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RACE DAY INFO

Event Day Instructions

Familiarise yourself with all of the key event day information ahead of the 2025 race on Saturday 19 July.

ARRIVAL & PARKING

  • Use the designated car park at the top of Merthyr Mawr Lane (Postcode: CF32 0LS).
  • Follow EVENT signage from the A48 Ewenny Roundabout and then the car park signs (green/yellow arrows).
  • Free parking is provided, but please car share where possible to reduce congestion.
  • Remember your parking row and allow extra time during peak arrival periods.
  • The start/finish area and event village are a short walk down a narrow lane and field path – please follow traffic marshal instructions.

See the map below for all the key locations!

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KEY RACE TIMES

  • 12:00 pm – Rabbit Run 40K
  • 3:00 pm – Bunny Run (2K)
  • 3:30 pm – Double Bunny (4K)
  • 3:55 pm – Toddler Dash
  • 4:00 pm – Rabbit Run 12K

NUMBER COLLECTION

Collect your race bib on arrival from the appropriate tent:

  • 40K: Opens at 10:30 am
  • 12K & Junior Races: Open at 2:00 pm
  • Please bring your own safety pins if possible.
  • Wear your bin on the FRONT of your t-shirt.
  • Please arrive in plenty of time before your race.
  • Visit the Event Information tent for any queries.

Click here for more information.

START LINE & PENS

  • The start line is in front of Merthyr Mawr House.
  • Runners line up in numbered pens based on your bib number.
  • Pens open 5 minutes before each start to minimise waiting.
  • Listen out for announcements from the PA for updates.
  • Runners will be released in small groups for safer spacing.
  • If you feel unwell, injured, or see someone in distress, alert the nearest marshal.
  • Please run within your capabilities for the conditions.


BAGGAGE

  • Baggage drop is next to number collection. Use the tear-off strip on your bib for ID.
  • 40K: Opens at 10:30 am
  • 12K: Opens at 2:00 pm
  • No bag drop for junior races – please travel light.


TOILETS

  • ​Toilet facilities located behind the event village.
  • Urinals available (behind the portaloos)
  • Please sanitize hands after use.


COURSE NOTES

  • Expect firm ground, sand, and some narrow, single-file sections. Trail running shoes are recommended.
  • There is a river crossing in Merthyr Mawr Village and in the final mile of the 12K finish. The water level is low, but a rope will be provided and marshals will assist. There is also an alternative bridge option available (please ask a nearby marshal for information).
  • Phones/electronics: You are responsible for keeping them dry and may wish to hand your phone to a marshal who can safely transport it across to the other side of the river crossing.
  • Expect narrow lanes – watch out for farm vehicles that may take up the full width of the road, horses and cyclists and please be courteous.
  • If you feel unwell, injured, or see someone in distress, alert the nearest marshal.

FINISH AREA

  • Collect your medal and refreshments in the finish funnel.
  • Presentations for top 3 male & female finishers will be at the finish area. Age group awards will be sent later.

HYDRATION & WEATHER

  • Dress for conditions; trails may be slippery if wet.
  • 12K Water Stops: 3 miles (Candleston Farm), with an extra station at Merthyr Mawr Village (“the Triangle”), with paper cups offered.
  • Water refill points available post-race.
  • We recommend insect repellent and sunscreen.

40K RUNNERS – EXTRA INFO
View the course map / download the 40K GPX file here for navigation on the day, and familiarise yourself with the kit list ahead of the race.

  • Some self-navigation required – download the GPX route in advance
  • Be familiar with the 40K kit list ahead of the event

There will be check points and feed stations at:

  • 8K: Merthyr Mawr Village
  • 15.5K: West Farm
  • 24K: Lamb & Flag (Wick)
  • 33K: Fox & Hounds (St Brides)
  • Finish: 40K HQ

Runners also pass the Plough & Harrow pub at 21.5km and a help yourself table on the drive of a house in Castle Upon Alun at 30km approx (look for the Welsh Flag!)

Spectators can support the 40K runners on the road at the following cafes/pubs – see locations and approximate times for first and last runner below:

  • Southerndown/West Farm (12:55–2:32 pm)
  • Lamb & Flag Wick (1:30–4:12 pm)
  • Fox & Hounds St Brides (2:03–5:46 pm)

12K SPECTATORS

View the 12K course map here.

  • Welcome, but avoid crowding start/finish areas.
  • Great viewing along the course and tables/chairs/blankets are available in the picnic area.

EVENT VILLAGE

  • Stalls: Food stalls (burgers, pizzas, coffees), Dragon’s Bar (hot and cold snacks, breakfast/lunch), Purendure energy gels and Joov recovery products in the event village.
  • Club Area: Space for club tents – secure them properly with pegs.
  • Tables/chairs/blankets are available.

CAMPING

Candleston Woods is a luxury campsite based on the Merthyr Mawr Estate, with camping options available for those taking part in Rabbit Run Wales. Click here for more information or to book (pre-booking essential).

FOREST SAUNA

Relax and unwind at Rabbit Run Wales with The Outdoor Sauna – a wood fired sauna hidden away in a beautiful woodland, with a panoramic window that immerses you in the beautiful surroundings. Click here to book a session (pre-booking is essential and on-the-day bookings are not available).

MEDICAL

St John Ambulance will be present. Some areas are harder to access, so stay safe and alert a marshal if needed.

COURSE MAPS

Rabbit Run 12K – Click Here

Rabbit Run 40K – Click Here

EVENT LICENSE NUMBER

TR-25-23

EVENT STAFF & VOLUNTEERS

All marshals and race volunteers can be identified by their Orange “Event Crew” t-shirts at the start/finish and around the route. Don’t forget to say thank you to them for giving up their time, directing and making the event safe and secure for you!