Pontypool 10K draws hundreds and raises thousands for St David's Hospice Care

A sea of colour brightened Pontypool Park this morning (February 24) as the runners warmed up in the threatening mist.

But shortly before the race got underway, bright sunshine broke through and paved the route with glorious running conditions.

In the 10K, the winner was Michael Lewis from Cwmbran, who retained his title after winning last year. He also said he’d managed to shave off around 45 seconds.

(Warming up before the big race. Credit: www.christinsleyphotography.co.uk)

“I’m training for the European Aquathon Championships in Romania this July,” the 22-year-old Fairwater Runners club member told the South Wales Argus as he caught his breath.

“It’s a 1,000 metre swim and a 5K run.

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“I like to mix up the swimming and running. It feels amazing to have retained my title here.”

Crossing the line first for the women was 35-year-old Donna Morris of the Brecon AC, who also came first last year.

“It feels amazing, but I’m knackered now,” Ms Morris said at the finish line.

(Runners setting off on the 10K. Credit: www.christinsleyphotography.co.uk)

“I’m glad to have won it again though.”

A total of 530 racers signed up for the annual 10K, and organiser and fundraising manager for St David’s Hospice Care Christine Vorres said it was a good turnout.

“It’s very good to see so many here. St David’s relies on this so much.

“Last year it raised £15,000 and we’re expecting it to do the same this year. So it’s very important.”

As well as the 10K main event, a Family Fun Run also caught the crowd’s attention.

(Race winner Michael Lews, 22, from Cwbran. Credit: www.christinsleyphotography.co.uk)

(Donna Morris retained her fasts woman title from last year. Credit: www.christinsleyphotography.co.uk)

The 2K run, open to children and families, was won by 13-year-old Matthew Brunnock, who said he was “feeling good” after finishing.

Lois Kennedy, 11, of Garndiffaith, crossed the line first for the girls, running in only her second race.

“I just feel really happy,” she told the South Wales Argus at the finish line.

(Matthew Brunnock, 13, won the 2K Fun Run event. Credit: www.christinsleyphotography.co.uk)

(Lois Kennedy, 11, crossed the 2K line first for the girls. Credit: www.christinsleyphotography.co.uk)

Two members of the online running community Lonely Goat met for the first time at the start of the race.

Wendy Reynolds from Cwmbran explained that she hadn’t run for a while, and was quite nervous for the start of the race – especially the hill at the half way point.

Chris Silvester from Pontypool explained he’d been running for about four years, and was getting ready for a half marathon in March and a full marathon in June.

“I’m looking forward to it,” he added.

Four members of the 50 strong Lliswerry Running Club team were also gearing up for the Newport Half Marathon.

(R-L: Paul Pritchard, Justin Griffiths, Andy Cockeram and Nick Davies)

Paul Pritchard, Justin Griffiths, Andy Cockeram and Nick Davies are all in the two hour block for the half marathon, they explained.

“This is a warm up for us. It should be easy,” they added.

(Wendy Reynolds and Chris Silvester of Lonely Goat online running community)

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