Thousands of runners and spectators descended on Porthcawl’s historic Esplanade for the third staging of the Ogi Porthcawl 10K today, enjoying warm but windy conditions.
Nearly 4,500 runners had signed up to take part across the 10K and supporting Ogi Jogi Junior races, which were being supported for the first time by new headline sponsor Ogi, who have been busy rolling out a brand-new full fibre broadband network in the area.
The 10K race took runners on a scenic coastal tour of the town, starting alongside the iconic Esplanade and Grand Pavilion and taking in sights including the Lighthouse, Trecco Bay, Coney Bay, Newton Beach, John Street and Rest Bay.
In the elite races it was a clean sweep for the Birchfield Harriers, with victories for Kadar Omar and Lily Partridge. Windy conditions meant that Omar finished just outside of the 30-minute mark (30:15), but he credited the crowd support for finishing ahead of Bideford AC’s Shaun Antell (30:22) and Swansea Harrier Jon Butler (30:26).
“This was my first time at the Ogi Porthcawl 10K and I really liked the race. The course was a bit hilly but the crowd were amazing. It was an electric atmosphere. I really felt the wind when we turned back and I knew that Shaun and Jon were close behind me but I felt really strong and the crowd helped me to keep pushing.”
Welsh 10km Champion Dewi Griffiths finished in fourth (30:39).
Lily Partridge was the convincing winner in a women’s race that included Welsh marathoner Clara Evans, but it was Partridge that was more at home in the windy conditions, finishing in a time of 33:27. Evans, who earlier this year became the second fastest Welsh marathoner of all time (2:29:24) finished in 35:12 ahead of Les Croupiers athlete Alaw Evans (35:44).
Partridge is no stranger to South Wales based races, as a former winner of the Cardiff 10K. “The atmosphere today was brilliant. It was my first time here, so I wasn’t sure what to expect but there were cheers all the way round. It reminded me of some of the big road events, where you expect a crowd. The final mile was completely lined with people so it was a great feeling. The wind was quite strong but there were plenty of sheltered spots and the final 1200m was a welcome relief with the downhill finish. I really enjoyed it so I think I’ll be back in Wales for the ABP Barry Island 10K next month”.
The excitement was not limited to the elite races, with the community coming out in force to create a vibrant atmosphere in support the thousands of runners that were taking part.
The field of runners included a large team of participants fundraising for 2023 lead charity partner Prostate Cymru, using their run to help ‘save the males in Wales’ and raise vital funds for support services, training, research and more.
Run 4 Wales Chief Executive Matt Newman, commented: “The third edition of the Ogi Porthcawl 10K has been the best yet.
“We’re delighted that the event has become so embedded in the local community and for all the brilliant support and fantastic atmosphere we’ve enjoyed this weekend.
“Our thanks go to Ogi for their support as title partner, as well as all of the other sponsors and stakeholders who help make the event possible including Prostate Cymru, Brecon Carreg, HIGH5, Bridgend Ford, Awen Trust, Nuffield Health and Bridgend County Borough Council’.
After the main race, Ogi’s Head of Brand and Engagement, Sarah Vining said: “It’s been a fantastic day here in Porthcawl. Supporting the communities we’re working in is so important to us at Ogi. We’ve had almost 30 members of staff and their families take part in the 10k and the Ogi Jogi.
“We’re all about connecting people digitally, but seeing people here today, connecting through sport is what it’s really all about. Da iawn to everyone involved and diolch to Run 4 Wales for being such brilliant partners.”
Runners inspired by the race can now pre-register for 2024 via www.porthcawl10K.co.uk and be first to hear when plans for next year are announced.
