On your marks, get set, go!

Brothers in arms: Darren and Phil Gibbons both completed the course

SWANSEA Harriers dominated the Llanelli Half Marathon last Sunday (Mar 12) as they claimed all top three spots.

Josh Griffiths crossed the line in a new course record of 1:05:18 and was closely followed by team mates Matthew Rees and Ian Harris.

In the women’s field, Carys-Mai Hughes, of Cardiff Athletics Club, was first across the line with a time of 1:21:21.

Ellie Astins came second and third place went to Luticia Thomas of Amman Valley Harriers.

There were also a number of other runners from across Wales taking part in the event and a number of them achieved personal best times.

The event has been hailed an overwhelming success and set the tone for the future of the race that was taken over by Front Runner Events earlier this year.

Hundreds of spectators came out to support runners at the start line and across the entirety of the course, despite the wet weather.

The flat and fast 13.1-mile course attracted runners of all levels including first-timers, charity runners, club runners and elite athletes. The race saw the course record smashed and hundreds of PBs achieved on a day that held perfect running conditions, with little to no wind.

The half marathon set off from Parc Y Scarlets then proceeded on the fully closed roads onto the Llanelli Wetlands Centre and along the magnificent stretch of the Millennium Coastal Path towards Festival Fields and back.

The race offered runners a rare chance to be part of a closed road race, where the route is as flat as you’ll find anywhere in the beautiful region of West Wales. Athletes were cheered over the finish line at the stadium by a very supportive crowd that contributed tremendously to the atmosphere of the event.

Runners were able to benefit from a team of race pacers at the event helping many runners achieve their PB and hitting their target time on the day. The fully marshalled race on closed roads, waters stops (thanks to hydration partners Brecon Carreg), energy gels, bespoke medal, finishers t-shirt and goody bag delighted the race participants.

Results (provisional) – Llanelli Half Marathon 2017

Male:

Josh Griffiths (Swansea Harriers), 01:05:18

Matthew Rees (Swansea Harriers), 01:11:45