Aaron Ramsey, the former Wales captain and current Oxford United manager, completed the Cardiff Half Marathon on Sunday in a blistering time of one hour, 22 minutes and nine seconds. The 35-year-old raced around the 13.1-mile course, averaging a very quick three minutes and 54 seconds per kilometre.
Speaking ahead of the race, the former Arsenal and Cardiff City midfielder said it was good to be home and see some familiar faces around the course. He said: "I don't know if I'm a speedy little whippet but I managed to do that [a sub-three marathon]. It's my first time racing this though which I'm really excited about."
A year of remarkable marathons
Ramsey's Cardiff performance follows his completion of the London Marathon in just over three hours earlier this year, just weeks after he announced his retirement from football. He then set a new personal best at the Stockholm marathon, finishing in two hours, 59 minutes and 20 seconds – below the gold standard three-hour mark.
When asked if he was hoping for any particular time, he said his goal was to tuck in behind one of his friends. "He's a really good runner so I'll see if he can pull me around there today," he said. "With this manager lifestyle I don't get time to do much training so. It's just nice to be back at home and see some friends and family around the course and be a part of it."
Social media reaction
Ramsey took to social media after the race, sharing a photo with his friends and his race time. He wrote on Instagram: "@cardiffhalf Great event! 1:26:09." Former Wales international Jonny Williams commented "Beast," while fellow Welshman and Cardiff City fan Jason Mohammad added: "Legend."
Ramsey was not the only famous face from Welsh sport taking part in the race, with several Welsh rugby greats also crossing the finish line. Allan Bateman completed the half marathon in memory of his daughter Naomi, who passed away at 34 after a brave battle with triple-negative breast cancer. He crossed the finish line in the city centre along with Naomi's friends, wearing T-shirts bearing her name to raise money for Tenovus cancer charity, finishing in 2:15:40.
Rugby stars take on the course
Wales and Lions legend Adam Jones completed his first half marathon in 2:34:10 after deciding he needed to change after seeing himself on TV last year. The 45-year-old lost five stone and set himself the challenge after starting his running journey with the Couch to 5k app, raising over £5,000 for St David's Hospice Care and Prostate Cymru in the process.
Former Wales captain Gareth Thomas crossed the line ahead of Bateman and Jones, completing the course in 1:50:09. He ran in a Tackle HIV bib, an initiative he leads which aims to raise awareness and stop HIV stigma.
