**Barry Island’s Largest Ever 10k Draws Thousands of Runners and Spectators in Seaside Festivities**
A sea of runners took over Barry Island today for what organisers hailed as the town’s most successful 10k event to date. More than 4,300 participants registered for the highly anticipated Barry Island 10k, making it a landmark occasion for the popular coastal destination and confirming its place as one of Wales’s most spirited community events. The race made a welcome comeback after being paused last year, much to the delight of runners and supporters alike.
Setting off beneath clear blue skies, athletes and fun runners of all abilities were treated to a vibrant tour of Barry’s most notable spots. The scenic route wound its way past Whitmore Bay, the Knap, Romilly Park and along Watch House Bay, offering participants breathtaking seaside views and a chance to soak in the town’s unique atmosphere. With the popularity of BBC’s ‘Gavin and Stacey’ continuing to draw visitors, the event carried an added sense of local pride – a feeling reflected in the creativity shown during the winner’s presentation.
In a charming nod to the much-loved sitcom, race champions were awarded not only the usual medals but also a replica shiny tap, a playful gesture for which the show is widely known. Contestants could choose to swap the tap between ‘hot’ or ‘cold’—a detail met with much amusement from competitors and spectators.
Elite athletes performed to a high standard despite challenging conditions. Omar Ahmed secured victory in the men’s race with an impressive time of 30 minutes and 6 seconds, finishing a significant 95 seconds ahead of his closest rival, Jonathan Butler. In his post-race remarks, Ahmed acknowledged the blustery winds and hilly terrain, but also praised the lively support of the crowd and the beauty of the course itself. “The atmosphere was fantastic, and running by the sea was a real pleasure,” he noted.
On the women’s side, Natasha Wilson (formerly Cockram) made headlines by setting a new course record. She completed the route in 34 minutes and 21 seconds, shaving precious seconds off Lily Partridge’s previous record from 2023. Wilson spoke candidly about the tough conditions on race day, mentioning both the strong winds and undulating paths. She shared her approach to using the 10k as part of a larger training programme, with further running challenges already in her sights.
Local athletes also had their time to shine, with Ron Price from Rhoose winning the wheelchair race in a time of 47 minutes and 44 seconds. Price, a seasoned participant in Barry Island events, highlighted both the joys and difficulties unique to the course. “It’s a home course for me and I love training along the Knap,” he commented. “The hills are tough in a wheelchair but the encouragement from familiar faces makes it worth the effort.”
Cheering crowds lined the entirety of the course, bringing a festive mood to Barry’s streets and waterfronts. Locals and visitors, some waving supportive banners for Father’s Day, filled the promenade, while others kept a keen eye out for loved ones among the passing runners. The event fostered a real sense of togetherness, with families, spectators and finishers gathering to celebrate personal achievements and cheer everyone home.
Throughout the day, the weather remained befitting for a prominent Welsh summer event—with plenty of sunshine accentuating the vibrancy of the occasion. Participants could be seen cooling off, soaking in the post-race joy, and proudly showing off their finisher’s medals, capturing the essence of a community that knows how to celebrate its successes.
Photographers were on hand to document the spectacle. Images from the day showcased everything from jubilant finishes and emotional embraces to stunning views of the coastline enjoyed by runners as they pressed towards the finish. The collection of photos serves as a reminder of not only the sporting achievement on display but also the power of community events in bringing people together.
As the sun set over Barry Island, talk already turned to next year’s event, with many runners vowing to return. Organisers have hailed this year’s turnout as a testament to the area’s growing appeal as both a seaside retreat and a sporting hotspot. For all involved, the Barry Island 10k stands as a shining example of local spirit, resilience and joy—qualities that will undoubtedly shape the race in years to come.