Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters

From just £1 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts. Become a member today

Caerphilly is set to host a major new running event this summer, with the town welcoming the Welsh 5K Championships as part of a new road racing festival.

The Caerphilly 5K Festival of Road Racing will take place on Sunday August 9, with races starting at 6pm.

The event will be centred around Caerphilly Castle, with runners taking on a chip-timed three-loop course around the castle on a fully closed-road route through the town centre.

Organisers say the course has been designed to be both fast and accessible, allowing experienced athletes to compete for titles while also encouraging newcomers to take part.

A series of races will be held across the evening, including an elite one-mile race, the Welsh 5K Championships, a masters race for runners aged 35 and over, and an open 5K aimed at the wider public.

The championship race is expected to attract some of Wales’ leading distance runners, while the open event has been created to encourage participation from residents, running clubs and those attempting their first 5K.

The event is being organised by Big Orange Events, with support from headline sponsor Team Rees Gym. Plans are in place to create a festival atmosphere in the town centre, with entertainment, supercars, live music and food vendors expected alongside the racing.

Marcus Lloyd, Caerphilly County Borough Council’s executive director for housing and environment, said the event would provide an opportunity to showcase the town while supporting businesses.

He said the setting around the castle, combined with road closures and a town-centre route, would help create a strong atmosphere for both residents and visitors.

Welsh Athletics has also backed the event. Its president, Graham Finlayson, said the location offered an ideal setting for championship racing and could help establish the event as a regular fixture in the road running calendar.

Entries are now open, and runners can register online.

The event is separate to the Caerphilly 10k, which is organised by Caerphilly County Borough Council and will be held this year on Sunday May 10.