Biggest ever Barry Island 10K sets new course record
It was the biggest ever Barry Island 10K with more than 4,300 runners signed up to take part and a new course record set in the women’s race.
The race was back in the popular seaside town after a year-long hiatus taking runners on a tour of the town’s most scenic seaside spots and recognisable landmarks – including Whitmore Bay, the Knap, Romilly Park and Watch House Bay.
Thankfully the weather held and it was sunshine and smiles at the 2025 race which saw the seafront swimming with runners.
The town has grown in popularity thanks to the award-winning sitcom, Gavin and Stacey. In a nod to the show, the race winners were presented with a shiny new tap alongside the usual prizes, swapping them cold for hot or hot for cold should they wish.
It was prolific Run 4 Wales 10K winner, Omar Ahmed, who took the title in the men’s race with a time of 30:06 – a minute and a half faster than his next closest competitor, 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.”
Natasha Wilson (nee Cockram) set a new course record in the women’s race with a time of 34:21. The record was previously held by Lily Partridge who ran a time of 34:32 back in 2023.
Wilson 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.”
Local man, Ron Price, won the wheelchair race in 47:44.
Price added: “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.”
After the 10K race it was then onto the Junior races which included an adorable 50m toddler dash on the promenade, as well as a Future Challengers mile for competitive young athletes and a Family Fun Run.
This year’s lead charity was Cancer Research Wales and a team of 105 runners took to the course to raise money for the charity.
Adam Fletcher, Chief Executive Officer of Cancer Research Wales 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.”
The event was organised by Run 4 Wales and made up the second race in the 2025 R4W 10K Series, with both the Brecon Carreg Porthcawl 10K and Brecon Carreg CDF 10K next up in the calendar.
Matt Newman, Chief Executive at Run 4 Wales, 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.
“Our thanks goes to Cancer Research Wales as lead charity partner of this event, as well as our sponsors Brecon Carreg, High5, Bridgend Ford, Capital FM and the Vale of Glamorgan Council.”
Those who have been inspired by today’s event can sign up to take part in the 2026 Barry Island 10K which takes place on Sunday 17 May next year. Runners keen to beat another general entry sell-out can save £6 with the 10K Early Bird offer, available to the first 500 to sign up.
RESULTS:
Men’s race:
1. Omar Ahmed – 00:30:06
2. Jonathan Butler – 00:31:41
3. Jamie Williamson – 00:32:01
4. Matthew Verran – 00:32:34
5. Mike Roderick – 00:33:19
Women’s race:
1. Natasha Wilson – 00:34:21
2. Olivia Tsim – 00:35:38
3. Donna Morris – 00:36:56
4. Louise Flynn – 00:37:02
5. Deborah Bruce – 00:37:54
Wheelchair race:
1. Ron Price – 00:47:44
2. Les Hampton – 00:54:55
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