Over 1500 people register for Nos Galan road race in Mountain Ash

MORE than 1500 people have already registered for the return of the Nos Galan road races to the streets of Mountain Ash.

Registration has opened for the New Year’s Eve event in the town. It returns to the streets after two years because of Covid which meant the races went virtual for 2020 and 2021.

Councillor Andrew Morgan, leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and local councillor, said they were hoping 2022 was one of the biggest events they had held to mark the return to the streets of Mountain Ash.

Registration, which is online only, is open for another two weeks with more places being added at 5pm on Monday, October 17. There will be a mystery runner and fireworks so even if people aren’t running, Cllr Morgan said it was well worth coming along on New Year’s Eve for a fun evening.

The future of the race was made safe by those who joined in the virtual challenge and completed their 5k in a range of different ways over the last two years.

Nos Galan is a celebration of the legendary Guto Nyth Bran, once the fastest man in the world, who is said to have been able to outrun a hare. It  began in 1958 and was launched by the late Bernard Baldwin MBE.

The event always begins with a service and wreath-laying at his grave at St Gwynno’s Church, Llanwonno, before the main races begin with the mystery celebrity runner and or runners entering the town with the Nos Galan torch.

Councillor Ann Crimmings, chair of the Nos Galan Committee, said:

“This is the news everyone has been waiting for and we cannot wait for the return of Nos Galan Road Races  to the streets of Mountain Ash. It’s been a tough couple of years and the future of the races has been secured thanks to the immense support of those who adapted the way they ‘kept the legend alive’ during the difficulties presented by coronavirus, taking to the county borough’s streets, parks and gyms to complete their 5k challenges.

“Now we are back and putting in place the arrangements for the return of Nos Galan Road Races  and it is going to be amazing. The atmosphere in Mountain Ash is always electric as runners from across the UK take to the streets to compete in an historic and award-winning race.

“It is set to be even better this year as we celebrate the return  and continue to keep the legend of Guto Nyth Bran alive – as we have done for more than 60 years.”