Porthcawl 10K: Thousands turn out for Wales' 'largest summer running event'

  • Run 4 Wales drone footage shows runners competing in Porthcawl 10K

Thousands of runners have descended on Porthcawl for the third staging of the town's 10K in warm but windy conditions.

Nearly 4,500 people took part in the race on Sunday, which started alongside the Esplanade and Grand Pavilion.

The route passed the lighthouse, Trecco Bay, Coney Bay, Newton Beach and Rest Bay.

Locals came out in force to create a vibrant atmosphere in support of the runners that were taking part.

In the elite races it was a clean sweep for the Birchfield Harriers, with victories for Kadar Omar and Lily Partridge.

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Kadar Omar (Birchfield Harriers) recorded the fastest men's time with 30:15. Credit: Run 4 Wales

Windy conditions meant that Omar finished just outside of the 30-minute mark (30:15), but he credited the crowd support.

He said: "This was my first time at the Porthcawl 10K and I really liked the race.

"The course was a bit hilly but the crowd were amazing. It was an electric atmosphere.

"I really felt the wind when we turned back and I knew that Shaun and Jon were close behind me but I felt really strong and the crowd helped me to keep pushing."

Lily Partridge was the convincing winner in a women's race that included Welsh marathoner Clara Evans, but it was Partridge that was more at home in the windy conditions, finishing in a time of 33:27.

Lily Partridge (centre) was the convincing winner in the women’s race. Credit: Run 4 Wales

"The atmosphere today was brilliant," Partridge said.

"It was my first time here, so I wasn't sure what to expect but there were cheers all the way round.

"It reminded me of some of the big road events, where you expect a crowd."

The event was first launched in 2019. The route was designed by Race Director and double Olympic marathon runner Steve Brace.

This year's field of runners included a large team of fundraisers for 2023 lead charity partner Prostate Cymru.

Run 4 Wales Chief Executive Matt Newman said: "We're delighted that the event has become so embedded in the local community and for all the brilliant support and fantastic atmosphere we've enjoyed this weekend."