It was a double medal day for top Welsh athlete Dewi Griffiths yesterday as he put in an amazing performance at the M&D Care Llanelli Half marathon, winning first place and the Welsh Half Marathon Championship at the event.
This came as no surprise to the race organisers since the Carmarthenshire runner has represented Team GB and is the second fastest Welsh male all time half marathon and marathon runner.
David Martin-Jewell, Race Director said: “It was fantastic to see Dewi, all the elites and our runners put in such a fantastic effort at the Llanelli Half Marathon yesterday. It was a challenging event with tough conditions, but this made it all the more worthwhile for those participating.
“We were delighted to see everyone take part in what has been a difficult time for us all. Yesterday was a testament to the people who came together to make events like ours so special.
"Our heartfelt thanks go to all those who have supported and stuck with us through this time as we wouldn’t be able to do it without our runners, dedicated volunteers, and staff. We look forward to an incredible event in 2022!”
The Llanelli Half Marathon was last staged just before the pandemic broke in the UK back in March 2020 and was one of the last events to take place before lockdown.
Despite the gap in organised running events in Wales, runners were keen to take part in the long-awaited race. They took to the route in what began as a sunny October day to run the undulating 13.1 miles course in conditions which were very challenging for the even the most experienced runner.
Despite the wind, rain and hail there were many excited to achieve PB’s at the finish with dozens already signing up to the 2022 event!
The elite field remained competitive and alongside the Swansea Harrier Dewi Griffiths who achieved first place in a time of 1:09:14, was Andrew Horsfall-Turner winning second place in 1:14:11, and Sam Humphrey of Victoria Park Harriers who took third place in 1:15:02.
The women’s race was equally competitive, and first place went Sioned Howells of Amman Valley Harriers, in an impressive 1:20:28. Second place went to Donna Morris of Builth & District in a time of 1:21:15 and third place went to Carys Mai Hughes in 1:22:50.
Also taking part was Welsh TV presenter, endurance adventurer and athlete Lowri Morgan. She's well-known for presenting Scrum V and the World Rally Championships and an avid runner that’s not afraid of a challenge.
This year was the first time Lowri had participated in the M&D Care Llanelli Half Marathon, yet was the fifth female to finish.
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