On your marks for the 60th Nos Galan races
IT’S almost time to warm up for this year’s 60th anniversary Nos Galan Road Races in Mountain Ash.
Places are sold out, but those who were lucky enough to secure a spot are being encouraged to run in aid of the Mayor’s Annual Charity Appeal for worthy causes across Rhondda Cynon Taf.
Mayor Steve Powderhill is supporting Giving To Pink, Welsh Hearts, Velindre Hospital and Diabetes UK, as well as giving his support to children living with diabetes.
With training well under way in preparation for the races on New Year’s Eve, time is running out for competitors to think about their fancy dress costumes.
The most imaginative creation will be judged by Cllr Powderhill and announced on the night.
Regular winners of the Nos Galan Fancy Dress competition over the years have been the Griffiths family, of Mountain Ash, led by local headteacher Huw and his father, retired headteacher Alan.
Their previous group entries have included Scooby Doo’s Mystery Machine, complete with all the characters; a Viking Ship and a full crew; Star Man, a tribute to singer David Bowie, and last year The Beatles Yellow Submarine, complete with the Fab Four. Can you outshine them this year?
The award-winning races attract more than 1,600 competitors each year as well as 10,000 spectators who turn out to cheer them on.
The event celebrates the life and achievements of Welsh runner Guto Nyth Brân. Founded in 1958 by local runner Bernard Baldwin, it is run over the 5km around Mountain Ash town centre.
Each year a famous sports personality, whose identity is kept secret until the night, lays a wreath on Guto’s grave. They then run to Mountain Ash carrying a flaming torch, supported by local athletes.
Cllr Ann Crimmings, chair of the Nos Galan Committee and Rhondda Cynon Taf council cabinet member for environment, leisure and heritage services, said: “This year marks the 60th anniversary of the Nos Galan Road Races, an event which is recognised around the world, attracting competitors and spectators from all over the globe.
“There is no other event quite like the Nos Galan Road Races in the country, it is a very different New Year’s Eve and one which has been enjoyed by millions of people during the past 60 years.
“As well as some fantastic race times by athletes of all ages and abilities, the Nos Galan Road Races also generate a fantastic family atmosphere on the streets of Mountain Ash that everyone enjoys. Adding to this is the spectacle of well over 1,000 people taking part in the Adult 5k Fun Run, many of them in fancy dress.”
Cllr Powderhill added: “I would like to take this opportunity to send my best wishes to all of those who have managed to obtain a place at the 2018 Nos Galan Road Races.
“Demand for places this year has been greater than ever before, with hundreds of people now training in earnest to be a part of the biggest open-air New Year’s Eve street party in Rhondda Cynon Taf.
“It is the time of year for caring and sharing, and what better way to do so than taking part in the 60th anniversary Nos Galan Road Races, while also raising money for worthwhile causes.”
If you would like to raise money in in aid of the Mayor’s Appeal, call 01443 424048 or email mayor@rctcbc.gov.uk
There will be 325 competitors in this year’s elite race, with more than 1,000 more people taking part in the 5K adult fun run and 350 young people in the various childrens’ races. For regular updates follow Nos Galan Races on Twitter and Facebook. Also visitnosgalan.co.uk
All race places are non-transferable. Anyone found to be taking part using another person’s unique race number identity will be disqualified.