THE second annual ‘Dash for Ash’ Kilgetty 5k run event turned out to be a great success, helping to raise nearly £5k.

This memorial event was set up by the friends of Ashley Rogers to remember the life of Ashley, who tragically passed away at the age of 29 in a road traffic accident at the A477 fingerpost junction on May 13, 2023.

Ashley’s name and memory lives on through this event, along with other charitable events arranged by the Ashley Rogers Foundation, including an annual mountain hike, which raised an excellent £1,490 earlier this year.

The Foundation is delighted to announce that the activities at Kingsmoor Sports and Social Club, which included the second annual running of the Kilgetty 5k, along with a raffle and an auction, raised an incredible total of £4,797.

A portion of the funds raised in the raffle will be used to support the Kilgetty community, who are aiming to build a new play park. The remainder of the money will be split between Sandy Bear Child Bereavement Charity as well as a trust fun for Theo, Ashley's son.

The event started at 10am on Sunday, August 25 with over 130 runners congregating at the start line on Kilgetty sports field. Whilst the “weather gods were unkind”, this did nothing to deter the runners from the challenge!

A true reflection of the local community was represented, from toddlers in prams to senior community members.

The leaders made their way through the village with the male winner and local Ironman Rhys Emanuel cruising off into an early lead which he never relinquished. 

Under the careful guidance of the volunteer marshals and head marshal Paul Fairclough ‘Lenny’ - who liaised with Greenlight Traffic Management to supply their professional services at no cost - the route took the runners past the many residents who had turned out to support this local event.

The female category was dominated by Tenby Aces’ Jodie Hughes who led home the impressive Allie Adams and Jamie Hutchinson in second and third places.

The male category had a clear winner, but the rest of the podium was filled by Jordan Asparassa and Jerome mansbridge, who battled right to the line.

The newly introduced junior category displayed some great talent with a number of future athletes taking part. Credit goes to these young runners who fought the elements and showed great resilience to complete the run.

The junior girls category was dominated by members of Kilgetty Girls football team with Emily Baker placing first, shortly followed by Florence Harland in second, and Hallie Griffiths in third.

The junior boys podium also included football club members  Dexter Clement in first, Dewi Harland in second and Cobin in third.

Other notable performances were by 2023 winner Dan Storer, who chose to take it down a gear and take part whilst pushing his new born daughter in her pram. Young Jesse Proctor made a defiant attempt to run the full 5k but by the time he made it to Ivy Chimney Lane resorted to a power nap on his dad’s shoulders. A number of runners from Kilgetty junior girls team showed their readiness for the new season making it around the 5k with ease - Coach James North’s pre season training is clearly paying off!

Every runner who completed the run received a medal from this years main sponsor Pro Waste Pembs Ltd and a much needed bottle of water courtesy of Culligan UK. Pro Waste also kindly sponsored the trophies. Wooden Plaques were generously hand carved by Kieran Machin to create a permanent memory for the winning athletes in what is hoped will be a continued tradition for many years to come as the event grows in profile and prestige.

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. Further thanks are extended to the volunteer marshals including Mark Wood, who has endured a very tough year but still found time to lend his support to the event, Marshalling from his wheelchair whilst he awaits delivery of his prosthetic leg. It would be no surprise to see Mark taking part next year, such is the progress he is making!

Thanks must also go to all of the local businesses that donated amazing prizes for the extremely successful raffle and auction, which was intended to follow the Kilgetty Fete. Unfortunately the fete was cancelled due to the inclement weather but that didn’t stop the fete organisers from playing a part by arranging the afternoon’s live entertainment in the sports club.

All in all, the entire community had come together and created a great atmosphere that was thoroughly enjoyed by all in attendance.