‘Mystery men’ lead the way in Nos Galan run
HUNDREDS of runners raced through a Valleys town for the 59th annual Nos Galan road races yesterday.
Around 1,700 competitors took part in the New Year’s Eve races, alongside this year’s mystery runners ex-rugby international Colin Charvis and former boxer Nathan Cleverly.
The races are organised each year to remember local runner Guto Nyth Bran, with about 10,000 spectators flooding the streets of Mountain Ash in Rhondda Cynon Taf to enjoy the races and firework display.
The children’s fun run began at 5.15pm, ending with a presentation of prizes to the winners.
This was followed by the arrival of the mystery runners and a spectacular fireworks display, before the start of the elite race on Henry Street Relief Road.
Charvis and Cleverly arrived at St Gwynno’s Church in Llanwonno, where they were greeted by hundreds of fans.
It came after they attended the annual Guto Nyth Bran Memorial Service at the church and laid a wreath on the grave of the Welsh runner, before visiting the Nos Galan Wall of Fame at the Brynffynon Hotel, where they pulled pints behind the bar.
Charvis said: “It was quite an honour and it’s nice to be involved. It’s one of those where you have seen it on the news and a few of my friends have also been mystery runners in the past.
“It’s not very often you get the chance to feel part of the community with these kinds of events, but this was one of those occasions.”
Councillor Ann Crimmings, chair of the Nos Galan committee and Rhondda Cynon Taf council cabinet member for environment and leisure, said: “(Colin and Nathan) follow in the footsteps of many illustrious sporting personalities who have taken on the role before them.
“Both are great sporting ambassadors for their country, achieving so much during their playing careers and representing Wales on the world stage.
“It is such a huge honour for us to have a former world champion and a Wales and British Lion on the streets of Mountain Ash.”
The growing popularity of the event, which was founded in 1958, has led to increased security and police presence as well as more concrete barriers at the races this year.
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council said they worked with South Wales Police throughout the planning stages to ensure public safety at this year’s event.