Sun, sea and sand will provide the backdrop to the inaugural Brecon Carreg Barry Island 10K on Sunday.
The brand-new 10K race will bring a festival of running to the popular seaside resort and will form a key part of this summer’s new sporting Barry Island Weekender.
Almost 4,000 runners are set to take on the 10km course, which takes in some of the town’s recognisable landmarks, including Whitemore Bay, the Knapp and Romilly Park along a route devised by double olympic marathon runner Steve Brace.
What time will it start?
Welsh running legend Iwan Thomas will sound the starting horn for the 10K at 10AM, but there is something for all ages on a festival day of running.
The first of three popular family fun runs kicks off the festival of running at 12:15 before two more at 13:15and 13:45. There is also a 50m toddler dash at 13:00 for kids taking their first steps at a mass-participation event. Entries for the toddler dash are available on the day with a suggested £3 donation to Tŷ Hafan, who are the lead charity partner to the Brecon Carreg Barry Island 10K.
Starting pens for the 10K open at 09:45, so runners are urged to leave plenty of time to make it to Barry Island.
What’s the route?
The route takes participants from the promenade through Barry’s regenerated retail area before arching around the iconic Barry Docks Offices building. After tackling the race’s only significant climb on Subway Road, runners will go down Broad Street, pass Barry train station and head into Romilly Park.
Scenic views of the Bristol Channel and Porthkerry Country Park await the runners at the 6K mark. They will then take in the picturesque Knapp pebble beach and head up The Parade before getting back to the Island to take on the final 2K.
Runners will pass the roaring crowds before a loop of the amusement centre and a downhill finish alongside the gardens on Friars Road.
Where can I leave my baggage?
A designated baggage drop-off will be located in the Sea Dog tavern on Friars Road. It opens at 08:45and closes at 12:30.
Bags can be collected after the race upon receipt of your runner number. Only runners and staff will have access to this area which will be manned by security staff who may ask to check your bags.
What do I need at the start?
In your pack you will find a timing chip and your running number. The chip will contain your running number and will allow friends and family to track your progress on the Run 4 Wales app, which can be downloaded on IOS or Android. Also ensure your running number is pinned to the front of your top and that you’ve filled in the emergency contact details on the back.
Where is the Race Village?
The race village is located along the promenade overlooking Whitmore Bay. Event Village is perfect for chilling out post-race, or a day out with your family.
There’ll be live music and entertainment, a photo wall for post-race selfies, deckchairs, a tasty selection of street food and a number of retailers and exhibitors including
- Brecon Carreg – come and check out their Save The Mermaid activity and learn more about the fight against plastic.
- Healthspan – did you Beat Iwan Thomas? Come claim your prize and learn more about Run 4 Wales’ official vitamin and supplements partner.
- Ty Hafan – come learn more about the great work of our charity partner Ty Hafan.
- Sytner MINI – check out the vehicles on display from our official vehicle partner.
- Come & Try Sports with Welsh Athletics
- Pedal Emporium – Bubbles & Childrens Games
- Moti Sports
- Thirsty Elephant Coffee
- Dusty Knuckle
- Pizza
- Bwydiful Burgers
- Ele’s Little Kitchen
Will there be drinks available on the way round?
Brecon Carreg will be hydrating runners at a water station at the 5km mark and finish.
Where can I park on race day?
A number of official car parks will be in operation for the Brecon Carreg Barry Island 10K, with park and walk or park and ride options available.
Runners will need to arrive to the car park of your choice by 08:30 am to avoid road closures.
All are priced at £6 and machines do not give change and only take coins so please ensure you have the correct monies. If there are queues for the ticket machines on the morning, save time by paying with the Phone and Pay app, helpline (01708 209 678) or SMS line (07786 207 708) quoting the car park reference numbers below. We recommend either pre-registering or downloading the app before you arrive, to speed up getting to the Event Village.
Spaces in Maslin Park are available to pre-book online now here. All other car parks are not pre-bookable and you must pay on the day. Click here for more information on parking charges and how to pay.
Will there be road closures?
To facilitate the safe passage of participants, it will be necessary to implement road closures along the route, which have been agreed with the Vale of Glamorgan Council. The route has been designed to keep disruption to residents and businesses to a minimum. We work closely with the emergency services, whose access to the route will not be affected by the event. To see a full road closure map, head to barryisland10k.co.uk/road-closures/
Can I run with headphones in?
The organisers advise against running with headphones, as they will be unable to hear marshals should an emergency vehicle need to makes it way onto the course.
What will the weather be like?
Warm and sunny conditions will welcome runners to Barry Island this weekend. Temperatures are expected to reach mid to high 20s on Sunday, meaning running could become more difficult for some.
Hydration is key. It’s essential to stay hydrated not only on race day, but in the lead up to Sunday. Ensure you’re drinking plenty of water when doing any exercise this week. Dehydration is not just a result of not drinking enough on one day, but a result of not taking on enough fluids over an accumulation of days.
Please ensure you’re sensible and avoid heat exhaustion. With the heat expected, it would be sensible to adjust your 10K time goal. If you feel like the heat is having an impact on your running, please take the time to stop and take a break in a shady spot.
Runners taking part in the 10K will be in the sun for approximately 2 or 3 hours between 09:00 – 12:00. Those taking part in the Family Fun Run and Toddler Dash will be out in the sun during tougher hours between 12:00 – 14:00. Please bring sun cream and apply regularly if you’re likely to be out in the sun for a prolonged amount of time.
Where will I get my commemorative T-shirt?
All runners will receive a commemorative t-shirt and medal when they finish the race. The size is clearly marked on runners’ race numbers, so listen to organisers to ensure you get a t-shirt that fits.
