RUNNING DATES
Is one of your New Year resolutions to pull on your trainers and go running? If so, signing up for a half marathon could be the inspiration you need. Here are the ones taking place in Wales in 2019
WHETHER you run for fun wearing one of those giant fancy dress outfits, to raise money for charity or to beat a punishing personal best, Wales’ annual slew of half marathons are always a highlight on the sporting calendar for many.
So here are the details of all the races – totalling 28 at the last count – taking place around the country in 2019.
From the flat tarmac of the city centre courses to the rocky inclines of hill running, there’s someone for everyone and all abilities.
COASTAL TRAIL SERIES – ANGLESEY Tomorrow – Anglesey
Anglesey has a dedicated coastal path running around the whole island, making it the new kid on the block as far as outdoor destinations go. Experience one of the most amazing trail runs in the UK. Distances available are 32 miles, 27.5 miles, 15.5 miles and 6.5 miles.
BUFF WINTER TRAIL WALES Saturday, January 19 – Coed y Brenin, Dolgellau
The fifth annual Buff Winter Trail Wales offers the same route as the Salomon Trail Marathon, except in harsher winter conditions.
You could be looking at snow, frost, crystal clear blue skies or rain and mud – not knowing what to expect is half the beauty of this event.
HOKA WINTER TRAIL HALF MARATHON Saturday, February 9 – Margam Country Park, Port Talbot
A fully marked and marshalled half marathon, taking in the stunning tracks and trails of Margam Country Park and the upper forestry.
The course has some of the most spectacular views a runner can imagine, in one of the most remarkable forestries and heathlands in the UK.
VILLAGE BAKERY WREXHAM HALF MARATHON Sunday, February 17 – Wrexham
Starting and finishing at the Wrexham AAC Clubhouse on Wrexham Industrial Estate, this classic, fast, flat, chip-timed half marathon is popular with some of the fastest runners in the region, as well as those tackling the distance for the first time.
ANGLESEY HALF MARATHON Sunday, March 3 – Menai Bridge, Anglesey
The iconic Jones Crisps Anglesey Half Marathon is one of the most beautiful half marathons in the UK.
The route is undulating yet quick, but most of all it is incredibly stunning – starting on the iconic Menai Suspension Bridge and running in front of the gorgeous Snowdonia backdrop, this race is truly a one of a kind competition.
Perfect pre-London and Manchester marathon preparation.
WREXHAM RUNNING FESTIVAL
Sunday, March 17 – Wrexham Starting and finishing in Wrexham town centre, there’s sure to be a good crowd cheering you on your way and welcoming you over the finish line for what should prove a fast course.
Varying distances are on offer, with races run on paths/pavements and country lanes, and containing great personal best potential.
MERTHYR HALF MARATHON
Sunday, March 24 – Merthyr Tydfil A 13.1 mile undulating, rural half marathon, this goes from the college through the town and into the surrounding countryside.
The race utilises the Trevithick Trail and the Taf Trail and is predominately run on road/tarmac, with a small trail section.
Baggage drop and toilet facilities are provided at the start/finish line.
COAST HALF MARATHON
Sunday, April 14 – Colwyn Bay
This event showcases the amazing coastline and shows off the sights and sounds of its great seaside towns – an ideal choice for first time half marathon runners and an exciting new course for seasoned pros.
A spectator friendly route, with lots of activities, coffee houses and restaurants to explore – make it a weekend away with the whole family.
GREAT WELSH MARATHON & HALF MARATHON
Sunday, April 14 – Llanelli
Wales’ oldest marathon, this closed road race will start and finish at Festival Fields in Llanelli, and take you along the magnificent Millennium Coastal Path.
It’s flat, friendly, incredibly scenic and is suitable for runners of all abilities – those running their first marathon and those chasing a personal best. A bespoke medal and T-shirt are given to finishers.
PENDINE SANDS RACES
Sunday, April 14 – Carmarthen Bay, Pembrokeshire Do you feel the need for speed? Then why not try a day of racing on Pendine Sands, home to the land speed record attempts made famous by Malcolm Campbell’s Blue Bird.
Includes half marathon and ultra marathon, 10k and 5k options. The half marathon, 10k and 5k are all on the beach, while the ultra continues along the coast to Broadwas.
Barefoot running categories available.
ENDURANCE LIFE COASTAL TRAIL SERIES
Saturday, April 27 – Haven, Pembrokeshire
Pembrokeshire is justifiably famous for its rugged cliffs, quiet coves, expansive sandy bays and picturesque villages.
The coastal trails are wild and exposed, with undulating terrain and spectacular views, making for a challenging but visually dazzling event.
A choice of four distances are available, including 15.3 miles.
RED KITE TRAIL SERIES SPRING
Saturday, April 27 – Llanharan, Pontyclun
This new event starts at the Miners Welfare Hall in the centre of Llanharan and, after a short run through the village, heads out into the countryside.
It’s a fully marked route with no navigation required and well stocked checkpoints peopled by helpful marshals/volunteers. You can also run with your dog
Finishing back at the start, runners will collect a race T-shirt and finisher’s medal.
BRECON BEACONS TRAIL RUNNING CHALLENGE Saturday, May 11 – Talybont-onUsk, Powys
The Brecon Beacons offer some of the most stunning scenery in the country and this half starts out at Gilestone Farm in Talybot-on-Usk.
Four distances are available for this event – ultra marathon, full marathon, half marathon and 10K, all as picturesque as the next. This one is also dog-friendly.
SNOWDONIA HALF MARATHON
Starting and finishing in the village of Llanrwst, and set in the beautiful Snowdonia National Park, there’ll be plenty of wild rocky mountains, hidden valleys, cascading rivers, glacial lakes and deep forests to take in as you go.
In its eighth year, this very scenic race is known as one of the the UK’s toughest half marathons.
ANGLESEY TRAIL HALF MARATHON Sunday, June 2 – Newborough Forest, Anglesey
New for 2019, this trail event is set in the beautiful surroundings of the Newborough Forest, and it’s set to be hugely popular with trail runners and triathletes alike.
Starting in sumptuous long grass and dunes, the course takes you through woodland to Ynys Llanddwyn lighthouse, then back onto the beautiful winding forest trails, and eventually back to the start and a hero’s welcome from the spectators on the finish line.
SALOMON TRAIL HALF MARATHON
Saturday, June 15 – Coed y Brenin, Dolgellau
This race along the stunning trails and tracks of Coed y Brenin Forest in the Snowdonia National Park has already established itself as one of Wales’ finest trail half marathons.
The fully marked course leads through some of the most amazing forestry and heathland in the UK.
JCP SWANSEA HALF MARATHON Sunday, June 23 – Swansea
A flat, fast and scenic route on a purpose-built cycle/walkway, this will take you from the city, past the castle, along the bay and the marina and across the Millennium Bridge.
Returning for 2019 this multi award-winning event – voted the UK’s best half marathon in 2017 and 2018 – is considered Wales’ biggest and best summer half.
RUNFEST WALES Sunday, June 23 – Rhyl, Denbighshire
A festival of running for people of all abilities and distances, this was set up with one thing in mind, to help you achieve and have fun along the way.
All routes are flat and fast – with the half set against the pretty seaside backdrop of Rhyl.
MIDNIGHT MOUNTAIN HALF MARATHON Saturday, June 29 – Talybont On Usk, Powys
This is no ordinary half-marathon – it’s a tough, beautiful, off-road event, through forests, over streams, past waterfalls and up mountains, with the added task of running into the night.
With a start time of 5.30pm, the aim is to finish before midnight. But, with Pen-Y-Fan, the highest peak in
South Wales, and a few others in the way, that maybe not as easy as it sounds.
You can also choose the gruelling Bergen option which involves completing the course with a pack weighing 35lbs (men) and 25lbs (women) on your back.
THE WALES HALF MARATHON Sunday, July 7 – Pembroke, Pembrokeshire
Stepping into its eighth year, this has become very popular among the UK’s runners, serving as a stage for people to achieve not only personal goals, but also to raise money for charity. It’s also a good gateway into endurance running.
ABERAERON TO CARDIGAN Saturday, July 13 – Aberaeron, Ceredigion
While the title may refer to the full 32-mile course, a 15-mile run is also available between Penbryn and Cardigan for those who don’t want to do the full course.
Varied terrain and coastal views are the order of the day for runners taking part.
Walk, jog or run – entry includes medal and T-shirt and there’ll be well-stocked feed stations along the route.
SCOTT SNOWDONIA TRAIL HALF MARATHON Sunday, July 14 – Llanberis, Gwynedd
As well as the full marathon which ascends 1,685 metres over 26 miles of iconic trails, there is a half marathon and 10k.
Overall, the incredible route explores gorgeous panoramic views and tough climbs that make Snowdonia National Park such a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, including Rhyd Ddu, Beddgelert, Nant Gwynant and Pen y Pass.
PORT TALBOT HALF MARATHON Sunday, August 11 – Neath Port Talbot
An exciting hilly route through the stunning Afan Forest, taking you from the beautiful surroundings of Glyncorrwg Ponds and along the former railway route down the valley to Pontrhydyfen (birth place of Richard Burton).
From here, you turn and follow the opposite side of the valley to return to Glyncorrwg.
Electronic chip timing, water stations, bespoke event T-shirt and medal – not to mention the all important goody bag – are given to those who cross the line.
MAVERICK INOV-8 X-SERIES SNOWDONIA Saturday, September 21 – Llanberis, Caernarfon
In the Snowdonia National Park in north Wales, there is never any guarantee of the weather, but what is always promised is the most extraordinary trail running up and around the formidable 1,085m peak of Snowdon itself. All routes – 17k, 23k, 42k – start in the village of Llanberis and immediately take you up the well-known Llanberis Path towards the summit.
They are all challenging and technical, but achievable with the right amount of grit and determination.
SNOWDON TRAIL RUNNING CHALLENGE Saturday, September 28 – Llanberis
Based at the Llwyn Bach Campsite in Llanberis, the course follows the famous Llanberis Path and onto the foothills of Snowdon itself. One of the toughest in the running calendar with difficult, technical, rocky and slatey trails.
PEMBROKESHIRE HALF MARATHON Sunday, September 29 – Dale, Pembrokeshire
This started out back in 2000 and is the longest running half in Pembrokeshire.
Dale is a fantastic setting for a running race, with its sandy beach, moorings, pub and cafes. The course takes in St Ann’s Head lighthouse, where superb views are guaranteed in every direction, before looping out to Marloes.
CARDIFF UNIVERSITY/ CARDIFF HALF MARATHON Sunday, October 6 – Cardiff
Now one of the largest road races in the United Kingdom, the first event took place back in 2003.
The Cardiff Half event record was smashed in the men’s field in 2013 when Loitarakwai Lengurisi – in his first race outside of his home country of Kenya – recorded a time of 61:51 – which was beaten by two of his fellow country men (Shadrack Korir and Cybrian Kotut) in 2016.
British athlete Susan Partridge still retains the course record in the women’s field with her time of 71.10 from 2012.
RON SKELTON MEMORIAL HALF MARATHON Sunday, October 20 – Llanwrtyd Wells, Powys
This tough half marathon is a mainly off-road figure of eight.
The scenery is magnificent and the course as challenging as the area is mountainous, including some testing hills, tracks, road and grassland.