“We’ve been overwhelmed by the popularity of the event,” said Rhondda Cynon Taff Council Leader, Councillor Russell Roberts. “Our officers were receiving calls in the summer from people wanting to take part in the run.”

The Nos Galan 2003 proved to be one of the most popular for a number of years, with race numbers nearly hitting the 500 mark and hundreds more spectators. Families and runners are again expected to pack the streets of Mountain Ash to enjoy the free street entertainments, major fireworks display and *funfair.

“Nos Galan is an ideal way for families to enjoy New Year’s Eve in a very different way – both as a runner and spectator. The history also gives it a certain magic,” added Councillor Roberts.

The highlight of Nos Galan, which is once gain being sponsored by ‘Action Team for Jobs’, is always the torchlight run by the Celebrity Mystery Runner, whose identity is kept secret until the night, along the tough route from the legendary Guto Nyth Bran’s grave in Llanwonno to Mountain Ash town centre. They then run to Mountain Ash carrying a flaming torch, supported by local athletes.

Over the years many famous sporting personalities have had this honour – Anne Packer, Ron Jones, Lillian Board, David Hemery, David Bedford, Steve Jones and Kirsty Wade, and Stephen Jones in 2003.

Rhondda Cynon Taff Council's Cabinet Member for Cultural Development, Recreation and Tourism, Councillor Graham Thomas, commented: “For many children the Nos Galan road races are an introduction to athletics – the whole event is about linking athletics and exercise with fun and social interaction.”

Events this year begin with the children’s race, funfair and street entertainment, followed by the Mystery Runner's arrival in the torchlight parade and the adults road race. The Nos Galan firework display ends the evening.

For an entry form or further details on the Nos Galan races contact Rhondda Cynon Taf Council on 01685 885630.

The Nos Galan event, including the road races and family entertainment, will take place between 5pm and 8pm on Friday 31st December 2004.

Cost of race entry: Adults - Athletics Association of Wales affiliated athletes - £7.50; Unaffiliated Athletes - £8.50; It will cost £10 to register on the night of the event. Juniors - 8 to 15years - £2;

Mystery runners of the past few years: 1997 Iwan Thomas; 1998 Jamie Baulch and Ron Jones; 1999 Garin Jenkins and Dai Young; 2000 Christian Malcolm; 2001 Darren Cambell; 2002 Matt Elias and 2003 Stephen Jones

Story of Guto Nyth Bran
The traditional Nos Galan races commemorate the legendary Welsh runner, Guto Nyth Brân. Born Griffith Morgan in 1700, he was first known simply as ‘Guto’, then as ‘Guto Nyth Brân’ because he lived at Nyth Brân Farm near Porth in the Rhondda Valley. There are many stories of his athletic prowess. How he could catch a bird in flight, and on one occasion he ran to Pontypridd and back, some seven miles, before his kettle had boiled. Throughout his life he contested many races and took on many challengers, but owing to his continued successes, his challengers became fewer and fewer.

However, when he was 37, a challenge came from the ‘Prince’ of Bedwas to run the 12 miles from Newport in Monmouthshire to Bedwas Church near Caerphilly. Guto easily won the race, but the celebratory ‘slaps’ on the back proved too much for him and he died in the arms of his sweetheart, Siân o’r Siop. His body was taken to its final resting place in the graveyard of Llanwynno Church near Mountain Ash.

To commemorate Guto, Nos Galan, Welsh for New Year’s Eve, gave its name to the annual races that began in 1958.

(*There will be extra charges to ride on the funfair attractions.)