In 1981 The Western Mail announced that it was organising a Cardiff
Marathon.
In Islwyn a number of individuals began to training for the event. Most of who had never
before considered running let alone tackle a marathon.
A meeting was held at Pontllanfraith Leisure Centre for the runners, who rose to the
challenge of completing a marathon. This meeting was chaired by Malcolm Parker. He suggested we meet and train together, one evening a week. The meeting supported this idea and
decided to meet on Tuesday evenings at 6.30pm.
Sometime after the September marathon another meeting was called by Malcolm Parker and
this led to the birth of Islwyn Running Club.
Malcolm is still running with the club today and continues to take an active role in all aspects of the clubs
activities.
