Competitions

SATURDAY 15 JULY 

START TIME: 16:00

LOCATION: Merthyr Mawr (in front of Merthyr Mawr House)

ENTRY FEES: Affiliated Runner: £26 Non-affiliated Runner: £28

Early bird offer available until the 3rd of April. Affiliated Runner: £23 Non-Affiliated Runner: £25

RACE DESCRIPTION 

The Rabbit Run is a 7.5 mile Trail Race starting and finishing in front of Merthyr Mawr House on the Merthyr Mawr Estate. The 2023 race will again host the Welsh Trail Running Championships (short).

Setting off from in front of the imposing Merthyr Mawr House, the Rabbit Run heads initially up the hill through fields, and it is not long before the route heads into the woods, and the runners experience the darkened paths of woody glades as the path wends its way through the forested section of the course. The runners then emerge from the fun of the woods, the fallen trees and the muddy paths for a very brief respite of a stony track. Now heading into the dunes, and runners get to experience the fun of sand under their feet go through deep sandy channels, see the sea before tumbling down the Big Dipper! Through Merthyr Mawr Dunes car park which is the location of the drinks station, and past the ruins of Candleston Castle, runners heads off again through the private estate paths along the banks of the Ogmore River and emerges to the south of the picturesque Merthyr Mawr village. This a great spot for spectators to wander down from the start to cheer on the runners before they head off over the Ewenny River.

The run now takes you over the footbridge and along the river bank to the confluence of the Ewenny and Ogmore Rivers, before heading back along the Ewenny River Bank – past Ogmore Castle and the stepping stones, as the runners head towards home. The run follows the Ogmore River northwards – through the fields to the river crossing; no bridge this time it is a wade through and on to the secret tunnel – emerging to see the finish before them, front of the Merthyr Mawr House.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

There is ample nearby free parking. The 5pm start of the Rabbit Run is preceded by a series of Junior Races, Fun Run and Toddler Dashes for all the family to enjoy the area. An event village offers food and drink throughout the day.