Need to work off that sharing box of Celebrations you kept to yourself before Christmas Day even hit? Here’s a healthy selection of swims, runs and walks you can partake in over Christmas and New Year’s Day in Wales this 2022/2023.
CHRISTMAS CELTIC TRAIL RACES
Get your costumes on (fancy dress isn’t compulsory but why not!), head to Cwm Dare Valley Park, choose your distance (35, 20 or 13 miles) and RACE! All three routes follow ancient tracks of Celtic origin and pass rolling forests with views of the Brecon Beacons. A great pre-Christmas swim in one of Wales’ most picturesque locations.
Cwm Dare Valley Park, Aberdare, Sat 17 Dec
Info: here
PORTHCAWL CHRISTMAS MORNING SWIM
This year the Porthcawl Christmas morning charity swim is supporting the Porthcawl RNLI, one of the busiest lifeboat stations in Wales. Sign up online and start fundraising. Silly costumes and swimmers at the ready!
Hi-Tide Inn, Porthcawl, Sun 25 Dec
Info: here
TENBY BOXING DAY SWIM
After a two-year hiatus, the Tenby Boxing Day Swim is back for its 50th event! To mark the occasion, the mayor of Tenby will be handing out gold medals, so choose your charity and get fundraising.
North Beach, Tenby, Mon 26 Dec
Info: here
LLANDUDNO LIONS CLUB BOXING DAY DIP
This charity swim on Boxing Day supports Ty Gobaith (Hope House), Tenovus and Local Lions Charities. Prizes are up for grabs for the best fancy dress so go all out with costumes atop your cossies.
North Shore Promenade, Llandudno, Mon 26 Dec
Info: here
PEMBREY WALRUS DIP
The Pembrey Walrus Dip began in 1984 and is now reaching its 35th annual swim. The Boxing Day swim can be in aid of your preferred charity, participation is free and everyone will receive a certificate after completion.
Pembrey Country Park, Mon 26 Dec
Info: here
MARI LWYD NEW YEAR WALK IN
With a torchlit procession, follow the Mari on a short walk from the town centre to the Abernant Lake Hotel where there will be a re-enactment of the ancient Welsh tradition of the Mari Lwyd. The bar is open for a drink before returning to the town square for New Year celebrations.
Town square, Llanwrtyd Wells, Sat 31 Dec
Info: here
NEW YEARS EVE READY RACES
This event labels itself as a ‘no frills’ run, so if dressing up as a turkey and running around isn’t for you, then this run might be. Choose between 10 miles or 10k (both races cost £15) and finish the year with that feeling of accomplishment.
Tregib Sports Facilities, Llandelio, Sat 31 Dec
Info: here
TALGARTH NEW YEAR’S EVE 5K FUN RUN
Begin at the town hall and get your New Year off to an inspirational start with a 5k fun run around the town. Charity donations will be collected and the tickets are £5 for the run only, or £7.50 to end your run with prosecco and cake.
Talgarth Town Hall, Sat 31 Dec
Info: here
SAUNDERSFOOT NYD SWIM
Get your New Year off to an adrenaline-pumping start with a fancy dress run into the sea. Get sponsorship for your chosen charity and start planning your costume because best dressed wins a Finla paddleboard!
Saundersfoot Beach, Sun 1 Jan
Info: here
ABERSOCH RNLI NEW YEARS DIP
The Abersoch New Year’s Day swim is following a 70s and 80s fancy dress theme this year. There are also a few changes in the name of safety so please make sure you register prior to the event. Participation is £10 for adults and £5 for under-16s.
Abersoch Beach, Sun 1 Jan
Info: here
RUNNINGMONK NEW YEAR’S DAY 5K
Runningmonk wants to start 2023 as they mean to go on, so they have organised a New Year’s Day 5k. The running trail is around Bishop’s Castle, taking you along the Shropshire Way. Tickets are £8.
Six Bells Brewery, Bishop’s Castle, Sun 1 Jan
Info: here
words ELIZABETH MORRIS
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