Record-breaking Barry Island 10K returns

Sunday, 15 June 2025 18:27

Barry Island 10K organisers say this year's race was the biggest in its history.

More than 4,300 runners took part as the Run4Wales event returned on Sunday following a year's break - with entries selling out last month.

A new course record was also set in the women's race, won by Natasha Wilson in a time of 34 minutes 21 seconds.

Wilson, who broke the record by 11 seconds, said: "It was tough out there, it was really windy and there were quite a few hills as well."

"I ran most of it on my own but have taken this as a progression run and I’m going to do some more miles now, so this was really great to take on as part of a training session."

“The crowds in Wales are always really good which is why I like coming back to home events. I’m hoping to do the Brecon Carreg Porthcawl 10K next month if it fits in with training and then I’ll focus on a marathon later on in the year.”

The last 10k race at Barry Island in 2023 attracted over 3,200 runners - but last year, the event was put on hold following talks with Vale of Glamorgan Council.

Then in February this year, Run 4 Wales announced the race was back on - with Cancer Research Wales as its lead charity.

Matt Newman, Run 4 Wales chief executive, said: "It was fantastic to be back on Barry Island to see thousands of runners take to the streets to complete the 10K course. The support has been fantastic and we hope it’s been an enjoyable day for everyone who’s taken part."

The men's champion was Omar Ahmed, who completed the course in a time of 30 minutes 6 seconds - 95 seconds ahead of runner-up Jonathan Butler (31:41)

Ahmed said: “It was good but the conditions were very windy and it was quite hilly. The crowd was brilliant and the course was really beautiful, it was nice to run here in the fresh air.”

Ron Price from Rhoose was the winner of the wheelchair race with a time of 47 minutes 44 seconds.

He said: "I’ve done this event a few times and a lot of races so this was just normal training in many ways, but it’s nice to do it on home turf."

"I love the course although it’s very hilly which is more difficult as a wheelchair user. I train down the Knap, as I only live in Rhoose, and I love that part of the course as that’s when you feel like you’re getting close to the finish line.”

Organisers also paid their own unique homage to Gavin and Stacey - the winners were presented with a shiny new tap alongside their regular prizes, swapping them cold for hot or hot for cold should they wish.

Aside the main events, there were also junior races - including a 50m toddler dash on the prom - along with a Future Challengers mile for young athletes and a family fun run.

Over 105 runners were raising money for Cancer Research Wales, whose chief executive Adam Fletcher said: "I’d like to thank all the fantastic runners who took on the Barry Island 10K for Cancer Research Wales."

"You’ve helped us to unite Wales against cancer and bring hope to people across Wales who are affected by cancer, their families, friends and loved ones. You’re all winners and you’ve worked hard for your medals and we’re very, very proud of you."

Run 4 Wales confirmed after the race that the 2026 Barry Island 10k would take place on Sunday 17th May.

Men's results

1st) Omar Ahmed - 30:06

2nd) Jonathan Butler - 31:41

3rd) Jamie Williamson - 32:01

4th) Matthew Verran - 32:34

5th) Mike Roderick - 33:19

Women’s results:

1st Natasha Wilson - 34:21

2nd) Olivia Tsim - 35:38

3rd) Donna Morris - 36:56

4th Louise Flynn - 37:02