Llanelli Half Marathon: Running on a high

The M&D Care Llanelli Half Marathon returned with a bang yesterday! With over 1,000 participants signed up, the runners went all-out to beat their previous record.

Everyone seemed to be running on a high this year with hundreds managing to achieve their personal bests.

Participants took to the route on closed roads, in what was considered perfect running conditions with little to no wind. Amongst the crowds were the (un)official running club of the event, the Running Punks, who helped create an amazing atmosphere for everyone on the day.

Tash Smith, Race Director said: “It was wonderful seeing everyone take part in the 2022 edition of the Llanelli Half Marathon. It’s the runners and dedicated volunteers who come together to make events like ours so special and today was a testament to what the Llanelli half is all about! Our heartfelt thanks go to our sponsors and everyone who played a part in making the event the success it was. We can’t wait to be back in 2023 to what we hope will be bigger and better!” 

After Steffan Bowen, Managing Director at M&D Care, set the runners on their way, he said: “Today was a fantastic event for everyone! It has been a privilege to be sponsoring the Llanelli Half again this year and my team and I thoroughly enjoyed the day from start to finish! As a local family-run business we feel that it’s important to come together to support events that promote good health and wellbeing. We are passionate about our community and events like these demonstrate just what we can achieve together. Well done to all those who took part in the M&D Care Llanelli Half Marathon, you were amazing!” 

There were plenty of charity fundraisers, fun runners and of course your everyday hero at the event too! One of those included John our eldest, or as some would say, most experienced participant, who at 78, travelled from Stratford-Upon-Avon to conquer Llanelli Half, and that he did! 

Those attending were able to get up close to the official vehicle on display from Nathaniel Cars, and spectators were entertained by Nation Radio which kept the music playing for the crowds. Best of all, Gower College was on hand to provide that all-important post-race massage for all on the day! 

The top three male finishers’ times did not disappoint, with first place going to Sam Richards of Pontypridd Roadents in a time of 1:11:45. Coming in second, was James Thie, also from Pontypridd Roadents, achieving his place in 1:15:19. Following closely in third place was Sam Joseph of Swansea Harriers in 1:15:43.

The female top three also achieved some good finishing times, with Laura Davies taking first place in 1:27:14. Second place was taken by Swansea Harrier, Emma Baxter in 1:28:25 and in third, was Luticia Thomas, also from Swansea Harriers in a time of 1:29:25 

Winning the Celf Corporate challenge was Castell Howell. This was the first time their team won the challenge, but it’s expected they will be back to retain the title in 2023!

Anyone feeling inspired to take on the Llanelli Half in 2023 can sign up with a Super Early bird entry open with a discounted rate until the end of September.