THE BIGGEST-EVER Barry Island 10K took place on Sunday, 17th May, when more than 4,700 entrants registered to take part across both the 10K and junior races.
There were two events on the Island as the race partnered with Welsh music, culture and arts festival Gŵyl Fach y Fro, for the first time. Performances were scheduled for both the Saturday and Sunday as runners and spectators took in all the sights and delights of the seafront.
A new course record was set in the women’s race by Charlotte Taylor from Bristol & West AC with a time of 33:08. The title was previously held by Natasha Wilson who ran 34:21 last year.
Taylor, who plans to move up to marathons later this year, said: “Today’s been really good, I really enjoyed the run. There were lots of people out cheering, the atmosphere was good. I knew there were some hills, but I felt strong on those, and I really liked the coastal part of the course too.”
Swansea Harrier Jon Butler was the winner in the men’s race, claiming the title with a time of 30:23 and in the wheelchair event, local man Ron Price took the crown in 53:37.
Butler said: “The race was brilliant; there were crowds everywhere and that makes a really big difference.”
Price, who is from the area and knows the hills of Barry well, added: “The hills are tough – they’re always tough in a racing chair because we’ve got no gearing but other than that, it was a good event, well organised and the weather stayed on our side. There was lots of support from the runners along the way too, as I tend to slow down going up the hills and then overtake them on the way down.”
After the 10K race it was then onto the Junior races which included a 50m toddler dash on the promenade, as well as a ‘Future Challengers’ mile for competitive young athletes and a Family Fun Run to allow all ages and abilities to get involved.
For the second time, Cancer Research Wales took the spot as the event’s lead charity with a team of 125 runners. The charity also collected discarded clothing left at the start-line to give a new lease of life to in its shops and offered massages to weary runners for a donation at their stand in the event village.
Adam Fletcher, chief executive officer of Cancer Research Wales, said: “Congratulations to all our fantastic runners. All your training, sweat and blisters have paid off and we are very proud of you and incredibly grateful for your support.
“As the independent Welsh cancer research charity, Cancer Research Wales invests all our research funding here in Wales to bring hope for people affected by cancer. We can only do this because of our incredible supporters.”
The event was organised by Run 4 Wales and marked the second race in the 2026 R4W 10K Series, with both the Brecon Carreg Porthcawl 10K and Kidney Wales CDF 10K next in the calendar.
Matt Newman, chief executive at Run 4 Wales, said: “It was fantastic to be back in my hometown and see the streets awash with runners and spectators for another Barry Island 10K. The event continues to grow and our thanks go to all of our amazing Extra Milers who gave up their time to help make it a success, as well as to Cancer Research Wales as lead charity partner, and our other sponsors, the Vale Council, High5, Brecon Carreg, Waterton Motor Group and Coopah, whom without none of this would be possible.”
The 2027 Barry Island 10K takes place on Sunday, 16th May next year. An early bird offer is available for the first 500 people to register. Alternatively, runners can choose to enter for the event’s lead charity, Cancer Research Wales, for just £10 when they pledge to raise £120. For more information or to enter visit: barryisland10k.co.uk/
RESULTS:
Men’s race:
- 1. Jon Butler: 30:23
- 2. Adam Bowden: 32:12
- 3. Matt Verran: 32:17
- 4. Sam Griffiths: 33:19
- 5. Oliver Williams: 33:32
Women’s race:
- 1. Charlotte Taylor: 33:08
- 2. Olivia Stillman: 36:27
- 3. Donna Morris: 36:33
- 4. Georgia Palmer:36:36
- 5. Olivia Tsim: 38:07
Wheelchair race:
- 1. Ron Price: 53:37
- 2. Les Hampton: 55:53
Photos supplied by Run 4 Wales.
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