One man's contribution to the kings of quirky sporting events will be remembered in a half marathon to raise money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association later this month.
Entries are now being accepted for the annual Ron Skilton Memorial Half Marathon which takes place in Llanwrtyd Wells on Sunday, October 22.
Run by Green Events, the “tough but fun” run starts in the town centre at 11am. The half marathon route is a figure of eight, mainly off-road and passes through magnificent mountainous scenery.
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Ron was treasurer of Green Events before MND took his life in December 2005. Money raised from the memorial half marathon will go to the charity researching the disease.
“In his younger years, Ron was a keen runner and cyclist, so we felt that an annual half marathon would be a fitting tribute as well as a way to remember him and celebrate his life,” said Bob Greenough, from Green Events.
“Around half of the marshals on the day will be members of the Skilton family who travel from different parts of the UK to be with us.
“It is a mainly off road, all terrain event involving a number of hilly challenges. Tough but fun seems to be the most adequate description of the event.”
Runners can enter either online at www.Green-events.co.uk for £15 or on the day for £17. They are asked to inform registration staff if they wish to race as a two-person relay or enter as solo runners.
Medals will be presented to all finishers and there will be free refreshments for competitors after the race.
Ron helped Green Events to establish Llanwrtyd’ reputation for organising a series of off the wall, outdoor activities.
Thousands of visitors enjoy annual events such as the World Bog Snorkelling Championships, Man versus Horse race and the World Mountain Bike Chariot Racing Championships.
Other events planned during the final months of this year include the Real Ale Wobble, a non-competitive event for mountain bikers through local forestry and other trails, on November 18; the Real Ale Ramble, comprising gentle walks through the surrounding countryside, on November 25; and 26 and the Mari Lwyd New Year Walk on December 31.
Green Events is a member of MWT Cymru, an independent organisation that represents around 600 tourism and hospitality businesses across Powys, Ceredigion and Southern Snowdonia.
For more information, email Bob Greenough at bob.g@green-events.co.uk.
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