Hero image for Always Aim High Events - triathletes in Wales

2022 Race Report

2022 event season kicks off with spectacular race conditions for the Jones o Gymru Anglesey Half Marathon

Back in its usual March spot, we were delighted to be back in Menai Bridge for our first event of 2022- and it did not disappoint!

Conditions were absolutely perfect from the get-go, with beautiful sunshine showcasing the stunning views of the Snowdonia National Park and the Menai Straits. Over 1300 runners lined up to join us on our world-famous start line, a completely closed Menai Suspension bridge.

Attracting all levels of runners from beginners to seasoned competitors, as well as 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.

The half marathon was the first to start at 9am with hundreds gathered at the start line on the world-famous Menai Suspension Bridge. Taking the win in the men's race was Adam Jones of Eryri Harriers with a time of 01:11:25, second-place and last year's winner was NWRRC's Martin Green in a time of 01:12:10. Tomos Roberts finished third with a time of 01:12:53

The women’s race was won by Lauren Cooper from Shrewbusry Athletics Club in an impressive time of 01:18:43. Megan Ball came in second in 01:24:13 followed by Anna Mackenzie of the Eryri Harriers in 01:30:10.

In the middle of both races saw the return of the popular Dragon’s Dash, sponsored by Ribride. 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 the young runners set off from the Menai Suspension bridge and complete a one-mile route through the town to the finish line. This year saw a record 190 children taking part in this year’s race.

The Jones O Gymru Anglesey 10k started at 9:40am and featured much of the same coastal route as the half, on closed roads. Taking the honours in the women’s race was Katie Reynolds of Eryri Harriers in a time of 00:39:45, shaving 4 minutes off her time last year. Coming in second with a time of 00:40:36 was Carla Green of the North Wales Road Runners, with Llinos Griffith taking third place in a time of 00:44:10.

The men's race was won by Chris Jones of Hillsborough & Rivelein RC in an impressive 00:33:56, with Dion Griffith coming in second in a time of 00:35:14. Third place was taken by Chris Moore in 00:35:38.

Tim Lloyd, Director of Always Aim High Events, said: “We always look forward to the Jones O Gymru Anglesey Half Marathon & 10k kicking off the start of our event season. The conditions were absolutely perfect for race day with many PB's achieved.

We’d like to thank all of the race partners, in particular the headline sponsor - Jones O Gymru, and Anglesey County Council for their continued support plus the Highways Agencies. As well as all of the local communities of Menai Bridge and Beaumaris that turned out to support the runners around the course.

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

Follow the link here to view all of the race photography from the event Mel Parry Event Photography.