Event Report 2010 ...

The 2nd Great Welsh Walkathon took place in Llanelli on Sunday and attracted participants from across the UK. The Walkathon is an event for Women only and participants could walk either a 10km or a 13.1 mile half marathon along the beautiful Millennium Coastal Path.

Some women walked with their baby’s in pushchairs or took the opportunity to also walk the dog. The whole ethos of the event was to ensure the women taking part enjoyed the experience and also help to raise funds and awareness for the fight against cervical cancer.

The event started at Llanelli’s Discovery Centre, and all who took part were treated to a special aerobics warm up session by Jenny from Zumba Aerobics. This certainly proved to get everyone in the mood for the challenges that lay ahead of them on what was a lovely but very windy September morning.

Lynne Bolton and Carol Harte had made the journey all the way from North Yorkshire on the Saturday and stayed in the local Premier Inn in Pemberton Retail Park. Lynne said … “I can’t believe how lovely the Llanelli area is and the views from the coastal path were amazing. I will defiantly be coming back to Llanelli again”

Similar comments were made from the team of ladies from Aberystwyth who had travelled to support their husbands and boyfriends who were playing Loughor on the Saturday and then they in turn supported the women who were taking part in the Walkathon.

Gill Hibbard and Hattie Clark from Southampton were equally impressed with the beauty Carmarthenshire had to offer. Again staying over in Llanellil they said, “The Carmarthenshire coastline is stunning. You are very lucky to live in such a wonderful part of Britain” They added, “the people here are so friendly and helpful, we cannot wait to come back next year and will tell all our friends about this event in Llanelli”.

Therese Warwick form Ross-on-Wye in Herefordshire stated “this is the best event I have participated in. Excellent organisation, a superb and friendly atmosphere and with scenery that would be difficult to beat elsewhere”. Therese who works in Herefordshire was so impressed with the event she insisted on starting to promote the 2011 Walkathon to her work colleagues and friends as soon as possible. “People from here would love to take part in this event and I have got to let them know how and when they can enter”

Other participants from as far afield as Edinburgh were adding to the compliments on the beauty of Llanelli and the friendliness of its inhabitants. Others stated that this event was better that the London Moonwalk … better organised, more feel good factor and in a part of the UK that is fantastic.

Tim Gasser – HBA Event Organiser stated … “This goes to show how important these events are to the local economy. Participants travel from across the UK and stay for the weekend providing a great boost to the area “.

Human Being Active would like to thank all the women who took part in the Great Welsh Walkathon and the support they gave to Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust. We also extend a massive thank you to the Llanelli Star for their continued support of this and other HBA events. Our sincere gratitude also goes to the St John Ambulance team who once again provided us with excellent first aid cover. Also to Llangennech Scouts, Sanshirokwai Dojo members, family, friends and other volunteers who helped to ensure the Great Welsh Walkathon went safely and smoothly. Huge thanks are also given to the Millennium Coastal Park Management for again allowing us to use their wonderful facilities.

Tim added … “Without this help and the assistance of many volunteers these kinds of events could not take place. The Great Welsh Walkathon is a very special event. It was fantastic to see so many present and enjoying themselves. We hope to build on the success of this and other HBA events over the coming years".

"We want to continue encouraging people to live a fit and active lifestyle and in the process help raise much needed funds for charity and local good causes”. Tim continued, “We have some amazing facilities and many other great things to offer people here in Llanelli and Carmarthenshire. Our many events over the years have and will continue to attract large numbers of participants and their supporters into the region, which again will provide many excellent benefits to local trade and the tourism industry”.

If anyone is interested in setting themselves a challenge for 2011 then take a look at the HBA website and see which one takes your fancy.

If required please contact us for further information.