Thousands descend on Caerphilly for 10k race as course record is broken again

More than 1,700 runners took part in the Bryn Meadows Caerphilly 10k race, which was held in sunny but humid conditions on Sunday, May 19.

A further 850 took part in the 2k race, which was held before the main event.

The 10k, now in its seventh year, was won by Matthew Clowes for the second year in a row.

Clowes ran the race in 30 minutes and 21 seconds, which is the fastest ever time – beating his previous course record by 12 seconds.

Clowes said: “I got the win and I did what I came here to do – to break my record.”

The first woman to cross the finishing line was Rachel Felton, who completed the race in 34 minutes and 59 seconds, but said the race was “really hard”.

Meanwhile, 15-year-old Lloyd Shepherd, who is from Caerphilly, completed the race in 33 minutes and 22 seconds, finishing sixth overall.

Luke Evans, 21, completed the race in 43 minutes and 13 seconds – beating his personal best by two minutes and 57 seconds.

Mr Evans, who was running to raise money for Diabetes UK, said: “I have raised £640 so far. I am overjoyed by the amount of support I have had throughout. It has been amazing.”

Mr Evans, who chose the charity because his grandmother has Type-2 Diabetes, added: “I kept her in mind all the way. She was my motivation.”

BBC Wales weather presenter Sue Charles also took part in the race – recording a time of 57 minutes and 30 seconds.

Ms Charles, who was running the Caerphilly 10k for the first time, told Caerphilly Observer: “It was harder than I expected, there were quite a few hills, but we’re Welsh so we should be used to that.

“The race has a beautiful backdrop. I’ll be coming back next year.

“It was lovely to run past the castle and through town because there were thousands of supporters.

“It’s harder than the Cardiff 10k but easier than the Barry 10k. It was a challenge but it was great.”

Caerphilly County Borough Council’s deputy leader, Cllr Sean Morgan, ran the race in 48 minutes and four seconds.

Cllr Morgan, said: “There was a fantastic atmosphere and support all around. Everyone encourages each other.

“It’s a wonderful event. The fast ones might be at the front but the real heroes are at the back.”

Islwyn Running Club President, Malcolm Parker, finished the race in one hour, seven minutes and six seconds.

Mr Parker said: “We take part every year. It’s our club’s local run and it’s a very scenic route. About 50 members from our club took part today.”

Members of Fighting Dragons Karate Kickboxing club in Abertridwr also ran the race, with five completing the 10k and 18 taking part in the 2k.

Nathan Bishop, who is a coach at the club, said: “They were fighting last night and got home at 11pm and they were up early to run today. It shows how much dedication they have.”

The event marked the first official appearance of Cllr Julian Simmonds in his new role as Mayor of Caerphilly County Borough.

Cllr Simmonds said: “It was absolutely amazing. The atmosphere is good and the weather’s nice. It’s a perfect day really.

“The turnout was more than I expected. It’s good to see youngsters doing their bit too.

“It’s also good to see people from far and wide competing, not just Caerphilly. It’s a national event.”

Council leader Dave Poole attended the event and said: “It’s been excellent. I attend every year and it’s getting better and better each year.

“We always seem to be blessed with fine weather.

“It’s nice to see the 2k getting bigger – many of those runners will be running the 10k in the future. The future of the 10k is good.”

Cllr Poole added: “It’s a big occasion for Caerphilly. It encourages more people to be more active, which is what we want to see.”

Jarred Lougher, who works for the council’s sport and leisure department, helped organise the event.

Mr Lougher said: “We’ve had a great turnout. We’ve had our highest ever turnout for the 2k race. We want to make sure young people can take part – they are the future.

“Running is fun and keeps you fit. You can raise money for charity and generate community spirit at a local event like this.

“Sport Caerphilly has been encouraging kids to take part and we owe them a massive thanks.”

The council’s Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Services, Cllr Nigel George, said: “It’s been fantastic. It goes from strength-to-strength each year.

“I’d like to congratulate everyone who’s taken part and thank the people of Caerphilly for coming along.”