A warm Welsh welcome

This race gives everyone a warm Welsh welcome no matter what distance you do. It 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.

The relatively small field of just over 2000 participants guarantees a friendly event. The Welsh dragon is known across the World and our medal lives up to the legend, featuring our famous dragon, Dafydd.

Both races start within the National Closed Road Cycle Circuit, housed 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 where Amelia Earheart landed to become the first woman to fly across the Atlantic Ocean.

The half marathon course turns in the coastal village of Pwll to head back towards the finish at Pembrey, while marathon runners continue along the path through North Dock. This was the site for the major trade of exporting 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 continue to the halfway point close to the Llanelli Wetlands Centre, home to thousands of birds and other wildlife, before turning and heading back along the route they have taken on their outward journey.

The Great Welsh Marathon attracts participants with varying experience, from those doing their first event to those raising money for charity or chasing 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 hosts the race but also offers a range of 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 a caravan or tent pitch to be close to all the action and enjoy the park, on-site activities and the natural surroundings.

Whether the runners have completed 13.1 miles 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 achieved. Besides the cheering crowds and the unbeatable feeling of achievement crossing the finish line, runners receive a bespoke medal that features Dafydd the dragon, a tasty post-race snack and bottle of water to help them rehydrate.

We can’t wait to give you a warm Welsh welcome as you join us in South-West Wales and we #RunCymru.