An exciting day was had by all on Sunday’s 2Wish Great Welsh Marathon Events hosted at Pembrey Country Park. The race that incorporates both the full and half marathon distances saw over 1,000 runners and hundreds of spectators and volunteers attend this hugely popular event.
Renowned as being one of Wales’ oldest marathon events, it’s starting to make waves amongst the running community by recently being dubbed by Runners World as one of the top 5 marathons to run in 2024! It’s fair to say that conditions were challenging but the rain at the start certainly didn’t dampen the spirits as hundreds of PB’s were reported across the board.
The event was sponsored by Welsh bereavement charity 2Wish, where volunteers and participants joined #Team2Wish to run and raise funds for this amazing charity.
Rhian Mannings, founder of 2wish said:
“Thank you so much to everyone who came out to support our runners today at the Great Welsh Marathon. The atmosphere at Pembrey Country Park was incredible and it was amazing to see so many people supporting so many different charities. We’re truly grateful for your generosity, so we can continue to support those suddenly bereaved.”
Tash Smith, Race Director said:
“Race day is always exciting for us as a team and yesterday’s event was no exception! Despite the challenging conditions ahead of the race this didn’t take away from the success of the day. We’re incredibly thankful to all our volunteers and crew who rallied together to make it a day to remember for all our participants. Being a race that takes in a mostly coastal route there is often the chance that the wind can make it a challenging event, but that didn’t stop a new marathon record from being set this year. We look forward to attracting more athletes to what we hope will be a bigger and better event in 2025!”
Half Marathon Winners:
Podium place winners in the half marathon included Welsh athlete Josh Griffiths who came first in 1.08.34. However, the course record remains intact by Dewi Griffiths, who set it last year but was unable to complete yesterday’s event due to a hamstring injury during the race. Second place was taken by Michael Roderick of Tri Hard Harriers in a time of 1.10.24, followed by Will Gadd who completed the 13.1 miles in 1.12.11. The ladies’ title went to Porthcawl Runner and veteran, Tracey Jenkins in a time of 1.26.42, Lydia Shaw took second place finishing in 1.30.27, followed by Clare Phillips of Port Talbot Harriers in a time of 1.32.52.
Marathon Winners:
Setting a brand-new course record was Dan Osborn-Nash of Cardiff Athletics who took the title in 2.27.19, followed by Dominic Perry in 2.40.37 with third place taken by Swansea Harrier Mikey Bryant in 2.42.08. First place female winner was Hayley Weston of Romsey Road Runners who crossed the line in 3.07.26, followed by Emma Wyatt Haines in 3.24.33 and third place went to Rebecca Stone who finished in 3.24.41.
Also taking part was wheelchair athlete Rob Smith, who managed to complete the race in 3.30.57.
Running for charity
Headlining the event was 2Wish, the Welsh bereavement charity that supports those affected by the sudden death of a young person. In addition, the race also supported Shelter Cymru. Anyone wishing to run for the 2025 event for charity can get in touch with the team by registering their interest HERE.
Corporate Challengers went head-to-head with teams, Actif Carmarthenshire, Gravells and 2Wish. The winning team is yet to be announced but those taking the crown will receive a donation to the charity of their choice, thanks to organisers at Front Runner Events.
Organisers would like to thank the businesses and organisations that supported the event including Brecon Carreg to help keep runners hydrated, Gravells to lead runners to an electrifying performance, and the countless volunteers and cadets who gave their time to make the event the great day it was!.
