With daylight increasing gradually it is time to be outdoors again. As you pat yourself on the back for having made it through the dreary winter, lighter mornings and evenings are the time to get your shoes on and get running - there's no more excuses for not sticking to your new year's resolution of turning up and staying healthy.
To make it easier for you, we have compiled a list of runs in Wales that you can still sign up for and embark upon your fitness journey. Whether you are looking for a fun physical activity or just want to explore the spectacular scenery around Wales, taking on an event like the ones below is a perfect way to do it. There are a number of runs coming up in the next few months, and here is a comprehensive guide to some of them. Find out about the latest events in Wales by signing up to our What's On newsletter here
St David’s Day Run
Here is the perfect way to commemorate the day of the Patron Saint of Wales — St David. With the ushering in of spring and daffodils blooming around, take a suitable run around the lush Bute Park. You can run at your convenience, from 5K to a half marathon. For the kids, there is a mini 1.5k run as well. Runners are encouraged to dress up based on the themes of dragons or daffodils. All the finishers get a medal.
The run supports two charities — Cancer Research Wales and Kidney Wales — with the entry fees going to their funds. The runners are also encouraged to spread awareness of their work supporting a noble cause.
Where: Bute Park, Cardiff
When: Sunday, March 3 2024
Tickets: £10- £25 - you can buy them here.
Admiral City of Newport Half Marathon
Come this spring, runners are invited to run this friendly half marathon in support of St David's Hospice Care. It will be a fun and inclusive day, all for a noble cause. This year marks the 11th anniversary of the half marathon and takes you along an exciting path in and around Newport, including the city centre, the iconic town of Caerleon, and then a little run along the river Usk back to the city.
You can opt for an optional t-shirt, but all the finishers are sure to get a bespoke medal.
Where: Usk Way, Newport NP20 2BP, UK
When: Sunday, March 3 2024
Tickets: £38- £44 - buy tickets here
Merthyr Half Marathon 2024
Test yourself against this challenging course through beautiful scenery. The Merthyr Half Marathon 2024 course takes in the historic Trevithick and Taff Trails, mainly run on tarmac with a small trail section.
Starting and finishing at Merthyr College, the race is organised and run by Merthyr Running Club. The undulating course takes you around Merthyr and its surrounding countryside, giving you spectacular views as you race. Last year’s Merthyr Half Marathon attracted hundreds of entries and great feedback from runners.
Where: Merthyr Tydfil
When: Sunday, March 17, 2024
Tickets: £6 for junior fun run up to £32 for non affiliated runners - buy tickets here.
2024 ABP Newport Wales 10K
Away from the capital, Newport is a beautiful and iconic location for runners. Run a fun 10K race past the historic locations of Newport which include the city’s Transporter Bridge, the riverfront and the revamped city centre. The run is a part of R4W's series of events and you can avail of the multi-buy discount offer if you book multiple runs across different locations throughout the year. Post run, you can relax in a multicultural musical heritage with one of the finest brews!
Where: Newport, UK
When: Sunday, April 28 2024
Tickets: £26 - £28 - buy them here.
2024 ABP Newport Wales Marathon and Half
If you've got more in the tank than 10K then why not push yourself and go for either a half or full marathon distance instead? The events, which will be hosted alongside the above 10K to make a full festival of running, mean there's a distance to suit every level of ability and ambition. The courses have been updated and improved for 2024 but remain fast and flat so there's PB potential whatever length you're going for.
Where: Newport, UK
When: Sunday, April 28 2024
Tickets: Entries start from £34. For full details and to sign up go here.
2024 Brecon Carreg Cardiff Bay 10K
Run in the stunning backdrop of Cardiff Bay, including historic landmarks such as Roald Dahl Plass, the Millennium Centre, Mermaid Quay, and the Cardiff Bay Barrage. It is a self-paced flat and friendly run, catering to different abilities. Being a part of the R4W 10K Series, the run attracts world-class athletes to the Welsh capital.
R4W is offering a multi-buy discount offer if you sign up for more runs in the series being held at different locations throughout the year. You can sign up for a regular run or a charity run.
Where: Roald Dahl Plass, Cardiff CF10 5BZ, UK
When: Sunday, May 19 2024
Tickets: £10- £30 - more info here
Swansea 5K
This run is perfect for the first-timers and the beginners. Come run along the scenic panoramic view of Swansea Bay, Wales’ very own waterfront city beach. Run along with your friends and family along the flat sea-side trail in the pleasant summer. It is a doable day out for a runner with any ability.
Athletes with a disability can call to check if the race is suitable for them.
Where: East Burrows Car Park, Swansea, Wales
When: Sunday, May 26 2024
Tickets: £20 - buy them here.
Swansea Half Marathon
Mark your calendars for the 10th anniversary of the mega Swansea Half Marathon. Voted the UK’s best half marathon in consecutive years, make sure to mark your presence at this iconic race. It has the most scenic route possible, bringing the best from the interiors of the city and the scenic coastline together. From hydration point every three miles to official photographers to capture your moments— the race has it all covered. The finishers get a lush wooden medal to commemorate their win.
You can keep up with any updates by following the hashtag— #RunSwansea
Where: Copr Bay Bridge Swansea, Wales
When: Sunday, June 9 2024
Tickets: £38 - £40 - buy them here.
Conquer Cardiff
The popular Cardiff run is here again this summer for you to be a part of. The run offers you a fun and rewarding time around the flat pathways of Bute Park and its picturesque scenery. You can choose from 5k, 10k and half marathon distances as per your ability. Every participant gets their chip-timed results and a finisher’s medal. Water stations, snacks and drinks will be provided at the venue. It is the perfect way to make the most out of your day and also meet new people.
Where: Bute Park, Cardiff
When: Saturday, June 29 2024
Tickets: £22 - £25 - buy tickets here
2024 Ogi Porthcawl 10K
Another race from the R4W 10K series, this one is in the coastal town known for surfing and sports. The Porthcawl event is an exciting time, both for locals as well those who travel in to take part. Be sure to meet runners from different regions and have a fun summer time in this little town. The run takes you along scenic locations including Rest Bay, Newton Beach, and the historic Grand Pavilion.
With live music to cheer the runners on the way, the run will culminate at the majestic Porthcawl Lighthouse.
Where: Porthcawl, UK
When: Sunday, July 7 2024
Tickets: £26- £28 - buy tickets here.
2024 CDF 10K
The historic 10K world-class run is back again this year. The sheer grandeur of CDF makes it a part of R4W’s mass participation events. Join thousands of runners on the streets of Cardiff to raise awareness for a social cause. By entering multiple runs at different times around the year in different places — Cardiff Bay, Newport, Porthcawl and Cardiff city centre — you can unlock huge discounts. The run has only one category — a 10k run— and is aimed towards charity.
The run takes you on a trail around Cardiff city and includes popular spots such as Cardiff Castle, Central Square, and the Principality Stadium.
Where: King Edward VII Ave, Cardiff CF10, UK
When: Sunday, September 1 2024
Tickets: £1 for children up to £30 - more information here.
2024 Principality Cardiff Half Marathon
This popular half is one of the largest road races in Europe and is set to take place in October in the Welsh capital. The race is a part of the SuperHalfs series and enjoys the Elite Label by World Athletics. The running route covers the major attractions of the city, including the stunning Cardiff Bay and then culminates in the Civic centre.
There are various options to choose from for the Half Marathon. While general tickets are now sold out, you can still enter for just £10 in return for agreeing to fundraise £300 for the NSPCC here. One can also avail of a discount by entering the Welsh Distance Double to take part in both the Cardiff and Newport half.
Where: Castle St, Cardiff CF10 1BT, UK
When: Sunday, October 6, 2024
Make the most of the brighter days with these runs and more. Do remember to get your friends and family along and initiate yourself in happier and healthier lifestyle choices. Whether you are a beginner or one chasing your PB, regular runs are a great way to keep in shape. It never hurts to go that extra mile, anyway.
