It was a record-breaking year for the 2026 Brecon Carreg Porthcawl 10K with the largest number of entrants the race has ever seen.
More than 6,800 runners signed up to take part across the 10K and junior races – the third event in the 2026 R4W 10K Series.
Omar Ahmed took the crown in the men’s event with a time of 29:44 and in the women’s race it was Charlotte Taylor who came in first in 34:22.
Ahmed said: “I’m so happy to have won today. I was really excited to be back in Porthcawl , it’s one of my favourite places. It was a bit windy which was difficult as there was no one around me helping me, but I really enjoyed it.”
Ahmed, who holds the course record for this event with a time of 29:08 set in 2024, also plans to take on the Kidney Wales CDF 10K in September.
Taylor who took on the Barry Island 10K in May also claiming the title there and setting a new course record, added: “It was windy out there so I tried to use the guys and tuck in for a bit and it was fun coming down the final turn and into the finish, I had a good flow going there so I enjoyed it. There was a great atmosphere all along the course and everyone was in good spirits which was helpful.”
The sixth edition of the race took runners on a tour of all the highlights in the area – including Newton Bay, Trecco Bay and Sandy Bay before racing through Trecco Bay Holiday Park and its Showdome.
As the clouds cleared, participants then found themselves running through the town centre before catching a glimpse of Rest Bay and the iconic Porthcawl Lighthouse as they sprinted along the Lower Promenade alongside the splashing waves and cheers of the crowd to the finish line.
Amongst the runners were a team of incredible participants taking part to raise money for the event’s lead charity, Tŷ Hafan. Money raised will help ensure the charity can continue providing comfort, care and support to children with life-limiting conditions and their families.
They were also joined by the Brecon Carreg ploggers who were out in force collecting rubbish around the route. To help minimise waste, the headline sponsor also provided special bins for discarded Brecon Carreg bottles which will be collected and turned into foam rollers.
While 10K participants enjoyed soaking in the atmosphere of the race village with their well-earned medals and blue finishers tees, a series of junior races – including a Toddler Dash, Future Challengers race and Fun Run – rounded off the day’s festivities.
Matt Newman, Run 4 Wales Chief Executive, said: “It’s been another great day in Porthcawl for our biggest ever Brecon Carreg Porthcawl 10K. Thanks to all of our runners and the thousands of spectators who came out to cheer them on and all of our Extra Milers who gave up their free time to help make the event a success.
“Of course, a huge thanks also goes to our title sponsor, Brecon Carreg, our lead charity Tŷ Hafan and our other partners including High 5, Waterton Motor Group, Bridgend County Borough Council and Coopah, who without the event just wouldn’t be possible.”
Eleri Morgan, Brand Manager at Brecon Carreg, added: “We’re incredibly proud to have returned as title sponsor of the 2026 Brecon Carreg Porthcawl 10K and to have supported all the runners today. From keeping participants hydrated around the course and at the finish line with Brecon Carreg water, to fielding a dedicated team of ploggers collecting litter along the route, we’re committed to helping make the event a positive experience for both runners and the local community.
“Sustainability remains a key focus for us, and we’re delighted that discarded Brecon Carreg water bottles will be given a second life by being transformed into foam rollers, helping to reduce waste while supporting recovery and wellbeing.
“A huge congratulations to everyone who took part in this year’s event.”
Entries are now open to take part in the 2027 Porthcawl 10K on Sunday 27 June with a special early bird offer for the first 500 to sign up.
Results:
Women:
1. Charlotte Taylor (34:22)
2. Donna Morris (36:53)
3. Liz Dimond (37:35)
4. Madison Shaddick (37:37)
5. Gabriella Booth (37:47)
Men:
1. Omar Ahmed (29:44)
2. Dewi Griffiths (29:55)
3. Jon Butler (30:12)
4. Sam Tyas (30:22)
5. Sam Juson (31:13)