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Records smashed at 2024 Ogi Porthcawl 10K

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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.

07.07.24 – Ogi Porthcawl 10k –

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

Thousands of cyclists arrive in Tenby after 100-mile Carten challenge

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THOUSANDS of cyclists rolled into Tenby today after completing one of Wales’ best-known charity cycling challenges.

The annual Carten100 ride took place on Saturday (May 9), with riders setting off from Cardiff City Hall before making the long journey west to Pembrokeshire.

The event, now in its 22nd year, is built around a simple idea: Cardiff to Tenby — 100 miles, on a bike, in a day.

Organisers stress that it is not a race, but a personal challenge designed to get people cycling, bring riders together and raise money for good causes.

This year’s ride was fully booked, with entries limited to 2,400 and an estimated field of around 2,200 cyclists taking part.

Riders left Cardiff from 7:30am, travelling through South Wales on a mix of roads and cycle paths before crossing into Pembrokeshire for the final stretch into Tenby.

The official route included support and refreshment stops at Baglan, Burry Port, Carmarthen and Tavernspite, before riders made their way through Stepaside and on towards the finish.

There was a strong welcome in Tenby as family members, friends and supporters gathered to cheer cyclists home after more than 100 miles in the saddle.

Carten100 has grown from a small ride involving just four cyclists in 2004 into a major annual event on the Welsh cycling calendar.

Since it began, the challenge has helped raise more than £1.75m for Welsh charities and good causes.

Organisers say the aim remains the same: to encourage people of all ages and abilities to get back on their bikes, take on a demanding but achievable challenge, and support charity at the same time.

The 2026 ride covered around 107 miles, with organisers reminding participants that the event takes place on open roads and that cyclists must follow the Highway Code throughout.

Riders were supported along the route by feed stations, event volunteers, support vehicles, mechanical help and first aid cover.

For many, the arrival in Tenby marked the end of months of training and fundraising.

The sight of cyclists streaming into the town has become a familiar early-summer scene, bringing a colourful boost to Tenby and celebrating one of Wales’ most popular mass-participation cycling events.

Photo caption:

Carten100 arrives in Tenby: Riders pictured in the town after completing the Cardiff-to-Tenby challenge on Saturday (Pic: Malcolm Richards).

 

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Sport

Tony Pennock and Dan Hawkins nominated for April awards

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HAVERFORDWEST COUNTY manager Tony Pennock and forward Dan Hawkins have been nominated for the JD Cymru Premier’s April awards following an impressive month for the Bluebirds.

Pennock has been shortlisted for Manager of the Month, while Hawkins is in contention for Player of the Month after helping County finish the regular season strongly and secure another place in the European play-offs.

The Bluebirds enjoyed a perfect end to the league campaign in April, winning all three of their matches, including two away from home.

The month began with a hard-fought 1-0 victory at JD Welsh Cup runners-up Flint Town United. Ben Ahmun’s penalty on the stroke of half-time proved enough to secure all three points in north Wales and keep Haverfordwest firmly on course for the play-offs.

Fifteen days later, County knew that a draw or victory against Llanelli Town at the Ogi Bridge Meadow would be enough to confirm their place. They did it in style, with Hawkins scoring the first senior hat-trick of his career in a 6-0 win in front of more than 800 spectators.

Having secured a European play-off place for the third time in four seasons, the Bluebirds then travelled to Jenner Park to face Barry Town United.

County fell behind after just three minutes, but battled back strongly. Greg Walters, assisted by Hawkins, levelled the tie 20 minutes from time before Haverfordwest went on to win 3-1 on penalties.

Supporters can vote for Pennock and Hawkins through the JD Cymru Premier’s official awards link.

Dan Hawkins was sponsored for the 2025-26 season by That Football Drawing.

 

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News

Ysgol Bro Teifi celebrates national championship rugby success

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UNDER-18 SIDE LIFTS WRU PLATE AFTER HARD-FOUGHT FINAL AT RODNEY PARADE

YSGOL BRO TEIFI’S under-18 rugby team are celebrating national success after winning the WRU Schools and Colleges Plate Final at Rodney Parade.

The Ceredigion side travelled to Newport to face Ysgol Maes y Gwendraeth in a fast, physical and closely contested final.

Bro Teifi made a strong start, with tries from Elis Evans, Llew Thomas and Jack Brown giving them an early advantage. Dafydd Nichols-Evans added the extras from the kicking tee as the team went into half-time 19-14 ahead.

The second half proved even tighter, with Ysgol Maes y Gwendraeth applying sustained pressure and forcing Bro Teifi to defend with discipline and determination.

A late try gave Bro Teifi breathing space before Nichols-Evans held his nerve in the closing stages, landing a crucial penalty to seal a 27-19 victory.

The school said the win reflected the hard work, commitment and talent of the players, as well as the support of staff, parents and fans throughout the season.

Headteacher Gareth Evans said: “This game is the culmination of a tough season for the boys as they beat much bigger schools on the way to the final.

“It also builds on the school’s reputation in sport, with numerous successes this year across a range of sports and age groups.

“I would like to thank all the school staff for their tireless work in ensuring these experiences for our pupils, and the parents for their support.”

Photo caption: Plate winners: Ysgol Bro Teifi’s under-18 rugby team celebrate their national success at Rodney Parade.

 

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