The Healthspan Porthcawl 10K will return to the popular seaside resort for the first time in 1092 days this Sunday, 3 July following a COVID enforced three-year hiatus. The race has not been held since its inaugural edition which took place in the summer of 2019.

 

Nearly 4,500 runners have registered to take part in the 10K race, which takes in a number of stunning seaside spots including Rest Bay, Trecco Bay, Coney Beach, the picturesque town centre, historic Grand Pavilion and iconic Lighthouse.

It is expected to the be the largest running event to take place in Wales this summer.

 

 

When is the Healthspan Porthcawl 10K?

The event takes place this Sunday 3 July. The 10K race will start at 10:00 and a series of Junior races kick off from 12:30pm.

Where is it happening?

The event is based on the sea front in Porthcawl. The 10K and Junior races start and finish on the Esplanade, near the Grand Pavilion.

Can I still enter?

Registration for all races are now closed and no on-the-day entries will be available.

Where does the 10K race go?

The Healthspan Porthcawl 10K boasts a stunning and varied course. It takes place on fully closed-roads and has been devised by Race Director and Double Olympic Marathon runner Steve Brace who is originally from Bridgend and has intimate knowledge of the local area.

The race will start and finish in a festival atmosphere outside the historic Porthcawl Pavilion on the Promenade and will showcase the very best of the seaside town.

Runners will be treated to panoramic views across Newton Bay, Trecco Bay, Sandy Bay as they race through Trecco Bay Holiday Park and Coney Beach Pleasure Park, before setting off on the second-half of their 10K journey.

Spectators will give the mass race a much-needed boost through the heart of the town’s shopping district on John Street. As they conclude their 10K journey, runners will be treated to views of Rest Bay before the famous Porthcawl Lighthouse comes into view to signal a sprint finish along the Promenade.

You can see a map by clicking here.

What Junior Races are taking place?

There are three Junior races takes place. The Future Challengers Mile has been designed for competitive young club athletes looking for an accessible opportunity to compete. The traditional, no-pressure Fun Run is suitable for adults and children of all ages. You don’t need to run the whole way, and fancy dress is very much encouraged. There’s also an adorable Toddler Dash on offer for the youngest of competitors.

What is the weather foreacast?

Good running conditions are forecast for Sunday morning. It will be a dry day with sunny intervals and a moderate breeze. Temperatures are forecast to hit 17 degrees.

What is the best way to travel to the race?

Porthcawl is accessible via Junction 37 of the M4 (followed by the Porthcawl / Pyle exit via the A4229). Thousands will be aiming for the start of the race at the same time so runners and spectators are encouraged to allow plenty of time to travel and park before road closures come into force.

A number of car parks are available to pre-book for a stress-free experience on the morning of the race. These have limited capacity and are expected to sell out prior to event day so early booking is encouraged.

Sustainable and active travel is encouraged where possible, such as cycling or lift-sharing. Public bike racks will be available as normal throughout the town centre.

You can find out more about the car parks on offer, or pre-book a space here.

Will there be road closures in place?

Some road closures will be in operation to facilitate the safe passage of participants. A list of road closures and a road closure map to help plan your journey can be found here.

Is there an elite race?

A competitive elite field will be lining up on the start line, including Bridgend man James Hunt who will be looking to better his second-place finish from 2019. Lauren Cooper, Alaw Beynon-Thomas, Carys Hughes and Helen Sharpe will be in action in the women’s race.

A full elite preview can be seen here.

Will there be atmosphere around the route?

There will still be a fantastic atmosphere in Porthcawl, with spectators expected to turn out to support. Popular spots will include the town centre and Trecco Bay holiday park.

I hear a birthday is being celebrated?

Run 4 Wales, the organisation that organises events like the Healthspan Porthcawl 10K and Wizz Air Cardiff Half Marathon turns 10 in 2022.

To celebrate, they’ve launched a ‘Random Acts of Kindness’ campaign with random activities planned all over Wales! The next will take place at the race in Porthcawl, where a random finisher will be handed a golden envelope and a very special prize.

What else is going on?

An Event Village in front of the Seabank Hotel will offer entertainment and trade stands, with a whole host of interactive family friend fun!

There will be a photo wall (so runners can pose with their finish time) as well as a creation station where spectators can make signs with recycled craft materials to cheer on the runners.

Who is supporting the event?

Healthspan, one of the UK’s leading vitamin and supplement providers are once again the Title Sponsor, helping to bring this major event to the town once again. Healthspan believe that staying active, eating well and having a positive outlook leads to a long and lifespan.

Other supporters include Brecon Carreg (who will be hydrating the runners), HIGH5 (who will be providing nutritional products), Awen Trust (who operate the historic Grand Pavilion), Bridgend Ford, Nuffield Health and Bridgend County Borough Council.

What will runners receive when they finish the race?

Every 10K runner will receive a commemorative medal and event t-shirt upon finishing the race.

The medal this year features the iconic Grand Pavilion building. It will form a matching set with medals given out at other 2022 events in the Healthspan Wales 10K Series including the Brecon Carreg Cardiff Bay Run, ABP Barry Island 10K, R4W Virtual 10K and ABP Newport Wales 10K.

The race t-shirt this year features imagery from the inaugural 2019 event including the historic Grand Pavilion and unforgettable Red Arrows flypast.

Fun Run and Future Challengers Mile finishers will receive an adorable commemorative medal.

Can you track runners around the race?

The Run 4 Wales App on iOS and Android can be used to inspect the route pre-race and live track participants on the day with full Google maps functionality.

Find out more or download the app here.

Race Day Guide

A full lowdown of all the important event information can be found here.

If you’re taking part and have any questions or issues, the Event Helpdesk will be open from 08:00am in the Event Village in front of the Seabank Hotel on the Esplanade on Sunday morning. Information about what to do if your race pack has not arrived can be found here.