...going down a storm; Weather forecasts fail to dampen spirits of these fundraisers whose events were.

Byline: Ben Glaze

A BRIEF respite from the torrential storms which battered South Wales allowed some weekend events to continue.

Two thousand runners descended on Cardiff yesterday for the annual 10km race around the capital's Bute Park.

And hundreds of families toured HMS Cornwall which was docked at Britannia Quay, Cardiff Bay.

Competitors flocked from all over Britain to take part in the HSBC Cardiff 10k Race, which raises cash for the Kidney Wales Foundation.

Welsh National Opera draftsman Dave Taylor, 41, of Penarth, completed the course in 51 mins 42 secs.

He said: "It was my first time and I thought it was excellent, I loved it.

"I started running about three months ago and thought this would give me something to aim for."

Human resources worker Sheridan Prescott, 40, of Tredegar, said: "The first 3km were the hardest part. I met somebody at 8km who chatted with me until the end and he kept me going."

Claire Skinner travelled from Wokingham to take part in the run with her Cardiff-based sister, Nicola Lewis.

Claire, 27, a dental practice manager who ran the course in 58 mins 30 secs, said: "It was tough and we were wondering if it was going to go ahead because of the weather.

"But it was really good and I'm glad I finished in under an hour. There were so many people to spur us on."

Cardiff council cashier Paul Morris, 49, of Whitchurch, Cardiff, said: "It was a fast start and then the challenge was to keep the pace going. I'm coming back again next year."

The race, started by classical singer Katherine Jenkins sounding an air horn, was won by 23-year-old Tom Humphries, of Cannock, Staffordshire, in 29 mins 45 secs.

He worked at a supermarket the night before and drove to the capital at 3.30am. Accepting his trophy at the Swalec Stadium, Sophia Gardens, the graphic design student said: "I felt quite comfortable. It's a really good course and I've had a great experience."

The women's race was won by Rebekah Randell, 31, of Weston-super- Mare, in 35 mins 18 secs.

Kidney Wales Foundation chairman Roy Thomas said: "It has been a fantastic day and we were blessed with the weather.

"We've been on our knees for the last four days hoping things would turn out all right."

One of the early casualties of the heavy rain was Cardiff Pride, the colourful celebration for the gay community.

But a street party in Churchill Way provided some entertainment and the capital's gay bars were still packed with revellers.

And in Cardiff Bay the company of the Type 22 frigate HMS Cornwall lowered their gang plank to the South Wales public, who toured the decks and learned more about recent operations the Cornwall has taken part in.

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CAPTION(S):

LET'S GO: The 2k and 10k race, inset MAIN PICTURE: Andrew Davies; WELL DONE: Katherine Jenkins handing out medals at the end of the 2k run. Below, Jack Gill 10 of Barry and Engineering Technician Mark Kiddier on HMS Cornwall