Road race will boost Llandudno tourism

Sep 30 2010 by Steve Stratford, North Wales Weekly News

A MAJOR running race scheduled to come to Llandudno next May will bring a shot in the arm for tourism.

The Welsh Assembly Government and Welsh Athletics, the sport’s governing body, are backing the plans to relaunch the Llandudno 10-mile race.

The event is part of the Welsh Major Events Framework supported by the Assembly and Welsh Athletics, and locally by Conwy County Council.

In the past the race attracted over 2,000 runners but the hopes are that 2011’s event will see 5,000 runners taking part, and that the figure will rise to double that number in future races.

The original 10-mile race was last held in 2005 and ceased because of rising costs and increasing concerns over health and safety.

Held each November, it used to attract a quality field because of the potential for fast times on the relatively flat course.

Race director John Hatton said: “The initiative for the revival came from Welsh Athletics who were seeking an event in North Wales to fit in with its Assembly-backed framework for five championship races throughout Wales.”

The event will also include an Expo with up to 100 trade stands in the arena at Venue Cymru, and workshops and seminars.