The famous Nos Galan Races commemorate the Welsh runner Guto Nyth Bran and his legendary athletic prowess. Held annually on New Year’s Eve in Mountain Ash, in the Cynon Valley, South Wales, the Races follow a 5km route around the town.
December 31st, 2008 is a special date for the Races – as it marks the 50th anniversary of the famous sporting event. Organisers are hoping to attract 1,000 runners this year and there will be competitions for elite runners and also for adults, boys and girls.
Each year, a famous sports personality - whose identity is kept secret until the night - takes part in the races. Mystery runners from previous years have been invited to join the 2008 celebrations.
Stories of Guto Nyth Bran include how he could catch a bird in flight, and how he once ran to Pontypridd and back - about seven miles - before the kettle boiled. Throughout his life, he contested many races and took on many challenges, but because of his continued successes, his challengers became fewer and fewer.
When he was 37, a challenge came from the ‘Prince’ of Bedwas to run the 12 miles from Newport in Monmouthshire to Bedwas Church near Caerphilly. Guto easily won the race, but the celebratory ‘slaps’ on the back proved too much for him and he died in the arms of his sweetheart, Sian o’r Siop.
His body was taken to its final resting-place in the graveyard of Llanwynno Church near Mountain Ash..
Entry forms have been sent to athletes, if you have not received yours you can download it here, entries will be allowed on the night but are limited, so not to be dissapointed not being able to enter submit your entry form.
Elite Race
Cash prizes for 1st - 6th male and female, totalling £1000
7.00pm Welsh Athletics Ltd Affiliated Athletes - (£8 entry fee)
7.00pm Unaffiliated Athletes - £9
Runners able to complete 5k race in under 20 mins (male) or 25 mins (female) must enter elite race.
Adult 5K Race
Adult entries on night or after closing date £12.00.
7.30pm Welsh Athletics Ltd Affiliated Athletes - £8
7.30pm Unaffiliated Athletes - £9
Runners able to complete 5k race in under 20 mins (male) or 25 mins (female) cannot enter race.
Must be 16 to run in main race.
Adult entries on night or after closing date £12.00.
Junior 1K Races
5.15pm 8yrs & 9yrs £3
5.30pm 10yrs & 11yrs £3
5.45pm 12yrs & 13yrs £3
6.00pm 14yrs & 15yrs £3
Closing Date 15th December 2008 All times are subject to change.
Return entry form, together with a cheque/postal order made payable to
Rhondda Cynon Taf C.B.C
Rhondda Cynon Taff
Llwyn Castan
Library Road
Pontypridd
CF37 2YA
Telephone: 01443 400563
Fax: 01443 405184.
Web: www.nosgalan.co.uk
Please write name & address on the reverse of cheques.
No refunds will be given.
I accept that the organisers or their agents shall not be held responsible for any loss, damage, action, claim, costs or expenses which may arise in consequence of my / this childs participation in Nos Galan.
I declare that I / this child will not compete in this race unless I / the child is in good health on the day of the race and I/they will compete at our own risk.
I agree to myself/my child being photographed or filmed for publicity of the Nos Galan event.
The event organisers cannot accept responsibility for, or control, unoffical photography.
All runners must be aware that there is a chance they could be captured on third party recordings.
