The Lake Vyrnwy half marathon returned for another year in a closely fought finish that saw the two runners separated by just a few seconds. 

The 2024 Lake Vyrnwy Half Marathon welcomed hundreds of runners who lined up on the start line at 11am on Sunday, September 15.

Geraint Pugh took the top prize in the race, completing the route in a time of 1:10:10 (just eight minutes shy of the course record). He was closely followed by Adam Jones, who crossed the finish line just seven seconds later. Both men were representing Meirionnydd Running Club.

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Christopher Gidlow from City of Stoke AC rounded off the podium with a time of 1:10:30, while Stacey Hawkins from Lawley Running Club was the fastest woman with a time of 1:21:35.

(Image: Simon Lewis)

(Image: Simon Lewis)

(Image: Simon Lewis)

The event was put together by Adrenaline Sporting Events, with company owner Alan Lewis saying: “We had a great day and can't thank the runners, sponsors, stakeholders, volunteers and marshals enough for the support in making the event a great success and we are already looking forward to 2025.”

The one lap race that starts and finishes in the village of Llanwddyn takes runners on a clockwise route around the iconic lake, described by its organisers as a fast and flat course that has proven to be ideal for both experienced runners and newcomers, a route “perfect for all runners as well as those seeking a fast time”.

(Image: Simon Lewis) (Image: Simon Lewis) (Image: Simon Lewis)

The event dates back to 1988, when the first half marathon around the Powys lake was held, in aid of the St Wddyn's Church Restoration Fund after Doug Morris offered to organise a half marathon for the appeal, being held almost every year since.

Every entrant to complete the 2024 race received their own finishers medal at the end of the 13 mile run.

Following the event, Mr Lewis added via social media: “Thank you to all the people who came to Lake Vyrnwy today (September 15). I’ve just packed up the last things and we are ready to leave Lake Vyrnwy in the same condition that we found it, hopefully even a bit cleaner.

(Image: Simon Lewis) (Image: Simon Lewis) (Image: Simon Lewis)

“Massive thank you to all the volunteers, the marshals and the extended team. What a job they did. We’ve thoroughly enjoyed it.

“As you can imagine, operating in this area is not easy so thank you for arriving early and allowing us the space and time to put on the event for you all. I hope everyone enjoyed it and we are chuffed to bits.”