Crowds turn out for 40th anniversary Mayor’s Fun Run Races

On Bank Holiday Monday (1st May), the Carmarthen Mayor’s Fun Run Races celebrated its 40th anniversary event.

It was organised by Noelwyn Daniel from Healthy Life Activities and supported by Carmarthen Town Council, McDonalds and GD Harries along with twenty other local organisations.

The annual race was established by Councillor Peter Hughes-Griffiths, in partnership with Carmarthen Harriers Club President Dr Hedydd Davies.

With approximately 740 runners of all ages entered for the 2023 edition, the beauty of the Carmarthen Mayor’s Races is that they take place in the heart of the town centre.

It raised money for several charities with local groups and organisations benefiting. Proceeds went to Carmarthen MIND, Tŷ Ni / Tŷ Hapus Family Centres, Carmarthen Together and Carmarthen Foodbank.

The Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Carmarthen were on hand to start the races and present medals and trophies to all runners taking part. There were special commemorative 40th anniversary medals, depicting Carmarthen Town landmarks and the famous Coracle.

Race organiser, Noelwyn Daniel commented: “We were delighted with the fantastic turnout once again this year which generated a fantastic atmosphere in Carmarthen town centre.

“It was great to see so many runners of all abilities enjoying the races, whether they were taking part in the junior races or the 5K distance. Thank you to everyone who made the event a big success, from the runners and supporters to the sponsors and volunteers.”

The day started with the 5K fun run where runners ran along the town’s main roads a total of three times before the grandstand finish up at Guildhall Square. The 5K used chip timing results, meaning that all athletes were able to get their own individual time.

The overall male winner was Carmarthen Harriers’ Ifan Bowen in a time of 17 minutes 9 seconds. Club teammates Sam Griffiths (17:28) and Jake Lynock (17:39) were in second and third. Andrew Cleverly (Swansea Harriers) and Thomas Loynes (Neath Harriers) also ran under the 18-minute mark.

After placing second last year, Swansea Harriers’ Llinos Jones went one better to take the overall female category in 20:05, followed by Lily Williams (Neath Harriers, 20:52), Gwenllian Thomas (Carmarthen Triathlon Club, 21:36), Kayleigh Bagshaw (TROTS, 21:18) and Clara Davies (Amman Valley Harriers, 21:38).

The Corporate Team trophy was awarded to Actif Sport and Leisure, Carmarthenshire County Council whilst Tom Randell won the best fancy dress.

This was followed by a series of junior races, featuring experienced club athletes to those making their first steps in running.
It began with the boys and girls in years 1 & 2 followed by years 3 & 4, years 5 and 6 and secondary school years 7 & 8 completing two laps of the course.

The final event saw a category for the nursery and reception children over one lap, where the young ones could run alongside their friends and family.

Year 1 & 2 Girls: 1 Molly Jones – Llangynnwr, 2 Lauren Davies – Llangynnwr, 3 Alys Fflur Davies – Bro Teifi
Year 1 & 2 Boys: 1 Caian Gwyn Morris – Y Dderwen, 2 Elgan Jones – Llanpumpsaint, 3 Harri Phillips – Peniel
Year 3 & 4 Girls: 1 Erin Lili Davies – Llangynnwr, 2 Mared Rees – Y Dderwen, 3 Megan Jones – Y Dderwen
Year 3 & 4 Boys: 1 Steffan James – Y Dderwen, 2 Efan Morgan – Y Dderwen, 3 Joe Price – Golden Grove
Year 5 & 6 Girls: 1 Manon Fflur Phillips – Peniel, 2 Mabli King – Bro Brynach, 3 Emily Evans-Williams – Penygroes
Year 5 & 6 Boys: 1 Tomos Cai Davies – Y Dderwen, 2 Noa Jac Thomas – Y Dderwen, 3 Jasper Davis – Llandovery College
Year 7 & 8 Girls: 1 Lowri Morgan – Bro Dinefwr, 2 Maisie Foster – Dyffryn Taf, 3 Anna Jones – Bro Myrddin
Year 7 & 8 Boys: 1 Toby Anthony – Bro Myrddin, 2 Harri Roberts-Truman – Ystalyfera, 3 Rhys Jones – Bro Myrddin