News
Running and Athletics events in Wales allowed to return
14/01/2022 00:00, In Blog /
From Saturday 15th January up to 500 adults can take part in outdoor events in Wales allowing the return of mass participation running events including parkrun.
Reacting to the news, James Williams, Chief Executive of Welsh Athletics comments:
“The news today is very positive and will enable our sport to get back to some form of normality over the next few weeks. It’s no doubt a great relief for so many who will be keen to get their kit on and get running again at the weekend. It’s a key time of year for many new or returning runners, and being able to meet up, and enjoy the social experience of parkrun and running races, will be a big boost to those getting in to running for the first time or those looking to take on competitive challenges and targets.
Whether you have been running for years or have decided to take up running as your New Year’s resolution – our message is to get involved with either your local group, club, a local race or one of the 65 parkruns across Wales. Let’s make 2022 the year of the runner! It’s also a crucial period leading into The Commonwealth Games in Birmingham later this year. The removal of restrictions will allow for a full indoor programme of events and enable our athletes and coaches to plan with certainty.”
The Welsh National Indoor Athletics Championships will take place on the 29th & 30th of January at the National Indoor Athletics Centre in Cardiff as planned - alternative scenarios had been being planned for with limited fields for events, and a cap on spectators.
Head of Competitions, Rhiannon Linington-Payne said;
“This is a big relief and a big boost for the athletes and their supporters. Until now, we had been planning for the events to take place within the restrictions placed on the sport in December, but we will now look to revert to ‘plan A’ and deliver what will be a much anticipated and exciting indoor championships.
We will spend the next few days confirming timetables and will aim to get the entries open early next week. We look forward to seeing our athletes and coaches over the coming weeks – please get your entries in and be part of the celebration of our sport.”
Sport and physical activity have an important role to play in protecting the mental and physical wellbeing of the population, both which have suffered immensely during the last 18 months. Welsh Athletics will be continuing to advocate and work in partnership with stakeholders across Wales to inspire and support as many people of all ages to benefit from being active through running and athletics.
Our Run Wales programme supports beginner and established runners to run safely, find local groups and access advice. Alongside this our coach and leader education programmes train volunteers to facilitate and motivate athletes and runners ensuring there are opportunities to take part safely for everyone, all across Wales. If you’re looking to get into running or to get trained up, head to irun.wales for all you need to know.