Marathon races near Risca

Run as far as you can in seven hours in Dare Valley Country Park. You'll receive a goody bag and a themed medal.

Scare Bear Run is a themed running event in Wales, centered on a 7-hour time challenge. Participants select their own distance, starting with a minimum of 3km and adding laps as desired within the time limit. A lap is 4.37 miles (7km), though the organizer might use a 3.28-mile loop if course conditions necessitate. Runners of all abilities are welcome, including walkers. The finisher's reward is a medal inspired by the Care Bears.

The Off The Tarmac Ultra Marathon is a 30-mile trail ultra held in the Brecon Beacons. It begins and ends at the Georgetown Boys & Girls Club in Merthyr Tydfil. The race starts early and limits entries to 200 runners, creating a small field. This event is designed for runners progressing to ultra distances and those accustomed to long trail races. The mandatory kit list emphasizes the challenging hills and weather: participants must carry waterproofs, warm layers, a phone, food, basic first aid supplies, a whistle, a torch, and at least one litre of fluid. The route departs Georgetown via the Taff Trail, proceeds along paths by the River Taff, and heads north towards Beacons Reservoir. It then crosses the A470 and ascends Pen y Fan, South Wales' highest peak at 886 metres. A summit checkpoint records runners' check-in and check-out. The latter half descends Jacobs Ladder, connects with the Roman Road towards Torpantau, and utilizes forestry tracks alongside Dolygaer and Pontsticill Reservoir before returning through the Taff Fechan Nature Reserve. Five checkpoints are positioned along the course, four of which offer food and water. The race is cup-less, requiring runners to provide their own cup for drinks at checkpoints.

The Beacons Ultra, Marathon & Half Marathon is a November trail race weekend held at Henderson Hall in Talybont-on-Usk, situated at the foothills of the Brecon Beacons in Wales. Participants can select a 13-mile half marathon, a marathon, or an approximately 50-mile ultra. The longer race combines trail, mountain, canal, and road running. The marathon follows one loop of the ultra course and includes a climb of Pen y Fan, while the half marathon route remains nearer to Talybont-on-Usk. Weather is a factor: the event has occurred in bright sunshine, rain, mist, and temperatures as low as minus 8 degrees. The broader Beacons ultra running context also features the 100-mile Beacons Way Ultra, a self-navigating race starting at Abergavenny Castle along the Beacons Way National Trail. This race has ten checkpoints, 6,143 metres of ascent, includes Pen y Fan and the Carmarthen Fans, uses GPS tracking, and requires prior mountain and ultramarathon experience for entry.

The Beacons Way Ultra is a 100-mile mountain race across Bannau Brycheiniog, the Brecon Beacons National Park. It begins at the ruins of Abergavenny Castle, follows the Beacons Way National Trail, and gives runners 40 hours to cover 6143 metres of climbing. The field is capped at 250 people, making this a small, serious ultra rather than a large city race. The route uses 10 checkpoints and reaches some of the highest ground in South Wales, including Pen-y-Fan and the Carmarthen Fans. Runners need real ultramarathon and mountain experience, as this is a self-navigation event where map-and-compass skills are mandatory. Live GPS tracking is provided, and finishers can earn UTMB Performance Index and ITRA points.

The Machen Trail Half Marathon & Marathon are trail races near Machen, South Wales, covering approximately 14 and 26 miles respectively. The courses traverse woodland, common land, open moorland, streams, ridgeway paths, steep ascents, and fast descents, offering a challenging off-road experience distinct from road races. The half marathon course is fully marked, whereas marathon participants are responsible for navigation, with marshals present at key intersections. All participants must pass a mandatory kit check at registration; those without the required equipment will not be permitted to start. The half marathon begins in Machen, proceeding through single-track trails to Rudry Common, then into Caerphilly Forest before descending to Cefn Onn. A sustained climb leads runners back to the ridgeway, passing the Lisvane / Llysfaen trig point. The route continues through woodland towards Ruperra Castle, descends into Draethen, climbs into Machen Woods, and concludes on a downhill trail. Marathon runners cover this route and then face a significant climb towards the Rhymney Valley and the summit of Machen. This event is suited for trail runners who appreciate technical woodland paths, exposed ridges, winter kit requirements, and climbs that make the descents rewarding. Medals are awarded to all finishers, with trophies for top performers.

The Snow Globe Gallop Bobble Hat Run - Wales is a Christmas Carol themed running event held at Dare Valley Country Park in Wales. It is a 7-hour lap challenge, not a fixed-distance race, allowing runners to decide their distance on the day. The minimum distance is 3km, walkers are welcome, and the format accommodates mixed abilities, not just fast runners aiming for a specific finish time. The route uses laps, with a full lap set at 7km, although it might change to a 3.28-mile loop depending on course conditions. Participants can complete any number of laps within the time limit, adhering to UK Athletics age regulations. Those who finish receive a running buff and a themed medal. Club members benefit from reduced entry fees, guaranteed participation, and a mini-me medal pin at every event they attend. Saturn Too Limited organizes the run in collaboration with Saturn Running.

The St David's Day Dragon Run is a running event with multiple distances held in Dare Valley Country Park, Aberdare, Wales, near Wales's St David's Day festivities. Rather than a single set race distance, it operates as a seven-hour time challenge. Participants may finish after completing the minimum 3 km section, select standard distances like 5K, 10K, a half marathon, or a marathon, or continue towards ultra distances. The course consists of repeated laps on maintained public footpaths within the park. A full lap is typically 7 km, but the loop can be shortened to 3.28 miles if conditions necessitate. The half marathon is measured as three laps. St David, the patron saint of Wales, inspires the event's theme, linking the day to Welsh celebration alongside the pursuit of distance. Saturn Running members receive guaranteed entry, a reduced entry fee, and a mini-me medal pin at each event they participate in, with all runners adhering to UK Athletics age regulations.

Nearly 70% of finishers at the Newport Marathon Festival have run a personal best, indicating the event's nature before course details are examined. The race takes place in Newport, Wales, during spring, featuring a marathon, half marathon, 10K, and mile race. Positioned as a national marathon for Wales, its festival structure accommodates more than just marathon participants. The marathon route is among Europe's flattest, attracting individuals aiming for a fast time and those seeking a major Welsh city-centre race without severe inclines. The races commence and conclude on Newport’s riverfront in the city centre, following a route designed by double Olympic marathon runner Steve Brace. Participants will pass Newport Castle, the Victorian Market, the Transporter Bridge, the modern riverfront development, and the International Sports Village. The marathon and half marathon extend into the Gwent Levels, a region with coastal wildlife and medieval villages. Runner’s World has recognized the course among the 10 fastest marathons globally. The weekend also features a Women’s Running Conference and a pre-race Pasta Party. Cancer Research Wales provides charity places for the marathon, half marathon, and 10K, requiring sponsorship commitments.