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Epic Welsh endurance events to add to your 2026 race calendar

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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

Amman United v Neyland abandoned after touchline fight

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AMMAN UNITED’S crucial Division 3 West clash with Neyland was abandoned after 70 minutes on Wednesday night following a fight on the touchline.

The home side had led 20-12 under the lights at Cwmamman Park and were on course for a vital win that would have kept alive their hopes of survival.

Amman made the brighter start and enjoyed most of the territory and possession in a strong first-half display. They went ahead within minutes when wing Dan Thomas crossed in the corner.

Outside half Iestyn Griffiths then extended the lead with a well-struck penalty as the Reds continued to dominate. Jordan Poole, Keelan Griffiths and Alun Lewis all made good ground, and Amman looked certain to score again at one stage, only to be held up over the line.

Neyland, however, hit back against the run of play. Scrum half Owen Hamer seized on turnover ball, stepped clear of the defence and raced in from halfway. Rio Phillips added the conversion to cut the gap.

Amman responded well and regained control before the break. From a lineout catch-and-drive, front row forward Matthew Madge powered over, with Griffiths converting to give the hosts a deserved 15-7 lead at half-time.

The home side made full use of their bench after the restart, with Kieran Mackey, Caian Francis, Liam Brooks and Alex Williams all introduced. Youngster Harvey Duncan also came on in the centre for just his second senior appearance.

Captain Rhydian Jones again impressed with a tireless display around the park as Amman piled further pressure on the Neyland try line. That spell was rewarded when wing Dylan Matthews squeezed over in the far corner to make it 20-7.

To their credit, Neyland then enjoyed their best spell of the game, forcing Amman onto the back foot with sustained pressure under the posts. Centre George Williams and wing Josh Watts were prominent as the visitors went through the phases, but Amman’s defence held firm for long periods.

The visitors eventually found a way through when flanker Josh Hamer spotted a gap and touched down under the posts to bring the score back to 20-12.

But before the conversion could be taken, a fight broke out on the touchline. Once order had been restored, the referee decided to abandon the match immediately.

The game will now have to be replayed at a later date.

 

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Vice-chair steps down at Haverfordwest County AFC

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Mared Pemberton leaves board role after years of service

HAVERFORWEST COUNTY AFC has confirmed that Mared Pemberton has stepped down from her role as Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors due to personal commitments.

Pemberton has played a key role in the club’s development in recent years, most notably leading the delivery of the Ogi Bridge Meadow 3G pitch project.

She has also been closely involved in the club’s community work and fan engagement initiatives, helping to strengthen its reputation and position as a focal point within the local area.

Pemberton will continue her involvement with the club as Head of Trustees for the Bluebirds Foundation, the official charitable arm of Haverfordwest County AFC.

A club spokesperson said: “Everyone at the club would like to thank Mared for her loyalty, hard work and dedication over many years, and we wish her well for the future.”

 

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Camrose girls head to Portugal after major community backing

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A CAMROSE Under 13s girls’ football team has travelled to Portugal for a once-in-a-lifetime tour, supported by a funding boost from Wales & West Utilities.

The squad, made up of twenty-four players aged between eleven and fourteen, set off during the Easter holidays after five months of determined fundraising efforts.

The trip forms part of a wider international learning programme funded by Taith, the Welsh Government-backed scheme promoting global exchange opportunities for young people.

During their time abroad, the team will take part in cultural and sporting activities, including matches against local sides, social events with host clubs, and a coaching session with Portuguese giants S.L. Benfica. The group will also attend a professional football match.

Organisers say the tour is about far more than football, with a strong focus on confidence-building, teamwork, and cultural exchange. Around forty per cent of the players and coaching staff come from underrepresented backgrounds, including young carers, those in care, and families on low incomes.

While Taith funding has supported much of the programme, additional financial help from Wales & West Utilities has been vital in bridging a £3,000 shortfall. The funds have also enabled the purchase of a dedicated tour kit, helping keep players safe and identifiable in busy environments.

Volunteer coach Joanne Battelley said the support had made a real difference.

She said: “This tour is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for our girls, both on and off the pitch. The support from Wales & West Utilities has helped ensure more of our players can take part and benefit from the opportunity.”

Bethan Jones, Head of People and Customer Experience at Wales & West Utilities, said the company was proud to support the initiative.

She said: “Football is about more than just the game. This trip will help build confidence, develop new skills, and create lasting memories for these young players.”

Wales & West Utilities provides gas emergency and pipeline services to more than 7.5 million people across Wales and the south west of England.

 

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