Nos Galan 2011

Nos Galan 2011 had 1,200 registered runners – a new 27-year record.

Around 500 people registered to take part in the final two weeks, with an estimated crowd of 7,000 people lining the streets of Mountain Ash to support them.

Due to this overwhelming demand, some participants were unable to receive their Nos Galan race packs on the night.

However, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council is now in the process of sending out race packs to those people and would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for making Nos Galan 2011 such a massive success.

 Happy New Year to you all!

Nos Galan - A Very Different New Year's Eve

The 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, South Wales, the Adults' and Childrens' 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 - and this year will be no exception.

To take part in this year's Nos Galan Road Races, you can do so by applying online today or register in person on the day.

History of the Famous 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  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.