Somtimes in running it’s all about fine margins - and that certainly proved true for Ras Dewi Sant on Saturday as the annual event finished just in time to avoid some horrendous afternoon weather.

Overall, more than 330 competitors from all around the UK descended on St Davids to run the Man-up Uk event and tackle either the marathon, half marathon, or 10k coastal route. And there were some great performances from both experienced runners and first timers.
The marathon course began at Mathry and incorporated areas like Abercastle, Porthgain and Abereiddy Bay - which led onto some extremely tough terrain on the coast path to St Davids.

And even when competitors reached the 25.5 mile mark there was no respite with a gruelling finish up the iconic cathedral steps and up to the finish line.

The marathon race was won in an incredible three hours and 50 minutes (03:50) by Owen William Evans from Little Haven and the effort he put in was evident as he crossed the line.

Second was James Gibson in 04:01, and third Adam Locton in 04:09.

The first female finisher was Nerys Jones, of West Coast Tri, in 4:36:56.

The half marathon saw Johnston’s Tom Sinton outrun the West Coast Tri stalwart and former champion Rhys Harries - winning in a time of 1:30:58, with Harries clocking 1:32:35.

Simon Hall was third in 1:34:29.

The first lady in was Tasha Sexton of the Pembrokeshire Harriers - who clocked a time of 1:38:24.

The 10k race saw a close three way finish with Steffan Thomas firs over the line in 44:54 ahead of Fraser Watson and Robert Davies.

The Female 10k once again went to local girl Lisa Morgan in 53:00.

Afterwards, all competitors headed back to the Cross Hotel in St Davids where they received a finishers medal, and some welcome complimentary cawl.

“Everyone is a winner in their own right and we do mean that,” said Fintan Godkin, of Man-up Uk.

“They aren’t easy runs with the terrain, the weather, the fear of heights, and the navigation - they all add a bit more of a challenge than many are used to.”

Fintan also thanked company staff members and a host of volunteers.

“There are a lot of moving parts in such an event and putting it all together and making it run smoothly and safely has its challenges - so thank you all for the effort. And special thanks to Mike Evans who ran the sweeper leg of the marathon.”