THE contribution Ron Skilton made to Green Events in Llanwrtyd Wells was remembered during an event named in his honour last weekend, which raised more than £700 for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.
One hundred runners competed in the annual Ron Skilton Memorial Half Marathon, described as a “tough but fun” race along a figure of eight route, mainly off-road and passing through magnificent mountainous scenery.
The trail race is one of the toughest half marathons you can do, covering more than 2,000 feet of elevation and run along some mighty tough terrain – much of which is used during Green Events’ madcap Man v Horse race held earlier in the year.
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Winner of the men’s race by just two seconds was Eric Apperley, from Knighton, representing Croft Ambrey Running Club, in a time of 1 hour 40 minutes 6 seconds, narrowly beating David Thomas, from Builth Wells. The women’s race was won by Wendy Price, from Llandovery, in 1 hour 53 minutes.
The annual event, which began in 2006, is organised by Green Events, of which Ron was treasurer before MND took his life in December 2005. Money raised from the half marathon went to the charity researching the disease.
“In his younger years, Ron was a keen runner and cyclist, so we felt that an annual half marathon would be a fitting tribute as well as a way to remember him and celebrate his life,” said Bob Greenough from Green Events.
“Around half of the marshals on the day were members of the Skilton family who travelled from different parts of the UK to be with us.
“Thanks to all those who took part, the local people who turned out on the day to support the event and all the local landowners involved. Next year, we hope to attract even more competitors.
“We are delighted to be able to attract visitors to the area, provide a very decent competition and support worthy charities at the same time.”
Green Events is a member of MWT Cymru (Mid Wales Tourism), an independent organisation that represents around 600 tourism and hospitality businesses across Powys, Ceredigion and Southern Snowdonia.
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