A running club set up to prepare people for the annual Nos Galan Races is going from strength to strength.
The Cynon Valley-based Dragons Running Club was formed through the Nos Galan 5k initiative in 2008, in a bid to help women get fit and compete in the famous New Year’s Eve event. The club now welcomes both males and female runners of all abilities and boasts a membership of around 40, with new members joining regularly.
The group initially met once a week on a Thursday evening at Cwmaman Institute. They have now changed their regular meeting place to the Abercwmboi Rugby Club, which opens up more opportunities to run more routes especially during the dark months.
Now as members’ fitness levels increase, some of the group meet with Taff Ely Triathlon Club on a Monday evening for weekly track sessions and also on a Saturday morning at Aberdare Park.
As well as taking part in the Nos Galan Races, members competed in local 5k and 10k races throughout Wales in 2009. And 13 members who were just walking or jogging 12 months ago competed in the Cardiff Half-Marathon in October 2009 and all finished in around the two-hour mark.
One member said: “I had never even contemplated running but joined the Dragons in October 2008. I enjoy it so much that I’ve started a lunchtime running group where I work in Cardiff. A year later I have completed the Cardiff Half Marathon, raising around £450 for Macmillan Cancer Support, which was a huge personal achievement. Now I wouldn’t contemplate NOT being part of the running club.”
Another member said: “I joined because I had health and weight problems and running is helping me to improve both. I run with the group on a Thursday evening, but it’s also given me the confidence to go on my own too.”
Cllr Andrew Morgan, a member of the Nos Galan committee who organise the annual races in Mountain Ash, said: “I’m pleased to see that running groups linked to Nos Galan such as this are so successful.”
To join the Dragons Running Club, please go along at 6pm on Thursdays to Abercwmboi Rugby Club or call Lee on 07887667218 for more information.
For more information on the Nos Galan Races in Mountain Ash, go to www.nosgalan.co.uk
