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The Nos Galan Races commemorate the Welsh runner Guto Nyth Bran
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The Nos Galan Races commemorate the Welsh runner Guto Nyth Bran
The Nos Galan Races commemorate the Welsh runner Guto Nyth Bran and his legendary athletic prowess. Held annually on New Yearis Eve in Mountain Ash, in the Cynon Valley, South Wales, the Races follow a 5km route around the town.
Each year a famous sports personality - whose identity is kept secret until the night - takes part in the races.
Stories of Guto Nyth Bran include how he could catch a bird in flight, and how he once ran to Pontypridd and back - about seven miles - before the kettle boiled. Throughout his life, he contested many races and took on many challenges, but because of his continued successes, his challengers became fewer and fewer.
When he was 37, a challenge came from the ePrincei of Bedwas to run the 12 miles from Newport in Monmouthshire to Bedwas Church Caerphilly. Guto easily won the race, but the celebratory eslapsi on the back proved too much for him and he died in the arms of his sweetheart, Sian oir Siop.
His body was taken to its final resting-place in the graveyard of Llanwynno Church near Mountain Ash.
Nos Galan -The 100 yard Oxford Street dash finish... Peter Radford first, with David Jones second, and Aberdares Ron
Jones third. 31st December 1961
Western Mail Archive
Mirrorpix
Wales
WA*5974991
Media ID 21626005
© Mirrorpix
1961 Athletics Guto Nyth Bran Mountain Ash New Years Eve Road Race Tradition
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The Nos Galan Races - A Tribute to the Legendary Welsh Runner Guto Nyth Bran
EDITORS COMMENTS
. This print captures the essence of the renowned Nos Galan Races, an annual event held in Mountain Ash, South Wales. The races pay homage to the extraordinary athletic prowess of Guto Nyth Bran, a celebrated Welsh runner whose legendary feats continue to inspire generations. As spectators gather on New Year's Eve, anticipation fills the air as a famous sports personality prepares to join the 5km race around town. The identity of this esteemed participant remains shrouded in secrecy until that very night, adding an element of excitement and intrigue. Guto Nyth Bran's remarkable tales are woven into Welsh folklore – stories recount how he effortlessly caught birds mid-flight and ran seven miles to Pontypridd and back before a kettle could boil. His unparalleled success led challengers to dwindle over time. Tragically, at age 37, after triumphing in a grueling 12-mile race against Bedwas' Prince from Newport to Caerphilly's Bedwas Church, Guto succumbed to exhaustion. In his sweetheart Sian oir Siop's arms, he took his final breaths. His resting place now lies in Llanwynno Church graveyard near Mountain Ash. The photo also offers a glimpse into history with its depiction of Peter Radford crossing the finish line first during the Oxford Street dash on December 31st, 1961. David Jones follows closely behind while Aberdares Ron Jones secures third place. This evocative image serves as a testament not only to Guto Nyth Bran's enduring legacy but also highlights the rich sporting heritage cherished by communities across Wales for centuries.
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