Presented each year in memory and celebration of the life of former Nos Galan Mystery Runner, Lillian Board - the ‘Golden Girl of British Athletics.’
Lillian Board was the 1969 Nos Galan Mystery Runner aged 21, after winning Silver at the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City and Gold at the 1969 European Championships in Athens. She was a popular choice as the 1969 Nos Galan Mystery Runner, but, sadly, less than a year later, the world was mourning her untimely death at the age of 22.
Lillian Board died of cancer on December 26, 1970, almost a year to the day when she was the Nos Galan Mystery Runner. Her funeral service took place on January 1, 1971, and a memorial service was held at St. Paul’s Cathedral, London, on January 21, 1971.
She will be forever associated with the Nos Galan Road Races as the Lillian Board Memorial Cup is presented each year.
The Lillian Board Memorial Cup, kindly donated by local businessman Russell Bowen and his wife Sandra, is presented to the first Rhondda Cynon Taf female athlete to cross the finish line in the Elite Race.