Thousands of runners took to the streets of Cwmafan recently for the Richard Burton 10K and Kevin Webber Mini Miler, with record participation, inspirational fundraising efforts and a fantastic community atmosphere making this year’s event one to remember.
Sponsored by Tata Steel UK and Runtech, the annual event welcomed over 3,000 participants, bringing together runners of all ages and abilities in the heart of the Port Talbot community.
The Richard Burton 10K has become a much-loved fixture in the local calendar, attracting runners from across the region while raising vital funds for charitable causes.
Among those taking part was Secretary of State for Wales and Aberafan Maesteg MP Stephen Kinnock, who has run the race every year since 2014.
Stephen said:
“We’re really grateful to Tata Steel and all the other sponsors who make the race possible. It’s been going since 1983 and has been building all that time. They’ve now got 3,000 runners taking part, which is absolutely incredible.
“It’s a real community event. People come, they have a lot of fun, and when you mix the beauty of the local landscape with the warmth and community spirit, you’ve got something very special. That’s what the Richard Burton 10K is all about.”
Sera Evans, Plaid Cymru MS for Afan Ogwr Rhondda, also attended the event, praising the atmosphere and the opportunity for families to get involved.
She said:
“It’s absolutely fantastic. The atmosphere here is incredible and what I love is that it brings the community together.
“It’s wonderful to see so many children taking part alongside their parents. Encouraging young people to enjoy being active and keeping fit from an early age is so important.”
One of the day’s most inspiring stories came from Tata Steel UK Shift Manager Stuart Phillips, affectionately known as ‘Bourb’, who completed an extraordinary 24-hour running challenge, finishing with the Richard Burton 10K.
Stuart took on the gruelling challenge, aiming to cover 100 miles in 24 hours, in memory of six-year-old Olivia Finch, who sadly passed away earlier this year following treatment for neuroblastoma.
The challenge raised more than £10,000 for Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital Charity, with Stuart and his fellow fundraisers receiving incredible support from the local community.
After running through the night in cold conditions, Stuart was met with cheers and encouragement from supporters as he crossed the finish line.
Speaking at the finish, an exhausted but delighted Stuart said:
“It’s been a long, hard night. It’s been very cold and the legs are tired, but we’ve raised £10,000 for a great cause, so we’re very happy.
“The support has been brilliant. We’ve had people cheering us on through the night, cars beeping their horns and people coming out into the streets.
“It’s all in remembrance of Olivia Finch, and I think everybody has really got behind it. It’s amazing.”
The event also saw young runners taking part in the Kevin Webber Mini Miler, with families lining the streets to cheer them on.
Meanwhile, Olivia Tsim claimed victory in the women’s Richard Burton 10K, just 13 weeks after welcoming her baby daughter.
A regular participant in the race, Olivia praised the incredible support from spectators along the route.
She said:
“I absolutely love this race. I love this place every single year and it never gets old.
“The buzz here is amazing. Even the smallest crowds make such a massive noise, and the support all the way around the course is incredible.”
James Davies, Works Manager at Tata Steel UK’s Trostre site, also took part in the event and reflected on its importance to the local community.
He said:
“It’s a big event in the calendar for the business, but also for the town of Port Talbot.
“You get the build-up to the race, you get the race itself, but I attend the awards session at the end and I don’t think anyone leaves without a tear in their eyes.
“It helps sportspeople, but it also supports people who need some help in life. There’s a lot of that within our community, and an event like this brings it all together and certainly brings a lot of value.”
With another successful year complete, the Richard Burton 10K continues to demonstrate the power of sport to bring people together, celebrate the local community and make a lasting difference to worthwhile causes.
