A SIX-MILE trail run around Blaenau Gwent’s Silent Valley nature reserve has raised £1,000 for the Gwent Wildlife Trust (GWT).
Held the day after Storm Brian, 65 runners from across Wales and England descended on Cwm for the second Silent Valley Challenge charity fundraiser.
The charity did have to make a slight last minute course detour, as a result of an overnight fallen tree, but the race went otherwise to plan.
Picture Amanda Jones
Robert Magee, the fundraiser officer for GWT and the race director, said: “We are delighted to reveal that £1,000 was raised from the race for Gwent Wildlife Trust.
“It was a great event, there was real friendly rivalry throughout. People were helping and encouraging each other during the race.
“We are grateful to everyone who participated, our event supporters, the marshals and everyone else, who helped make our second Silent Valley Challenge so successful.”
Picture Amanda Jones
The overall male winner was Dale Williams of Brecon Athletics Club in 53 minutes and 26 seconds while Swansea Harriers’ Claire Bunce was the overall female winner in 58 minutes and 58 seconds.
Picture Amanda Jones
Both were presented with oak leaf race winner’s trophies made from 100-year-old oak from Silent Valley and sculpted by Ebbw Vale’s John “Effyn” James.
There were also winners in other categories, including male and female over 40s and over 60s.
The runners, from clubs including Tredegar’s Parc Bryn Bach Running Club, Chepstow Harriers, Swansea Harriers and Forest of Dean Athletics Club had to content with a course which was muddy in places.
Picture Amanda Jones
During the race, Silent Valley echoed with cheers and clapping, as runners were heartily encouraged to complete the course by an army of race marshals, dotted around the beauty spot.
Runner Christopher Thomas said: “A big thank you to all marshals and SARA Mountain Rescue for looking after us on a great race in stunning countryside.”
Vicky Jones added “Special thanks to all the fantastic marshals who stood out in the wind and cold.”
Picture Amanda Jones
Fellow runner Mike Williams added: “The tea and cakes after were well appreciated. Thanks again for all of GWT’s hard work.”
Mr Magee expressed special thanks to the Baileys Arms in Cwm, who allowed the charity to use their function room for the race registration and presentation and to Philip Jones Timber Products Ltd for being the main race sponsor.
He also thanked SARA Mountain Rescue for their attendance and support, as well as Tesco Ebbw Vale, Tesco Ystrad Mynach, Morrisons Ebbw Vale, Sainsbury’s Pontllanfraith and Aldi in Blackwood and Tir-y-berth, for providing water bottles, bananas, cereal bars and the prizes of wine, beer and chocolate.
Picture Amanda Jones
GWT’s supporters Wilko not only provided sweets for race goodie bags but staff members also marshalled with some of their family members too.
Race timekeeping was kindly carried out by Chepstow Harriers and the full race results can be found at gwentwildlife.org/svchallenge.
Picture Amanda Jones
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