The Rabbit Run returned to Merthyr Mawr on Saturday in what was its largest ever edition of the race.
Despite the wet weather, more than 1,500 people registered to take part in the day’s festivities which saw a 12K trail race, 2K Bunny family fun run, 4K Double Bunny Run for those aged between 11 and 17 and 100m toddler dash for the under-fives.
Running clubs as well as families and individuals, all came together to enjoy the beautiful scenery and get a unique chance to run through the private grounds of the Merthyr Mawr Estate. But it was Jacob Tasker, from Ogmore Phoenix Runners, who won this year’s Rabbit Run for the third time with a time of 44:51. Antoinette Rose, from Lliswerry Runners, took first place for the women in 55:23.
The Rabbit Run is a very special trail event, with something different at every twist and turn. Taking in the stunning trails and hills of the area, runners found themselves sloshing through muddy woodland tracks, tumbling down the Big Dipper – the highest sand dune in Wales, and splashing through rivers to complete the course.
Spirits remained high as competitors crossed the finish line, with the rain clearing up towards the end of the race. The Beer Mile Championships, organised by Bridgend’s #DrinkNStride, then commenced to round off the day’s activities with competitors racing around the course in fancy dress, bringing smiles to everyone’s faces.
Steve Brace, Race Director at Run 4 Wales, said: “It was a fantastic turnout for the eighth edition of the Rabbit Run in 2024, with lots of new faces joining those who have been coming to the event year after year.
“The Rabbit Run is a true trail race which boasts a variety of surfaces for runners to enjoy. While the wet weather on Saturday made the route more difficult in parts, it all added to the fun atmosphere – and made crossing the river to get all that mud off even more enjoyable.
“We’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who came and took part over the weekend, and an extra special thanks to all of our volunteers and marshals, whom without the event would not be possible.
“We’re extremely excited to continue to grow and expand the event which is becoming increasingly popular – with the addition of a Rabbit Run Marathon next year, so watch this space for more information.”
For the first time the race was delivered by Run 4 Wales, a not-for-profit social enterprise and charitable trust that invests its surpluses in grassroots athletics and other community projects, working in partnership with the Merthyr Mawr Estate and Bridgend Athletics Club.
This was the eighth edition of the south Wales trail race which has been growing in popularity since it was established in 2016.
While the 2024 event was its biggest yet, the excitement around it will continue to grow with a new look and new course addition in the works for next year.
Runners who want to take on even more will be able to expect a new marathon distance brought alongside the original course in 2025.
A full list of results for the Rabbit Run 2024 can be found here.
