Sold-out half marathon showcases the Tywi Valley Path

Runners from across South Wales gathered in Carmarthenshire on Sunday, August 16, for the first-ever sold-out Tywi Valley Path Half Marathon, organised by Carmarthenshire County Council's Actif Sport & Leisure Team.

The event attracted runners of all abilities, from experienced athletes chasing personal bests and marathon training goals to those taking on their first half marathon challenge.

Starting and finishing at Ysgol Bro Dinefwr, Ffairfach, participants followed a scenic 13.1-mile, traffic-free route along the new Tywi Valley Path. With a turnaround point at Llanarthne, runners travelled through some of Carmarthenshire's most beautiful landscapes before returning to a warm welcome at the finish line.

Friends, family members and local spectators lined sections of the route throughout the day, creating an encouraging atmosphere and cheering participants on as they completed the course.

The first male athlete across the finish line was Daniel Griffiths, completing the course in an impressive 1 hour, 9 minutes and 17 seconds.

Local runner Tifanie Lewis was the first female athlete home, crossing the line in 1 hour, 27 minutes and 40 seconds.

The top three finishers in the men's category were:

• Daniel Griffiths (1:09:17)
• Michael Roderick (1:12:51)
• Thomas Jones (1:17:22)

The top three finishers in the women's category were:

• Tifanie Lewis (1:27:40)
• Sioned Howells (1:28:58)
• Lydia Morgan (1:29:21)

Carmarthenshire County Council's Actif Sport & Leisure Team would like to thank all the partners and volunteers whose support helped make the event such a success.

Special thanks go to Radnor, who kindly donated water for the on-course hydration stations and finish area, as well as the dedicated course marshals, water station volunteers, first aid teams, pacers, massage and refreshment providers, and race officials.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure, Culture and Tourism, Cllr Hazel Evans, said:

It was fantastic to see so many people taking part in the Tywi Valley Path Half Marathon and enjoying everything the route has to offer. The event not only provided a great opportunity for runners to challenge themselves but also showcased the stunning scenery of the Tywi Valley. I'd like to thank everyone who took part, volunteered and supported the event, helping to make it such a successful day."

Race results can be found here: Tywi Valley Half Marathon