The History of Wales

 

Guto Nyth Brân.

Griffith Morgan (1700–1737), - “the fastest man of his time”, known better as Guto Nyth Brân is thought to have been born on 26th October 1700, at Nyth Brân farm in Llwyncelyn, a small village, near Porth.

It was said that Guto's speed was first noticed when he managed to catch a wild hare. Another legend has it that he could run the 7 miles, to the local town of Pontypridd and back home again, before his mother's kettle had boiled.

Seeing his potential the local shopkeeper, Siân o'r Siop (Siân from the Shop), became his trainer and manager and organised a race on Hirwaun Common against an unbeaten English Captain, for a £400 prize. Guto won the race won easily and kept on winning, remaining unbeaten until he was 30. Over the years, Guto and Sian had fallen in love and Guto decided to retire to enjoy a quiet life with Sian.

However in 1737, a new champion runner had emerged, called the 'Prince of Bedwas' and Sian persuaded Guto to have one last race against Prince, for a prize of 1000 guineas. The race was over the 12 miles from Newport to Bedwas and was a very even contest. Nearing the finish, Prince held a slender lead, however, one last lung bursting effort from Guto saw him cross the line first. However in the celebrations after, Guto collapsed and died in Sian's arms.

In memory of Guto, the Ras Nos Galan is run every year on New Years Eve at Mountain Ash, over the course of Guto's first ever race. It has become a tradition of this race for a mystery runner to compete and over the years, this has included Iwan Thomas, Linford Christie and Alun Wyn Jones. At the conclusion of the race, a wreath is then placed on Guto's grave in Llanwynno graveyard. There is also a commemorative statue of Guto in Mountain Ash.