Phoenix: South Wales - Aberfan Memorial Run. 2026

Phoenix Running South Wales invites you to join us for our ABERFAN MEMORIAL RUN on Sunday 18th October. On 21 October 1966, tragedy struck the Welsh village of Aberfan when a colliery spoil tip collapsed after heavy rainfall. The resulting avalanche of slurry engulfed Pantglas Junior School and nearby homes just after the school day began. 144 people died, including 116 children and 28 adults. Join us for a run in remembrance of the victims of the Aberfan Disaster 60 years on. A contribution from every race entry will be donated to the Aberfan Memorial Charity. This is one of our timed events where you choose how far to go - from 5km to 10k, half to marathon to ultra, you can complete as many, or as few, laps as you like of a 5.3km, 3.28 mile, out and back, course along the Taff Trail at Aberfan, Merthyr Tydfil. We welcome runners and walkers alike. Complete one lap, and you're both a finisher and a winner in our eyes or keep going and see how far you can get in the full 7-hour time. Everyone gets the fabulous bespoke finishers medal. We operate our uniquely flexible rock up and run start times so there is no waiting around if you arrive early and no added pressure if you're running a bit late. If you have any special start time requirements, get in touch, and depending on the distance you plan to run, we will try to accommodate all start time requests. Here at Phoenix Running South Wales, we pride ourselves on providing the very best race bling to highlight your achievement however we are conscious that events can be expensive to enter, and times are tough right now. We are therefore trialling a 'no medal' entry option from £20. We cover our base costs, and you get all the usual Phoenix support, epic aid station, same-day results, athlete's profiles, Phoenix World, digital bibs, digital finishers certificates, and so on, but not having a medal means we can keep the price low for this entry option. Not sure? Well, the beauty of this format is that you don't even need to decide in advance - simply come and run a lap and see how you feel on the day and keep on going if it feels right. Places will be strictly limited so don't leave it too late to enter. Staggered starts from 8:30am (registration open from 7.30am). Free parking is available at the Community Centre. What 3 Words reference is ///puppy.snuck.obey. The nearest train station is Merthyr Vale which is 1 mile from the start. Minimum distance is 3.28 miles or as far as you can go in 7 hours. Fully tarmac. The overall course has an elevation gain of 51m.