Tsim and Bowden Take The Spoils In Return Of ABP Barry Island 10K
Olivia Tsim continued her fantastic form at the ABP Barry Island 10K, claiming the 2022 title in style at a summertime festival of running in Barry, 1,099 days on since the last edition of the race in 2019.
Pontypridd Roadent Tsim clocked an impressive 35:21 on an undulating and challenging route, following on her successes earlier in the Healthspan Wales 10K Series, previously winning the Brecon Carreg Cardiff Bay Run in May.
‘The atmosphere and support out on the course was amazing’, Tsim said at the finish line.
‘It was a similar day today as it was to Brecon Carreg Cardiff Bay Run, and I’ve learnt my lesson in these conditions, going out way too quick!’
‘It’s not an easy course, it’s quite undulating and winding, but these kind of runs put you out of your comfort zone and are great as part of my training for a half marathon. I enjoyed it, it was a great day.’
It was a dominant performance from Tsim in the women’s elite field, finishing over a minute ahead of second placed Lauren Cooper (36:24) of Parc Bryn Bach Runners and Builth and District runner Donna Morris (37:09) in third.
In the men’s race, Bridgend AC’s Adam Bowden took the victory in a brilliant 30:50, having been in second place at the 5K mark.
Bowden was the victor at the ABP Newport Wales Marathon at the end of 2021, but showed his 10K prowess at the ABP Barry Island 10K today.
‘I’ve never done the ABP Barry Island 10K before, but I thrive in the sun as well and I just love running in the heat’, said winner Bowden.
‘I’m still training for the marathon distance, but as you get older and run with these younger guys, you need to work on your speed and get that feeling in your heart and lungs.’
Bowden pipped second place Paul Graham (31:00) from Pontypridd Roadents in a fiercely contested men’s field, with Healthspan Porthcawl 10K victor James Hunt (31:17) continuing his run of 10K form in third place.
Ron Price was the first wheelchair finisher, crossing the line in 45:36.
ABP Barry Island 10K runners took on a tough route in challenging conditions, journeying past Barry Island landmarks including Whitmore Bay, Romilly Park and the Cold Knap.
MEN’S RACE RESULTS:
- Adam Bowden (30:50) – Bridgend AC
- Paul Graham (31:00) – Pontypridd Roadents
- James Hunt (31:17) – Cardiff AC
- Jonathan Butler (31:23) – Swansea Harriers
- Phil Matthews (31:49) – Parc Bryn Bach Runners
WOMEN’S RACE RESULTS:
- Olivia Tsim (35:21) – Pontypridd Roadents
- Lauren Cooper (36:24) – Parc Bryn Bach Runners
- Donna Morris (37:09) – Builth and District
- Chloe Dooley (37:25) – Pontypridd Roadents
- Ffion Higginson (39:11) – Unaffiliated
WHEELCHAIR RACE RESULTS:
- Ron Price (45:36)
