Porthcawl 10K returns this Sunday

The residents and businesses of Porthcawl have been gearing up for the return of the Ogi Porthcawl 10K this weekend in what is set to be Wales’ largest running event this summer.

The major event, which debuted in 2019, is taking place on Sunday 2 July and is expected to attract thousands of runners from across the UK. Locals are also encouraged to cheer on all those taking part.

Participants will set off and finish outside the historic Grand Pavilion and will enjoy panoramic views across as they race through the Coney Beach, Sandy Bay, Trecco Bay and Newton Bay areas. The route will also take runners along John Street and through the heart of the town and a sprint finish along the promenade.

The course was devised by race director and double Olympic marathon runner Steve Brace, who grew up in nearby Kenfig Hill.

A number of other events will also be taking place, including no-pressure fun runs, a toddler dash for those taking their first steps and a ‘future challengers’ race for talented young athletes and junior club runners.

The route has been specially designed to minimise disruption for residents and businesses, but to ensure the event can proceed safely, several temporary road closures will be in place as well as bus route diversions for the X2, 63 and Stagecoach 172 services – you can find out more by visiting www.firstgroup.com/south-west-wales and www.stagecoachbus.com.

Anyone attending the event is also advised to pre-book parking in advance through the official event parking website. Please note that you cannot drive into the car park to drop someone off without a booking.

A map of the road closures and more information about the event can be found on the Ogi Porthcawl 10k website.

Being local to the area and involved with nearby running groups and the Porthcawl parkrun, the Ogi Porthcawl 10K is always my favourite day of the year.

It’s brilliant to see how much the local community has embraced the event and all the benefits it brings to the local area. We’re expecting plenty of overnight tourists and day visitors to attend and I expect all the shops, bars, restaurants, and cafes will be filled with runners on Sunday afternoon!

Steve Brace, Run 4 Wales Race Director and Olympian