Hundreds run half marathon

HUNDREDS turned out to race the Merthyr Half Marathon on a balmy day in the Valleys.

The eventful day saw Wales legend Shane Williams, who was set to be the star runner, pull out at the last minute.

That was after the legendary wing fractured his jaw while helping Amman United to victory in their Welsh Rugby Union National Bowl semi-final against Cardigan.

But that did not stop the event, held on Sunday, from being a “resounding success”.

Organiser Sarah Draper said 600 people turned out for the course, which took runners from Merthyr College down the Trevithick Trail then on to the Taff Trail and back up to Merthyr.

She said: “It went really, really well. The sun was shining and we were at capacity. People came from as far as London, Birmingham and Scotland and really enjoyed the course. It was a fantastic day for Merthyr and we had lots of support and good feedback once again.”

Matthew Jacklin, who has won the past two Merthyr Half Marathons, had a tougher day out this time round, surrendering first place to Paul Graham, while Lauren Cooper won the women’s race.

Some 150 children also turned out to run a mini version of the race.

According to Ms Draper, Williams “hated to let down” the organisers.

She added: “He has spent most of the night at A&E after sustaining a fracture in his jaw playing rugby yesterday and is in a lot of pain. He sends his deepest apologies and promises to attend one of our other events this year.”

Speaking after picking up his injury, Williams said: “It’s something I could have done without but it’s happened and you just have to deal with it.”