Record number have braved wet conditions to compete in the eighth annual Anglesey Half Marathon.
More than 2500 runners took part in the Always Aim High half marathon, and 10km race, on Sunday which ran from Menai Bridge to Beaumaris and back.
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 taking part in the race.
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 eight 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).
The RibRide Dragon’s Dash saw more than 200 children between the ages of five and 15 took part in a race, organised between Always Aim High and Anglesey County Council, which saw the runners set off from Menai Suspension Bridge and complete a one mile route through the town to the finish line.
Tim Lloyd, director of Always Aim High Events and race organiser, said: “We always look forward to the Jones Crisps Anglesey Half Marathon and 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."
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