Sunday, August 27 marked the date for the first annual ‘Dash for Ash’ - Kilgetty 5k run event - which raised an incredible total of £8,400!

This event was set up by the Ashley Rogers Foundation as a memorial event for the community in memory of 29 year old Ashley who tragically passed in a road traffic accident on the A477 fingerpost junction on May 13, 2023 leaving a huge void in the local community of Kilgetty and the surrounding area.

Although Ashley may no longer be with us his name and memory will undoubtedly live on through this Foundation, which was set up by his close friends to offer support towards his young son Theo, his fiance Jess and family, and to create a legacy in Ashley’s name that can support many worthy causes and projects going forward.

The Foundation is delighted to announce that the activities at Kingsmoor Sports and Social Club which included the first running of the inaugural 5k, along with a raffle and auction raised an incredible total of £8,400!

Dash for Ash
Maisie Foster, winner of both female and junior category. (Pic supplied)

The event started at 9.30 am on the Sunday with some 150 runners congregating at the start line on the Kilgetty sports field, the runners ‘and walkers’ ranged from top local athletes who completed the run in well under 20 minutes, to people dressed in fancy dress and pushing prams which beautifully encapsulates the intended inclusive nature of the event.

The runners made their way up through the village passed many supporting residents under the careful guidance of the volunteer marshals and ‘Greenlight traffic management who supplied their professional services at no cost to support this local event.

The runners made their way up Sardis lane then turning right via Ivy Chimney before completing their loop passed the RAOB club and White horse finishing where they started at the Kilgetty sports field, there was quite a battle between runners at the front end with Dan Storer from Tenby leading the event at the half way stage but being pushed hard by other local sportsman, but to great credit Dan manged to extend his lead through the second half of the race and came home a clear winner in the first running of the Kilgetty 5k.

The first female back was young Maisie Foster who won the lady and junior categories with an impressive performance and clearly a talented performer.

Dash for Ash
Dan Storer the male winner of the run with his fellow Tenby AFC participants who followed behind 2nd place Daryl Mansbridge (left) and 3rd Jerome Mansbridge (right) (Pic supplied)

Other notable performances were that of 6 year old Francis Monan who looked a future winner in waiting and local councillor Alistair Cameron who perhaps won’t make the podium - but gave his whole hearted support to this event!

Every runner which completed the run received a medal sponsored by Pro Waste Pembs Ltd and a much needed bottle of water courtesy of Culligan UK

Special thanks must also go to other generous sponsors: Del Brace Plumbing & Heating for providing safety vests for all marshals; Rumbleway Caravan Park for the competitor running bibs; The Dennis Cafe for their kind contribution towards a successful stall that was incorporated into the Kilgetty Fete; and also a very special thank you to Green Light Traffic Management again along with the volunteer marshals for offering their services in ensuring the safety of all competitors.

DAsh for ASh
Councillor Alistair Cameron (Mo Farah in disguise!) (Pic supplied)

Thanks also to all the local businesses that donated amazing prizes for the extremely successful raffle and auction that followed the Kilgetty Fete which followed the run and created a great family atmosphere throughout the day.

The success of any event is solely based on those of whom turn up and show their support, the ‘Dash for Ash’ memorial was another prime example of the local community getting behind one of its own, this would not have been possible without you all.

Thank you and see the same time next year!