Porthcawl 10K: Everything you need to know

Four thousand runners will be heading to the seaside this Sunday 7 July for the inaugural Healthspan Porthcawl 10K.

Crowds of runners will race through the resort led by a competitive elite field, before the rest of the family get involved on Porthcawl’s famous esplanade. As we count down to race day, here is everything that competitors need to know.

What time will it start?

Sunday’s Healthspan Porthcawl 10K gets underway at 10am. Runners are urged to arrive in plenty of time for their start time. Race pens open at 9.45am.

What's the route?

The Healthspan Porthcawl 10K will take place on fully closed-roads and 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 Porthcawl 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.

Where can I leave my baggage?

The baggage drop is located in the Grand Pavilion and is open from 8:30am. Bags can be collected after the race upon receipt of your runner number. Only runners and staff will have access to this area which will be manned by security staff who may ask to check bags.

Where is the Race Village?

The Race Village is set on the seafront between the Lighthouse and Pavilion. There is something for all ages so bring the family down before taking in the start of both races at the start line. The Healthspan Porthcawl 10K Race Village will host family friendly entertainment, sports activities and live music. 

Come visit our exciting sponsors and exhibitors including Healthspan, grab a post-race massage or celebrate your achievements at the bar! 

What else is going on?

Once the main race is underway and most of the runners have finished, the next generation will get the chance to take their first steps at a mass-participation event in the Family Fun Run at 12:30pm.

Perfectly suited to all ages and abilities, the race features a one-mile route along the seafront.

There’s no pressure to record fast times or even run all the way. Instead, dig out your best fancy dress, drag along all of your family and friends and enjoy the experience. Expect a vibrant atmosphere, plenty of support from the crowds and a commemorative medal at the finish line!

There are no age limits for the race, but children under eight must be accompanied by an adult, and unaccompanied children must be brought to the start and met at the fun run exit. Pushchairs are allowed, and fancy dress is encouraged! Entries are available on the day from £5, or for £15 for a family of four.

There is also a Toddler Dash for the youngest of competitors along the seafront, which can be entered with a £2 donation to Tŷ Hafan.

#ibeatIwan

The race is on to beat Welsh sprint king Iwan Thomas and raise vital funds for Tŷ Hafan at the Healthspan Porthcawl 10K.

For every participant that crosses the line before the former 400m relay World Champion, the UK’s number one direct supplier of vitamins & supplements, Healthspan, will donate £10 to Wales’ leading children’s charity.

If participants needed anymore motivation to leave Thomas in their dust, they will also receive a bespoke #IbeatIwan t-shirt after completing the challenging but scenic 10km course. 

What do I need at the start?

In your pack you will find a timing chip and your running number. This will allow friends and family to track your progress on the Run 4 Wales app, which can be downloaded on IOS or Android. Also ensure your running number is pinned to the front of your top and that you've filled in the emergency contact details on the back.

Are there toilets on the route and at the start?

There are plenty of toilets and urinals near the start/finish area and more closer to the start. There will be more than enough toilets along the route.

Will there be drinks available on the way round?

Two Brecon Carreg water stations will be available on the 10K route at the half way mark and at the finish line.

Where can I park on race day?

Parking for the Healthspan Porthcawl 10K will be available at Salt Lake Car Park, Eastern Promenade, CF36 5TS (closest postcode) just over a 5 minute walk to the race start and finish, enabling easy access for runners and their spectators.

We would encourage users to arrive from junction 37 of the M4 and then follow event signage as they approach the town centre.

The car park will be open from 7am on Sunday 7 July ( please arrive as earlier as possible to avoid disappointment/any delays in getting to the race start)

The cost for parking at Salt Lake is £5 per vehicle. Please note that payment is CASH ONLY and to have the correct change where possible. Max height: 8ft 6

Will there be road closures?

To facilitate the safe passage of participants, it will be necessary to implement road closures along the route. Access for emergency services won’t 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 routes serviced by the X2, 63 and Stagecoach 172 buses, please check the First Group and Stagecoach Bus websites before travelling.

Full road closures can be found on this interactive map.

What will the weather be like?

Porthcawl looks set to enjoy sunny intervals throughout the day. Temperatures will hover at around 17c throughout the race, so runners are being urged to hydrate well before the race and apply sun screen. Get tips on how to hydrate efficiently. 

Where is the best place to watch

The esplanade will be a hive of activity and will witness both the start and end of the race. Spectators can get a great view of runners traversing the course at Coney Beach Pleasure Park and throughout the town centre.

If you have any queries, please contact the race organisers via email at porthcawl10K@run4wales.org or by calling 02921 660 790 between 9am-5pm. Answers to frequently asked questions can be found on the race website.