Run celebrates mine heritage
HUNDREDS of people turned out for a village’s first fun run to celebrate its coal mining heritage.
The community of Penrhiwceiber came out in their droves to support a new event called the Great Miners’ Run.
HUNDREDS of people turned out for a Cynon Valley village’s first fun run to celebrate its coal mining heritage – and organisers hope it will continue for years to come.
The community of Penrhiwceiber came out in their droves on Sunday to support a new event called the Great Miners’ Run, featuring 2k and 5k sponsored runs to raise money for community and charity organisations within the village.
The event began with a march where local people walked with the original Penrhiwceiber Lodge miners’ banner.
Community members turned out despite the rain, taking inspiration from the miners of Penrhiwceiber Colliery, known as Penrikyber Colliery, who gave so much to the community before it closed in the early 1980s.
Event manager Melissa Haggett said: “It’s been an absolutely amazing day.
“We had 200 people taking part in the races and another couple of hundred also showed up to be a part of the day.
“I was so worried about the weather but it didn’t bother anyone at all – people came with their umbrellas and stayed there all day.
“When the miners’ banner came out of the building, people were crying. It was a very special moment indeed.
“It all started when we visited the Penrhiwceiber Institute earlier in the year. It’s been under the threat of closure and we wanted to do something to help.
“It was fantastic to see younger generations get involved and showing an interest in the village’s mining past.
“We’re hoping to make it an annual event now and we can’t wait for next year already.”
She added Penrhiwceiber councillor Adam Fox was a driving force in helping the event take place, while Cynon Valley AM Vikki Howells and Rhondda Cynon Taf council deputy leader Craig Middle showed their support on the day.
Penrhiwceiber Cooperative gave water and banners for race participants, while Navigation Security provided security and risk assessments for the event.
The Coal Industry Social Welfare Organisation (CISWO) also gave funding, allowing more money to be shared out to various community organisations.
David Jones, of Navigation Security, added: “We couldn’t be happier to be supporting this event.
“Penrhiwceiber is a fantastic community and very proud of its heritage. I had goosebumps when I saw how many people had turned out.”