2024 Race Report
Island Magic at the 2024 Altra Anglesey Trail Ynys Môn
Another sold-out race saw 500 runners enjoy spectacular conditions for this beautiful trail half marathon & 10k.
The sold-out Altra Anglesey Trail Half Marathon & 10k returned to Traeth Llanddwyn and Newborough Forest again, in its late-season timeslot, which allows the course to include the stunning Llanddwyn Island.
With a variety of goals across the races, from seeking a course PB to club championships and lots of charity fundraising, nearly 500 people hit the start line of the half marathon, 10K and canicross races.
Conditions started off well but deteriorated into a steady rain with almost half the field still out on courses, making it a different race experience for some.
Having left the start line, the tough single loop courses took runners around an undulating mixed terrain course with technical single track and tough sandy sections as well as the wide fire roads and forest paths. Looping round to bring runners back to where they started each runner was welcomed home by spectators and the commentator on the finish line.
The half marathon was the first to set off at 9:00 am with 240 runners gathered on the start line ready for the off. The women’s Half Marathon saw Eleanor Knight of Clapham Chasers take the win in 01:53:37. Second place was taken by Jessica Priest of Clent Runners in 1:56:59, followed by Elly Blackwell of Meirionydd RC in third with a time of 01:57:06.
The Open race was won by last year's second-place finisher Chris Pownell in a superb time of 01:23:25. Rory Freeman took second place behind Chris, finishing in 1:25:45. Lloyd Williams claimed third place crossing the line in 1:28:11.
Always a favourite with the spectators, 28 runners and their dogs lined up for the Canicross race at 09:45 am ready to take on the same 10k route as the main event. Crossing the finish line first was Harry Woodford with Norah in 38:47 taking the overall win. The winner of the female race was Lynsey Coan with Ffion, finishing in 42:47.
The 10k race got underway at 10:00 am and saw a further 211 runners head out into the challenging trails in Newborough Forest. The Open race was led throughout by local runner Steffan Sayer from Menai Track and Field taking the win in 40:38, slightly faster than his winning time in 2023! Followed just over 1 minute later by Rich Ryan in a time of 41:42. Taking third place was another local runner Cai Llywelyn Williams crossing the line in 42:09.
The women's 10k was won by Olivia Bramwell who came in at 47:54 ahead of Molly Vasanthakumar in second place with a time of 49:40. Taking third place on the podium was Claire Donnelly with a time of 50:52.
We are proud to say that our Anglesey Trail Half Marathon & 10k was once again a cup-less event. Thank you to all our runners for supporting our initiative and taking such great care of this special area.
Entries open for the 2025 race next month - 2024 was the fourth time this race sold out, despite adding more spaces, so be sure to enter early to avoid disappointment!
Nigel Kendrick, Director of Always Aim High Events, said: “It was great to see this race sold out again and be back to the wonderful single loop route that takes in the wonderful Llandwyn Island. We're grateful to NRW for granting us permission so we can offer this special opportunity to our athletes.
Runners from all of the UK made the trip over to Anglesey, many of whom stayed for the weekend, making a great contribution to the local economy here during the usually quieter shoulder season.
We’d like to thank all of our race partners, as well as all of the supporters that turned out to support the runners around the course. We’d also like to thank Natural Resource Wales for all of their support in organising this event, we look forward to continuing to work together to showcase this wonderful environment.
Finally, we’d like to thank our amazing marshals and volunteers, without whom the race just wouldn’t be possible”.
Selected 2024 Altra Anglesey Trail Half Marathon, 10k & Canicross Results
10k Open
🥇 Steffan Sayer - 40:38
🥈 Rich Ryan - 41:42
🥉 Cai Llywelyn Williams - 42:09
10k Female
🥇 Olivia Bramwell - 47:54
🥈 Molly Vasanthakumar - 49:40
🥉 Claire Donnelly - 50:52
Half Marathon Open
🥇 Chris Pownell - 1:23:25
🥈 Rory Freeman - 1:25:45
🥉 Lloyd Williams - 1:28:11
Half Marathon Female
🥇 Eleanor Knight - 1:53:57
🥈Jessica Priest - 1:56:59
🥉 Elly Blackwell - 1:57:06
10k Cani Cross Open
🥇 Hary Woodford - 38:37
🥈 Ross Cowley - 39:44
🥉 Rhys Thomas - 43:10
10k Cani Cross Female
🥇 Lynsey Coan - 42:47
🥈 Amelia Prothero - 49:14
🥉 Alys Jones - 59:14