Wales

Ready to hit the ground running? Wales is bursting with thrilling races throughout the year that’ll have you lacing up your trainers in no time. Whether you’re chasing a PB, tackling your very first fun run, or just in it for the atmosphere (and post-race snacks), there’s an event with your name on it.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chepstow-running-festival"><a href="https://www.chepstowrunningfestival.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chepstow Running Festival</a></h2>



When: Sun 25 Jan



Cost: £28-34



What to expect: Pop 25 Jan 2026 in your diary for the Chepstow Running Festival, bringing 5K, 10K and Half Marathon races to the wide-open tracks of Chepstow Racecourse. It’s a reassuringly lap-friendly course &#8211; one loop for the 5K, two for the 10K and four for the Half – ideal for finding your stride, or if you&#8217;re back for another year and fancy stepping things up a notch. 



The event is hosted by RunThrough in support of Dreams &amp; Wishes, helping seriously ill children create unforgettable memories &#8211; so every mile comes with a little extra feel-good factor. Age limits apply: 11+ for the 5K, 15+ for the 10K and 17+ for the half. Steady, scenic and for a good cause &#8211; not a bad way to kick off the racing year. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-llanelli-half-marathon-amp-10k"><a href="https://www.llanellihalf.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Llanelli Half Marathon &amp; 10K</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2025/12/Llanelli-Half.png" alt="Llanelli half marathon" class="wp-image-2644" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2025/12/Llanelli-Half.png 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2025/12/Llanelli-Half-300x200.png 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2025/12/Llanelli-Half-1024x683.png 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2025/12/Llanelli-Half-768x512.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



When: Sun 8 Feb



Cost: £30



What to expect: Set against Llanelli’s gorgeous coastline, this race is mostly flat and refreshingly runner-friendly, with plenty of breezy pathside views to keep your legs ticking over. And, if you’d rather make it a team sport, the Matthews &amp; Co. Corporate Challenge has you covered. Part of the town’s wider running festival, it&#8217;s open to every pace and ability &#8211; perfect for rallying the office, boosting morale, and uncovering who’s been secretly training all year. (Not us).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brecon-canal-10"><a href="https://www.strideoutevents.x10.bz/BreconCanal2026.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brecon Canal 10</a></h2>



When: Sat 21 Feb



Cost: £23.99



What to expect: In its fourth year, this 10-mile challenge hits the sweet spot for runners edging beyond 10K territory or building towards a spring half or full marathon. You’ll set off from Brecon, following the canal on a calm, scenic out-and-back route with the soaring Beacons providing a pretty spectacular backdrop. A well-timed water stop at mile five helps keep things ticking along nicely.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-anglesey-dragons-dash"><a href="https://alwaysaimhighevents.com/events/anglesey-half-marathon-and-10k/anglesey-dragons-dash#race-details" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Anglesey Dragons Dash</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2025/12/Angelsey-dragon-dash.png" alt="Angelsey dragon dash" class="wp-image-2646" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2025/12/Angelsey-dragon-dash.png 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2025/12/Angelsey-dragon-dash-300x200.png 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2025/12/Angelsey-dragon-dash-1024x683.png 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2025/12/Angelsey-dragon-dash-768x512.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



When: Sun 1 Mar



Cost: £9.99



What to expect: As part of the Anglesey Half Marathon and 10K, the ever-popular Dragon’s Dash is back for 2026. Starting on the Bangor side of the Menai Bridge, this 1.2 mile fun run loops along the Menai Straits before finishing in the town centre – where medals, cheers and plenty of sugar await your little superstars.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-colwyn-bay-20-mile-amp-metric-marathon"><a href="https://www.runwales.com/e/colwyn-bay-metric-marathon-8641" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Colwyn Bay 20 Mile &amp; Metric Marathon</a></h2>



When: Sun 8 Mar



Cost: Not live



What to expect: Get more bang for your buck with the Colwyn Bay 20 Mile &amp; Metric Marathon, where both distances are priced the same as a standard half marathon. All races start from Colwyn Bay promenade, heading east along the coast to Rhyl before turning back again. The route is mostly flat with a few small hills &#8211; ideal for testing your pace, particularly if the 20-miler is part of your marathon training. Finishers take home a custom medal and technical tee, with drink stations every 3 miles and at the finish. Each mile must be completed in under 15 minutes, with a five-hour cut-off for the 20-miler, so it&#8217;s one for putting in a solid shift.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-great-welsh-marathon-amp-half-marathon"><a href="https://www.greatwelshmarathon.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Great Welsh Marathon &amp; Half Marathon</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2025/12/Great-Welsh-Marathon.png" alt="Great Welsh Marathon &amp; Half Marathon" class="wp-image-2648" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2025/12/Great-Welsh-Marathon.png 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2025/12/Great-Welsh-Marathon-300x200.png 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2025/12/Great-Welsh-Marathon-1024x683.png 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2025/12/Great-Welsh-Marathon-768x512.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



When: Sun 8 Mar



Cost: £30-50



What to expect: Set in the beautiful Pembrey Country Park in Carmarthenshire, this race blends sweeping coastal views with peaceful countryside trails, with marathon, half marathon, and 10K options to choose from. With just 18 metres at its highest point and a total elevation gain of 110 metres for the full marathon, it’s a flat, friendly course &#8211; ideal for first timers or anyone chasing a PB. 



Every finisher takes home a bespoke recycled zinc medal to mark the achievement. Plus, there&#8217;s also the option to enter the 2026 Spring Half Marathon when you book, which includes the Tata Steel Llanelli Half Marathon (Feb), the Great Welsh Half Marathon (Mar), and Swansea Half Marathon in (June) – three scenic races to see you right through the season.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sheultra"><a href="https://sheultra.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SheUltra</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2025/12/SheUltra.png" alt="SheUltra" class="wp-image-2650" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2025/12/SheUltra.png 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2025/12/SheUltra-300x200.png 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2025/12/SheUltra-1024x683.png 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2025/12/SheUltra-768x512.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



When: Sat 11 Apr



Cost:&nbsp;£74



What to expect: The world’s biggest all-female ultra marathon is back, blending serious mileage with serious fun &#8211; all in support of the fight against cancer. The weekend kicks off with a festival-style procession through town, before the main event on 11 Apr: a 50K ultra from Abersoch Beach to The Maes in Pwllheli. Picture live music, big energy, epic vibes, and a red-carpet finish for every woman. Runners receive their medal at the start, honouring those we’ve lost and those still fighting. Safe, supportive spaces mean you can smash the distance and enjoy every step.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-beast-of-the-beacons-10-20-amp-40-mile"><a href="https://www.limitlesstrails.co.uk/beast-of-the-beacons" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Beast of the Beacons 10, 20 &amp; 40 Mile</a></h2>



When: Sat 11 Apr



Cost:&nbsp;£48-80



What to expect: The Beast of the Beacons isn’t for the faint-hearted. Take your pick from 10, 20, or 40 miles of rugged, jaw-dropping trails through the heart of the Brecon Beacons, where forests, rivers, reservoirs, rocky climbs, and yes plenty of mud are all part of the deal. 



Starting at Gilestone Farm in Talybont on Usk, runners of all abilitiess are welcome, with generous cut-offs: 5 hours for 10 miles, 8 for 20, and 16 for the full 40. Canicross fans, bring your four legged running buddy (12 months+, fit and leashed) and embrace the muddy mayhem together.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-newport-marathon-festival"><a href="https://newportwalesmarathon.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Newport Marathon Festival</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2025/12/Newport-Marathon.png" alt="Newport Marathon" class="wp-image-2652" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2025/12/Newport-Marathon.png 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2025/12/Newport-Marathon-300x200.png 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2025/12/Newport-Marathon-1024x683.png 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2025/12/Newport-Marathon-768x512.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



When: Sun 19 Apr



Cost:&nbsp;Varies – quite a few sold out



What to expect: One of Wales’ most loved races, this marathon is as busy as it is scenic &#8211; and a great shout if you’re chasing a personal best. The course is flatter than most, winding past a castle, the Victorian Market, the Transporter Bridge, and the riverfront before heading out onto the Gwent Levels, where medieval villages and coastal wildlife might just steal your focus. Half marathon runners get in on the action too, and with Runners World naming it one of the “10 fastest marathons in the world,” you might just surprise yourself at the finish line.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-medieval-backyard-ultra"><a href="https://www.gertlushevents.co.uk/the-medieval-backyard-ultra" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Medieval Backyard Ultra</a></h2>



When: Sun 19 Apr



Cost: £95



What to expect: A little wacky, and very much not your typical weekend race, The Medieval Backyard Ultra takes place in Cosmeston Country Park, and follows a last-one standing endurance format. Brave enough to give it a go? You&#8217;ll need to complete 6,706m (4.167 miles) in under an hour &#8211; then do it again, every hour, on the hour, until only one runner remains. Intense? Absolutely. Strangely addictive? Also yes. There are some lovely finishing touches too, including a zero-waste log slice medal and a medieval wooden beaker to mark your efforts.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-race-for-life-cardiff-5k"><a href="https://raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org/find-an-event/coopers-field-bute-park-5k-2026-05-03-1100" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Race For Life Cardiff 5K</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2025/12/Race-for-Life.png" alt="Race for Life" class="wp-image-2654" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2025/12/Race-for-Life.png 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2025/12/Race-for-Life-300x200.png 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2025/12/Race-for-Life-1024x683.png 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wales/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2025/12/Race-for-Life-768x512.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



When: Sun 3 May



Cost: £11-15.99



What to expect: The Race for Life 5K is a feel-good, thought-provoking event that’s perfect if you want to soak up the race-day buzz without overdoing it. Kids are welcome, and whether you walk, skip, hop, dance, or run, the pace is entirely up to you. At just over three miles, a gentle stroll takes around an hour on average &#8211; but there’s no clock watching here. This one is all about having fun and supporting life-saving cancer research. And yes, don&#8217;t forget your tutu.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-abersoch-10k"><a href="https://www.abersochtriplecrown.com/abersoch-10k/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Abersoch 10K</a></h2>



When: Sat 30 May



Cost: £12-28



What to expect: Set in the postcard-pretty surf village of Abersoch, this 10K takes you across the golden sands of North Wales&#8217; coastline. There&#8217;s a small stretch of rougher terrain, and a few narrow lanes, but for the most part, it&#8217;s an easy, enjoyable route. Little ones can get involved too with a 3K beach race of their own. With tunes pumping and a beach bar waiting, this one is all about good vibes &#8211; whether you’re grinning from ear to ear or wiping away a few happy tears at the finish. A feel-good race weekend with bags of community spirit.



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fancy-a-little-more">FANCY A LITTLE MORE?</h2>



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<li><a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/wellbeing/how-to-put-yourself-first-in-2026-8-practical-tips/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">How to finally put yourself first in 2026 – 8 practical tips</a></li>



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Get set…go! Local races to train for now

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