Free Press Sport

Pontypool runner wins Newport Park run

12:53pm Wednesday 25th January 2012

A PONTYPOOL runner took first place in the Newport Park Run at the weekend.

Sean Taylor, 35, who is a member of the newly formed Pont-y-pwl & District Runners Club won the Newport 5k Park run on January 21 having completed the course in17 minutes and 54 seconds.

This was a first time a member of the new club competed in the Newport Park Runs, which have been held every Saturday morning at Tredegar House since March 2010.

Mr Taylor said: "As I was running, I could hear people chanting 'Pooler, Pooler' which was great.

"At the start I overheard a few comments about the new vest on the start line too. Our vest is designed to be similar to the Pontypool Rugby colours, so that it is easily recognisable as being from the area.

"Coming first was an added bonus and put our new club firmly on the map. A few more members are keen to take part and we will be encouraging them to come along over the next few weeks."

Pont-y-pwl & District Runners was formed in December 2011 with the help of a start-up grant from the Torfaen Community Chest.

Founder member Chris Simms, from Griffithstown said: "The grant helps us to become more established and attract new members. We want the people of Torfaen to feel that whatever level of ability they have they can come along and join us and just enjoy the sport of running and getting fit. We are lucky to have amongst our founding members experienced coaches and runners so we can cater for everyone."

The club meets at Pontypool Active Living Centre every Tuesday and Thursday at 7pm. More information may be found on their website www.pontypoolrunners.co.uk or ring Chris on 01495 756941.

• Email this page