Nos Galan mystery runners are Gareth Thomas and Laura McAllister

Ex-Wales women’s football captain Laura McAllister and former Wales rugby star Gareth Thomas have been unveiled as 2023’s Nos Galan mystery runners.

The race, in Mountain Ash, Rhondda Cynon Taf, celebrates the life of legendary runner Guto Nyth Brân.

It has been run on New Year’s Eve since 1958 and attracts thousands of spectators each year.

Thomas described the role as “an honour” while McAllister called it “a real privilege to be part of”.

Thomas added: “It really feels like a real community event that not only has history but has relevance now.

“To do it with someone like Laura, who represents so much that’s good in society today, is… a real landmark as to where we are as a society.”

The event is co-organised and funded by Rhondda Cynon Taf council, alongside the Nos Galan Committee.

The team said the 2023 races had a record number of entries, with 1,925 overall participants.

The first man to cross the finish line was Ben Reynolds, while Clara Evans was the fastest woman.

McAllister said the races were “a great celebration of running”.

“I’ve always said we lack confidence sometimes as a nation but it’s events like this and recognising our history that are all part of boosting our self-esteem and our belief in ourselves,” she said.

As local authorities face budget cuts in the coming year, she added: “We have to prioritise sport.. and I think culture as well. If you can merge those two like they have with the Nos Galan races, it’s a brilliant example of what Wales is about, really.”

Chairwoman of the Nos Galan Committee, Ann Crimmings, said: “We have made it to 65 years – what a landmark! Year after year the streets of Mountain Ash have been filled with spectators as runners from all over the world keep the legend alive.

“What better way to celebrate 65 years than by having two of the most important sporting figures in Welsh culture join us as mystery runners.”

Thomas won 100 caps for Wales and three for the British and Irish Lions during his playing days which saw him play for Bridgend, Cardiff, Toulouse and Cardiff Blues.

He ended his career with Welsh rugby league side Crusaders before retiring in 2011.

Two years earlier, he became the first openly gay professional rugby union player when he came out.

Founded in 1958 by Bernard Baldwin, Nos Galan is a 3.1-mile (5km) race around Mountain Ash town centre.

There are the male and female elite running events, as well as a fun run and children’s races.

It starts with a church service at Llanwynno, where a torch is lit and carried to Mountain Ash.

The mystery runner tradition sees a famous sportsperson, whose identity is kept secret…