Kilgetty's Dash for Ash 5K raises £4,500 for charity

Kilgetty turned out in force for another memorable 5K Kilgetty was once again filled with colourful outfits, nervous pre-race stretches, cheers and charging trainers as the fourth annual ‘Dash for Ash’ 5K took to the village streets.

What began as a way to remember Ashley Rogers has continued to grow into a much-loved community event, bringing together serious runners, families, juniors, pram pushers and those simply looking to take part for a fantastic cause.

Thankfully, the weather held out for a lovely morning, allowing runners to enjoy the event before the heavens eventually opened later in the day.

As usual, the race attracted plenty of competitive runners at the sharp end, with Jordan Asparassa retaining his men's title after another impressive performance. Edd Caesar took a well-earned second place, while Gethin Hewson claimed third. Gethin appeared to make a somewhat steady start, but as the race went on, his competitors for third seemed to mysteriously disappear!

The women's category was also fiercely competitive, with Jodie Hughes retaining her title despite taking on the challenge as one of the pram pushers — and even managing a slight detour along the way! Cerys Watkins took second place, with Mair Morgan finishing third in what proved to be one of the strongest women's fields the event has seen.

The junior races once again provided some of the biggest cheers of the morning. In the boys' race, Cobyn Phillips roared into first place dressed as a dinosaur, proving that prehistoric creatures can still shift when there's a finish line involved!

George Thomas claimed second place, while Thomas Coleman took third, with all three youngsters recording hugely impressive times for their age. The junior girls were equally quick.

Maddie Kinnard took first place, followed by Halli Griffiths in second and Evelyn James in third. Their pace was so impressive that they left more than a few adults wondering whether they had accidentally entered the wrong race!

The now traditional hunt for the Mystery Sombrero also returned, with Owain Coombes eventually finding the hidden prize after an eventful journey with running partner Jordan Jones.

Their race apparently included an attempted early pit stop at the White Horse Pub — although whether they were searching for the sombrero or something stronger remains unclear!

A huge part of the event's success, as always, was the army of volunteers and marshals who once again selflessly gave up their time to keep runners safe and point them in the right direction — before, of course, continuing their celebrations all day and night in the sports club, as is becoming tradition.

Special mentions must go to Graham 'Fly' Brace for another brilliant fundraising achievement and his continued efforts as a true man of the people. Marshal Dean Rossiter also went above and beyond on the day, helping direct runners safely around the course and even providing some additional directions for a number of particularly keen participants who apparently fancied adding a slightly more scenic route to their 5K.

Another special thank you goes to Ben Dunphy of B.K. Detailing and Valeting for his continued support in helping power the starting line and registration area. The event was once again supported by a fantastic group of local sponsors and businesses.

Del Brace Plumbing and Heating supported the marshalling equipment, while Rumbleway Caravan Park kindly provided race bibs and water for the runners.

Greenlight Traffic Management once again generously gave up their time to ensure runners could safely make their way down Carmarthen Road at the start of the race.

Principal sponsor 1Formula Fitness continued its incredible support for Dash for Ash, sponsoring the medals and trophies and helping the event continue to grow year after year.

This year's event also provided a particularly special and emotional moment with the unveiling of the Ashley Thomas Rogers Memorial Bench, which will remain at Kingsmoor Sports Club in Ashley's memory. The Kilgetty Community Fête, which was due to follow the race, unfortunately had to be cancelled because of the worsening weather.

However, it takes more than a bit of rain to stop the Kilgetty community. Live music continued inside the club, the celebrations carried on, and the fantastic community spirit remained right through the day. The shared charity raffle was also a huge success, supported by the generosity of many brilliant local businesses who donated prizes.

The day itself raised over £2,500, with additional fundraising coming from the fiercely competitive White Horse Pub versus Kingsmoor Sports Club charity cricket match, along with the memorial hike to Scafell Pike earlier this year by Ashley's close friends.

Together, these incredible efforts have brought this year's fundraising total to over £4,500 — a fantastic achievement and another example of the incredible community spirit that continues to surround Dash for Ash.

Funds raised will support Sandy Bear Bereavement Charity and the Kilgetty Community Fund, ensuring that the legacy of the event continues to make a difference both locally and further afield.

Four years on, Dash for Ash has become about so much more than a 5K. It is a chance for people to come together, laugh, compete, remember, raise money and celebrate the life of someone who meant so much to so many. And judging by another brilliant turnout, some questionable navigation, a dinosaur on the podium and one runner's suspicious interest in an early visit to the White Horse, it's safe to say the spirit of Dash for Ash is stronger than ever.

Exactly the kind of day Ashley would have been proud of.