A grandmother from Bridgend is taking on the fun run at the Brecon Carreg Porthcawl 10K as part of a year-long series of challenges.
When Helen Hawes turned 70 in July 2025 she decided to set herself a series of challenges full of things she’d never tried before. Some were things she’d wanted to do but hadn’t got round to yet and others were tasks that would push her out of her comfort zone.
One of these was taking part in the Family Fun Run at the Brecon Carreg Porthcawl 10K on Sunday 5 July – an event she’ll be running with her six-year-old granddaughter, Izzy.
Helen, a retired nurse, said: “When I turned 70, I decided I didn’t want to have a big party that would all be over in a day. Instead, I wanted something I could spread over a long while and establish a new way of going forward. I didn’t want to think 70 was over the hill or feel like an old lady that sits in the corner, so I decided to get out of my comfort zone and think about things I could do throughout the year.”
Some of Helen’s challenges have included trampolining, climbing and zip lining, as well as a bird of prey experience and a pilgrimage to Ireland. She’s also tried a good bottle of wine, been to Greece with 30 family members and on a trip to Worcester with 12 friends who were also turning 70.
Still on the list to complete is abseiling off the Principality Stadium as well as visiting Mont Saint-Michel. She’ll then be finishing her 70th year with the Family Fun Run.
Helen said: “I have never run before and when I saw the dates for the Porthcawl event, I thought a 2K run would be a fantastic way to round off my 70th year.”
Helen said she will now start training with Izzy, who is very excited to be taking part in the event with her grandma.
It will be a full family affair as Helen’s daughter Abbie will also be taking on the 10K race in the morning and her husband Steve will be participating in the toddler dash with their two-year-old granddaughter, Poppy.
Steve Brace, Race Director at event organisers Run 4 Wales, added: “There’s something for all ages and abilities at our events and it’s fantastic to see Helen pushing herself outside of her comfort zone to take part in her first running event. We’re very much looking forward to welcoming Helen and her whole family to the Brecon Carreg Porthcawl 10K on Sunday 5 July and hope they have a fantastic time taking part in the various distances.”