More than 2,300 runners defied the miserable weather on Sunday June 19 to take part in the annual Caerphilly 10k race.
Now in its fourth year, the race welcomed an increase in the number of runners taking part, and saw previous winner Owain Jones beat the course record for a third consecutive year.
The wet conditions did nothing to deter runners and spectators alike, as the closed roads across Caerphilly town were lined with cheering supporters.
The 10k race was won by two-time winner Owain Jones, of Bristol and West Athletics Club, who crossed the finish line in an impressive 31 minutes and three seconds, beating his 2015 time by 14 seconds.
He said of his win: “I’m surprised. I didn’t think I was in particularly good shape coming into today, I thought it was going to be a hard race.
“The other boys pushed me hard, which probably helped, and I can’t complain about my time. It wasn’t the best weather for the spectators but it’s great for running in. It’s a lovely venue here, it’s very well organised, and I hope I’ll be back next year.”
Second place was taken by Joshua Griffiths in 31 minutes 14 seconds, and Goitom Tesfaladet finished third with 32 minutes 19 seconds.
The first female to cross the finishing line was Rhianwedd Price, of Cardiff Amateur Athletic Club, who came in with a time of 35 minutes and one second and took the title after 2015’s winner Millie Barnes did not return this year.
Joseph Johnston, 18, from Ebbw Vale finished the course in 55 minutes and seven seconds, and said that exams had hindered his training: “I finished in 49 minutes 48 seconds last year, I didn’t train as much as I had wanted because my exams got in the way.
“It was good fun in the rain though, it gives it a bit more of an atmosphere as you’re going along.”
Meanwhile Rhianne Williams, 37, from Blackwood, was competing in her first ever race.
She said: “I did alright. I finished with one hour and seven minutes. I was aiming for around the hour mark, I’m delighted to have done it, but I’ve got a bit of a stitch now.
“I’ve been running with Future Flyers at Islwyn Running Club, which is where you can do a few runs before you join the club. I’ve only been running for eight weeks or so, and although the race was hard, I’d love to get under the hour mark next year.”
Cllr Dianne Price, Mayor of Caerphilly County Borough Council, offered words of support to the runners before setting them off along the 10k course through the town centre.
Before that, the Caerphilly 2k was won by Kian Murphy, of Cardiff Athletics Club, after an exciting sprint finish saw him pip second placed Lloyd Sheppard of Rhymney Valley AC by a second.
Cllr Nigel George, cabinet member for community and leisure services said: “Congratulations to everyone who took part in both the 10k and 2k races.
“Although the weather did not make for great running conditions, it did not stop the sheer amount of people turning up to this popular event.
“Year on year we see a rise in participants and it is great to hear that this year certainly did not disappoint with thousands of runners competing. We hope to see you all again next year.”
Councillor George, as the Cabinet Member of Caerphilly Council responsible for this and other events in and around Caerphilly, HAS to ensure that proper public consultation takes place with voters in the borough to ensure the minimum of disruption is caused to residents lives and to the well being of their families to continue to conduct normal passtimes and professions at such times and during these minority pursuits by transient visitors to the borough.
With a little bit of thought, a little bit of give and take, a a little bit of meaningful consultation with residents EVERYONE could get on with their lives during such times, and not have to put their lives on hold simply to accommodate a small minority of people most of whom do not pay rates or live in the borough, perhaps then all citizens will enjoy what they want to do at such times.