CARDIFF half marathon is recognised as the UK’s second largest race of its kind and continues to grow with over 24,000 completing this year’s event.

On a near perfect day for running, slightly overcast but with some wind, six Aberystwyth Athletic Club members joined the thousands in Cardiff and completed the 13.1 mile course.

Jamie Lloyd led the Aber contingent home in a fantastic time of 1.17.50, two seconds ahead of Gary Davies in 1.17.52 and slightly ahead of Tomos Roberts in 1.24.51.

Damian Sidnell finished in 1.44.41 with Toby Driver securing a PB time in 1.46.59.

Mel Hopkins crossed the line in 1.54.49 with Bethan Rees in 1.58.11 and Ffion Bowen in 2.00.12.

Linda Paasman completed the course in 2.18.28, Mark Bloomfield in 2.26, Rhian Rees in 2.31.51, Christine Zarges in 2.44.17 and Rhian Meredith-Edwards finished in 2.45.20.

Jac Sheehan also secured a PB in the wheelchair half marathon in 1.53.33.

A warm day to run around the capital but worth it according to Toby Driver: “It was pretty warm for running especially when you are lining up with nearly 25,000 other runners.

“If we needed any inspiration at the beginning the singing of the national anthem certainly gave it to us.

“And while the weather was warm for running it did mean that the crowds were out in force and that certainly helped carry me round for a new personal best time in this very special race.”

A few hundred miles northwards and the Bangor half marathon was also taking place on the same day.

This is part of the four Castles series of races and Aber AC were again well represented.

Helen Williams finished in 2.37.43 with Joanne Walker completing the course in 2.56.55 and Rachel Richards crossing the line in 3.05.04.

Irene Griffiths wasn’t far behind in 3.09.04 and Martin Tranter finished in 3.55.53.

Nicky Herriot took part in the 10k race held at the same time and finished in 1.09.28.

A great day out in Bangor according to Helen Williams: “This a great route and very well organised. This race starts and finishes in the city centre and goes out to the coastline and along the Garth Pier over the Menai Strait taking in views of Anglesey, Snowdonia and the surrounding North Wales coastline, then on to the woodland paths filled with autumn colours, before returning to the finish in the city centre.

The views, coupled with lovely weather made for a great day out.”

If you would like to hear more about Aberystwyth Athletic Club and join in its activities visit https://aberystwythac.wordpress.com/ or find the club on Facebook.