From Bhutan to Mid Wales – meet the councillor preparing to take part in the King's Commonwealth Baton relay

Rhayader Town and county councillor Angela Davies has just run a unique marathon in Bhutan, now she has been selected to carry the Commonwealth Games torch thanks to the positive impact she has made within her community.

Angela said: “I can’t believe it - What an absolute honour to have been nominated, I am blown away!

“I don’t know if I will carry the baton for five miles or five minutes, but I am so excited just to play a small part.

“I am sure others will have been nominated for achieving amazing things, and me just for doing my job!

“For me being the county councillor for Rhayader is role I am honoured and proud to do, it is a privilege to represent the town and my resident, I don’t underestimate the faith and trust the community put in me - I am bursting with pride!

“I think it is very fitting for Rhayader that the word on the Welsh baton is ‘community’ as we are proud of our strong close community spirit.”

For the first time ever, every Commonwealth nation and territory will receive their own Baton for their celebrations and have been asked to customise and decorate this Baton to represent their culture.

All 74 Batons will be reunited at the opening ceremony of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow 2026, from July 23 until August 2, where the Scotland Baton will be presented to His Majesty and the message read aloud to declare the games open.

The Welsh leg of the Relay will officially run from June 19 until 24 and will feature a dynamic blend of pre-recorded moments alongside live events, ensuring communities across Wales can take part in this historic celebration.

Each of the 74 nations and territories across the Commonwealth has its own unique Baton, with a different word featured on each one.

Together, these 74 words will form a message that will be read by His Majesty The King at the Opening Ceremony. Wales’s word is community — a fitting reflection of the nation’s spirit. Wales’s Baton has been designed by Welsh artist Nathan Wyburn, with the design set to be revealed soon.

The Relay will begin in the Vale of Glamorgan, with a launch event at Barry Island, before moving into Cardiff and Newport.

From there, the Baton will travel through Monmouthshire, Caerphilly, and Torfaen, before continuing to Port Talbot.The journey then heads west to Swansea, continuing into Carmarthenshire and reaching Pembrokeshire. Turning north, the Baton will travel through Powys and Ceredigion, before crossing Wales eastward to Wrexham.

The final stretch will see the Baton journey across the top of North Wales, showcasing the region’s landscapes and communities, before arriving in Anglesey for the closing celebrations.

A letter from Commonwealth Sport to Angela said: “I am delighted to let you know you have been recognised for the positive impact you have made within your local community.

“Your dedication to supporting others and strengthening charitable, health and well-being opportunities in the local area has not gone unnoticed, and it is a pleasure to acknowledge your achievements.

“In recognition of your contribution, we are pleased to invite you to take part in the King’s Baton Relay, which is travelling through Wales in June as part of the celebration prior to this year’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, and is coming to Powys on Sunday, June 21.

“This special ‘relay’ event celebrates individuals across the Commonwealth who make a meaningful difference in their communities, and forms part of the wider celebrations marking community spirit, unity, and shared achievement.”

The invitation is the latest excitement for the councillor who has just returned from Bhutan with her husband, Tony, having just completed the Thunder Dragon Marathon.

Angela and Tony are keen runners, and members of Rhayader Running Club and they have taken part in many races over the years, including Rhayader Carnival hill race, Rhayader Round the lakes, and Man v Horse.

Last year they completed the 56 mile Comrades Ultra Marathon in South Africa – it was on Tonys 60th birthday wish list. Angela said: “So this year I was looking for something ‘different’ and spotted “Thunder Dragon Marathon” and was hooked!

“We went with a company called ‘209 events’ as Bhutan has strict rules on foreign visitors and what can I say it was an amazing trip.

“We hiked in the mountains visited temples and monasteries met wonderful people and ended the trip by running a marathon – all in the foot hills of the Himalayas.

“I can’t believe I survived if I’m honest, it was the hardest but most scenic and memorable race I’ve ever done!”