If you are looking to take on a challenge in Wales this year, the R4W group has a packed calendar of mass participation events right across the country.
Run 4 Wales and Always Aim High Events have brought together road races, trail runs, triathlons, duathlons, cycling and swimming events, offering something for all abilities and interests.
The season kicks off in February with the Nick Beer Llandudno 10K on 15 February. Starting on the Victorian promenade, the route loops around the Great Orme and offers sweeping views across Eryri, Anglesey and beyond. It has become a popular way for runners to start their year.
On 1 March, the Jones O Gymru Anglesey Half Marathon and 10K return with an undulating course flanked by views of the Menai Straits and Snowdonia National Park, making it a strong option for an early season personal best.
Trail runners are well catered for, with Ogwen Yr Helgi Du taking place on 12 April. With 40K, 25K and 15K options, the skyrunning event showcases the rugged terrain and dramatic scenery of the Ogwen Valley.
The ABP Newport Marathon Festival follows on 19 April, offering marathon, half marathon, 10K and mile distances. With one of the flattest courses in Europe, it has earned a reputation for fast times and personal bests.
Barry Island 10K on 17 May brings a seaside feel to the calendar, combining coastal views, lively crowds and a relaxed atmosphere along the promenade.
June is a big month for multisport athletes. Slateman on 14 June is widely regarded as one of Wales’ most iconic triathlon and duathlon events, starting in Llanberis and combining tough climbs with spectacular scenery. Later in the month, on 28 June, the Wild Horse Brewing Co. Llandudno event delivers sea swims, closed road cycling and a promenade run in a classic Victorian resort setting.
Road runners return to the coast on 5 July for the Brecon Carreg Porthcawl 10K, taking in Rest Bay, Trecco Bay and the town’s historic landmarks.
Mid July is dominated by endurance and trail events in Eryri. Black Diamond Yr Wyddfa Snowdon 24 on 11 and 12 July challenges runners to climb and descend the mountain as many times as possible within 24 hours. Over the same weekend, the Snowdonia Trail Marathon Eryri offers distances from 10K to ultra marathon across some of the toughest and most scenic trails in the national park.
Rabbit Run Wales on 18 July heads to the South Wales coast, combining dunes, woodland, river crossings and the famous Big Dipper sand dune. Snowman on 26 July is known as one of the toughest multi terrain triathlons and duathlons in the UK, testing even the most experienced competitors.
Cyclists take centre stage on 23 August with Tour de Mon, a sportive around the Anglesey coastline that attracts more than 1,000 riders each year and even includes a ride along the RAF Valley runway.
September brings two major events. The CDF 10K on 6 September continues to grow as one of the UK’s largest 10K races, offering a sightseeing tour of Cardiff’s landmarks. On the same day, Triathlon y Bala returns with its famous water start in Llyn Tegid, set against a dramatic mountain backdrop.
The Superfeet Sandman on 27 September offers a rare beach start triathlon and duathlon at Newborough Forest and Traeth Llanddwyn, one of Anglesey’s most iconic locations.
October belongs to Cardiff, with Cardiff Half Junior on 3 October giving younger runners a chance to take part during a weekend of activity. The Cardiff Half Marathon follows on 4 October and remains one of Europe’s biggest and most popular road races, now part of the SuperHalfs Series.
The calendar concludes on 1 November with the Anglesey Trail Half Marathon, winding through Newborough Forest and onto Llanddwyn Island, offering a memorable finish to the Welsh running season.
With events spread across the country and the year, the R4W group’s calendar offers plenty of opportunities for people to set goals, explore Wales and take on new challenges in 2025.
