On your marks – route announced for Porthcawl 10k

The route has been revealed for this summer’s inaugural Porthcawl 10k, and the event’s title partner has also been confirmed.

Thousands of runners will descend on the town on Sunday 7 July for the brand new race, and the UK’s leading direct supplements suppliers Healthspan will be at the heart of the action.

The Healthspan Porthcawl 10K route has been devised by Race Director and double Olympic marathon runner Steve Brace, who has intimate knowledge of the local area. The race will start and finish in a festival atmosphere outside the historic Grand 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.

Live music 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.

Healthspan teamed up with event organisers, Run 4 Wales, for an innovative partnership last year which saw more than 60,000 participants in other events get a sample of their unrivalled range of vitamins and supplements. The association also helped raise thousands for Welsh children’s charity Ty Hafan following the successful #ibeatIwan initiative, and runners can expect more exciting projects and cutting edge products in 2019. 

Healthspan Porthcawl 10K Race Director Steve Brace said: “The last time Porthcawl hosted a top-class 10K event was all the way back in 1994. I remember the day well as I not only raced, but I won in a time of 31.22! 

“I’m delighted to help bring road racing back to the town, and the Healthspan Porthcawl 10K promises to be an unmissable event. The fast route will give runners of all abilities an unforgettable experience, and we cannot wait for race day on Sunday 7 July.”

Run 4 Wales Chief Executive Matt Newman said: “Healthspan proved their commitment to helping runners of all abilities reach their peak by coming on board as event associates to our 2018 catalogue of running events.

“But this year the Healthspan brand will be front and centre at the inaugural Healthspan Porthcawl 10K. We received fantastic feedback from the running community in Wales, and every participant at the Healthspan Porthcawl 10K will get a chance to sample their tailor-made range of vitamins and supplements.  Whether runners are gunning for gold or taking their first steps at a Run 4 Wales event, Healthspan has a product for any fitness goal.”

Chris Fisher, Healthspan Director Of Partnership Marketing says, ‘We really are extremely pleased to be supporting Run 4 Wales with the Porthcawl 10K this summer and it’s a fabulous looking route to run. This is an important partnership for Healthspan and allows us to contribute and share our commitment to health and wellbeing by being part of a run that encourages all abilities to get involved. We hope that our range of high-quality vitamins and supplements contributes to a number of new personal bests as well. '

Following the success of the Senior Open Golf Championship and the Urdd Eisteddfod we are really keen to establish another exciting event that can raise the profile of Bridgend County Borough and attract new visitors.

As well as generating a lift for local tourism, the Healthspan Porthcawl 10k will also bring a fantastic feel-good factor with runners raising money for numerous good causes. We are particularly pleased to be working with Run 4 Wales and local Olympian Steve Brace on this project.”

Councillor Charles Smith, Bridgend County Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Education and Regeneration

Runners will have to get a sprint on if they want to be part of a new chapter of distance running in Porthcawl. Entries, which are flying out fast start at just £20 and can be purchased by heading over to Porthcawl's 10k registration website.