Epic events in Wales to add to your 2026 race calendar
If you’re looking for some epic Welsh mass-participation challenges to take part in this year, the R4W group – Run 4 Wales and Always Aim High Events – have got you sorted.
From road races to trail, triathlon and duathlon as well as cycle and swimming events there is something for all interests and abilities all over Wales.
Nick Beer Llandudno 10K: 15 February (Road Race)
Starting on the iconic Victorian promenade in Llandudno, the route takes runners around the awe-inspiring Great Orme with its stunning views of Eryri (Snowdonia), Anglesey and beyond. With hundreds of runners participating year after year, it is a fantastic event to kick off your running season.
Jones O Gymru Anglesey Half Marathon 10K: 1 March (Road Race)
Flanked by breathtaking views of North Wales’ Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park and the Menai Straits, this beautiful undulating course with stunning scenery is perfect for an early-season personal best.
Ogwen Yr Helgi Du: 12th April (Trail Race)
With 40K, 25K and 15K distance options this skyrunning event takes in the most spectacular views in Eryri’s Ogwen Valley full of epic trails and technical terrain.
ABP Newport Marathon Festival: 19 April (Road Race)
Featuring a marathon, half marathon, 10K and mile distances, the ABP Newport Marathon Festival boasts one of the flattest and fastest marathon courses in Europe – with almost 70% of finishers claiming a PB.
Barry Island 10K: 17 May (Road Race)
Sun, sea and sand is the backdrop to this 10K. With a scenic route, unbeatable crowd support and feel-good atmosphere, the Barry Island 10K is all about the vibes.
Slateman: 14 June (Triathlon & Duathlon)
The Slateman Triathlon & Duathlon is the most iconic multi-sport adventure race in Wales. Starting in Llanberis, the heart of Eryri (Snowdonia)’s industrial heritage, this unparalleled race combines breathtaking scenery with epic challenges. 220 Tri Magazine has listed the Slateman among the world’s best triathlons, and it’s widely regarded as a bucket-list event for every triathlete.
Wild Horse Brewing Co. Llandudno: 28 June (Triathlon & Duathlon)
This spectacular coastal race is set against the stunning backdrop of the Great Orme and the Victorian seaside town of Llandudno. With sea swims by the iconic pier, closed-road cycling around Marine Drive, and a crowd-lined promenade run, it’s one of the most atmospheric multisport events in the UK.
Brecon Carreg Porthcawl 10K: 5 July (Road Race)
Taking place in the popular seaside town known for its surf and coastal walks, runners will take in Porthcawl’s iconic landmarks including Rest Bay, Trecco Bay, Coney Bay as well as the picturesque town centre and lighthouse.
Black Diamond Yr Wyddfa | Snowdon 24: 11-12 July (24 hour Trail Race)
Starting and finishing at the foot of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), this race challenges you to ascend and descend the iconic mountain as many times as possible within 24 hours. Take it on as a team or tackle it on your own, do you have what it takes to beat the current record of 8 laps?
Snowdonia Trail Marathon Eryri: 11/12 July (Trail Race)
One of the UK’s most challenging trail races, there’s the option to take on a trail marathon, ultra marathon, half marathon on the Sunday or take part in a 10K race on the Saturday. The incredible routes explore the trails, gorgeous panoramic views and tough climbs that make Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park so popular with outdoor enthusiasts.
Rabbit Run Wales: 18 July (Trail Race)
Set on the South Wales coast this course is a trail lovers paradise, offering hills, valleys, dunes, woodland paths as well as river crossings. Including a tumble down the Big Dipper – the highest sand dune in Wales, it’s not to be missed.
Snowman: 26 July (Triathlon, Duathlon & Open Water Swim)
This challenge isn’t for the faint of heart and is well known as the toughest multi-terrain triathlon and duathlon in the UK. Full of unexpected twists and turns, this is an unforgettable adrenaline-fuelled adventure.
Tour de Mon: 23 August (Cycle Sportive)
Taking place along the stunning Anglesey coastline, experience picturesque countryside, coastal roads and a chance to cycle along RAF Valley runway. More than 1000 riders, of all ages and abilities, come together each year to take on this epic challenge.
CDF 10K: 6 September (Road Race)
Quickly becoming one of the largest 10K races in the UK, the race takes runners on a sightseeing tour of Cardiff, with highlights including Cardiff Castle, the Principality Stadium and the city’s grade 2 listed parkland before a finish in the Edwardian Civic Centre.
Triathlon y Bala: 6 September (Triathlon)
The beautiful Triathlon y Bala triathlon begins with a water start in the famous Llyn Tegid with Aran Fawddwy providing a dramatic backdrop, before progressing onto the stunning bike and run course. Whether you’re a veteran of this race or looking to take part for the first time, make sure Bala is on your event calendar!
Superfeet Sandman: 27 September (Triathlon & Duathlon)
One of the few Triathlons in the calendar with a beach start and sea swim, the Superfeet Sandman is an unforgettable event taking place in one of Anglesey’s most treasured spots – Newborough Forest and Traeth Llanddwyn Beach.
Cardiff Half Junior: 3 October (Junior Races)
Kicking off the Cardiff Half Marathon weekend, Cardiff Half Junior offers an exciting day of activities for all ages and abilities. Including a no-pressure family fun run, toddler dash for those taking their first steps and a Future Challengers race for talented young athletes, expect a vibrant atmosphere in the Welsh capital.
Cardiff Half Marathon: 4 October (Road Race)
One of the largest and exciting road races in Europe, the event is now part of the SuperHalfs Series and hosts the Welsh Half Marathon Championships each year. With unrivalled crowd support and all the iconic Cardiff landmarks, there’s a reason why this race is a favourite in the calendar.
Anglesey Trail Half Marathon: 1 November (Trail Race)
Set in the beautiful surroundings of Newborough Forest and Traeth Llanddwyn in Anglesey, the course takes you through the trees onto the stunning Llanddwyn Island and through to winding woodland trails, which once hosted the Commonwealth Mountain and Ultra Distance Running Championships. This event has something for everyone, whether you’re a seasoned runner or a first-timer, it’s not to be missed.
