The Healthspan Porthcawl 10K, a major running event that debuted in 2019 will return this summer after a two-year absence. It is expected to attract thousands of runners from across the UK.
The event will return to the seaside town on Sunday 3 July, following the same closed-road route which was devised by race director and double Olympic marathon runner Steve Brace who grew up in nearby Kenfig Hill.
Participants will set off and finish in a festival atmosphere outside the historic Porthcawl Pavilion on the Promenade before being treated to panoramic views across Newton Bay, Trecco Bay and Sandy Bay as they race through Trecco Bay Holiday Park and Coney Beach Pleasure Park.
Runners will then race through the heart of the town’s shopping district on John Street before taking in more stunning views of the coastline as the famous Porthcawl Lighthouse comes into view to signal a sprint finish along the Promenade.
Following the start for the 10K race, a number of junior races will take place with several events to choose from including a no-pressure Fun Run, a Toddler Dash for those taking their first steps into physical activity and a Future Challengers race for talented young athletes and junior club runners.
The 2019 event saw a staggering 4,000 entrants taking part with 94 per cent hailing from Wales. It was supported with the help of 130 volunteers, dubbed ‘The Extra Milers’ and saw a number of local community groups engage such as the Military Preparation College in Bridgend.
This year’s event provides the perfect opportunity to showcase the development of Porthcawl since 2019. The new, £1.5m Rest Bay Watersports Centre is now officially open and returning runners will take in a new-look Trecco Bay following it’s multi-million pound investment.
To learn more about the event and how you can get involved, visit the Healthspan Porthcawl 10k website.
To facilitate the safe passage of participants, it will be necessary to implement road closures along the route. Event organisers work closely with the emergency services, whose access to the route will not be affected by the event.
The route has been designed to keep disruption to residents and businesses to a minimum. There will be diversions to bus routes serviced, please check www.firstgroup.com/south-west-wales and www.stagecoachbus.com before travelling.
A map and information about road closures can by found on the Healthspan Porthcawl 10k website