Just over a year since the last edition, the Welsh Athletics and Run Wales Annual Awards Evening returned once again last Saturday as a wide range of members of the Athletics Community were welcomed to the Sophia Gardens Cricket Ground. Attendance proved popular among members of Social Running Groups, as members of nominated groups eagerly turned out to see who would be the winners of our Group of the Year and Leader of the Year. awards.
Read below for our report of what was a fantastic evening of celebration:
Despite the chilly outside temperatures, attendees arrived all suited and booted at the warm glow of Sophia Gardens ready to celebrate the efforts of some of the amazing and exceptional people from the Run Wales Community. Many had already been lucky enough to enjoy the pleasant surprise of the winter sunshine for their runs earlier in the day.
This year the Run Wales Awards were brought to you by the Bike Lock Café, Cardiff’s first secure cycle storage space, café and meeting point all in one place! We extend our thanks to their support and for being there to present the awards.
Run Wales Leader of the Year– Kay Rogers, BRF Running Club
After an inundation of nominations, the awards panel returned a final shortlist of three leaders with the winner to be announced on the night. The shortlist was as follows:
Kay Rogers– BRF Running Club
Kay was nominated for her unwavering enthusiasm, setting up the parkrun tourism group, organising three groups to carry the Run Wales baton all alongside her inspiring contributions to the group!
Darran Moran- Vale Runners
Nominators recognised Darran’s efforts in raising thousands for Marie Curie and for going out of his way for club members of all abilities and helping them to build confidence. Also noted was his infectious humour, sense of fun and his role as the key organiser for social events in the club.
Dave Sinclair- Albany Road Run Club
Dave was recognised as the heart and sole of Albany Road Run Club, where he has created a culture of inclusiveness and encouragement. Nominators noted the sheer amount of time he devotes to the club, whether it be for session planning, long run meet-ups and club days out.
Run Wales Group of the Year– Albany Road Run Club
We are fortunate to support some amazing, inclusive Social Running groups in Wales. This was reflected in the scale of the nominations that we received to forward to the panel and is testament to the fantastic work that groups and their leaders do for their members and the community. The shortlist is below:
Word seems to have got out about the club’s friendly and inclusive nature, with this year seeing a huge increase in membership. The club welcomes members to a variety of sessions where no one is left behind. In the eyes of its members, it is just one big, awesome family.
One of pre-eminent ladies running groups in the city, the group continually supports fantastic female runners in a non-judgemental and supportive environment, growing and evolving to meet the needs of the members. You may recognise them for their Medal Monday features and their colourful yarn bombs around the city.
A club that has gone from strength to strength since forming in 2018. Nominators mentioned their awesome socials, support for runners of all abilities without pressure and their fantastic leaders providing an invaluable service to the community.
It was lovely to see so many Social Running Groups in attendance on the night and to meet so many of the inspiring individuals, members and leaders within them. Thanks to the venue and the members of staff at Run Wales who helped to organise the event. We hope that joined us enjoyed their evening.
The night was also about recognition and acknowledgement, with some inspiring individuals and groups recognised with awards. However, we also thank and recognise those in our sport and in our Run Wales community who continue to give up their time day after day and on a voluntary basis to help so many experience the mental, physical and social benefits that running provides.
Here’s to you all!