Nigel is Nos Galan runner
RUGBY referee Nigel Owens became the latest luminary to take on a long-standing new year tradition when he was revealed as the mystery runner at the annual Nos Galan Road Races.
The event is held each year to remember local runner Guto Nyth Bran.
RUGBY referee Nigel Owens became the latest luminary to take on a longstanding new year tradition when he was revealed as the mystery runner at the annual Nos Galan Road Races.
The much-loved official swapped his whistle and red card for the iconic Nos Galan torch.
He carried the torch from St Gwynno’s Church, Llanwonno, into Mountain Ash, before igniting the Nos Galan Dragon, commencing the start of the spectacular firework display.
The event is held each year to remember legendary local runner Guto Nyth Bran, and was started by schoolteacher Bernard Baldwin in 1958.
In recent years celebrity runners have taken part in the event, with their identities kept secret until the last minute.
Owens became the latest star from the sporting world to join the mystery runner hall of fame, following in the footsteps of Welsh rugby internationals including Sam Warburton, Adam Jones, Alun Wyn Jones, Shane Williams, James Hook and Jamie Roberts.
Top athletes including Linford Christie and Colin
Jackson, and former Welsh football manager Chris Coleman, have also held the accolade in the past.
Ann Crimmings, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council cabinet member for environment, leisure and heritage services, and chairman of the Nos Galan committee, said: “Nigel Owens is one of the most celebrated personalities in the world of rugby union and sport in general.
“He commands significant respect and admiration both on and off the pitch for his sporting knowledge, his fair approach and the stance he takes against prejudice – especially within the LGBT community.
“We are proud to welcome him as mystery runner to the 2019 Nos Galan Road Races and we know spectators young and old will be thrilled to join such an icon at this event.
“We thank him for joining us in Mountain Ash this New Year’s Eve to bring some sporting celebrity magic to the Nos Galan Road Races.”
As well as a highly respected personality in rugby union, Owens is also an advocate of the LGBT community and was named Stonewall’s Gay Sports Personality of the Decade in 2015.
He began refereeing in Carmarthen in 1987, and went on to be one of the first professional referees employed by the Welsh Rugby Union.
He recently refereed in the Rugby World Cup in Japan.
The Nos Galan Road Races typically attract about 1,700 competitors each year, with about 10,000 spectators turning out to cheer them on.
The event commemorates the feats of Guto Nyth Bran, who was born Griffith Morgan. According to legend, his speed and agility made him the fastest man on Earth.
Born in 1700, he was said to be able to run 50 yards in four seconds, 10 miles in 45 minutes – and in his final, fateful race, he ran 12 miles in 53 minutes.
In the latest race, Kristian
Jones won the men’s elite race in 14 minutes and 15 seconds, followed by James Hunt in second and Ciaran Lewis in third place.
In the women’s race, Issy Morris took first place with a time of 16 minutes and 43 seconds, followed by Anna Bracegirdle and Lucy Marland in second and third.
For the fun run, first home was Ben Demellweek in a time of 18 minutes and 53 seconds.
He was followed by Rhyddian John and Stephen
Wiergowski.
And in the children’s races, the winners were Jude Jenkins (eight to nine), Oliver Reynolds (10 to 11), Tom Bowen (12 to 13) and Jacob Reynolds (14 to 15).
Rhondda Cynon Taf council and the Nos Galan committee are urging those who participated in the races or visited Mountain Ash to complete a short online survey to help inform future events.
Visit www. snapsurveys.com/wh/s. asp?k=157684301210