What A Night At The Races!

It was a year of ‘records’ at the 2015 Nos Galan Road Races - with one race record being broken on the night, one equalled,  and the most competitors ever registered to take part.

Around 12,500 spectators, the largest crowd ever, packed into Mountain Ash town centre, as well as the Brynfynnon Hotel and St Gwynno’s Church, Llanwonno, to be a part of the biggest New Year’s Eve party in Rhondda Cynon Taf.

Former Olympic, Commonwealth, European and World athlete Colin Jackson CBE was the 2015 Nos Galan Mystery Runner.

He attended the Guto Nyth Bran Memorial Service at St Gwynno’s Church and laid a wreath on the grave of legendary Welsh runner Griffith Morgan before making the four mile descent into the town.

He was greeted by well-wishers along the route and also visited Aberpennar Court Nursing Home to meet Nos Galan Road Races founder, Bernard Baldwin MBE.

Hundreds of children, aged eight to 15, took part in their respective races prior to Colin Jackson arriving in  the town centre, flanked by his support runners (Acolytes) Steffan Dylan Jones, 14, and 16-year-old Bethan Haf Phillips.

One course record was smashed on the night, with Charlotte Arter (Cardiff AAC) crossing the line in 16 mins, 08 secs, beating the previous course record held by Andrea Whitcombe of 16 mins, 44 secs.

Dewi Griffith (Swansea Harriers) also won the Elite Race in 14 mins, 17 secs, equalling Rob Bugden’s previous course record.

The winner of the Lillian Board Memorial Cup, the first Rhondda Cynon Taf female to finish the Adult 5k Race, was 22-year-old Clara Evans, of Tonypandy.

2015 Nos Galan Road Races Photo Album

More than 1,600 people registered to take part in the 2015 Nos Galan Road races, the highest number in its 57-year history, as the world-famous event continues to go from strength-to-strength.

Organised by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and the Nos Galan Committee, a spectacular firework display also lit up the night sky, making it one of the most memorable Nos Galan Road Races for many years.

Cllr Ann Crimmings, Cabinet Member for Environment, Leisure and Culture, and Chair of the Nos Galan Committee, said: “Colin Jackson was a perfect gentleman and a true ambassador for his sport and a popular choice as our 2015 Nos Galan Mystery Runner.

“It is always a fantastic event, with an amazing atmosphere and plenty of excitement in all of the races - and all our spectators and competitors were not left disappointed this year.

“We had one long-standing course record beaten and one matched in a highly-competitive Elite Race. The standard of athletics was of the highest calibre, such is the attraction of the Nos Galan Road Races and its place in the UK athletics calendar.”