CONCERNS are growing that the annual ABP Barry Island 10K will not take place this year, as organisers have not published plans for this year’s race.
The event was first held in August 2018 and attracts elite runners along with those taking part for fun or to raise money for good causes.
The race, which forms part of the Run 4 Wales 10K Series, takes place on fully closed roads on a route that showcases the town’s scenic seaside spots and landmarks. Last year more than 3,200 people took part. Every year, a host of children’s activities including a Family Fun Run and Toddler Dash take place along the promenade.
The race starts and ends at Whitmore Bay, which plays host to an Event Village featuring live music, entertainment, stands and food. It has become an informal tradition for participants to end the day by taking a dip in the sea.
A short statement on the event’s official website reads: “There is no date set for the ABP Barry Island 10K in 2024. Discussions are ongoing with the Vale of Glamorgan Council.”
Responding to the concerns, a spokesperson for Run 4 Wales said: “The ABP* Barry Island 10K is on pause for 2024 – but stay tuned for updates on future events.”
For Steve Thorne, 70, the race is one of the highlights of the summer, and he expressed sadness that no plans have been announced: “My two sons, who are 36 and 39, are keen runners and have been taking part since the event began in 2018. They enter runs all over the country but their home town 10K is special.
“People from all over south Wales and the west country come down every year including some regulars from a running club in Lydney, and it’s great to catch up with friends old and new.
“I became concerned when I looked on the Run 4 Wales website and there were no details of this year’s race in August, so I contacted the Vale Council, and all they really said was that discussions were ongoing.
“But the clock is ticking, and these things need to be planned months in advance in terms of road closures and all the necessary health and safety requirements. Let’s not forget that the Remembrance Sunday parade in Barry didn’t take place last year because Barry Town Council officials didn’t get the health and safety aspects sorted in time,” he said.
With time running out to get the logistics in place, Steve is urging organisers to make this year’s race happen: “It’s something we, as a family, look forward to every year and it’s a wonderful occasion for local people and visitors.
“It brings people together to run a course that encompasses some stunning scenery, it raises huge sums for good causes and it’s also great for local businesses.
“If this year’s Barry Island 10K is to go ahead, the powers-that-be are going to need to get their skates on because time is running out,” he said.
Got a local story? Tell us and we’ll tell 33,000 other readers in our printed edition! Star it Here or email
- Pencoed tangled up by ‘Seaweeds’
- Primary school’s former deputy head is banned from teaching
- I make no apologies for calling Plaid Cymru ‘separatists’
- ‘The importance of participation and continued learning’
- Opposition leaders clash with First Minister over independence rally
- How Kevin saved a stranger’s life
⭐ All of our social media in one handy place – here
Pencoed tangled up by ‘Seaweeds’
Primary school’s former deputy head is banned from teaching
I make no apologies for calling Plaid Cymru ‘separatists’
‘The importance of participation and continued learning’
Opposition leaders clash with First Minister over independence rally
How Kevin saved a stranger’s life
