AFTER being delayed for the last two years due to the pandemic, it was fitting that local Powys runner Andy Davies won the inaugural Welshpool 10k race today.

Davies, from Forden, was first across the finish line on Welshpool High Street, with hundreds of others taking part in the race, which began at 9am. Hundreds more lined the town centre’s streets to see the runners off and welcome them back, with the race starting and finishing on Broad Street, after taking in a route that included Berriew Road, Red Lane and the Powis Castle Estate.

Davies, 42, completed the win in a fine 32 minutes, 32 seconds. Last October the Newtown college lecturer finished a remarkable 10th place at the London Marathon. The elite athlete ran the iconic route through the streets of the capital in a time of 2 hours, 15 minutes and 36 seconds – celebrating with a bottle of cider.

County Times: Pictured is Spiderman, aka Simon Harbon, from Newtown, who raising money for Ysgol Cedewain. Picture by Phil Blagg Photography. PB025-2022-3 Pictured is Spiderman, aka Simon Harbon, from Newtown, who raising money for Ysgol Cedewain. Picture by Phil Blagg Photography. PB025-2022-3

After several delays, the long-awaited Welshpool 10k finally took place after cancellations in both 2020 and 2021 due to coronavirus.

Adrenaline Sporting Events announced in 2019 that the first run was due to take place in 2020, but the virus meant that it had to be delayed not once, but twice.

Alan Lewis, founder and owner of Adrenaline Sporting Events, said earlier this week: “It almost doesn’t seem real that it’s finally happening after such a long time.

“We’re all excited and emotional to finally be bringing this big event to Welshpool, with the town fully embracing it.”

The start and finish line for the 10k is on Broad Street, with the route taking runners on a one-lap track that encompasses the grounds of Powis Castle. The route includes Berriew Road, and Red Lane, with Powis Castle playing a central role in the course.

County Times: Welshpool's Paralympic gold medallist James Roberts MBE starts the race. Picture by Phil Blagg Photography. PB025-2022-15 Welshpool's Paralympic gold medallist James Roberts MBE starts the race. Picture by Phil Blagg Photography. PB025-2022-15

The route has reportedly been designed to be accessible for runners of all abilities, from first timers to experienced participants. The estimated movement time is about an hour.

The race was started by Welshpool-born Paralympic gold medallist James Roberts, who scored 24 tries in the wheelchair rugby final for Great Britain in Tokyo last year.

Team GB won an historic maiden gold in the event, beating the USA 54-49.

Roberts was recently appointed an MBE as part of the New year’s honours list, ending an impressive 2021 for the athlete.

Race finishers received a unique medal in recognition of the event.