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, South Wales, the Races follow a 5km route around the town.

December 31st, 2008 is a special date for the Races – as it marks the 50th anniversary of the famous sporting event. Organisers are hoping to attract 1,000 runners this year and there will be competitions for elite runners and also for adults, boys and girls.

Each year, a famous sports personality - whose identity is kept secret until the night - takes part in the races. Mystery runners from previous years have been invited to join the 2008 celebrations.

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..