The first-ever Caerphilly 5K has been hailed a huge success after attracting approximately 6,000 people to the town.
Around 1,400 runners took part across four races on Sunday 9 August, with elite athletes, club runners and first-time participants taking on a closed-road course surrounding Caerphilly Castle.
Turkish national athlete Abdurrahman Dediklioglu claimed the overall victory with a time of 14 minutes and 41 seconds.
The event also hosted the Welsh 5K Championships, with the leading eligible Welsh athletes crowned national champions.
Owen Roberts of Meirionnydd AC took the men’s Welsh Championship title in 14:49, followed by Swansea Harriers’ Conor Rogers in 14:54 and Dylan Nazareth of Les Croupiers AC in 14:59.
In the women’s Welsh Championship, Newport Harriers’ Kayley Price secured first place with a time of 16:52.
Emily Davies of Neath Harriers finished second in 17:32, while unattached runner Emily Hanson took third place in 17:54.
The festival featured four races throughout the evening, including an Elite One Mile, the Welsh 5K Championships, the Welsh Masters 5K Championships and an Open Fun Run.
Away from the racing, thousands of spectators enjoyed live music, street food, outdoor bars and entertainment at an event village in the Twyn Car Park.
Richard Rees, from event organiser Big Orange Events, said: “We are absolutely delighted with how the first Caerphilly 5K went. To welcome around 1,400 runners and approximately 6,000 people into Caerphilly was incredible.
“The atmosphere throughout the town was fantastic, and seeing runners of every standard competing on the same night made the event really special.
“We have learned so much from our first year. We will now debrief, listen to feedback and return next year with an even bigger and better event. Our ambition is to grow the race to 2,500 runners.”
Organisers thanked the sponsors, partners, volunteers, marshals, local authorities, emergency services, businesses and residents who helped make the inaugural event possible.
The Caerphilly 5K aimed to use and support as many local businesses as possible, with Peter’s Pies and Team Rees Gym serving as headline sponsors.
Organisers also thanked Crafty Legs for its work setting up the event village and Perkins Waste Management for managing waste across the event.
The Caerphilly 5K was organised by Big Orange Events with the support of Welsh Athletics, bringing national championship road racing into the heart of the town.
Following the success of the first event, organisers have confirmed that the Caerphilly 5K will return next year.
