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Frequently asked questions

If you have any questions, click the chat icon in the bottom‑right corner to get instant support. You can also scroll down to find answers to our most common FAQs.

FAQ Sections

Most Common Questions

Getting Started (Need To Know Before Signing Up)

Next Steps (Once You’re In)

Managing Your Entry (Changes, Withdrawals & Transfers)

General Information (Other Details & FAQs)

Post-Race Queries

Most Common Queries

Q. Have the Marathon and Relay start times been changed for 2026? Why?

A: Yes, it was announced on Monday 13 July that the Marathon and Relay start times would be brought forward from 12:00pm to 08:30am due to the extended period of warm weather. This is to ensure the safety of all participants and to reduce the number of people running in the hottest hours of the day, due to the predicted warm weather forecast over the weekend. 

The decision to move the marathon and relay start time has been based on the combined forecast of prolonged warm temperatures and minimal wind. These conditions limit the body’s natural cooling process by reducing sweat evaporation, increasing the risk of heat stress and overheating, even at temperatures that might otherwise appear manageable. The change of start time has been agreed with the event Medical Director and will help to significantly reduce the risk of exertional heat illness amongst participants.  

Whilst forecasts may become more accurate later this week, the decision has been taken early to give people as long as possible to make any alternate arrangements. 

The earlier start time has also been made to protect the welfare of event staff and volunteers who will be working around the course to ensure everyone has a safe experience. 

Those who are taking part in the races on Saturday are encouraged to adapt to the conditions on the day – ensuring they are well hydrated in the lead up to and during the race and considering slowing their pace. Participants are also advised to dress for the conditions and to wear a sun hat and lotion too. 

All participants have been emailed the update but are advised to keep an eye on their inbox, the event website as well as the Rabbit Run Wales social media channels for any further updates issued later this week as forecasts become more accurate. 

Run 4 Wales apologises for any inconvenience caused as a result of the decision but hopes participants understand the rationale behind it to ensure their safety. 

Q. I can no longer make the Marathon or Relay at the earlier start times. Can I have a refund?

A: Unfortunately not, it is made clear in the terms & conditions when entering that we reserve the right to alter aspects of the race at any time and this decision has been taken to protect the health and safety of those taking part:

5.2 The organisers reserve the absolute right to alter aspects of the race at any time. Any alterations, such as a change in start time, date, location or route will be communicated to participants as soon as is reasonably practical to allow for plans to be revised.

If you can still make the 12K, starting at 4pm, please contact us to discuss a distance transfer.

Q. When should I expect to receive my race bib?

A. Race packs are to be collected from the Event Village on the day of the race. Marathon, Relay & Ultra bib collection will be open from 07:30am. 12K & Junior bib collection will be open from 2:00pm. Head to the collection desk which corresponds with the first letter of your surname, or to the seperate Event Info tent if you have any queries or issues. Click here for more details.

Q. I can no longer make the event. What are my options?

A. You are entitled to a refund within 14 days of signing up (cooling-off period). After this period, refunds and deferrals are not available. You may gift/transfer your 2026 place to a friend up until 5 July @ 4pm. The 2027 deadline will be updated in due course. More details on gifting your entry can be found here.

Note: The cooling-off period does not apply during the final two weeks before entries close (on Sunday 5 July 2026) as race pack production will already be underway.

Important: Unofficial number swapping is strictly prohibited. It can cause issues for medical teams and results services. Anyone found swapping their race number will be:

Q. I need to update my details e.g home address, email address or estimated finish time. What do I do?

A. Changes to your entry can be made by logging into your account at Let’s Do This using your booking ID. You can edit your registration information until our 2026 transfer deadline: Monday 5 July @ 4pm. More details here. The 2027 deadline will be updated in due course.

Once the transfer deadline has passed, all information is sent to a third-party timing company and can not be updated. Exceptions are only made for changes to emergency contact information.

Getting Started (Need To Know Before Signing Up)

Q. What are the key timings and age requirements?

The key timings are as follows:

Please note: the Marathon & Relay start times have been moved to 08:30AM (was 12:00PM) for 2026 due to the warm weather forecast, to protect the safety of participants.

Locations: All races start and finish in the Rabbit Run Wales Event Village, on the Merthyr Mawr Estate (location: https://what3words.com/stocks.clots.danger).

Age requirements are as follows:

Q. What are my options when entering?

A. The entry types are as follows:

Click here to visit the registration page.

Q. What is the cut off time? Can I walk part of it?

A. The cut off times are as follows:

You’re welcome to walk sections, but we encourage running as much as you comfortably can to stay ahead of the cut-off. There are not cut-off times for the Junior races.

Q. How much does it cost to register for the race?

A. For a full price breakdown or to get signed up, click here to visit our registration page, then select your distance.

Q. When do entries close?

A. General entries for the 2026 race close on 15 July at midnight, or when they sell out, whichever comes first. Those who have obtained a space via a charity, business challenge package or sponsor must register ahead of the registration deadline or they will be unable to participate in the event.

Q. Can I raise money for any charity I choose? What if my charity is not listed?

A. If you have already secured an entry you can use it to run for any charity of your choice, the charity does not have to be listed on our associated charities page for you to fundraise. Please contact your chosen charity direct to obtain sponsor forms and support. Click here for more information.

Q. Can I change which charity I run for?

A. If you have an entry through one of our associated charities but wish to run for a different charity, please email rabbitrun@run4wales.org to withdraw your original place. You must also inform the original charity that you will no longer be running on their behalf. We recommend confirming a place with your new charity before cancelling your existing entry.

Next Steps (Once You’re In)

Q. I have entered the race, how do I know my entry has been received?

A. You will receive a confirmation email shortly after signing up. If this did not happen, please contact us or login to Let’s Do This to check your booking.

Q. How do I receive instructions for race day?

A. All participants will be sent a final instructions email on race week, including a link to detailed race day info and a confirmation of their bib number. Click here to view the detailed race day instructions.

Q. How do make changes to my registration?

A. Changes to your entry can be made by logging into your account at Let’s Do This where you can edit your booking until our transfer deadline. The deadline for the 2026 event is 5 July @ midnight. The 2027 event detailed will be confirmed in due course.

Q. When will I receive my finishers medal and race t-shirt?

A. Race t-shirts are not included within your Rabbit Run entry fee. If you purchased one at point of entry, it will be posted to you prior to the event (or be available for collection if you registered closer to the event day).

Managing Your Entry (Changes, Gifting, Withdrawal)

Q. I need to update my details e.g home address, email address or estimated finish time. What do I do?

A. Changes to your entry can be made by logging into your account at Let’s Do This using your booking ID. You can edit your registration information until our 2026 transfer deadline on 5 July @ 4pm. The 2027 deadline will be updated in due course.

Once the transfer deadline has passed, all information is sent to a third-party timing company and can not be updated. Exceptions are only made for changes to emergency contact information.

Q. I can no longer take part in the race. Can I withdraw from the race and receive a full refund?

A. You can withdraw from the race, but full refunds are only available within two weeks of payment (minus the Let’s Do This booking fee). Beyond this two week cooling off period, refunds cannot be offered (including for cases of illness or injury, military deployment or shift pattern changes) unless you purchased the Refund Protect insurance. If you purchased this, you can submit a refund claim here.

Runners who fall pregnant or are post-partum, may cancel their space in the race up until the 2026 transfer deadline (5 July @ 4pm) (beyond this point, their race pack will have been produced and cost of entry incurred). They will receive a refund via credit balance, which can be used against the cost of any Run 4 Wales event for a period of 2 years. They must provide a doctors note or MATB1 form.

To withdraw, email rabbitrun@run4wales.org with WITHDRAWAL in the subject line. Withdrawals cannot be made by phone. After the two-week period, entry fees are non-refundable, though you may still withdraw at any time.

Q. I have entered but am unable to take part. Can I get a refund or give my place to a friend?

A. You are entitled to a refund within 14 days of signing up (cooling-off period). After this period, refunds and deferrals are not available.

You may transfer your place to a friend up until the 2026 transfer deadline of 5 July @ 4pm. More details on gifting your entry can be found here.

Note: The cooling-off period does not apply during the final two weeks before entries close, as race pack production will already be underway.

Important: Unofficial number swapping is strictly prohibited. It can cause issues for medical teams and results services. Anyone found swapping their race number will be:

Can I defer my entry to another event?

Entries cannot be deferred to the following year nor to any other event – but 2026 spaces can be transferred (gifted) to another runner. until the 5 July @ 4pm transfer deadline. Details can be found here.

Q. Can I run using another runner’s race number?

A. You are able to accept an official transfer (gifted place) from another runner if managed via Let’s Do This and within the transfer window (gifting deadline for 2026 is 5 July @ 4pm). Find out more here.

Q. I would like to transfer to a longer or shorter distance, is this possible?

A. A limited number of transfers between distances are available (or until general entries in specific distances sell out). Refunds will not be issued as a result of transferring down to the 12K from a longer distance race and the difference must be paid if transferring upwards from the 12K. Click here for more info. The 2026 transfer deadline is 5 July @ 4pm, the 2027 deadline will be updated in due course.

Distance changes cannot be made on the day of the event. Any swap must be completed in advance using the official transfer service. This process ensures that your medical and safety information is updated correctly, that you remain properly insured, and that we can allocate the correct finisher items and course resources for each distance.

Q. I missed out on getting a place! Do you have a resell site or waiting list?

A. Once we are sold out, the event is at capacity. We do not operate a waiting list and the spaces of those dropping out of the race are not placed on sale again. Those that hold entries but can no longer attend have the option to officially transfer their place to a nominated individual, up until the transfer deadline. Once general entries are sold out, some alternative options may remain including running for charity or entering via the Business Challenge.

General Information (Other Details & FAQs)

Q. Will there be anywhere to store my bag during the race?

A. Yes, each runner will be able to store a small rucksack sized bag in our baggage/bag drop facility. The bag storage facilities are located in the Event Village (location here).

Q. Can I take part with a pushchair, dog, wheeled device, Nordic sticks, or bulky fancy dress?

A. No dogs, pushchairs, skateboards, Nordic sticks, rollerblades, hand cycles, unauthorised bikes, or other wheeled devices are allowed. Bulky items or fancy dress must be approved by the race director if they could slow you beyond your race cut off time or obstruct other participants. Contact rabbitrun@run4wales.org to enquire.

Dogs are permitted to spectate and attend areas like the event village.

A. Where should I park?

A. A free car park is provided at the top of Merthyr Mawr Lane (postcode CF32 0LS), a short walk from the event village and start/finish lines. Follow EVENT signage from the A48 Ewenny Roundabout and then the car park signs (green/yellow arrows). Given the rural nature of the event, roads will be congested in the lead up to all races, so we encourage you to arrive as early as possible for a stress-free start to your race and to avoid any delays (at least 90 minutes before race start). Lift sharing is encouraged to reduce traffic. Click here for more parking and travel advice.

Q. When should I arrive / how should I travel to the race?

A. Please be aware that thousands of people will be aiming for the start of the race at the same time as you. Please allow plenty of time to arrive in time for the start of your race and plan your travel and parking beforehand. Click here for details on travel options. We encourage sustainable transport – please consider your carbon footprint and explore travel options such as walking, cycling or lift sharing where possible to help us reduce congestion and environmental impact.

Q. Can I run in fancy dress?

A. We would not encourage participants to run in fancy dress as the route is a challenging test of endurance.

Q. Can my loved ones track me during the race?

A. A live tracker app is not provided for Rabbit Run Wales.

Q.Is the course suitable for a wheelchair?

A. Unfortunately, given to the off-road nature of the course, it is not suitable for wheelchair competitors. The course is rugged and there are areas that wheelchairs will be unable to pass. We welcome wheelchair athletes in all of our road races. Visit the Disability and Accessibility page of the R4W website by clicking here to find out more. The page explains how we support disabled participants and accessibility needs, covering entry options, facilities, and available support.

Q. Are there toilets around the route?

A. You’ll find toilets at all of the feed stations on the Marathon, Relay and Ultra courses. There are no toilets around the 12K course but there are toilets located in the Event Village and car park.

Q. Is the course suitable for blind/visually impaired runners and do you offer free places for guide runners?

We are happy for blind or visually impaired runners to take part and offer complimentary entry and high-viz bibs for guide runners, should you need one. If so, please contact maria.waldron@run4wales.org.

Q. Will there be water and energy stations on route?

A. Yes, details are as follows:

The 12K will have the following water stops, with paper cups offered:

The Marathon will have the following check points / feed stations:

The Ultra will have the following check points / feed stations:

Water refill points will be available pre and post-race in the Event Village.

Q. What do I get for my money?

Q. How do I find out which roads are closed?

A. No road closures are in place. There may be minimal delays to traffic in the area other than the car park at its busiest times.

Q. Can I get a photo of myself during the race?

Yes. Photographers will be positioned around the course, though we can’t guarantee everyone will be captured. After the race, photo links will be emailed to all finishers, and images will be available to purchase from Marathon Photos.

Q. Can I opt out of photos?

Please contact the team on rabbitrun@run4wales.org to arrange opt-ing out of receiving photos, or for your photos being publicly searchable via Marathon Photos.

Q. How can I help with the event if I’m not running?

Thank you for your interest! We would love to have you join our fantastic team of Extra Milers! Volunteering is a great way to support an event that supports so many great causes and if you’re a student gain valuable experience for your CV. Our volunteers are essential to delivering an exceptional experience for participants and spectators. To find out more about how to get involved please email volunteers@run4wales.org or click here.

Q. Where can I find more information?

The race day info page is packed full of important instructions. Keep an eye on the event social media (Instagram & Facebook) and latest news pages for updates too.

If you have any questions that have not been answered on the FAQ page, please contact the team at rabbitrun@run4wales.org.

Q. Why have I been charged a booking fee?

Let’s Do This provide our registration system, where a booking/admin fee is charged on top of the ticket price. This is standard across the ticketing industry, is clearly itemised at checkout and the fee is non-refundable.

Q. How can I find my loved ones after the race?

Decide on a meeting point in advance, so you can easily find your loved one after the race, such as within the event village You’ll find a venue map on the race day info page of the website. Please note that there is poor phone signal around the race venue.

Q. Can I wear headphones?

Avoid using headphones whilst running in organised events to limit the risk of injury to yourself and other participants. The organiser cannot be held responsible for incidents caused as a result of the use of headphones which inhibit the communication of important warnings or information from emergency services or course marshals. Bone conducting headphones are better but we would still prefer for participants to be aware of their surroundings (and taking in the atmosphere!)

Q. I don’t know the area and don’t know the route, will I be able to get lost?

A. No. The 12K course will be marshalled, sign posted and marked throughout. There will be an element of self-navigation required in the Marathon & Ultra. Whilst signage will direct participants in key locations, those taking part in the Marathon & Ultra should take steps to ensure they are familiar with the route, for which a GPX digital download will be available and have all items on race kit list..

Q. How do I download the GPX route file for the Marathon, Ultra, or Relay?

A. Course maps, GPX route files and instructions are available on the event website here.

Q. What happens if I cannot finish the race?

A. We will have medical teams at a number of points along the route. If you are just too tired we will arrange to get you back to the start/finish area. A large team of marshals are in place at regular intervals around the route should you need their assistance or wish to report other runners experiencing problems. There will be a cut off time and runners not keeping the pace will be asked to take a “short cut” thus reducing the distance covered.

Q. I am running the Ultra. Am I able to cut the distance short / drop down to the Marathon on the day if I am struggling during the race?

A. Yes, there is a decision point at approx.14 miles.

Q. What mandatory kit must I bring?

A. Click here to see the detailed Kit List. This only applies to Marathon & Ultra runners, there is no mandatory kit for the 12K or Relay.

Q. Can I recce the routes beforehand?

A. Most of the 12K route takes runners through private land on the Merthyr Mawr Esate, so we would ask that any recce runs are limited to the publicly accessible areas. It is a privilege that we have the permission to use this course on race day. For the Marathon & Ultra races, once runners have passed the Ogmore By Sea carpark the route is ran on public footpaths until returning to the stepping stones at Ogmore.

Q. How fit do you have to be to complete the Bunny Run / Fun Run course?

A. The Bunny Run and Family Fun Run welcomes participants of all fitness levels. In previous years some participants have preferred to walk the whole course, particularly if they are accompanied by children.

Q. Am I free to roam on the Merthyr Mawr Estate?

A. No. Access is only in the fields in front of the house and to the marked running line. Merthyr Mawr House is a private dwelling and will be out of bounds on the day with clearly marked taped off areas. Please respect, as we do not wish to jeopardise the event for future years.

Q. Are there changing facilities?

A. Participants are encouraged to arrive changed.

Q. I have a question about the event weekend camping, can you help?

A. You’ll find full details on camping at Candleston Woods, including a list of FAQs, by clicking here.

Q. I have a question about the Forest Sauna, can you help?

A. You’ll find full details on the Forest Sauna, including a list of FAQs, by clicking here.

Q. Is this a licensed event?

A. The event is licensed by UK Athletics.

Q. I am running the Relay, how do the changeovers work?

A. You’ll find details instructions for the Relay on the Race Day Info page of the website. This is a traditional relay format, meaning that one runner arrives and their teammate departs immediately. There are no scheduled departure times at the changeover points. It is each team’s responsibility to ensure that outgoing runners arrive in plenty of time and are ready to receive the chip from their incoming runner. If a runner arrives and their teammate is not present or ready, the race clock will continue to run and will not be paused. How teams choose to coordinate travel and movement between checkpoints is entirely at their own discretion. Teams are responsible for making their own arrangements and ensuring that runners are at each checkpoint in good time for the handover. Parking is available at each venue. To help ensure smooth access for all participants and other site users, we ask teams to arrive and depart promptly after their changeover and to avoid unnecessary congestion in the parking areas.

Post Race Queries

Q. When will the results be available?

A. Provisional results will be updated on the website as soon as possible on the evening of the event. These can be found by clicking here.

Q. There is a problem with my result. What can I do?

A. Need to update your age or category, fix a name spelling, or add a missing club to your results? If your chip didn’t record or your time looks incorrect, let us know and we’ll review it. Click here to share more details so we can get you sorted!

Q. I didn’t receive a medal at the finish line?

A. Didn’t receive your medal, or have a problem with it? Click here to share details and we’ll be in touch as soon as possible.

Q. What is an iTab?

An iTAB is a personalized, engraved plate or tag designed to fit onto the hanger on your race medal ribbon, displaying runner’s name and finish time. These are posted to all participants (UK and international) in the days after the race. Please note – no medal engraving is offered at the event site.

iTabs can be purchased whilst signing up for the race, or post-event via the R4W Shop.

Q. I would like to make a complaint or submit post-race feedback?

If your query isn’t related to your results or finisher items, please complete this short form to share details – we really appreciate your feedback. Please note this form is only for post-race issues.