Is your team up for a running challenge?

ABP Newport Marathon Festival | NEWPORT, WALES

If you’re part of a group looking to embark on an epic challenge, why not take part in one of Run 4 Wales’ team challenges?

Entries are now live for corporate, community or international teams of five or more looking to enter a Run 4 Wales event.

Not only can it be a perfect team-building exercise, but it is also a fantastic charity fundraising or CSR activity that can help improve overall health and wellbeing, inspire a bit of healthy competition, or bring you closer together.

Teams that enter can compete to win prizes whilst also taking advantage of discounted entry and a number of extra event experience benefits.

The challenge is open across the ABP Newport Wales Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K on 28th April, the Brecon Carreg Cardiff Bay 10K on 19th May, the Ogi Porthcawl 10K on 7th July and the CDF 10K on 1st September. Teams can also choose to take part in the challenge for the Principality Cardiff Half Marathon on 6th October.

Teams that enter compete to be crowned the fastest. All members of the team run the full event distance, however it’s only the quickest five times from each team which are counted against the scores. The speediest average team score wins.

Matt Newman, Chief Executive at Run 4 Wales, said: “Bringing your team together for a health and fitness challenge is a fantastic opportunity to raise money, morale and your company profile, particularly with so many businesses adopting hybrid working.

“There are so many benefits to taking part in a team challenge like these. Movement and exercise improve productivity in both in the office and home working environments, while working together towards a shared goal or challenge can improve team cohesion and foster leadership ability.”

Entry cost includes your race place and entry into the Team Challenge, finishers t-shirt and medal, prizes for the fastest team, and more.

Due to the large number of teams involved, the Principality Cardiff Half Marathon also offers further categories to win prizes – fastest workplace, fastest club or group, fastest overseas team, best fundraisers and most inspiring runner.

It also provides additional benefits to those already mentioned including a digital goody bag full of exclusive deals and race weekend discounts, training help through run coach app, Coopah, and hospitality upgrades.

Around 1,000 runners from nearly 90 companies take part in the Team Challenge events each year, with several organisations coming back again for more.

Martyn Winser, Network Operations Centre Manager from the 2023 Cardiff Half Team Challenge winners, Airbus, said: “We’ve been entering a team into the Cardiff Half Marathon for a number of years and it is a highlight for many of us. Some of our team have never run a half marathon so being part of Team Airbus gives them the confidence to rise to the challenge and participate in such a fantastic event.”

Becky Collins, Communications Specialist at Stellantis Financial Services, also took part in the challenge with her colleagues. She said: “The company has entered a corporate team into the Cardiff half for several years. I must say 2023 was by far the best we’ve taken part in.

“The atmosphere was incredible, the acts and performers really boosted the runners’ spirits and the organisation was phenomenal. Singing the Welsh national anthem at the beginning was a lovely touch. The supporters were out in droves and the community spirit really shone through. We’re already looking forward to the next one.”

Team Challenge entry to the ABP Newport Wales Marathon costs £52 per person and the ABP Newport Wales Half Marathon Team Challenge entry is £44 per person.

Entry to the Principality Cardiff Half Marathon is £50 per person.

For Run 4 Wales’ 10K events pricing is £30 per person for the Brecon Carreg Cardiff Bay 10K, £28 for the ABP Newport Wales 10K, £28 for the Ogi Porthcawl 10K and £30 for the CDF 10K.

To enter or find out more contact Hattie.jardine@run4wales.org