A warm Welsh welcome

No matter what distance you do, this is a race that gives everyone a warm Welsh welcome and is synonymous with everything that’s Welsh. Hosted in the glorious Pembrey Country Park, runners will experience the best of coast and country on a flat route that covers both distances.

With a relatively small field of just over 2000 participants the event guarantees a friendly atmosphere. The Welsh dragon symbol is known across the World and our medal, featuring our famous dragon, Dafydd, will not disappoint.

Both races start within the National Closed Road Cycle Circuit in award-winning Pembrey Country Park. Participants will enjoy running through the gorgeous green space and woodland of the Park before heading out on to the magnificent Millennium Coastal Path. Runners will take in fabulous views of the Loughor Estuary and Gower Peninsula as they head through Burry Port, a harbour town famous for being the landing site of Amelia Earhart in her successful attempt at becoming the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean.

The half marathon runners turn in the coastal village of Pwll and head back towards the finish at Pembrey, while marathon runners continue along the path through North Dock, which was the site for the major export trade of coal and tin plate from South Wales. Runners then pass the Machynys Golf Club, which was the first Nicklaus designed golf course in Wales, and host to the WPGA Championship of Europe, Ladies Tour between 2005 to 2008.

Full marathon runners then head towards the halfway point, close to the World Wildlife Trust Llanelli Wetlands Centre, home to thousands of birds and other wildlife, before turning and heading back along the route they have taken on their outbound journey.

The Great Welsh Marathon and Half Marathon attract participants with varying degrees of experience, from the beginner tackling their first event, to those raising money for charity or searching for a personal best, right through to elite athletes. No matter the experience, every single runner has a reason for coming to join us as we #RunCymru.

Pembrey Country Park not only hosts the race but offers a full range of other activities from walks along the woodland trails, cycle hire, a ride on the toboggan, skiing on the ski slope, turning your hand to a bit of golf, or just relaxing on the golden sands of Cefn Sidan beach. There is an on-site camping ground, where you can book your caravan or tent pitch to be close to all the action and enjoy the Park’s on-site activities and natural surroundings.

Whether runners have completed the half marathon or the full 26.2 miles emotions at the finish line are always high. Many cheer for joy, while others share tears of happiness as they contemplate what they have accomplished. Besides the cheering crowds and that unbeatable feeling of achievement crossing the finish line, runners will receive a bespoke medal that features Dafydd the dragon, a tasty post-race snack and bottle of water to help them recover and rehydrate.

We cannot wait to give you a warm Welsh welcome as you come to South-West Wales and join us as we #RunCymru on Sunday 2 April 2023.