On Bank Holiday Monday (6th May), the Carmarthen Mayor’s Fun Run Races returned to the town centre in its 41st year.
It was organised by Noelwyn Daniel from Healthy Life Activities on behalf of Carmarthen Town Council. Main sponsors were McDonalds and GD Harries along with support from twenty other local organisations.
The annual race was established by Councillor Peter Hughes-Griffiths, in partnership with Carmarthen Harriers Club President Dr Hedydd Davies.
With approximately 750 runners of all ages entered for the 2024 edition, the beauty of the Carmarthen Mayor’s Races is that they take place in the heart of the town centre.
It raised money for several charities with local groups and organisations benefiting. Proceeds went to Christ Church Food Bank, Air Training Corps, Carmarthen Youth Opera, Carmarthenshire People First, Prostrate Cymru and Ty’r Cwm – Leonard Cheshire.
The Mayor and Mayoress of Carmarthen were on hand to start the races and present medals and trophies to all runners taking part.
Race organiser, Noelwyn Daniel commented: “We were delighted with the fantastic turnout once again this year which generated a fantastic atmosphere in Carmarthen town centre.
“It was great to see so many runners of all abilities enjoying the races, whether they were taking part in the junior races or the 5K distance. Thank you to everyone who made the event a big success, from the runners and supporters to the sponsors and volunteers.”
The day started with the 5K fun run where runners ran along the town’s main roads a total of three times before the grandstand finish up at Guildhall Square. The 5K used chip timing results, meaning that all athletes were able to get their own individual time.
The overall male winner was Carmarthen Harriers’ Joshua Barnett whilst teammate Macy Blue took the overall female title.
The Corporate Team trophy was awarded to Actif Sport and Leisure, Carmarthenshire County Council for the second year in succession.
This was followed by a series of junior races, featuring experienced club athletes to those making their first steps in running.
It began with the boys and girls in years 1 & 2 followed by years 3 & 4, years 5 and 6 and secondary school years 7 & 8 completing two laps of the course.
The final event saw a category for the nursery and reception children over one lap, where the young ones could run alongside their friends and family.
Top 3 in each junior categories were:
Year 1 & 2 Girls: 1 Alys Davies – Bro Teifi, 2 Ava Davies – Llangynnwr, 3 Elin Smith – Model
Year 1 & 2 Boys: 1 Harri Phillips – Peniel, 2 Elgan Bleddyn – Llanpumpsaint, 3 William Tremlett, Nantgaredig
Year 3 & 4 Girls: 1 Lilianna Evans – Iau Llangennech, 2 Efa Jones – Nantgaredig, 3 Farah Bowen – Llangynnwr
Year 3 & 4 Boys: 1 Alfie Stopher – Gorslas, 2 Harri Williams – Llangynnwr, 3 Olly Evans – Nantgaredig
Year 5 & 6 Girls: 1 Gwenno Jones – Nantgaredig, 2 Emily Evans-Williams – Penygroes, 3 Rachel Harries-Jones – Santes Tudful
Year 5 & 6 Boys: 1 Lloyd Danton – Maes Yr Haul, 2 Dylan Williams – Teilo Sant, 3 Jasper Davis – Llandovery College
Year 7 & 8 Girls: 1 Mabli King – Bro Preseli, 2 Beca Elfyn – Bro Myrddin, 3 Enlli Harris – Bro Preseli
Year 7 & 8 Boys: 1 Jac Arnold – Bro Myrddin, 2 Tomos Cai Davies – Bro Myrddin, 3 Oliver Hoarn – Bro Myrddin
Photos: Nathan Jones
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