A new road running occasion is coming to Caerphilly.
The Caerphilly 5KM Festival of Road Racing will take place on Sunday, 9 August 2026 at 6pm, and for the first time ever it will serve as the venue for the 2026 Welsh 5KM Championships.
Competitors will follow a closed-road, chip-timed course that loops three times around the town centre and the centuries-old castle, promising an exciting evening for both those taking part and those watching.
Marcus Lloyd, the chief executive of Caerphilly County Borough Council, said the authority was delighted to support the inaugural Caerphilly 5K, particularly since the event would host the Welsh 5K Championships right in the heart of the town. He explained it offered a fantastic opportunity to showcase Caerphilly, with runners completing three circuits past the renowned castle while also backing local businesses. He noted that the closed roads, town-centre location and atmosphere of the occasion would create a superb evening for local people, visitors and businesses alike.
The festival is being managed by Big Orange Events, with Team Rees Gym acting as the main sponsor. The schedule features four separate races: an Elite 1 Mile Race, the Welsh 5KM Championships, Masters 5KM Welsh Championships for those aged 35 and over, and an Open 5KM Fun Run.
Graham Finlayson, president of Welsh Athletics, said the organisation was proud to support the launch of the first Caerphilly 5KM Festival of Road Racing and to bring the 2026 Welsh 5KM Championships to such a unique setting. He noted that a fast, closed-road course circling Caerphilly Castle provided the perfect stage for championship racing, while also giving runners of all abilities an inspiring and unforgettable experience, including those attempting their very first 5KM. He added that the event was anticipated to become a significant addition to the Welsh road racing calendar.
The occasion has been designed to accommodate everyone from top-level athletes to complete newcomers, with the Open 5KM Fun Run specifically aimed at beginners, families, gym members and running clubs.
The route and festival environment are expected to encourage those new to running to experience the excitement of race day in a supportive atmosphere.
As well as the competitive elements, the town centre will transform into a full evening festival. Entertainment will include fire displays, supercars, live music, street food traders and other attractions, with large crowds of spectators anticipated along the course.
Its prominent position is expected to bring considerable economic benefits, drawing visitors to nearby shops, restaurants and attractions.
The occasion should attract athletes and supporters from across Wales and beyond, providing a welcome boost to the hospitality, retail and tourism sectors.
Alongside adding a new flagship event to Wales’ running schedule, the festival will strengthen Caerphilly’s growing reputation as a vibrant hub for sport and recreation.
Entries for the Caerphilly 5K Festival can now be made through the TE Sports Timing website at www.tesportstiming.com.
Those organising the event are urging participants to sign up promptly to guarantee their spot.