Daughter of Nos Galan founder is new patron
THE world-famous Nos Galan races, held each year in the Cynon Valley, has a new patron following the death of founder Bernard Baldwin earlier this year.
Alison LeightonWilliams, Mr Baldwin’s daughter, will take on the honorary post following her father’s death in January.
The races, which were voted the best fun run in Britain during 2014, have been going since 1958, and Mr Baldwin was made honorary patron in 2006.
Ms Leighton Williams said: “I am deeply honoured to have been asked by the council and the Nos Galan Committee to maintain our family links with the Nos Galan Road Races.
“My father would have been so happy that this role has been offered to me and I cannot thank everyone enough for this fantastic gesture.
“I feel so honoured to be the new patron of the Nos Galan Road Races, a position my father was also so proud to hold in the latter years of his life.”
The races are now officially recognised as one of the ‘Top 500’ in the world, alongside the likes of the New York Marathon, Boston Marathon, London Marathon and the Great North Run, and also been shortlisted again this year at the UK Running Awards.
As well as being the man responsible for the road races and the Taff Street Dash, Mr Baldwin was also a well-respected local historian and author of many books, publications and newspaper and magazine articles. He was also granted the freedom of RCT by Rhondda Cynon Taf council in 2014.
Council leader Andrew Morgan said: “We are delighted that Alison has accepted the offer of the Nos Galan Committee to become the new patron of this event, following in the footsteps of her father.
“The Nos Galan Road Races are as popular today as they have ever been and it is wonderful that Bernard’s family will continue its links with an event that is known around the globe.
“Bernard gifted us all such a lasting legacy and gave us the wonderful Welsh legend of Guto Nythbran.
“I am sure he will be fondly remembered at this year’s Nos Galan Road Races, and for many years to come.”