Nearly 2,000 runners took part in this year’s Caerphilly 10k as the town hosted another successful race on Sunday, May 20.
Last year’s race saw soaring temperatures and the sun was shining yet again this year despite organisers moving the event from its regular June date to avoid the heat.
Sponsored by Bryn Meadows, the sixth Caerphilly 10k was started by former GB international and serving RAF Physical Training Instructor, Corporal Rob Bugden.
Rob was the winner of the first race in 2013, and suffered life-changing injuries in a parachute accident in California in 2016.
The sun shone over Caerphilly as the race got underway.
Cardiff Amateur Athletic Club’s Matthew Clowes crossed the finish line first, with a new course record time of 30 minutes and 33 seconds.
Speaking to FastRunning.com, he said: “This is a great event and I was happy to run that.
“The hill near the end was really tough but that time here is fine. I live 20 minutes down the road so to come here and get this done is ideal.”
Clowes was followed by last year’s winner Abed Teweldebrhan of Newport Harriers who finished second and Phil Matthews of Swansea Harriers who finished third.
The first female to cross the finishing line was Helen Sharpe of Fife Athletic Club’, who completed the course in a time of 37 minutes and four seconds. Lucy Marland of Cardiff AAC finished second and Claire Jacobs finished third.
The 2k fun run event also proved more popular than ever, with 800 places selling out completely in the run up to the day. Caerphilly County Borough Council, which organises the event, said it would be looking to expand the 2k race next year.
Jacob Reynolds of Cardiff AAC was the first male to cross the finish line and Cardiff AAC’s Yasmin Hadid was the first female.
Cllr Nigel George, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Services said, “Congratulations to everyone who took part in the 10k and 2k challenges on Sunday. Although the hot and sunny conditions didn’t necessarily make for great running conditions, it certainly didn’t stop people from turning up to participate in this popular event. Events such as this really help to put Caerphilly county borough on the map, and it was great to see the town so busy and so many people enjoying themselves. We hope to see everyone again next year.”
The number of runners was down from last year’s record of around 2,500.
A spokeswoman for Caerphilly County Borough Council said: “The weather may have put some people off, as may the change of date from the ‘usual’ weekend, but we’re still really pleased with the turn out.”
Look out for more photographs in this week’s print edition out on Thursday, May 24.