Sunday 5th of March saw a record attendance of over 2,000 runners brave the wintery conditions in Menai Bridge to take part in what is routinely labelled ‘the most beautiful half marathon in the UK’ – the 2017
Jones Crisps Anglesey Half Marathon.
The race, which was organised by Anglesey based sports event specialists Always Aim High Events, will be remembered for the incredibly challenging conditions, hugely competitive racing, high levels of support and the friendly atmosphere all around the course. The feedback immediately after the race was overwhelmingly positive, despite the weather, with hundreds flocking to social media to share their thoughts on the day.
@pacpalmer on Twitter said: “What an awesome race the Anglesey Half Marathon is. Fantastic organisation and great support. Well done
@aahevents!”
@aftermarathon commented: “Amazing day at the
@aahevents Anglesey half-marathon! New PBs for both of us! See you next year, brilliantly organised!!”
On the racing front, Eryri Harriers’ Richard Roberts took first place with a time of 01.12.59 in difficult conditions ahead of a closely contested race for second between Stephen Skates and Ryan Roberts. Stephen, running for Prestatyn RC, clinched the spot with a time of 01.14.15 ahead of Ryan Roberts by a single second.
In the women’s discipline, Alex O’Brien narrowly missed out on the course record for the Anglesey Half Marathon by less than 5 seconds with a time of 01.21.32. Sarah Louise Cumber of Halifax Harriers took second place with a time of 01.24.43, and Jenny Knass rounded off the podium with time of 01.27.26.
An all new 10k distance was also added to the event for 2017. Following much of the half marathon route, demand for the race was huge - entries for the race sold out in under a week when they were released back in January. The 10k will return in 2018 with more spaces added.
In the inaugural male 10k race, Chris Yorke took podium with an impressive time of 00.35.26 ahead of Ryan Cain in second (00.36.46) and Gethin Jones in third (00.37.11).
The women’s 10k race was won by Hannah Jones of Betsi Runaways with a time of 00.45.32. Second place was bagged by Leila Cherry (00.47.22) and Louise Prendergast took third with a time of 00.48.32.
The incredibly popular Dragon’s Dash powered by RibRide also returned for 2017, with over 200 young people from far and wide competing for trophies across various age categories. The race was a joint venture between Always Aim High Events and Anglesey County Council and all competitors received a medal for their efforts.
A spokesman for Always Aim High Events said: “We were delighted to welcome a record amount of runners to the 2017 Jones Crisps Anglesey Half Marathon & 10k in Menai Bridge. The addition of the 10k race really made the atmosphere electric despite of the atrocious weather.”
“It’s great to see that people love the Anglesey Half Marathon as much as we love organising it, and we hope to see everyone back in 2018 - entries are available from noon on Monday 6th March!”
“We’d like to thank all of the Marshals who generously gave up their time to line the course - the race wouldn’t happen at all without them. We’d also like to thank the event sponsors; Jones o Gymru, Pedalcover Insurance, HIGH5 Sports Nutrition, KitBrix, Superfeet, Zoot and Wild Trail for supporting the event. And last but by no means least, we’d like to thank the record number of runners and supporters of the race who made the atmosphere and day electric!”
Want to run the Jones Crisps Anglesey Half Marathon & 10k next year? Entries for the 2018 edition for the race open at noon on Monday 6th March, with prices frozen at 2017’s prices for the month of March only. The price will then increase to the standard early bird price for 2018. Find out more at
alwaysaimhighevents.com
Selected Results
2017 Jones Crisps Anglesey Half Marathon
Top 3 Men
Richard Roberts 01.12.59
Stephen Skates 01.14.15
Ryan Roberts 01.14.16
Top 3 Women
Alex O’Brien 01.21.32
Sarah Louise Cumber 01.24.43
Jenny Knass 01.27.26
2017 Jones Crisps Anglesey 10k
Top 3 Men
Chris Yorke 00.35.26
Ryan Caine 00.36.46
Gethin Jones 00.37.11
Top 3 Women
Hannah Jones 00.45.32
Leila Cherry 00.47.22
Louise Prendergast 00.48.32
All images by Mel Parry
