The run honours legendary runner Guto Nyth Bran, whose statue is in the town. 31 December 2012

Thousands of people lined the streets of Mountain Ash on New Year’s Eve to celebrate the record- breaking Nos Galan Road Races.

Team GB athletics captain Dai Greene and home-grown Paralympics competitor Samantha Bowen were the mystery runners in a year dominated by the success of the London 2012 Games.

And the event itself didn’t disappoint, with all races filled to capacity – and as competitive as ever.

No runner registration was taken on the day for the first time in the history of the event.

Organised by Rhondda Cynon Taf council and the Nos Galan Committee, it proved to be the biggest Nos Galan Road Races for 46 years.

Organisers had to “cap” the number of entrants in each race due to health and safety reasons.

There were 800 participants in the 5k Adults Fun Run, 200 athletes in the Elite Race and 150 entrants in
each of the children’s races.

The oldest entrant in the adult race was 74.

Runners came from all over the world to take part, with the furthest two travelling from Washington DC and San Diego in the United States.