town of Caerphilly.”

‘If people want this historic event to stay, we need people to sign up’

Jared Lougher, who is the council’s sport and leisure development manager, said the event is “definitely growing”, but urged people to continue to take part to safeguard its future.

He said: “As an organisation we need to make sure that we continue to grow the event. We’re under financial pressures, so we’ve got to make sure it’s sustainable.

“If people want this historic event to stay, we need people to sign up and register. Hopefully we can get numbers of 2,300 for the 10k and even more for the 2k in 2026.”

Cllr Morgan echoed Mr Lougher’s point and said: “We try to run this event as cost-neutral as possible. With 2,000 people running the 10k, it makes it easier, so I’d implore everyone to come along and have a go.

“This is how the council can get people active, showcase the town, and we can do it on an almost cost-neutral basis, so it really does tick all the boxes.”

Got a picture from today’s 10k and 2k races? Email them to us at news@caerphilly.observer