If you are setting a New Year’s resolution to get yourself into shape in 2025, there is no better motivation than to commit yourself to taking part in one of the many popular North Wales running events that are set to take place in the region over the coming year.

Irrespective of whether you are doing it to lose weight, improve your fitness levels or simply aiming to take on a hobby that will allow you to meet new friends, there are plenty of North Wales running events set to take place over the course of the New Year that will allow you to prove your enhanced fitness credentials.

From fun park runs in North Wales through to challenging Anglesey 10k challenges, there are plenty of events to choose from. Here are some of the most popular annual North Wales running events that you may want to add to your 2025 calendar:

Anglesey Half Marathon & 10k
On the 2nd March 2025, Menai Bridge will play host to the first big North Wales running event of the year with participants able to choose between the Anglesey 10k running event and the 13.1 mile Anglesey half marathon.

Irrespective of which race you choose to compete in, you will be able to enjoy majestic views taking in both Snowdonia National Park in the distance and the captivating Menai Strait in the surrounding region. These iconic views and the prestige of the event ensures that it is always one of the most highly anticipated and popular North Wales running events of the year.

Both of these races will be raising money for Alder Hey Children’s Hospital who care for over 450,000 babies, children and young people every single year. This figure includes 3,200 children from the North Wales region in 2023 alone. You can therefore race with pride, knowing that your contribution will be aiding a good cause.

On the topic of children, there is also a 1.3 mile Dragon Dash Kids running race taking place on the day which is open to children as young as 5. There really is something for all members of the family at this fabulous event.

Snowdonia Marathon
If your New Year’s resolution is to complete a full marathon but you feel that you will need a bit of time to get into sufficient physical shape, then you may want to commit yourself to the Snowdonia Marathon. This is set to take place on 25th October 2025, giving you almost 10 months to get yourself into peak physical condition.

Otherwise known as Marathon Eryri, this annual event has twice been named the best British Marathon on account of the challenge it poses to competitors and the stunning views it provides on a route which takes runners all the way around the highest peak in North Wales.

The race starts at 10.30am from just outside Llanberis. Runners will then follow the A4086 and climb to the top of the Llanberis Pass which forms part of the most popular walking route to the summit of the mountain. The following sections combine both tarmac and farm track paths with a mix of up and downhill sections which are sure to prove a tough physical test for even the most seasoned of runners.

Llandudno 10k
Now entering its 33rd year of competition, the Llandudno 10k is one of the most popular North Wales running events which raises money for local charities in addition to the North Wales Road Runners Club.

Taking place on 5th February 2025, the race starts from the gorgeous Llandudno Victorian promenade and takes participants around the iconic Great Orme headland. With stunning sea views on one side and the Great Orme on the other, there will be plenty of sights to help distract you from the challenging incline. You will be pleased to hear that the second half of the route is mostly downhill and takes in Llandudno’s West Shore beach where you will be able to enjoy views looking across to Anglesey and Conwy Castle. At the 8km point you will run along the streets of the town before returning to the promenade to complete the race.

Also taking place on the same day is the 1km Fun Run which is organised by St David’s Hospice and perfect for children, seniors or those with physical ailments which limit their running abilities. The main race is named in honour of former participant Nick Beer who died at the age of just 27 in 1992 after years of battling hydrocephalus. The fact that Nick managed to finish the race on multiple occasions should serve as inspiration to all those who don’t feel that they would be able to complete the distance.

Conwy Half Marathon
Taking place on 16th November 2025 will be the 15th running of the annual Conwy Half Marathon.

The race starts and finishes from the bridge near the quayside of the town near the Liverpool arms overlooked by its iconic 13th century castle. From there, participants will run adjacent to the Conwy river before proceeding towards Deganwy and the west shore of Llandudno. Other notable landmarks which are taken in along the run include Llandudno’s Victorian Pier and the Great Orme headland before venturing back towards Conwy to complete the 13.1 mile route. It is therefore little wonder that the event has been voted one of the top 5 most scenic half marathons in the UK by readers of Runners World magazine.

With its challenging layout and iconic views, the Conwy Half Marathon has firmly established itself as one of the most popular North Wales running events of the year, with over 3,000 people having taken part in the race in 2023. The race will start at 9:30am with participants advised to arrive early (from 7:30am) to collect their race number and timing chip. Prizes are on offer for the top 3 male and female runners, in addition to those who are best in class from each of the different age brackets.

Newborough Parkrun
If you are looking for popular parkruns in North Wales to complete, then you may want to take the short trip to Newborough Forest every Saturday that you are staying in your holiday Home. Located roughly 20 miles away from Silver Bay Holiday Park and Woodland Falls Holiday Park, this weekly 5km North Wales park run takes place every Saturday morning at 9am.

The route consists of a mixture of trail paths and grass amidst stunning woodland surroundings in Newborough Forest. Muddy sections are possible after periods of heavy rain, but wherever possible these will be clearly signposted by volunteer marshals.

The Newborough Parkrun is one of the most welcoming in the area, with a group post race coffee meet up arranged at the nearby Anglesey Transport Museum Cafe after each event.