Swansea · United Kingdom
Marathon races near Swansea
6 races in 2026
next one in 8 days
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Race calendar
Upcoming Marathon races near Swansea
JUL 4
10JUL
Run · trail · Marathon
Snowdonia Trail Marathon
Snowdonia · 71 km away
11JUL
Run · road · Marathon
2025 Blacks 50 & 32 Mile Ultra, Marathon & Half Marathon
Longtown · 76 km away
11JUL
Run · road · Marathon
Black Mountains Ultra, Marathon, Half Marathon
Hereford · 76 km away
25JUL
Run · road · Marathon
Ooops I Ran It Again - Wales
Aberdare CF44 7PS · 34 km away
AUG 1
22AUG
Run · road · Marathon
Great British Bake Run - Wales
Aberdare CF44 7PS · 34 km away
+1 more Marathon racesShow fewer ↓
SEP 1
27SEP
Run · road · Marathon
RUN Barnstaple Marathon, Half Marathon & 10K
BARNSTAPLE · 61 km away
Swansea · 80 km
6 races mapped
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Recurring Marathon races near Swansea
Races that repeat — weekly, monthly or yearly
Doughnut Dash - Wales
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 2026 - Wales
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.
Beacons Ultra, Marathon & Half Marathon
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.
Off The Tarmac Ultra Marathon
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.
Beacons Marathon and Ultra
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 Smurf Run - Wales
Machen Trail Half Marathon & Marathon
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
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.
St David's Day Dragon Run 2027
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.
Steaming To The Coast
Steaming to the Coast begins with participants boarding a steam train in Minehead, then running back toward the coast. This trail running event in West Somerset offers three distance options: 11 km, 11 miles, or a full marathon. The railway segment utilizes the UK’s longest standard gauge steam railway line, transporting participants inland to Bishops Lydeard, situated at the base of the Quantock Hills AONB. Marathon runners disembark there for the complete 26.2-mile journey back to Minehead. The 11-mile and 11 km runners continue on the train for a shorter duration before starting from their respective points along the line.
The race concludes outside Minehead Station, bringing the day to a close where the train journey commenced. The course from Bishops Lydeard passes under an underpass, proceeds along Station Road and Mount Street, then heads toward Quantock View before returning through the West Somerset countryside. Runners of shorter distances offer encouragement to the marathoners departing Bishops Lydeard before continuing their train journey to Williton or Washford. Channel Events is the organiser, and the course is marked with reusable orange flags and orange arrows on white signs, secured with reusable zip ties and gathered after the final participant.
Newport Marathon Festival
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.
Looking for something else near Swansea?
Other races in the next 90 days
JUL 578 km away
cycling
Welsh Time Trial Championships 2026
JUL 12
triathlon
IRONMAN 70.3 Swansea
AUG 2928 km away
other
Adult Dawn To Dusk Enduro 2026 Races
AUG 2928 km away
other
Little Un's & Mini Junior Dawn to Dusk Enduro 2026
AUG 2928 km away
other
Youth 2hr Dawn To Dusk Enduro 2026 Races
SEP 1153 km away
triathlon
Saundersfoot Triathlon
SEP 1353 km away
triathlon
IRONMAN Wales
SEP 2053 km away
triathlon
Ironman du Pays de Galles
About Marathon races in Swansea
Swansea Training Notes
Swansea hosts 17 Marathon races in 2026 within 80 km of the city centre — upcoming dates, recurring series, and other races nearby, all in one place.
Locals get their easy miles on the Swansea Seafront route, because the line from SA1 to Mumbles gives about 7 miles of flat coastal rhythm. Swansea Bay parkrun starts every Saturday at 9 AM from The Secret Beach Bar & Kitchen, and RAD Runners leave Beer Riff in Swansea Marina on Tuesdays at 6.30 PM for 5km or 8km. Swansea Striders meet Thursdays at 6 PM from Strand Car Park and Sundays at 10:30 AM from the Recreation Ground car park. Swansea Bay 10K, The Swansea 5K, Swansea Half Marathon and IRONMAN 70.3 Swansea are the anchor events.
Locals ride the Swansea Bay cycle route when they want clean Z2, because Swansea Prom runs for 5 miles along the sweep of Swansea Bay. NCN Route 4, NCN Route 43 and the Celtic Trail link the city into proper base miles, while Clyne Valley Country Park keeps the legs turning away from the front. Swansea CTC rides Sundays and Wednesdays from spots like the Marina, Killay, Gowerton, Briton Ferry and Neath, and Swansea Wheelers, Swansea Velo Club and Gower Riders fill the bunch-ride calendar. Constitution Hill, Rhossili Down, Llanmadoc Hill, the Lliw uplands and the Black Mountain foothills hold the climbs.
Swansea works best when the days are longer, and summer gives the Gower off-road cycle network mostly dry riding across its 27 kilometres of paths. The coastline still catches rain-bearing Atlantic winds, so locals keep one eye on the prom before intervals or a steady spin. Peak holiday season changes the feel on some Gower roads, while the bay still gives runners space for tempo work and easy doubles. Winter makes some off-road routes muddy or even boggy, and the same wind that sharpens a run home can turn a ride back into honest cyclocross practice.