It was a record breaking 2024 Ogi Porthcawl 10K with new course times set and the highest number of entrants ever.
Over 5,000 runners signed up to take part across the 10K and Ogi Jogi Junior Races, supported by headline sponsor Ogi for the second year.
For the first time, due to so much interest from young athletes in the Future Challengers event, two waves of the race were held, and there was even a Red Arrows flyover, providing more excitement on the day.
Despite strong winds and rainy conditions opening up race morning, the sun made an appearance by late morning bringing bright and breezy conditions to the seaside town.
The fourth staging of the 10K race allowed runners to experience the best of the area, taking in panoramic views across Newton Bay, Trecco Bay and Sandy Bay before racing through Trecco Bay Holiday Park and Coney Beach Pleasure Park.
They then journeyed through the heart of the town before catching a view of Rest Bay and the famous Porthcawl Lighthouse on their sprint to the finish line, located on the Lower Promenade for the first time to give runners a unique opportunity to complete the race with unspoilt sea views at the Town Beach.
Omar Ahmed took the title in the men’s race setting a new course time of 29:08 – shaving 47 seconds of the previous record set by Josh Griffiths in 2019 and securing his third win in as many races in the Run 4 Wales 10K Series.
Ahmed: “I was feeling good but at the beginning of the race it was windy, it was raining and very wet, so I was a bit scared – but eventually I managed to get warm and I’m so happy to win.”
Welshman Dewi Griffiths was hot on his heels securing second place with a time of 29:15 and previous course record holder Josh Griffiths took third with 29:48.
Griffiths added: “I’ve had a turbulent week and have been on antibiotics most of the time but I decided to run on Friday, to give it a go and see what happens. I felt alright out there until Omar kicked in at about 8K and that was it then. But I’ve finished over a minute quicker than I did last year, so I’m happy with that and now looking forward to finishing off the series strong.”
In the women’s race it was Alaw Evans who claimed the top spot in 34:50, followed by Louise Small (35:26) and Eden O’Dea (36:18) in third.
Women’s winner, Evans said: “It was really windy and I forgot how many hills there were so I just ran my own race. I got to 7K and saw the leader so thought I’d just keep doing my own thing and I managed to catch up with her. There was really good support all around the course and I had a few local guys in the group around me who were encouraging with all the cheers – it was great all round.”
A successful Ogi Jogi Toddler Dash, Future Challengers race and Fun Run rounded off the day.
Matt Newman, Run 4 Wales Chief Executive, said: “This year’s Ogi Porthcawl 10K has been our biggest yet. We’re so pleased to have the support of the local community who come out in their droves to support and help provide such a friendly race day atmosphere.
“A huge thank you also goes to our title sponsor, Ogi, for all of their support as well as our other partners including Brecon Carreg, High 5, Bridgend Ford, Bridgend County Borough Council, Coopah and Capital FM, who without the event just wouldn’t be possible.”
Ogi’s Chief Executive Officer, Ben Allwright, added: “Events like the Ogi Porthcawl 10K bring out the best of the community – something we relish here at Ogi. There’s been a real pace, energy and excitement in and around Porthcawl today. Well done to all the runners, jogis and plodders, and a big ‘diolch’ to everyone in the town for putting on yet another successful event. We couldn’t be prouder of our connection with Porthcawl.”
Those who are feeling inspired can take part in the last event of the 2024 Run 4 Wales 10K Series – the Brecon Carreg CDF 10K on Sunday 1 September.
Elite men’s results:
1. Omar Ahmed (Birchfield Harriers): 29:08
2. Dewi Griffiths (Swansea Harriers): 29:15
3. Josh Griffiths (Swansea Harriers): 29:48
4. Seyfu Jamaal (London Heathside): 29:51
5. Jack Millar (Bristol & West AC): 30:13
Elite women’s results:
1. Alaw Evans (Les Croupiers RC): 34:50
2. Louise Small (Aldershot, Farnham & District): 35:26
3. Eden O’Dea (Deeside AAC): 36:18
4. Donna Morris (Builth & District RC): 36:29
5. Kate Roberts (Swansea Harriers): 36:41