Fantastic day at 2026 Rabbit Run with new surprise announced for 2027
The Rabbit Run Wales will return for 2027 – with a new surprise added into the mix.
This year’s event was bigger and better than ever before with nearly 2,000 runners braving the heat to take on the original 12K race as well as the new Marathon, Marathon Relay and Ultra distances.
All participants experienced the delights that the 12K route has to offer including running on the private grounds of the Merthyr Mawr Estate, tumbling down the Big Dipper – the highest sand dune in Wales as well as the famous river crossing. However, Marathon and Ultra runners also took in the breathtaking sights of the Glamorgan Heritage Coast, with Ultra runners then heading out as far as Llantwit Major.
There was also plenty for keen youngsters to take part in too, with a Bunny run, Double Bunny and Toddler Dash to help ensure the day’s festivities was a full family affair.
Steve Brace, Race Director at Run 4 Wales, said: “It was a fantastic day for the 2026 Rabbit Run Wales which returned to the Merthyr Mawr Estate with a new Marathon and Ultra distance alongside the much-loved 12K route.
“This event is a true paradise for trail running and we’d like to say thank you to the Merthyr Mawr Estate for once again allowing us to host this event on its grounds, as well as to all of our volunteers giving up their time, whom without this just wouldn’t be possible.”
The event is organised by Run 4 Wales in conjunction with the Merthyr Mawr Estate and will return for 2027 on Saturday 17 July.
Next year’s event will see the original 12K race take place, alongside the popular Marathon and Marathon Relay. While there will be no Ultra distance in 2027, new for next year will be an exciting Half Marathon race, offering runners the perfect in between distance.
The Half Marathon will take in most of the highlights of the 12K course, including the legendary Big Dipper, as well as stunning views of the Glamorgan Heritage Coast, running across Ogmore and West Farm to Dunraven Bay. Runners will then head towards St Brides Major, crossing Heol Y Mynydd before the finish back at Merthyr Mawr.
A limited number of early bird entries are available across all distances, offering runners a £5 saving vs general entry and these are expected to be snapped up fast.
Event weekend camping and the Forest Sauna bookings at Candleston Woods also remains an option for those who want to fully immerse themselves in nature and make a full weekend of it.
2026 Results:
12K Male:
- Daniel May (00:49:50)
- Gareth Williams (00:50:50)
- Dan Austin (00:51:04)
12K Female:
- Jane Faram (00:57:35)
- Emma Wookey (00:58:16)
- Antoinette Rose (01:01:14)
Marathon Male:
- Jacob Tasker (02:53:25)
- James Ross (03:21:00)
- Robert Amos (03:22:26)
Marathon Female:
- Caroline Davis (04:11:21)
- Katie Plimmer (04:27:18)
- Nia Banfield (04:28:53)
Ultra Male:
- Ellis Davies (05:36:41)
- Matthew Wells (06:55:48)
- Simon Dymond (07:12;57)
Ultra Female:
- Anne-Marie Moon (07:38:04)
- Katie Morris (07:56:17)
- Rachel Price (08:18:00)