A well-known Swansea running club is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a special return to its annual fundraising event.
Paul Popham Running Club (PPRC) is marking its 10th anniversary in 2026 with the return of its popular 10-mile race as part of the annual Wear Wally event, raising funds for Popham Kidney Support.
This year’s event will take place on 29 November, starting from the club’s training base at The LC in Swansea, with runners able to choose from three distances: 5k, 5 miles or 10 miles.
The Wear Wally event will feature a new out-and-back route, providing runners with a flat and fast course and the opportunity to target a personal best. The return of the 10-mile race forms part of the club’s 10th anniversary celebrations.
Wear Wally has become an established event in the Paul Popham Running Club calendar, with hundreds of participants returning each year to take part. Funds raised through the event will go to Popham Kidney Support, the affiliated charity of Paul Popham Running Club.
Founded in 2013, the charity delivers a range of services to people affected by kidney disease across Wales, including peer support, counselling, education and awareness programmes, health groups and activity days.
Over the past 12 months, Popham Kidney Support has reached more than 3,000 people and was recognised with the King’s Award for Voluntary Service, one of the highest honours for voluntary organisations in the UK.
The story behind Wear Wally is closely tied to the history of Popham Kidney Support and its patron, Paul Popham. Known to many as ‘Wally’, Paul played football for Swansea club, St Joseph’s, whose green and white colours became a defining part of the charity’s identity.
The event’s name is a play on the popular ‘Where’s Wally?’ character, but with a distinct Swansea twist. Rather than the familiar red and white stripes, Wear Wally participants are encouraged to wear green and white – a nod to Paul’s footballing roots and the story behind the charity.
PPRC President and Popham Kidney Support CEO, Joanne Popham, said:
“It’s hard to believe that it’s been 10 years since Paul Popham Running Club began. When you look back at everything the club has achieved, the people who have been part of that journey and the difference we’ve been able to make through running and fundraising, it’s something we’re incredibly proud of.
“Wear Wally has been a big part of that journey, so bringing the 10-mile race back for our 10th anniversary feels like a fitting way to celebrate. We’re looking forward to marking the occasion with everyone who has been part of the club over the years, and here’s to the next 10.”
As part of their entry, all participants will receive a green and white ‘Big Bobble Hat’, while those who complete their chosen race will also receive a dated commemorative badge.
The event is open to runners of different ages, with the 5k available to participants aged 11 and over, the 5-mile race open to those aged 16 and over, and the 10-mile race open to participants aged 18 and over.
Registration will open at 8.00am, with the 5k starting at 9.05am, the 5-mile race at 9.10am and the 10-mile race at 9.15am.
The 2026 Wear Wally event will mark 10 years of Paul Popham Running Club, while continuing its fundraising for Popham Kidney Support and raising awareness of kidney disease.
