Porthcawl 10k plans unveiled
PLANS for a 10k run in Porthcawl which would be run by organisers of the Barry Island 10k and Cardiff Bay 10k have been unveiled.
If it gets the go-ahead, the first Porthcawl event would take place in 2019, with two further events in 2020 and 2021, before any decisions would be taken about future events.
Bridgend council’s cabinet members are being asked to support a partnership with Run4Wales – a social enterprise established in partnership with the Welsh Government – to operate an annual 10k running event in Porthcawl for an initial three-year period.
Other events Run4Wales has delivered in 2018 alone include the Newport Marathon and 10k, Velothon and Cardiff Half Marathon.
Officers say the costs involved to the council in hosting the event are expected to be around £10,000 for each one.
A report which goes before BCBC’s cabinet on Tuesday, October 23, says: “This would equate to a contribution to the cost of delivering the event in the region of 12% with other funding sources, such as sponsorship and entry fees, being secured by Run4Wales.
“These figures are subject to further discussion and therefore subject to change.”
The potential aspects that may require “in-kind staff” support or a financial contribution include traffic management services, stewarding, car parking facilities and meeting room facilities.
Officers note the success of Barry Island’s first 10k event which saw 3,500 runners signing up to take part across the 10k race, the one-mile family fun run and toddler dash.
They said the “varied and scenic route showcased all of the town’s most scenic seaside spots and recognisable landmarks”, adding that it gave people from all over Wales and the UK “the chance to experience Barry’s recently regenerated seafront”.
The report highlights the “unprecedented period of growth” of social running in the UK with officers citing a survey indicating an increase in the number of runners in Wales from 6.9% in 2009 to 13.4% in 2014: a total of 335,496 people running.
Cabinet members will vote on whether to establish a partnership arrangement with Run4Wales to operate the 10k running event in Porthcawl for three years on Tuesday, October 23.