Top 15 Half Marathons In Wales 2027: Cities, Coast And Mountains

Wales has an excellent selection of half marathons, from city streets and coastal roads to mountain trails and quiet countryside. Whether you're preparing for your first 13.1 miles, hoping for a personal best or looking for a more demanding challenge, there are races to suit different abilities and interests.

You can follow Swansea Bay towards Mumbles, run around Lake Vyrnwy or tackle the mountain paths of Eryri. Cardiff offers the atmosphere of a major international road race, while smaller events in North Wales combine historic towns with coastal and rural landscapes.

This guide brings together 15 half marathons in Wales for 2027, presented in calendar order rather than ranked. It covers established events, new races and courses undergoing changes, helping you compare what each has to offer.

Wales Half Marathons 2027 At A Glance

Race And Date	How To Enter
Wrexham Half Marathon, 28 February	General registration.
Swansea Half Marathon, 21 March	General registration.
Llandudno Half Marathon, 21 March	General registration.
Newport Half Marathon, 18 April	General registration.
Snowdonia Half Marathon, 9 May	General registration.
Llanelli Half Marathon, 23 May	General registration.
Anglesey Half Marathon, 23 May	General registration.
Bangor Half Marathon, 13 June	General registration.
The Wales Half Marathon, 4 July	General registration.
Snowdonia Trail Half Marathon, 11 July	General registration.
Caernarfon Half Marathon, 5 September	Entry details to be confirmed.
Lake Vyrnwy Half Marathon, 12 September	General registration.
Cardiff Half Marathon, 3 October	Public ballot and charity entry routes.
Anglesey Trail Half Marathon, 7 November	General registration.
Conwy Half Marathon, 21 November	General registration.

Wrexham Half Marathon: 28 February 2027

Wrexham Half Marathon makes its debut in 2027, introducing a new road race to North Wales. The event starts and finishes at Queensway Stadium, close to Wrexham city centre.

The organiser describes a closed road course that stays within reach of the city while taking runners towards the surrounding countryside. Detailed route information has not yet been published, so the precise streets and elevation profile remain to be confirmed.

Wrexham is close to the English border and easily reached from Chester, making it an option for runners travelling from North West England. Its February date also places it among the earliest Welsh half marathons of the year.

Swansea Half Marathon: 21 March 2027

Swansea Half Marathon combines city centre streets with an extended section beside Swansea Bay. The organiser describes it as one of the UK's flattest half marathons, with just 36 metres of elevation gain.

The course starts on Oystermouth Road beneath the Copr Bay Bridge before passing Brangwyn Hall, The Kingsway and Swansea Castle. Runners then head towards Mumbles and Knab Rock, returning along the promenade towards the finish. Around five miles of the route offer views across Swansea Bay.

Swansea is also a convenient base for exploring the Gower Peninsula, with its beaches and coastal scenery within easy reach. The combination of a fast course and waterfront setting makes this one of South Wales' main spring half marathons.

Llandudno Half Marathon: 21 March 2027

Llandudno Half Marathon takes place along the North Wales coast, with a course using the promenade and roads between Llandudno and Rhos on Sea. The town's Victorian seafront and surrounding headlands provide a distinctive setting for the race.

Starting on the promenade opposite Venue Cymru, runners initially head towards Llandudno Pier before turning back along the waterfront towards Rhos on Sea. The route then returns towards Venue Cymru, with the half mile climb at Little Orme providing the main change in elevation on an otherwise relatively flat course.

The event also includes a 10 mile race on the same day. Llandudno's hotels, pier and proximity to Conwy make it a convenient destination for runners planning a weekend on the North Wales coast.

Newport Half Marathon: 18 April 2027

Newport Half Marathon forms part of the Newport Marathon Festival, alongside the full marathon, 10K and shorter races. Introduced in 2024, the half marathon follows a flat course combining city landmarks with the open landscapes of the Gwent Levels.

Starting on Usk Way, runners complete an opening loop through Newport, passing the Victorian Market, High Street and Newport Castle. The route then heads towards the International Sports Village, including a lap of the athletics track, before continuing towards the Newport Wetlands around Goldcliff.

The final miles bring runners back towards the city, with views of the historic Transporter Bridge before the finish on Usk Way. Newport's location between Cardiff and Bristol makes the event accessible from both South Wales and South West England.

Snowdonia Half Marathon: 9 May 2027

Snowdonia Half Marathon takes place in Llanrwst, in the Conwy Valley, surrounded by the mountains and woodland of Eryri. It is a demanding road race, with substantial climbs distinguishing it from the flatter half marathons held elsewhere in Wales.

The course's changing elevation is a defining feature, with rural roads and mountain surroundings providing the backdrop. Runners should expect a considerably hillier experience than the coastal routes in Swansea or Llandudno.

Snowdonia is the opening race in the Four Castles Half Marathon Series, organised by Run Wales. The series continues with Bangor in June, Caernarfon in September and Conwy in November, with runners able to enter individual events or the complete series.

The Mumbles near Swansea, part of the Swansea Half Marathon route.

Llanelli Half Marathon: 23 May 2027

Llanelli Half Marathon moves to a new May date in 2027, with the event taking place alongside the Llanelli 10K. The race has traditionally used the Millennium Coastal Path, which follows the Carmarthenshire coastline.

The organiser is developing a revised route for 2027 and has confirmed that the race will use closed roads. Its published information also describes plans for largely flat coastal sections, although the complete course and precise elevation profile have not yet been finalised.

Llanelli's waterfront location offers access to the coastal paths and views across the Loughor Estuary towards the Gower Peninsula. The new date places the event later in spring than previous editions.

Anglesey Half Marathon: 23 May 2027

Anglesey Half Marathon returns to the Anglesey Showground in Mona for 2027, following the event's move away from Menai Bridge. The race uses a fully closed road course through the countryside of central Ynys Môn, with views towards the mountains of Eryri.

From the showground, runners head west along the A5 before turning towards Trefor and continuing through rural lanes towards Bodffordd. The route then curves south towards Llyn Cefni before returning to the showground, passing farmland and small communities along the way.

The organiser describes the course as gently undulating, with wide roads and extensive views across the island. Its inland location offers a different perspective on Anglesey from the coastal areas more commonly associated with the island.

Bangor City Half Marathon: 13 June 2027

Bangor City Half Marathon is the second race in the Four Castles Half Marathon Series. The event takes place in Gwynedd, where Bangor sits beside the Menai Strait, opposite Anglesey.

The established course starts and finishes in the city centre, heading towards the coastline and Garth Pier before continuing onto woodland paths. Runners encounter views across the Menai Strait and towards the mountains of Eryri. These details are based on the organiser's previous route description, as the final 2027 course has not yet been separately confirmed.

Bangor is well placed for exploring the North Wales coast and nearby historic towns. Its June date provides an early summer option between the main spring road racing season and the mountain events taking place in July.

The Wales Half Marathon: 4 July 2027

The Wales Half Marathon forms part of Long Course Weekend Wales, a three day endurance sports festival held in Pembrokeshire. The weekend includes swimming, cycling and running events, with the half marathon taking place on the final Sunday.

The race begins in Pembroke, where participants gather for a procession through the historic town before starting on Main Street. The course then joins the Wales Marathon route and continues towards Tenby, finishing on the event's red carpet alongside runners completing the other distances.

The finish in Tenby is a central feature of the weekend, with spectators gathering to welcome competitors. The town's harbour, beaches and historic streets also make it a popular destination for visitors to the Pembrokeshire coast.

Snowdonia Trail Half Marathon: 11 July 2027

Snowdonia Trail Half Marathon takes place in Eryri, with runners tackling mountain paths and challenging off-road terrain around Llanberis. Unlike the Snowdonia road half marathon in May, this event focuses on trail running and significant elevation changes.

The organiser has announced revised courses for 2027, with more of the substantial climbing planned for the earlier stages of the races. The changes are intended to provide greater flexibility when managing difficult weather conditions. The final route information should be checked before race day.

The half marathon takes place on Sunday 11 July, alongside the marathon and ultra marathon, while the 10K is scheduled for Saturday. The event provides one of the more demanding half marathon challenges on the Welsh calendar.

Eryri National Park provides the mountainous setting for two of the half marathons featured in this guide.

Caernarfon Half Marathon: 5 September 2027

Caernarfon Half Marathon starts and finishes beside Caernarfon Castle, one of Wales' most recognisable historic landmarks. The race combines the town's medieval surroundings with a course featuring smaller climbs and longer downhill sections.

The organiser describes a scenic route with changes in elevation rather than the sustained mountain climbing associated with Snowdonia. Caernarfon's position beside the Menai Strait adds to the setting, with the castle providing a prominent landmark at the start and finish.

Caernarfon is the third race in the Four Castles Half Marathon Series. Its September date brings the series back after the summer, ahead of the final event in Conwy.

Lake Vyrnwy Half Marathon: 12 September 2027

Lake Vyrnwy Half Marathon takes place around the reservoir in Powys, following a single lap through the surrounding countryside. The course offers views of the water, woodland and hills throughout the race.

The organiser describes it as an extremely fast one lap event, making it a popular choice for runners hoping to improve their half marathon times. Unlike city races, the route is largely surrounded by the natural landscape of the reservoir.

Lake Vyrnwy is situated in a rural part of Mid Wales, with its Victorian dam and surrounding woodland providing additional attractions. Its location offers a quieter alternative to the larger urban events on the Welsh calendar.

Cardiff Half Marathon: 3 October 2027

Cardiff Half Marathon is Wales' largest half marathon and one of Europe's major road running events. The race attracts runners from across the UK and overseas, with substantial spectator support throughout the Welsh capital.

The established course passes landmarks including Cardiff Castle, the Principality Stadium, the Civic Centre and Cardiff Bay. Its relatively flat roads contribute to its reputation for fast running, while the city centre sections provide some of the event's busiest spectator areas.

Cardiff is part of the international SuperHalfs series. The 2027 general entry ballot has closed, although the organiser identifies other entry routes, including charity places and authorised tour operators.

Read our guide to the Cardiff Half Marathon here.

Anglesey Trail Half Marathon: 7 November 2027

Anglesey Trail Half Marathon takes place in Newborough Forest on Ynys Môn, using woodland and coastal paths in one of the island's best known natural areas. The event offers an off-road alternative to the Anglesey road half marathon held in May.

The course takes runners through the forest towards Llanddwyn Island before continuing along winding woodland trails. Single track paths and sandy sections add variety, while the coastal stretches provide views towards Eryri and the Menai Strait.

Newborough Forest sits beside Traeth Llanddwyn, with its pine woodland and open coastline providing the setting for the race. The November date also makes it one of the later trail half marathons in Wales.

Conwy Castle is a key landmark on the Conwy Half Marathon.

Conwy Half Marathon: 21 November 2027

Conwy Half Marathon completes the Four Castles Half Marathon Series, combining historic surroundings with a demanding coastal route around the Great Orme.

The established course starts on Conwy Quayside, close to Conwy Castle, before heading through Deganwy towards Llandudno's West Shore. Runners continue past Llandudno Pier and around the Great Orme, where the route includes steep sections followed by a substantial descent. The return follows the coastal road back towards Conwy and the finish on the quayside.

Conwy's medieval walls, castle and waterfront provide a memorable setting for the final race in the series. Its late November date also places it among the last major Welsh half marathons of the year.

Run A Half Marathon In Wales For Charity

You don't need a dedicated charity entry to use a half marathon as a fundraising challenge. If you've secured your own place in any of these Welsh half marathons, you can choose a charity you'd like to support and raise money through sponsorship from friends, family and colleagues.

Running with your own entry also gives you the freedom to choose a cause that's important to you, without committing to a charity's minimum fundraising target. Before getting started, contact your chosen charity to find out whether it can provide fundraising materials, advice or support for your challenge. You can then set up a fundraising page and share your progress as you prepare for race day.

Read more about fundraising with your own race entry here.

Which Half Marathon In Wales Should You Choose In 2027?

For runners interested in a fast road course, Swansea, Newport, Cardiff and Lake Vyrnwy are strong options. Swansea combines flat running with coastal views, Newport takes runners through the city and surrounding wetlands, while Lake Vyrnwy offers a single circuit around the reservoir.

Those looking for a more demanding challenge can consider Snowdonia Half Marathon, Snowdonia Trail Half Marathon or Conwy, where climbing plays a significant part in the experience. Anglesey Trail Half Marathon provides a different off-road challenge through woodland and sandy coastal terrain.

There are also opportunities to combine a half marathon with a weekend away. Llandudno and Tenby offer seaside settings, while Caernarfon and Bangor provide access to North Wales' historic towns and surrounding countryside. Wrexham introduces a new event to the calendar, while Anglesey offers a rural course through the island's interior.

With events taking place from February to November, these top half marathons in Wales provide a varied calendar for 2027. Whether you're interested in a personal best, mountain scenery, coastal running or exploring somewhere new, there are races across the country to consider.