Plans for the Nos Galan Races 2010 are off the starting blocks, with work well underway on this year’s big event – to be held in Mountain Ash on December 31.
The Nos Galan Committee – the team planning the famous races – has already signed up two mystery runners for 2010, as well as securing sponsorship.
This year’s four main sponsors are Darran Las Communities First, RCT Homes, Amgen Cymru and the Fernhill and Glenboi Communities First partnership.
There will be further improvements made to the overall event this year, following grant funding secured from the Heads of the Valleys Regeneration Partnership (WAG).
More than 1,000 runners registered to take part in 2009, and this year development of the races will be targeted to both the Children’s Races and the Elite Race. The committee agreed that the number of entrants allowed in the main race will remain the same.
Councillor Andrew Morgan of the Nos Galan Committee said: “We set a three-year development plan for the races in 2006 and I think everyone would agree the event has increased in size dramatically in recent years, with more street entertainment and a bigger firework display – thanks to the support of our sponsors.
“The committee takes on board feedback every year and looks at what further improvements can be made. Though Nos Galan is considered by most people to be a one-night only event, there is a huge amount of work involved throughout the year.”
The Nos Galan Races honour legendary runner Guto Nyth Bran and follow a 5km route around Mountain Ash town centre in the Cynon Valley, with competitions for elite runners and also adults, boys and girls categories.
Every year, at least one mystery runner – a well-known sports personality – joins the event.
Runners who wish to take part this year can go to the ‘application form’ link on www.nosgalan.co.uk to download a form or register online from the end of September, or call Rhondda Cynon Taf Events team on 01443 425700 for an application form.
