HUGE TURN OUT AND GREAT WEATHER FOR 2018 JONES CRISPS ANGLESEY HALF MARATHON & 10K

More than 1,500 runners from across the UK congregated in Menai Bridge, North Wales on Sunday 4th March to compete in a record breaking Jones Crisps Anglesey Half Marathon & 10k, with over 5,000 spectators and supporters lining the route along the beautiful coastal race.

The race, organised by Always Aim High and now in its eighth year, continues to go from strength, attracting all abilities of runner. The race features a stunning coastal course which kicks off on a completely closed Menai Suspension Bridge and also takes in Beaumaris, before heading back to the finish line in the centre of Menai Bridge.

Following the weather warnings issued during the week, conditions improved drastically across Friday and the weekend, with conditions almost perfect (if a little chilly) as the race start approached.

Kicking off the action was the half marathon. A closely fought men’s race was won by Rossendale Harriers Callum Davidson with a time of 01:10:50, while the women’s race was on won by Lucy Williamson of Ilkley Harriers with a time of 01:23.56 - exactly eight minutes ahead of second place.

Returning for a second year, the Anglesey 10k saw nearly 500 compete (more than double its first year) and featured much of the same coastal route as the half. Taking home first place in the men’s race was Deestriders’ Mike Roberts in a time of 00:34:37. Catherine Connell took first place in the women’s race, nearly seven minutes ahead of second place, with a time of 00:38:52.

Completing the race action for 2018 was the RibRide Dragon’s Dash. Open to young people between the ages of five and fifteen, the race is jointly organised between Always Aim High and Anglesey County Council and sees runners set off from Menai Suspension Bridge and complete a one mile route through the town to the finish line.

A spokesperson for Always Aim High, organisers of the race said: “We are delighted with the reaction from competitors after completing the 2018 Anglesey Half Marathon & 10k”.

“We took the decision earlier in the week to not cancel the event due to the weather, something many other event organisers did not do. And seeing the huge turnout at the start line, and in particular the massively positive reaction on social media following the race, we feel stronger now more than ever that we made the right decision”.

“We’d like to thank all of the race partners, in particular the headline sponsor - Jones Crisps, and Anglesey County Council for their support. As well as all of the local communities that turned out in their hundreds to support the runners around the course”.

“Lastly, we’d like to our amazing marshals and volunteers, without whom we the race just wouldn’t be possible”.

Full race timings for the 2018 Jones Crisps Anglesey Half Marathon & 10k can be found at tdleventservices.co.uk.

Race photography was provided byMel Parry Event Images and Sports Pictures Cymru.

Entries for the 2019 Anglesey Half Marathon will open shortly, with a special discount offered to the competitors of the 2018 race, and to the runners who couldn’t make it on the day due to the weather in their area.