Sport

Records smashed at 2024 Ogi Porthcawl 10K

Published

3 months ago

July 7, 2024

IT was a record breaking 2024 Ogi Porthcawl with new course times set and the highest number of entrants ever.

Over 5,000 runners signed up to take part across the 10K and Ogi Jogi Junior Races, supported by headline sponsor Ogi for the second year.

For the first time, due to so much interest from young athletes in the Future Challengers event, two waves of the race were held, and there was even a Red Arrows flyover, providing more excitement on the day.

Despite strong winds and rainy conditions opening up race morning, the sun made an appearance by late morning bringing bright and breezy conditions to the seaside town.

The fourth staging of the 10K race allowed runners to experience the best of the area, taking in panoramic views across Newton Bay, Trecco Bay and Sandy Bay before racing through Trecco Bay Holiday Park and Coney Beach Pleasure Park.

They then journeyed through the heart of the town before catching a view of Rest Bay and the famous Porthcawl Lighthouse on their sprint to the finish line, located on the Lower Promenade for the first time to give runners a unique opportunity to complete the race with unspoilt sea views at the Town Beach.

Omar Ahmed took the title in the men’s race setting a new course time of 29:08 – shaving 47 seconds of the previous record set by Josh Griffiths in 2019 and securing his third win in as many races in the Run 4 Wales 10K Series.

Ahmed: “I was feeling good but at the beginning of the race it was windy, it was raining and very wet, so I was a bit scared – but eventually I managed to get warm and I’m so happy to win.”

Welshman Dewi Griffiths was hot on his heels securing second place with a time of 29:15 and previous course record holder Josh Griffiths took third with 29:48.

Griffiths added: “I’ve had a turbulent week and have been on antibiotics most of the time but I decided to run on Friday, to give it a go and see what happens. I felt alright out there until Omar kicked in at about 8K and that was it then. But I’ve finished over a minute quicker than I did last year, so I’m happy with that and now looking forward to finishing off the series strong.”

In the women’s race it was Alaw Evans who claimed the top spot in 34:50, followed by Louise Small (35:26) and Eden O’Dea (36:18) in third.

Women’s winner, Evans said: “It was really windy and I forgot how many hills there were so I just ran my own race. I got to 7K and saw the leader so thought I’d just keep doing my own thing and I managed to catch up with her. There was really good support all around the course and I had a few local guys in the group around me who were encouraging with all the cheers – it was great all round.”

A successful Ogi Jogi Toddler Dash, Future Challengers race and Fun Run rounded off the day.

Matt Newman, Run 4 Wales Chief Executive, said: “This year’s Ogi Porthcawl 10K has been our biggest yet. We’re so pleased to have the support of the local community who come out in their droves to support and help provide such a friendly race day atmosphere.

“A huge thank you also goes to our title sponsor, Ogi, for all of their support as well as our other partners including Brecon Carreg, High 5, Bridgend Ford, Bridgend County Borough Council, Coopah and Capital FM, who without the event just wouldn’t be possible.”

Ogi’s Chief Executive Officer, Ben Allwright, added: “Events like the Ogi Porthcawl 10K bring out the best of the community – something we relish here at Ogi. There’s been a real pace, energy and excitement in and around Porthcawl today. Well done to all the runners, jogis and plodders, and a big ‘diolch’ to everyone in the town for putting on yet another successful event. We couldn’t be prouder of our connection with Porthcawl.”

Those are feeling inspired to take part in next year’s event can find out more by visiting porthcawl10K.co.uk or for those who’d like to take part in the last event of the 2024 Run 4 Wales 10K Series, entries are still open for the CDF 10K. Find out more on cardiff10k.cymru/

Elite men’s results:

1. Omar Ahmed (Birchfield Harriers): 29:08

2. Dewi Griffiths (Swansea Harriers): 29:15

3. Josh Griffiths (Swansea Harriers): 29:48

4. Seyfu Jamaal (London Heathside): 29:51

5. Jack Millar (Bristol & West AC): 30:13

Elite women’s results:

1. Alaw Evans (Les Croupiers RC): 34:50

2. Louise Small (Aldershot, Farnham & District): 35:26

3. Eden O’Dea (Deeside AAC): 36:18

4. Donna Morris (Builth & District RC): 36:29

5. Kate Roberts (Swansea Harriers): 36:41

View full results here.

Sport

Annual veterans tennis tournament was the most popular yet

Published

3 days ago

October 2, 2024

Herald Sport

HAVERFORDWEST Tennis Club’s ninth annual veterans tournament proved to be the most popular yet with a record 42 entries.

Running from 9 September to finals day on 14 September, players over the age of 45 competed in singles, doubles and mixed doubles competitions.

David Roch James beat Marc Thompson to claim the men’s singles title, while Liz Green edged Jenny Guard in the ladies’ final.

Marc was consoled in the men’s doubles, where he and partner Gwyn Scale defeated Louis Warren and Peter Brooker.

Meanwhile Liz enjoyed double delight, with she and Angela Scourfield beating Helen Groves and Jane Groves in the ladies’ final.

Jane Allen and John Parker triumphed in the mixed doubles, beating Ruth Moss and Richard Davies in a hugely entertaining finale.

The traditional finals day dinner took place in the clubhouse afterwards, with the trophies presented by club president Brian Hearne.

Tournament organiser Richard Davies was thanked for his hard work, along with Sarah Keogh and her team of volunteers who provided the meal.

Sport

Don’t miss Sport Pembrokeshire Awards nominations deadline

Published

4 days ago

October 1, 2024

Herald Sport

THE deadline for nominations for the Sport Pembrokeshire Awards is fast approaching.

Anyone thinking of putting a sportsman or woman, coach, club, team or organisation forward for any of the categories is urged to do so before the closing date of Sunday October 13^th.

The Awards will be held at Folly Farm on Friday November 29^th.

The award categories are:

Coach of the Year
Female Sporting Achievement
Male Sporting Achievement
Boys (U16) Sporting Achievement
Girls (U16) Sporting Achievement
Disability Sport Award
Junior (U16) Disability Sport Award
Unsung Hero
Club Organiser of the Year
Team Achievement of the Year
Junior (U16) Team Achievement of the Year
Young Volunteer of the Year
Club of the Year
Lifetime Achievement

An additional award announced on the night is the Schools Award, which recognises a local school which works extra hard to make sport and physical activity fun, inclusive, and innovative – and forges strong bonds with the local community.

Thanks go once again to the Awards sponsors, Valero, Pure West Radio and Folly Farm for ensuring that the celebration of Pembrokeshire sport can continue.

To make a nomination, go to: https://www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/forge/index.asp?x=F53021F86D

Sport

Division 4 West sees high-scoring affairs and tightly contested fixtures

Published

5 days ago

September 30, 2024

Herald Sport

THE latest round of matches in the division 4 west saw some high-scoring affairs and tightly contested fixtures, as the table starts to take shape early in the season. Neyland and Narberth Athletic continue to set the pace, while Llangwm’s struggles continued, and Teirw Crymych recorded a dominant win. Here’s a breakdown of all the action.

Llangwm 17-19 Dreigiau Emlyn

In a closely fought contest, Dreigiau Emlyn narrowly edged Llangwm 19-17. Llangwm put up a brave fight, with tries from Calum Jenkins and George James, both converted by Harry Makepeace, who also added a penalty. However, Dreigiau Emlyn’s scorers were not available, though their performance was enough to secure the victory. Llangwm, despite showing flashes of quality, remain winless after three games.

Pembroke Dock Harlequins 22-40 Neyland

Neyland continued their unbeaten run with a commanding 40-22 victory over Pembroke Dock Harlequins. Damien Miller was in fine form for the Quins, scoring two tries, while Ben Gibby also crossed the line. Ben Hathaway added a conversion and a penalty. However, Neyland proved too strong, with Ben Williams, Josh Watts, and Owen Hamer each contributing tries, while Oli Rothero starred with two tries of his own. Rothero also slotted over three conversions and three penalties, guiding his team to a comprehensive win and cementing their position at the top of the table.

St Davids 0-40 Narberth Athletic

Narberth Athletic dominated St Davids in a one-sided affair, winning 40-0. The scoring started early, with Harry Phillips and Shane Rossiter each scoring two tries. Harry Williams and Kyle Williams also crossed the line, while Rossiter’s reliable kicking saw him add five conversions. St Davids, who struggled to make an impact, were simply outclassed by a Narberth side that looks like serious title contenders after their second consecutive victory.

Teirw Crymych 42-21 Llanybydder

Teirw Crymych produced one of the performances of the weekend with a resounding 42-21 win over Llanybydder. Tomos Lewis led the charge with two tries, while Hedd Jones, Griff Lloyd, Luke Freebury, and Osian Thomas each scored a try apiece. Elgan Wilson was flawless with the boot, converting all six tries. Llanybydder did respond, with Osian Roberts crossing the line twice and Will Evans also adding a try. Roberts converted all three scores, but Teirw Crymych were too strong on the day, earning their first win of the season.