Running event to boost Tudno
ABRAND new sporting adventure is coming to the area this spring. Run 4 Wales, the company behind Wales’ largest mass participation race the Cardiff Half Marathon, are launching a new event in Llandudno sponsored by Arriva Trains Wales.
The Arriva Trains Wales Llandudno Running Festival, supported by Conwy County Borough Council, will take place on March 15 and incorporate 10k and 5k races, as well as a family fun run.
The event will also pay homage to the fact that it has been 150 years since former Llandudno resident Lewis Carroll wrote his famous novel The Adventures of Alice in Wonderland, with a host of Alice-themed entertainment and games for runners and spectators to enjoy and interact with.
The looping course which showcases the beautiful scenery has been designed by Run 4 Wales head of event delivery and former double Olympian Steve Brace, who said: “We are thrilled to be able to bring yet another highquality event to Llandudno.
“North Wales has become one of the premier running destinations in the UK and we are sure the Arriva Trains Wales Llandudno Running Festival will be a huge success.
“We are delighted to have Arriva Trains Wales as our title partner. The partnership will work towards the achievement of the longer-term goals of the event: to become a flagship running race in North Wales, which engages with the local running community and showcases Llandudno as a sporting and tourist destination.”
Stakeholder liaison manager at Arriva Trains Wales, Ben Davies, added: “We are extremely happy to work alongside Run 4 Wales for the first edition of another exciting event.
“We believe the Arriva Trains Wales Llandudno Running Festival will not only become a regular event on the Welsh Athletics calendar, but will also contribute to the economic development of one of the most picturesque partS of Wales.
“This partnership provides a wealth of opportunities for us in our mission to get more of our employees opting for a healthier lifestyle by promoting physical activity and well-being. The event has tremendous potential to become a major running event in North Wales especially as it also incorporates a family event”
Cllr Graham Rees, Conwy County Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for tourism, marketing and leisure, said: “‘We are very pleased to be supporting the Arriva Trains Wales Llandudno Running Festival in its first year. It will be an excellent event for local runners and families to take part in as well as bringing people from outside the area to Llandudno.”
Eleri Bateman from Tenovus Cancer Care, the official charity partner of the event, said: “We are delighted to be chosen as the charity partner for this exciting new running festival.
“Everyone who chooses to run for Tenovus Cancer Care will not only get great support from our running team, they will also be supporting people suffering from cancer across Wales.
“The funds raised from this partnership will help us continue to provide services and support for cancer patients and their loved ones, and do more towards promoting healthier lifestyles.”
Registration for the 2015 edition of the event is open, with entry prices starting from £5. To register, visit: www.llandudnorunningfestival.co.uk