Over 60 budding photographers took on the photomarathon challenge last weekend, showing off their creative skills.

Aberystwyth’s annual photomarathon was held virtually for the second year in a row, but this did not deter over 60 competitors to snap away and respond to the challenge of taking six photos on six themes in six hours.

In addition to the aspiration of winning one of the four categories or being selected as best theme winner there was an added bonus this year in that all images submitted are being exhibited at the prestigious Oriel Gregynog at the National Library.

There were four categories - primary, secondary, open and, in partnership with Aberystwyth University, one for the current students. There were also prizes for the best photo within each theme. The adjudicator this year was esteemed local photographer Marian Delyth, and she had quite a challenge on her hands,

“We all hoped that we would back in person this year but that was sadly not the case. Photography however is a popular art form that is incredibly flexible and accessible and that again has been proved with these fascinating entries.

“It is great to see them be given a worthy stage here at our National Library – if you get the opportunity it is well worth making the effort to see them.”

The six themes set by the organisers were Near, Green, Where Am I, One World, Two and Empty.

The primary age category was won by Isa Bosch of Ysgol Comins Coch with Gwennan MacDonald receiving high commendation from the judge.

The secondary age category was won for the second year running by Penweddig student Gwion Crampin with Elenor Nicholas, herself a former winner, and Eira MacDonald being highly commended.

The open category was won by Aberystwyth-based photographer Angharad Bache with both Lowri Gwynne and Alex Ioannou being highly commended.

The new category for Aberystwyth University students was won by Angus Smith.

Open category winner Angharad was delighted with the win, saying: “The photomarathon is a great challenge and an incredibly difficult discipline. It was lovely to be out and about in Aberystwyth finding potential images to suit the themes. What is even better with the physical exhibition is that you can see how others approached the task and for a photographer that is wonderful to see.

“Considering the standard of imagery on show I am over the moon to have won – roll on next year when I can defend my title!”

Themed image winners were as follows: Hefin Jones (Near), Courtney Evans (Green), Angharad Bache (Where am I and One World), Manon Elin (Two) and Gwennan MacDonald (Empty).

Marian Delyth was keen also to commend the themed photos of Lowri Gwynne, Sean Fitzpatrick, Alex Smith, Alex Ioannou, Gaenor Mai Jones, Harriet McDevitt Smith, Colin Price, Lynne Blanchfield, Wyn Griffith, Martin Leett and Reina Van der Wiel.

The photomarathon is held thanks to the support of Aberystwyth Town Council and mayor Cllr Alun Williams encourages everyone to go and see the exhibition,

“It is great that the photomarathon went ahead this year albeit in a slightly different form. But to see the images physically exhibited in one of our major galleries is such a wonderful experience and I suspect is quite a thrill for all competitors.

“Great photos in a wonderful location – and all on our doorstep!”

According to Catrin M S Davies, one of the organisers, it is wonderful to see a physical exhibition once again.

“I would like to thank the National Library for their willingness to work with us this year and provide such a great setting for the exhibition,” she said.

“The beauty of having a physical exhibition is that you can compare how individual competitors have interpreted the different themes.

“It was great to see a lot of our usual competitors taking part again this year as well as some new names who made their mark. Fingers crossed we will back next year in person and will be able to see everyone again.”

The exhibition is at the National Library until 10 November.