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Max Boyce starts Boxing Day race saved by locals

BBC Max BoyceBBC
Max Boyce, with his horn ready to start the race, was glad he could start it after it had been in doubt

A Boxing Day race, saved by the local community after the company that organised it went bust, has been started by Max Boyce.

The performer, who has just turned 80, said the Glynneath five miler "binds the community in such a special way."

The company, Tough Runner, went bust in November - leaving many wondering whether the race would survive.

But local councillors and businesses came together to ensure the tradition continued with just two weeks to plan.

"Warren Gatland's told me to stay fit for the Six Nations - I'm not allowed to run today," Boyce joked at the start line.

He praised the organisers for rescuing the Neath Port Talbot race which started in 1987, and attracted 200 runners despite the short notice.

"It brings everybody together and it's the legacy of (founder and runner) Arthur Phillips," the singer said.

Dai Richards Max Boyce giving out awards in 2015 with the founder, Arthur Phillips (Right).Dai Richards
Max Boyce giving out awards in 2015 with the founder, Arthur Phillips (Right).

"We are (a close knit community), this race epitomises the community. It's been going on for more than 30 years - and it does bind the community in such a special way."

Many people were left feeling "conned" when Tough Runner went bust - and the local community were worried the race would not survive.

But Councillors Hayley Davies and Simon Knoyle were messaged by local people and felt they had to do something about it.

So, they are organised it in just two weeks, with Simon adding: "It's been going for many, many years and they didn't want it to die so asked us if we could resurrect the race."

The councillors were helped by Martin Hines, who has contributed to a number of local races, and described it as "special".

Competitors in 2022
Runners dressed as Max Boyce in 2022 when the race was owned by Tough Runner which has since gone bust

Jamie Moghaddam from Pontardawe dressed as the Joker for the event and said: "I was a bit disappointed when it was cancelled but they put this together at such short notice - it was amazing.

"It was great (to see Max Boyce on the start line). What a legend."

Race competitors
The Joker and Spiderman loved the resuscitated event

Nathan Emery from Neath was Spiderman and says he can't wait to come back for more next year.

Welsh Commonwealth athlete, Dewi Griffiths, won the men's race in 22 minutes 29 seconds.

Ffion Williams from Port Talbot Harriers won the women's race in 29 minutes and 30 seconds.