Barry Island 10K draws thousands of runners to the seaside

The Barry Island 10K drew more than 4,700 participants across its main and junior events, with runners of all ages racing through Whitmore Bay, the Knap, Romilly Park, and Watch House Bay.

Organised by Run 4 Wales, the race was the second in the 2026 R4W 10K Series.

Charlotte Taylor of Bristol & West AC set a new women’s course record (Image: Chris Fairweather/Huw Evans Agency)

A new women’s course record was set by Charlotte Taylor of Bristol & West AC, who finished in 33:08.

Ms Taylor said: “Today’s been really good, I really enjoyed the run.

“I’ve been doing some longer races recently, so it was nice to have something a bit faster and blow out over 10K.

Runners collected their medals and t-shirts at the end of the race (Image: Chris Fairweather/Huw Evans Agency)

“There were lots of people out cheering, the atmosphere was good.

“I knew there were some hills, but I felt strong on those, and I really liked the coastal part of the course too.”

The men’s race was won by Jon Butler of Swansea Harriers in 30:23.

Jon Butler of Swansea Harriers won the men’s race (Image: Chris Fairweather/Huw Evans Agency)

Mr Butler said: “It was good, I’m really pleased.

“I ran a good solid time, the quickest I’ve done here in three attempts, and I ran most of it on my own, so I’m happy with it.

“The race was brilliant; there were crowds everywhere and that makes a really big difference.”

In the wheelchair race, Barry resident Ron Price took the title in 53:37.

The race took runners past Barry Island’s landmarks (Image: Chris Fairweather/Huw Evans Agency)

Mr Price said: “The hills are tough – they’re always tough in a racing chair because we’ve got no gearing, but other than that, it was a good event, well organised and the weather stayed on our side.

“The crowds were good and there was lots of support from the runners along the way too, as I tend to slow down going up the hills and then overtake them on the way down. It was a good event.”

Junior Races followed the main event, featuring a 50m toddler dash, a mile for young athletes, and a Family Fun Run.

Junior Races followed the main event (Image: Chris Fairweather/Huw Evans Agency)

Cancer Research Wales returned as the event’s lead charity, fielding 125 runners.

Adam Fletcher, chief executive officer of Cancer Research Wales, said: “Congratulations to all our fantastic runners who took part in the Barry Island 10K for Cancer Research Wales – what you’ve done today is incredible.”

Cancer Research Wales was the race’s lead charity (Image: Chris Fairweather/Huw Evans Agency)

Matt Newman, chief executive at Run 4 Wales, said: “It was fantastic to be back in my hometown and see the streets awash with runners and spectators for another Barry Island 10K.

“The crowd support is always spectacular here.”

Next year’s race will take place on Sunday, May 16, 2027.

Early bird entry is available to the first 500 registrants, offering a £6 discount.