Connect with us
Advertisement
Advertisement

Sport

Epic Welsh endurance events to add to your 2026 race calendar

Published

on

From coastal 10Ks to mountain ultras, Wales is set for another landmark year of mass-participation sport

WALES will once again take centre stage on the endurance sports map in 2026, with a packed calendar of running, triathlon, cycling and trail events stretching from the coastline to the mountains of Eryri.

The programme, delivered by the R4W group – Run 4 Wales and Always Aim High Events – offers something for all abilities, from first-time runners and junior athletes to experienced endurance competitors chasing personal bests or bucket-list challenges.

With events spread across North, Mid and South Wales, organisers say the calendar reflects the country’s unique landscapes while continuing to attract thousands of participants and spectators into Welsh towns and communities throughout the year.

The season begins on 15 February with the Nick Beer Llandudno 10K, a scenic road race starting on the town’s Victorian promenade before looping around the Great Orme, offering sweeping views across Eryri, Anglesey and the Irish Sea.

Early-season road runners will also be drawn to the Jones O Gymru Anglesey Half Marathon and 10K on 1 March, a popular undulating course flanked by views of Snowdonia and the Menai Straits, often favoured by athletes chasing early-year personal bests.

Spring continues with the ABP Newport Marathon Festival on 19 April, featuring marathon, half marathon, 10K and mile races on one of Europe’s flattest courses, before the focus shifts to the coast for the Barry Island 10K on 17 May, known for its strong crowd support and festival atmosphere.

Trail and mountain runners are particularly well catered for in 2026. The Ogwen Yr Helgi Du on 12 April offers skyrunning distances of 15K, 25K and 40K through the Ogwen Valley, while July delivers two of the toughest challenges on the calendar.

The Black Diamond Yr Wyddfa | Snowdon 24 on 11–12 July challenges competitors to climb and descend Wales’ highest mountain as many times as possible within 24 hours, while the Snowdonia Trail Marathon Eryri, running across the same weekend, offers distances from 10K to ultra marathon on demanding mountain terrain.

Further south, the Rabbit Run Wales on 18 July provides a contrasting coastal trail experience, combining dunes, woodland, river crossings and the Big Dipper – the highest sand dune in Wales.

Triathlon and multisport events again feature prominently, led by the Slateman Triathlon and Duathlon on 14 June, starting in Llanberis. Widely regarded as one of Wales’ most iconic races, it combines demanding climbs with dramatic mountain scenery and has previously been listed among the world’s top triathlons.

The coastal Wild Horse Brewing Co. Llandudno Triathlon and Duathlon follows on 28 June, featuring sea swims by the pier and closed-road cycling around Marine Drive, while the notoriously tough Snowman returns on 26 July, billed as one of the UK’s most challenging multi-terrain events.

Cyclists will take to the roads on 23 August for the Tour de Mon, a mass-participation sportive around Anglesey, before attention turns to the capital in September.

The Cardiff 10K on 6 September has rapidly become one of the UK’s largest races of its kind, while the Cardiff Half Marathon on 4 October, part of the SuperHalfs Series, continues to draw elite and amateur runners alike. The weekend also includes the Cardiff Half Junior events on 3 October, offering accessible races for children and families.

The season closes on 1 November with the Anglesey Trail Half Marathon, set in the surroundings of Newborough Forest and Traeth Llanddwyn, an area with a long history of endurance running.

Among the calendar, the Brecon Carreg Porthcawl 10K on 5 July stands out as one of the most geographically accessible events in Wales, drawing runners from across the country thanks to its central South Wales location and coastal setting.

With events running from February through to November, the 2026 calendar underlines Wales’ growing reputation as a destination for endurance sport, combining challenging routes with some of the country’s most recognisable landscapes.

Further information on individual events and entry details is available at www.run4wales.org/events.

 

Sport

2026: an exciting year for sport 

Published

on

2026 is jam packed full of sporting events to look forward to and the year appears set to be a truly unforgettable one for sports fans all over the world. From rugby through to tennis, this year’s sporting calendar offers something for everyone. With this in mind, here are some of the major sporting events happening throughout 2026, so you never miss a thing!  

Six Nations 

For rugby lovers, the Six Nations is one of the most exciting events of the year, with six countries (England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, France, and Italy) battling it out over five rounds of world-class rugby. 2025 saw France take the trophy, claiming their nineteenth title, and as favourites to win again this year, all eyes will be watching as the tournament unfolds. 

FIFA World Cup 

What better way to celebrate summer than with five weeks of outstanding football? The 2026 edition of the FIFA World Cup, which is taking place across the US, Canada, and Mexico, will be the biggest World Cup ever, with 48 teams competing for the title. We anticipate a whirlwind of emotions, an abundance of unforgettable goals, and of course iconic moments to look back on for years to come.  

Winter Olympics

The Winter Olympics are currently underway in northern Italy. The games began on 6 February and will run through to 22 February, showcasing a number of iconic winter sports including figure skating, snowboarding, and skiing. The multi-sport event is a must-watch for fans across the globe. 

Formula One

The Formula One season will be kicking off on Sunday 8 March with the Australian Grand Prix. Known for speed, strategy, and of course intense rivalries and endless drama, Formula One is one of the most captivating sports to exist. The season will run through to 6 December, offering up several months of thrilling races across iconic circuits. 

US Open 

Later in the year, the US Open will be capturing the attention of people all over the world. Taking place from 30 August to 13 September, you can enjoy two weeks of exceptional tennis performances and edge of your seat action. 

Will you be tuning in? 

With so many world-class sporting events in 2026, you’re almost spoilt for choice! Whether you decide to follow the drama of Formula One or the intensity of the Six Nations, there is no shortage of excitement ahead. Although for some, an extra layer of thrill is needed, which is why many will be betting on their favourites to win or exploring the best rated UK casino sites in between fixtures to ensure the action never stops. Which sporting events will you be watching this year? 

 

Continue Reading

Sport

South Pembrokeshire short mat bowls – Friendly League results

Published

on

EAST WILLIAMSTON remain firmly at the top of the South Pembrokeshire Short Mat Bowls Association Friendly League following another strong performance in week sixteen.

They recorded a dominant 10–0 victory over St Twynnells to extend their lead, having now won twelve of their fifteen matches this season.

Elsewhere, Llanteg beat Badgers 8–2, while Reynalton secured an 8–2 win over Lamphey. St Johns edged a closer contest against Kilgetty 6–4, and Carew defeated Cosheston 8–2. Hundleton had the bye.

League standings after week sixteen see East Williamston leading with 107 points. St Johns sit second on 88 points, level with Reynalton and Hundleton on 81, with places separated on shot difference. Carew are fifth on 75 points, followed by Llanteg on 63 and St Twynnells on 59.

Kilgetty have 58 points, Cosheston 54, Badgers 49, and Lamphey 46.

Meanwhile, the winners of Saturday’s doubles tournament were Dave Marsden and Lance Windsor of Badgers. Runners-up were Ceri Phillips and Vince Price from St Johns.

 

Continue Reading

Sport

Haverfordwest edge Amman in five-try thriller

Published

on

Blues stay second in Division 3 West as United snatch late bonus point

HAVERFORDWEST strengthened their promotion push with a hard-fought 29-22 win at Cwmamman Park, ending Amman United’s four-match unbeaten run — though the hosts had the final say with a dramatic injury-time penalty try.

The Blues crossed five times in a clinical display that keeps them second in Division 3 West, but they were pushed all the way by a determined Amman side who dominated large spells of territory and possession.

There was no score for the opening 20 minutes before outside-half Iestyn Griffiths broke the deadlock with a superb 45-metre penalty. Amman looked the sharper side early on, with Owain Brayley, Shaun Watkins, Caian Francis and Cian Lewis busy in attack, while Alun Lewis impressed in both defence and support play. Centres Dylan Lloyds and Luc Rees combined well to keep the visitors under pressure.

However, a quick line-out misfired and Haverfordwest punished the error. Griffiths was caught under pressure, possession was turned over and Adam Phillips finished out wide for the visitors’ opening try.

Scrum-half Lee Evans nudged United back in front with a penalty on the half-hour, but Haverfordwest responded before the break. A well-judged kick ahead unsettled the home defence and scrum-half Liam Eaton reacted quickest to touch down for a 12-6 half-time lead.

Griffiths reduced the gap early in the second half with another booming penalty, but the Blues looked dangerous every time they attacked. Wing Isaac Kelso-Jones crossed wide out to extend the lead before Griffiths once again kept Amman in touch with a long-range effort.

Despite enjoying periods of possession, the hosts lacked a cutting edge at crucial moments. Haverfordwest made their pressure count when Scott Candler went over for the bonus-point try.

Late substitutions, including Craig Price and Amman Youth product Aled Davies, added fresh energy, and another huge Griffiths penalty narrowed the deficit to 22-15. With seven minutes remaining, flanker Ioan Hartridge-Jones crossed to seemingly settle the contest at 29-15.

But Amman refused to fold. Sustained late pressure forced a flurry of yellow cards, and deep into injury time a dominant scrum earned a penalty try, securing a deserved losing bonus point despite being outscored five tries to one.

Amman now face three successive away fixtures, starting at Neyland this Saturday, followed by trips to Cardigan and high-flying Tumble.

 

Continue Reading

Crime1 day ago

Telecom vandal admits causing £33,000 damage to Pembroke Dock network

Fibre cables cut in early-morning incident that triggered major service disruption A PEMBROKE DOCK man has admitted causing more than...

Community2 days ago

Smiles all round for Pancake Day celebrations in Tenby

TENBY was filled with laughter, cheers and the smell of freshly cooked pancakes on Tuesday (Feb 17) as the town’s...

Crime2 days ago

Man charged with GBH with intent following incident involving ‘Pembrokeshire Patriot’

Defendant remanded in custody as case linked to police raids on Friday A MAN has been charged with causing grievous...

Business2 days ago

Svitzer crews at Milford Haven vote for industrial action in pay dispute

Union ballot raises concerns over potential disruption at key UK energy port SVITZER crews working in the Port of Milford...

Crime3 days ago

Pembroke Dock raids: One man in court today as three released on bail

Update follows major Gordon Street operation reported on Friday ONE man is due to appear in court today (Monday, Feb...

Local Government3 days ago

Ex-councillor Brian Rothero disqualified for three years after code breaches upheld

Second tribunal sanction in weeks deepens long-running town council turmoil A FORMER Neyland town councillor has been banned from holding...

News3 days ago

Sea Empress: 30 years since the grounding that transformed safety in Milford Haven

Human error, storm conditions and salvage decisions combined in one of Britain’s worst maritime disasters THIRTY years ago this week,...

Health4 days ago

NHS pay row erupts as ministers confirm 3.3% rise

Unions warn award amounts to real-terms cut as inflation remains above headline figure NHS staff across Wales will receive a...

Crime5 days ago

Governors defend leadership at Milford Haven School after stabbing incident

GOVERNORS at Milford Haven Comprehensive School have issued a public statement responding to concerns about leadership and staffing following last...

Crime6 days ago

Four arrested in armed police operation across Pembroke Dock

Firearms, drugs and GBH suspects detained as pre-planned raids hit Bush Street and Gordon Street A MAJOR armed police operation...

Popular This Week