A charity group social run was organised for the second year in succession on the streets of Ammanford Town Centre and the Amman Valley before Christmas.

It wasn’t just an opportunity for runners to meet up and run together, but they also ran to donate towards a good cause in the lead up to Christmas, which would prove worthwhile.

A grey and showery morning on the eve of the festive period in Carmarthenshire didn’t dampen spirits as a large number of local club athletes as well as those not involved in a club gathered in the middle of town for the short briefing.

Amongst the 60 runners present were Amman Valley Harriers Running Club and ATAC Ammanford Triathlon Club members, who turned out in force for the route around their local streets.

They were also joined by other individuals and younger ages who have a love for running.

It raised money for the Carmarthenshire County Council Toybox Appeal and food donated to the local Foodbank, with the charity benefitting from the donations received.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Christmas Toybox Appeal is a local initiative which provides Christmas gifts for families in need.

Last year, over 6,000 gifts were donated to 957 children from babies from 18 months up to teenagers.

Athletes of all abilities were able to get involved and join in, thanks to the five different distances that they could choose from.

They ranged from 3.5 miles through to 5.5 miles, 6.5 miles, 8.2 miles and the longer 12.5 miles. Runners headed towards the Pontamman, Glanamman, Garnant and Brynaman.

On completion of the run, those in attendance gathered at the Coal Town Coffee for the chance to socialise and enjoy in each other’s company.

Organiser Nick Griffiths was delighted with the turnout in its second edition.

He said: “Thanks to everyone who got involved with the event, it was a great effort by all.

“I was delighted with the kind donations of food, gifts and toys received from runners for the Christmas Toy Box appeal and Ammanford Foodbank, with £550 raised in total.”

The event proved to be another great success in 2019, with runners taking to social media to thank those who put it all together shortly afterwards.