The second Ras yr Iaith will be held from 6 to 8 July 2016 in which the people of Wales will run through 25 towns and villages between Bangor and Llandeilo, from the North to the South, uniting the country with the Language Baton.
Race yr Iaith is not a race for athletes but a race for the Welsh Language by the Welsh people. The first race was held in 2014, with the purpose to celebrate the Welsh language, raise awareness of the language, and show the world that support for the Welsh is amongst us. Remember, it is open to everyone – fluent speakers, learners and all those who support the language.
Councillor Ellen ap Gwynn, Leader of Ceredigion County Council said, “Ceredigion County Council is very keen to be part of Ras yr Iaith this year, especially following the success of the race in 2014. Ceredigion routes are coordinated by Cered, our Language Initiative, who have expertise in a network of groups and connecting with people from all walks of life. It is an opportunity to bind our communities together to promote and celebrate the Welsh language in a fun way that is open to everyone. The success of the race will show Ceredigion residents’ enthusiasm to see prosperity in our communities and the Welsh language.”
The baton, which has been carved especially for the race, will be passed from hand to hand, as runners show their support for the language. Individuals, families, businesses and local clubs, organizations and schools are sponsoring and running 1km carrying a baton. All school pupils and members of the village football team can run the 1km.
“It is time for Welsh lovers to come together and show a bit of fun for the language. Ras yr Iaith will be a great way to draw people together and celebrate that we are still here!” says Sion Jobbins who has run in similar successful races for the Breton, Irish and Basque.
The race starts at Aberystwyth Arts Centre on July 7 at 9.15am visiting Tregaron (11:15am), Lampeter (12:30 pm), Aberaeron (2 pm), Newquay (3 pm), Llandysul (4.30 pm), Newcastle Emlyn (5.30pm) and Cardigan (6.30 pm). Yvonne Evans, S4C weather presenter will run the race in Aberaeron and Tommo, Radio Cymru presenter will run in Cardigan. The race will finish at Cardigan Castle, where you will be able to join an event to celebrate the end of the race in Ceredigion with a menu of talent and music for you and admission is free!
“It’s time to celebrate the Welsh language and bring together people of all backgrounds and interests who support the language – be they Welsh speakers, learners and non-Welsh speakers” said Lynsey Thomas, Cered Manager, Menter Iaith Ceredigion who is coordinating the arrangements in the county.
During the race in Ceredigion, an exciting young rock band Y Fflamau Gwyllt from Rhos Helyg Primary School will perform an outdoor gig outside the Talbot in Tregaron at 11:00am before the race leaves the town. There will be light entertainment starting in front of the Town Hall in Aberaeron at 1:30pm before the start of the race there. Performers will include Aberaeron Primary School Choir and Aberaeron Comprehensive School Folk Dancers.
A song has been recorded especially for Ras yr Iaith this year by Dewi Pws. He will also commentate on the race by encouraging runners and fans to have fun. This year’s race ambassadors are Lowri Morgan, Angharad Mair and Owain Gwynedd.
In addition to the above, events are being held around the Race. On Wednesday, July 6, there will be a ‘Welfare Night for All’ at the Bandstand in Aberystwyth. This event will include a talk chaired by Deian Creunant accompanied by Owain Gwynedd – S4C presenter and referee, Stephen Hughes – Paralympic guide, and experienced runner Dick Evans, who will be running this year’s Ras yr Iaith from the North to the South. The event will also include a fitness session with Bridget James to prepare everyone for the race on the following day.
There is an opportunity for everyone to be part of the race, either by running, sponsoring, or supporting – there’s no excuse not to be a part of this great celebration of language. If you want to be part of the bustle of the race, contact Cered for more information on cered@ceredigion.gov.uk.
For more information about Ras yr Iaith, visit http://rasyriaith.cymru
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