2020 Race Report

Attracting all levels of runners including the next generation of athletes in the Rib Ride Dragon’s Dash junior races, this event is definitely a firm favourite in the UK running calendar. Organised by Always Aim High Events, the event has become one of the biggest sporting events in North Wales, attracting 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.

Storm Jorge meant weather warnings and high winds forecast for the event weekend. Traffic restrictions on the Britannia Bridge moved the race start from the Menai Suspension Bridge to the Menai Bridge High Street. The adverse weather wasn’t done with the Anglesey Half Marathon yet; a downed tree on the route the night before lead to race organisers having to use an Emergency Contingency route for the race. Including some testing hill climbs, this route really was a challenge for all runners.

The half marathon was the first to go with more than 1400 athletes gathered at the start line in the middle of Menai Bridge. A closely fought men’s race was won by Martin Green with a time of 01:21:09, just edging out Steffan Sayer in second place by 11 seconds! Elliot Smith-Rasmussen finished third with a time of 01:21:31.

The women’s race was won by Lucy Williamson of Ilkley Harriers AC with a time of 01:32:56. Gemma Moore (Eryri Harriers) came in second in 01:38:05 closely followed by Anna Mackenzie (Eryri Harriers) with 01:38:18.

The Jones Crisps Anglesey 10k saw over 750 compete and featured much of the same coastal route as the half. Taking the honours in the women’s race was Lydia Sharpe in a time of 00:39:56. Ryan Davis took first place in the men’s race in 00:34:18.

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 2020 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 saw runners set off from Menai Bridge High Street 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.

“Storm Jorge couldn’t beat us and it didn’t put a dampener on the atmosphere on the course or in the event village. The changed start on Menai Bridge High Street was fantastic! The atmosphere was electric and I’d really like to thank all of the residents there for showing their support for a local events company. 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. It's amazing that we can give a platform to runners raising money for all sorts of different worthy causes."

“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 plus the Highways Agencies for all of their help over a very challenging week. As well as all of the local communities that turned out in their hundreds to support the runners around the course”.

"I want to thank all of our amazing events team. This weekend threw a whole host of challenges at us and they have come through it all and delivered yet another top-class event"

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

View and purchase race photography from Mel Parry Event Photography.

Selected 2020 Jones Crisps Anglesey Half & 10k Results

Half Marathon

Men

1. Martin Green 01:21:08
2. Steffan Sayer 01:21:19
3. Elliot Smith-Rasmussen 01:21:31
4. Tony Harris 01:23:58
5. Richard White 01:24:32

Women

1. Lucy Williamson 01:32:56
2. Gemma Moore 01:38:05
3. Anna MacKenzie 01:38:18
4. Carla Green 01:39:07
5. Julia Holmes 01:39:50

10k

Men

1. Ryan Davis 00:34:18
2. Ryan Roberts 00:36:34
3. Gwion Bobo Roberts 00:36:50
4. Alex Lee 00:37:31
5. Iwan Lane 00:39:35

Women

1. Lydia Sharpe 00:39:56
2. Debbie Culshaw 00:40:47
3. Rhian Roxburgh 00:42:21
4. Pippa Jones 00:43:30
5. Jody Cain 00:43:48

Full Results