2019 Race Report
Record-Breaking Year at the 2019 Jones Crisps Anglesey Half Marathon & 10km
More than 2,500 runners from across the UK congregated in Menai Bridge, Anglesey on Sunday 3rd March to compete in a record-breaking Jones Crisps Anglesey Half Marathon & 10k.
The race, organised by Always Aim High Events now in its eighth year, attracts all levels of runners including the next generation of athletes in the Rib Ride Dragon’s Dash junior races. The event has been growing year on year and with the increased numbers, has attracted an economic boost of approximately £1m to the area of Anglesey and Menai Bridge over the weekend. Looking at the stunning scenery, the incredible course, and fabulous welcome the runners receive, it’s hard to see why the event won’t continue to grow.
Following a (very) wet and windy set up for the Always Aim High crew, the wind dropped to create the ideal window for the race. The rain remained but couldn’t dampen the amazing atmosphere.
The half marathon was the first to go with more than 1700 athletes gathered at the start line ready for the off. A closely fought men’s race was won by Gwyn Owen with a time of 01:13:46, just edging out Simon Cole in second place by 8 seconds! Gary Wyn Davies finished third with a time of 01:15:52.
The women’s race was won by Ali Lavender of Oswestry Olympians with a time of 01:21:56. Alaina Beacall came in second in 01:26:28 closely followed by North Wales Road Runner Gemma Moore with 01:27:21.
The Jones Crisps Anglesey 10k saw over 600 compete and featured much of the same coastal route as the half. Taking the honours in the women’s race was Katie Reynolds of Bangor University Athletics Club in a time of 00:38:36. Gwion Roberts took first place in the men’s race in 00:32:24.
Jones Crisps awarded a prize to the fastest male and female runners named ‘Jones’. A special cash prize of £100.00 each. The worthy recipients were Ben Jones of Steel City Striders (01:17:28) and Zoe Jones (01:33:05). Congratulations!
Completing the race action for 2019 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. With over 200 children taking part in this year’s race it is growing year on year. The future of running in North Wales is definitely bright.
Tim Lloyd, Director of Always Aim High Events, the race organiser said: “We always look forward to the Jones Crisps Anglesey Half Marathon & 10k, it’s a great way to kick off our season. The reaction we get from our participants is one of the highlights of our year.
“The promise of bad weather and rain didn’t dampen any of our runners’ spirits and it really is incredible to see the look of achievement on their faces when they cross the line. We’re immensely proud that we can give a platform to runners raising money for all sorts of different worthy causes too.
“We’d like to thank all of the race partners, in particular the headline sponsor - Jones Crisps, and Anglesey County Council for their continued 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”.
Selected 2019 Jones Crisps Anglesey Half & 10k Results
Half Marathon
Men
- Gwyn Owen 01:13:46
- Simon Cole 01:13:54
- Gary Wyn Davies 01:15:52
Women
- Ali Lavender 01:21:56
- Alaina Beacall 01:26:28
- Gemma Moore 01:27:21
10k
Men
- Gwion Roberts 00:32:24
- Ryan Nokes 00:32:42
- Matthew Collins 00:33:44
Women
- Katie Reynolds 00:38:36
- Ruth Hornby 00:38:42
- Phillippa Steele 00:39:15
View full race results.
View and purchase race photography from Mel Parry Event Photography.