Nos Galan a runaway hit
REGISTRATION for the 60th anniversary Nos Galan Road Races on New Year’s Eve has seen unprecedented demand for places, with all races now filled.
REGISTRATION for the 60th anniversary Nos Galan Road Races on New Year’s Eve has seen unprecedented demand for places, with all races now filled.
Thousands of people are expected to descend on Mountain Ash on December 31 for the annual, award-winning event which is known around the world.
There will be 325 competitors in this year’s elite race, with more than 1,000 people taking part in the 5km adult fun run and more than 350 youngsters in the various childrens’ races.
Online registration opened in early September with registration fees frozen to the same as 2017.
Registration also took place this year in three separate phases, at three different times of day, to allow everyone the opportunity to be able to register.
Organised by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, in association with the Nos Galan Committee, the annual Nos Galan Road Races take place each New Year’s Eve, in memory of legendary Welsh runner Guto Nyth Bran.
The world-famous event was started in 1958 by race founder Bernard Baldwin, who passed away in 2017, aged 91.
Councillor Ann Crimmings, chair of the Nos Galan Committee and Rhondda Cynon Taf council cabinet member for environment, leisure and heritage services, said: “Race places are always in great demand and we are delighted that more and more people than ever before want to be a part of this special event.
“The Nos Galan Road Races are one of the highlights of the athletics calendar, attracting competitors from far and wide.
“We always knew that demand for places in this special 60th anniversary year was going to be huge, but we have been absolutely overwhelmed by the response.
“Now is the time for those registered to get on with their personal training ahead of the event. This can be done outdoors or in the fitness suites at any of our Leisure Centres across Rhondda Cynon Taf, making use of our online Nos Galan Training Plan.
“If you have been unable to secure a race place, you can still come along on the night and join the thousands of spectators who line to route to be a part of the biggest New Year’s Eve party in Rhondda Cynon Taf. Help us to make this a night to remember.”
Due to the demand for places, there will be no race registration on the night.
There will be a spectacular fireworks display to celebrate the milestone event.
Each year a celebrity mystery runner also represents the spirit of Guto Nyth Bran. Last year’s was former Wales and British and Irish Lions rugby player Colin Charvis and former world champion boxer Nathan Cleverley.
All race places are nontransferable. Anyone found to be taking part using another person’s unique race number identity will be disqualified.
Park and ride facilities will be available on the night. There will also be a revised race route this year due to the construction of the multi-millionpound Cross Valley link.
For regular updates and news follow Nos Galan Races on Twitter and Facebook. You can also visit nosgalan.co.uk