Thousands of runners descended on Barry Island on Sunday for the 2023 ABP Barry Island 10K, with recently unsettled weather making way for blue skies and sunshine.
The 10K took runners on a scenic tour of the town with highlights including Whitmore Bay, Romilly Park, the Knap and Watch House Bay. Over 3,200 runners had registered to take part across the 10K and junior races, with elite race wins from Lily Partridge, Shaun Antell and Ron Price.
Lily Partridge confidently took the women’s title and a new course record of 34:32. It was the Birchfield Harrier’s second victory of the summer, following a win at the Ogi Porthcawl 10K last month:
“I like coming to Wales to race and it was great to take another win. The course was tough. I was warned it was hilly, but you can never be sure. It was a lovely route. I’ve never been to Barry before but it’s a great location and nice to be by the sea. There were loads of people out and all around the course so there was a really good atmosphere.”
2022 winner and Pontypridd Roadent Olivia Tsim was the runner up in 37:18, with Builth and District AC athlete Donna Morris just behind in 37:42.
In the men’s race it was Shaun Antell, runner up in the recent Ogi Porthcawl 10K who emerged victorious. The Bideford AC athlete crossed the line in 30:46, ahead of Pontypridd Roadent Dan Hamilton (30:52) and 2022 ABP Barry Island 10K race winner Adam Bowden (31:03).
“I work as a postman and was out in the rain yesterday, so the sunshine was welcome – but the wind today was tough. It never felt like it was behind me, so I struggled to get into a rhythm. We had a good group at the start, Dan Hamilton took it on, so I had to try and stay with him. He was working me hard and forced the pace, but I eventually managed to get a gap and it was enough to win.
“The crowd really pushed me on. I’ve always wanted to run the ABP Barry Island 10K, so it was great to finally come and race. I’ll be back in Wales for the CDF 10K in September”.
Ron Price, a regular at Run 4 Wales races took the wheelchair title in a time of 47:24.
The event was once again supported by headline sponsor Associated British Ports (ABP) with local children’s hospice Tŷ Hafan as lead charity. Many of the 10K runners, including Ross McCabe, who lost his brother Finn to a brain tumour in 2018, were fundraising to support their work providing care and comfort to children with life-limiting conditions and their families across Wales.
ABP were delighted to provide Ross and Finn’s parents Jo and Lee McCabe, who were in attendance, with a gift as a token of their continued support for Tŷ Hafan. The Barry based couple will enjoy a stay at the St Brides Spa Hotel in Pembrokeshire courtesy of ABP as thanks for all of their support and help in raising the profile of the charity in the lead up to race weekend.
Helen Thomas, Head of Property for ABP’s Wales & Short Sea Ports commented: “ABP is really proud to be associated with such a positive event for Barry Island, and which plays an important role in supporting the incredible work of the Tŷ Hafan children’s hospice. The turnout this year was fantastic, congratulations to everyone who took part, and a huge thanks to all those who volunteered their time to help make it happen.”
Jenna Lewis, Director of Income Generation at Tŷ Hafan said: “This year’s ABP Barry Island 10K has been a resounding success for Tŷ Hafan Children’s Hospice and I would like to thank everyone in Barry and beyond who have supported this event in every capacity.
“Special mention must go to Jo and Lee McCabe who have so bravely shared how Tŷ Hafan has been there for all the family since their youngest son, Finn, was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour in 2017, passing away at our hospice in Sully less than 12 months later.
“Huge thanks also to Finn’s big brother, Ross McCabe, who not only supported Jo and Lee in the making of the promotional video for this event, but who has also just completed the race for Tŷ Hafan for the third time. Over 100 people have run for Tŷ Hafan at this year’s event. We want to say a massive thank you and well done to all of you.
“Finally, I’d like to say a big thank our colleagues at Run4Wales who have supported us through our five years as lead charity partner for this event and to sponsors Associated British Ports.”
The event was organised by Run 4 Wales (R4W), the team behind the Principality Cardiff Half Marathon. It was the fourth of five 10K events organised by R4W in 2023, with the CDF 10K next up in the calendar and returning to the Welsh capital on Sunday 3 September.
R4W Chief Executive Matt Newman was delighted with the success of the race:
“Being born and raised in Barry, it’s always special seeing thousands of runners descend on the town for the ABP Barry Island 10K. The support today has been absolutely fantastic so it’s been a really enjoyable weekend. Our thanks go to ABP for their continued support as Title Sponsor, as well as all of the other partners and stakeholders who help bring the event to life including Tŷ Hafan, Brecon Carreg, HIGH5, Bridgend Ford and the Vale of Glamorgan Council”.
