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2023 Race Report

Returning for its 12th edition, the Jones o Gymru Anglesey Half Marathon & 10k was back this weekend and although we missed the bridge, there was an amazing atmosphere at the high street start.

Conditions were chilly, with snow capped mountains seen over the Menai Straits, but over 1200 runners turned up to take on this iconic Anglesey race.

Attracting all levels of runners from beginners to seasoned competitors, as well as the next generation of athletes in the RibRide Dragon’s Dash junior races, this event is definitely a firm favourite in the UK running calendar.

First to start was the Jones o Gymru Anglesey Half Marathon at 9am with nearly 700 runners gathered at the start line, this year on the Menai Bridge High Street. Taking the win in the men's race was Ifan Dafydd of Eryri Harriers with a time of 01:11:41, just 4 seconds later in second-place was GOG Triathlon's Simon Cole in a time of 01:11:45 Daniel Soltys finished third with a time of 01:12:12

The women’s race was won by Alison Campbell from in an impressive time of 01:22:18. In second place was Tinka Vinks in 01:26:15 followed by Gwenno Llewelyn in 01:32:01.

In the space between adult race starts, we 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 Events and Anglesey County Council (Môn Actif) and saw the young runners set off from the high street and complete a one-mile route through the town to the finish line. This year saw a record 208 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, all on closed roads. Taking the honours in the women’s race was Michelle Taylor of Islwyn RC in a time of 00:43:38. Coming in second with a time of 00:44:40 was Charlotte Hicks, with Tallulah Seguin of Menai Track & Feild taking third place in a time of 00:44:43.

The men's race was won by Lloyd Williams of Cybi Striders in an impressive 00:33:59, with Alastair Canaway of NWRRC coming in second in a time of 00:35:31. Third place was taken by James Coleman of Eryri Harriers in 00:35:33.

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. We were sad not to be able to have our usual Suspension Bridge start but it was amazing to see the great atmosphere on the high street this year.

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. A huge thank you to Robin Williams the deputy Mayor of Menai bridge who came our to start the race 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 from Mel Parry Photography.