Rugby internationals James Hook and Jamie Roberts were the mystery runners at the 2009 Nos Galan Races in Mountain Ash on New Year’s Eve..

Organisers of the races were delighted to welcome Jamie and James - whose identities were kept secret until the night of the event.

The sports stars lay a wreath at legendary runner Guto Nyth Bran’s grave in Llanwonno graveyard after a special service at Llanwonno Church before running the route from Llanwonno to Mountain Ash town centre, where they were greeted by around 8,000 spectators.

They were supported on their torchlight run by two young local athletes - Gareth Baker and Daniel Bodman, both aged 19.

Neath-born Hook was included in Warren Gatland's Grand Slam-winning RBS Six Nations side in 2008. The fly half made two substitute appearances against Italy and Ireland at the Triple Crown-winning clash at Croke Park, and scored 44 points during the tournament including a superb try score against Scotland at the Millennium Stadium.

Newport-born Jamie Roberts was included in Warren Gatland's RBS Six Nations squad in January 2008. He gained his first Welsh cap against Scotland at the Millennium Stadium in the successful tournament and went on to play in all of Wales' autumn internationals in the centre, before suffering a fractured skull. He recovered fully in time to make the RBS Six Nations squad for 2009. 

Cllr Andrew Morgan, who plays a key role in the organisation of the event, also took part in the races in aid of Rhondda Cynon Taf Mayor’s Charity Appeal. He said: “Once again Nos Galan was an amazing evening for everyone who attended.  As well attracting runners from all over the UK, many local supporters went along simply to enjoy the unique atmosphere and cheer on the participants.

“The Nos Galan Races go from strength to strength each year and Mountain Ash is proud to host this landmark event.  A huge thanks to everyone who worked so hard to make it all possible.”

History of the Nos Galan Races

The famous Nos Galan Races commemorate the Welsh runner Guto Nyth Bran and his legendary athletic prowess. Held annually on New Year’s Eve in Mountain Ash, in the Cynon Valley, 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 ‘Prince’ of Bedwas to run the 12 miles from Newport in Monmouthshire to Bedwas Church near Caerphilly. Guto easily won the race, but the celebratory ‘slaps’ on the back proved too much for him and he died in the arms of his sweetheart, Sian o’r Siop.

His body was taken to its final resting-place in the graveyard of Llanwynno Church near Mountain Ash.