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RACE DAY INFO

Event Day Instructions

Please familiarise yourself with all of the key event day information ahead of the race. You can also view our FAQs page or click the chat icon in the bottom‑right corner to get instant support.   

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.
  • Given the rural location of the event, roads will be congested in the lead up to the races. We advise arriving at least 90 minutes before the start of your race. For Marathon & Ultra runners, this allows enough time for your mandatory kit checks.

Click here for travel and parking advice.

See the map below for all the key locations!

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KEY RACE TIMES

  • 08:30am – Rabbit Run Ultra
  • 12:00pm – Rabbit Run Marathon & Relay
  • 1:30pm – Rabbit Run Half
  • 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:

  • Ultra: Opens at 07:30am
  • Marathon/Relay: Opens at 07:30am
  • 12K & Junior Races: Open at 2:00 pm
  • Please bring your own safety pins if possible.
  • Wear your bib 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.

12K runners; please enter the start pen near the sign that corresponds with your race number.

12K Start & Finish Map:

Marathon/Half Start & Finish Map:


BAGGAGE

  • Baggage drop is next to number collection. Use the tear-off strip on your bib for ID.
  • Ultra: opens at 07:30am
  • Marathon/Relay: Opens at 07:30 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 – the natural topography of the course is not altered for the event, so please come prepared for the conditions. Trail running shoes are recommended.
  • There is a river crossing in Merthyr Mawr Village and in the final mile of the 12K, Marathon, Ultra and final leg of the relay race. 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.

KIT LIST

Dress for conditions; trails may be slippery if wet. We recommend insect repellent and sunscreen.

There is no mandatory kit for 12K, Junior or Relay races but Marathon & Ultra runners should be familiar with the mandatory kit list ahead of the race.

The 12K course is fully signed and marshalled, but some self navigation is required for Marathon & Ultra runners. Please view the course map and download the GPX files ahead of race day.

FEED STATIONS

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

  • 3 Miles: Candleston Farm
  • 5 Miles: Merthyr Mawr Village, “The Triangle”

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

  • 10.1K: Merthyr Mawr Village
  • 16.2K: West Farm
  • 26.3K: Lamb & Flag (Wick)
  • 35.6K: The Fox (St Brides)
  • Finish: Event Village

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

  • 10.1K: Merthyr Mawr Village
  • 16.2K: West Farm
  • 27.3K: St Donat’s Church (Atlantic College)
  • 37.5K: Llantwit Major Beach
  • 48.1K: Lamb & Flag (Wick)
  • 57.4K: The Fox (St Brides)
  • Finish: Event Village

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

SPECTATORS

Spectators are welcomed at Rabbit Run Wales.

You can see all of the course maps here.

There are some great viewing points along the 12K course, including the Big Dipper Sand Dune, Ogmore Castle Stepping Stones and the River Ogmore river crossing in Merthyr Mawr Village. Tables/chairs/blankets will be available in the picnic area in the Event Village on the Merthyr Mawr Estate. Please avoid overcrowding the start/finish lines.

Spectators can support the Marathon and Ultra runners on the road at the following cafes/pubs – see locations and approximate times for first and last marathon runners below:

  • Southerndown/West Farm (09:25am–11:02am)
  • Lamb & Flag Wick (10:00am–12:42 pm)
  • Fox & Hounds St Brides (10:33am–2:16pm)

The times above reflect the 2026 event time change (from 12:00pm to 08:30am) due to forecasted warm weather. We ask that any supporters please park responsibly at any of the above.

EVENT VILLAGE

  • Stalls: Food stalls (burgers, pizzas, coffees), Bar (hot and cold snacks, breakfast/lunch), Purendure energy gels.
  • 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 Marathon – Click Here

Rabbit Run Ultra – Click Here

Rabbit Run Relay Leg 1 – Click Here

Rabbit Run Relay Leg 2 – Click Here

Rabbit Run Relay Leg 3 – Click Here

Rabbit Run Relay Leg 4 – Click Here

Rabbit Run Relay Leg 5 – Click Here

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!

RABBIT RUN RELAY INSTRUCTIONS

The Rabbit Run Relay splits the Marathon course into 5 relay legs.

Your team captain will need to collect all bibs and complete a declaration form confirming which runner is completing each leg.

Below you will find the location indicators for each relay leg, to help you plan accordingly. We use What3Words to provide the most accurate start points for each leg.

Important: The What3Words locations and postcodes listed below indicate the start point of each relay leg only. The finish point of each leg is the start point of the following leg. Leg 5 finishes back at the event start/finish location (///stocks.clots.danger), completing the relay.

o Leg 1 – 11.79km (Start to Stepping Stones) – Rabbit Run Event Village What3Words -///stocks.clots.danger

o Leg 2 – 4.91km (Stepping Stones to West Farm, Southerndown) – CF32 0QP What3Words – ///pinks.gift.spout

o Leg 3 – 9.5km (West Farm to Lamb & Flag, Wick) – CF32 0PY What3Words – ///crinkled.clutter.globe

o Leg 4 – 9km (Lamb & Flag, Wick to the Fox, St Brides Major) – CF71 7QE What3Words – ///puddles.regress.tour

o Leg 5 – 7km (The Fox, St Brides Major to the Finish) – Event Village What3Words – ///dunes.skin.elder 

Relay Changeovers

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.

Teams must hand over the timing chip just before crossing the timing mat.

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.

Travel Between Relay Checkpoints

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.

Relay Parking

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.

Relay Briefing

Those taking part in the first leg of the Relay will be gathered for a briefing at the start line approx 15 minutes before the start of the race. Team captains will be notified of this when collecting their bibs.

JUNIOR RACE DETAILS

Junior race timings are as follows:

Bunny Run – 3:00pm (2km)

Double Bunny Run – 3:30pm (4km)

Toddler Dash – 3:55pm (100 Meters)

Click here for more info or see below for the course map: