South Wales Winter Hill Series 2025 results and Hugh Aggleton Award

The 32nd year of the South Wales Winter Hill Series came to a close at Coppett Hill Race where Rhys Goodrick (Vegan Runners) cemented his place as the new king of South Wales fell running by winning his 6th race of the Series. Briony Latter (Mynyddwyr de Cymru) finished strongly to ensure that she finally took the Series victory after 2nd and 3rd place series finishes in the last two years.

The rest of the overall podium was stacked with runners who are used to finishing on the top step. Jon Ford (Mynydd Du, 1st in 2023 and 2nd in 2024) and Wyndham Turner (Mynydd Du, 1st in 2024 and 2nd in 2023) took 2nd and 3rd in the M/Open category. Katie Ironside (Mynyddwyr de Cymru, champion of the last 2 iterations) and Rhian Probert (Mynydd Du, Welsh champion in 2022) pushed Briony all the way in the F category.

The age categories were hotly contested. In the U23s Talf Carter (Hereford Couriers)'s consistency was enough to hold off Tomas Black (Mynyddwyr de Cymru) who ran some extremely good races. Both will be looking to challenge Rhys in future years. Ben Raymond (Barry And Vale Harriers) came 3rd with some strong performances of his own.

In the V40s Emma McWilliams (Mynydd Du) ran another strong series to take the win over Alix Arndt (Sarn Helen) and Donna Grant (Mynyddwyr de Cymru). On the M/Open side Matt O'Keefe (CDF Runners) narrowly beat Steve Hepton (Mynydd Du) and ever-present Wes Sheldon (Mynydd Du).

The M/Open V50s was extremely close, only 2 points separated winner Dan Hooper (Sarn Helen) from 2nd place Chris Medcalf (San Domenico RC) with Ian Whistance (Mynydd Du) also scoring highly for 3rd place. In the F category Rhian Probert (Mynydd Du) took a commanding win but there were strong performances from Debbie Stenner (Mynydd Du) and Emma Bagley (Fairwater Runners) in 3rd.

As is often the case, the V60s was the most competitive age category. This year it was the turn of Nikki Childs (Mynydd Du) to pip stalwarts Flora Gunner (Croft Ambrey RC) and Ellie Salisbury (Rhedwyr Eryri Harriers) who both consistently made the trip down south to compete. In M/Open Martin Webb (Mynydd Du) took the overall win over Stephen Priestnall (Mynydd Du) and Simon Darke (Mynyddwyr de Cymru) after some nip and tuck racing between the three all season.

The usual suspects rounded out the age categories. Don Powell (Basingstoke & Mid Hants AC) added another V70 title to his long list and Gary Gunner (Croft Ambrey RC) did the same in the V75s.

It was another great Series filled with classic races, just the right amount of friendly rivalry and an uncharacteristic amount of sunshine! Big thanks to Dom Shields for coordinating. The South Wales Winter Hill Series will return in autumn 2026. In the meantime, it's all eyes on the South Wales Series for some more varied racing through the summer.

Hugh Aggleton Memorial Award

The Hugh Aggleton Memorial Award is presented at the end of the South Wales Winter Hill Series in memory of Hugh Aggleton, who was a prolific fell runner in south Wales. Hugh was Welsh Champion in 2015, South Wales Series Champion twice, and ever-present at the front of the South Wales Winter Hill Series. Read more about Hugh here. The award is intended for someone who has made a notable contribution to the South Wales Winter Hill Series through their support of others.  

This year’s winner is Emma McWilliams (Mynydd Du). John Aggleton explained why he nominated Emma for the award:

Emma was a natural choice because she has been heart and soul of Mynydd Du's fell racing, not just the South Wales Winter Hill Series. She has long led by example and encouraged other runners (just a shame they didn’t join MDC). Whenever Hugh and I turned up at a race we would always chat with Emma who epitomised the great thing about fell running – everyone is in it for everyone else (as well as themselves). I can think of few people who have competed in more winter Series races over the past 20 years or so – and always gave everything when it came to running. Hugh would instantly have endorsed this recommendation.

After receiving the award, Emma said:

I’m truly blown away to receive this award. Over the years I’ve done my share of organising, helping, and racing, but no more than many others in this community—so it means a great deal to be recognised in this way.

It feels especially special given my connection to Hugh and John. I’ve known them since I first started fell running around 20 years ago, and there are so many great memories—racing side by side, chatting before and after, and those chance encounters at the Green Man. Even though they weren’t in my club, they always made me feel welcome, took the time to chat, and shared plenty of friendly banter. At the end of the day, we’re all out there in the hills because we love them. But it’s the people we meet and the friendships we build along the way that make it truly meaningful. That’s brought me a huge amount of joy over the years.

Thank you both.