THE fifth year of the Mic Morris 10k race saw nearly 500 runners don their trainers to raise money for Torfaen’s talented young sports people.

The annual race honours policeman Mic Morris, who died while on a training run in 1983, aged just 24.

Around £5,000 was raised from the event, with all donations going towards the Mic Morris Sporting Trust, a Trust fund set up to raise money for Torfaen’s young sports people.

Organiser Ben Jeffries, 35, of Pontypool, said the race was another success, as this year’s event hoped to reach its target of 500 participants.

“It has been an excellent day – really superb,” he said.

“This is the fifth year of the race and the amount of people taking part has increased by 100 percent.

“There was a superb atmosphere and the weather was really good.

“The run is part of Torfaen Sports Development and we work with the Mic Morris Sporting Trust.”

First across the line for the men, was 21-year-old Chris Carpanini, of Pontypoool.

Mr Carpanini is a runner for Swansea Harriers and finished with a time of 30min 15sec.

While Louise Summers, 47, of Pontypool Running Club was the first woman to cross the line with a time of 40min 1sec.

Argus journalist Rob Owen also took part in the race, raising around £230 for the trust.

“It was a hugely enjoyable race that raised a lot of money for a worthy cause,” he said.

The Argus’ sister paper, The Free Press, sponsored the event, with staff handing out energy bars tor runners at the end of the race.

Keen runner John Fry, 70, of Cwmbran, also took part in the race and said there was a great atmosphere.

“Everyone was extremely friendly and pleasant,” he said.

“I run for Fairwater Runners in Cwmbran and also ran the race last year.

“I run around three to four times a week and just try to do a few races a year.”