Kilgetty was alive with colour, cheers and charging trainers last weekend as the third annual Dash for Ash 5K fun run took over the village streets.

What began in 2023 as a way to remember Ashley Rogers, who tragically lost his life in a traffic collision, has now become a much-loved community tradition – part race, part reunion, and all heart.

This year’s event had it all: pram-pushing parents, pint-sized speedsters, dog walkers, and finely tuned athletes using the course as a warm-up for September’s Ironman - all of whom were cheered on by an enthusiastic crowd of locals providing encouragement.

Leading the charge from the very first whistle was the lightning-fast Jordan Asparassa, whose sprint start left more than a few jaws on the floor. Hot on his heels were a wave of runners and walkers.

An exciting new addition to this year’s race was the hunt for a mystery sombrero, which later earned Adam “Crespo” Morgan the coveted Mystery Prize when he tracked it down mid-race.

The junior races brought plenty of drama too. In the girls’ category, Olive Peder nabbed third, Hazel Monan stormed into second, and Emily Baker cruised to victory in first place. The loudest cheers, however, came for Hazel’s mum Sian, who joined the action in a thrilling sprint finish with her daughter Sofia. The pair’s head-to-head dash to the line ended with a tumble, but the crowd roared in appreciation for the effort and family rivalry on show.

The boys’ race saw Evan Monan in third, James claiming silver, and Cobyn Phillips powering through to take the top spot after last year’s podium finish.

Among the adults, the men’s race was hotly contested. Daryl Williams pipped Callum Proctor to third place in a photo finish, though in a fine display of sportsmanship, the pair decided to share the bronze medal – with Daryl keeping it during the week and Callum taking custody at weekends. At the sharp end, Jerome Williams pushed Jordan Asparassa all the way to the line before Jordan turned on the afterburners in a blistering final stretch.

In the women’s category, Kath Brace held steady for third, Hannah Faulkner sped to second, and Emma Thomas seemed to glide across the line for a well-earned win.

None of this would have been possible without the support of local businesses and volunteers: principal sponsor 1Formula Fitness; Rumbleway Caravan Park keeping runners refreshed; Greenlight Traffic Management and an army of marshals ensuring everyone’s safety

The proceeds from this year’s Dash will be used to fund a memorial bench in Ashley’s name, whilst the remaining funds will be used to support the incredible work done by Sandy Bear Children’s Bereavement Charity.

This year, the finish line only marked the start of the fun!

The Kilgetty and Begelly Community Fete rolled on through the sunny afternoon, with bustling stalls, children’s games, and live entertainment making the day a huge hit in the community. A bumper raffle, packed with prizes kindly donated by local businesses, raised even more money to be split between Sandy Bear and also the Kilgetty Community Fund.

Three years in, the Dash for Ash has cemented itself as more than just a run. It’s a day of laughter, memory, and community spirit – exactly the kind of legacy Ashley would be proud of.