Record Number Of Runners Take Part In Darth Mannion For WAA
Every year, a quiet spot on the Gower becomes the epicentre for an adrenaline-fuelled 12-mile run, raising funds for Wales Air Ambulance.
The Darth Mannion has been running for eight years, each year raising thousands for the Welsh helicopter charity.
On March 18, a record number of runners took part in the event, which originally started as a small, annual race that was set up by a group from the local village.
Now, the Darth Mannion Beach and Swamp Run is the biggest it has ever been, drawing in over 450 runners – braving the mud, river and sea to raise lifesaving donations.
Starting from the South Gower RFC, the keen runners made their way through Bishopston, the Three Cliffs Bay and Brandy Cove Bay to finish back at the RFC to recover.
Mark Stevens, Wales Air Ambulance Fundraising Manager, regularly takes part in the event, running the 12-mile off-road route across the Gower.
Mark said: “This year, the race was incredibly difficult, but the community nature of the event is not only shown in their fundraising, but also because every participant pulls together to ensure that no one is left behind – even the person who lost his shoe and ran the last three miles in bare feet!
“We cannot thank the Darth Coastal Runners enough for their generous fundraising for Wales Air Ambulance
“Every year, they raise thousands which helps to keep our helicopters flying across Wales to help those in their hour of need.”
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