Four of Wales’ leading mass participation sporting event organisations have joined forces for the first time to help chart a safe return for many of the nation’s favourite races.

Run4Wales, organisers of the Cardiff Half Marathon and Newport Wales Marathon, Activity Wales Events, who run the global Long Course Weekend series, Always Aim High who organise the Cardiff Triathlon and Frontrunner Events who organise the Swansea Half Marathon have come together to find joint solutions to the problems presented by COVID-19.

Between them, the four founder members of MSO Cymru promote the nation’s leading events in swimming, running, cycling, duathlon, triathlon, swimrun and walking, offering sporting opportunities for more than 100,000 participants across the country.

Now MSO Cymru is looking to work with the Welsh Government’s ‘Event Wales’ team and Local Authorities to find solutions for a safe return for mass participation events that not only create millions of pounds for the Welsh economy, but also provide the Welsh charity sector with a similar annual return.

Matt Newman, CEO at Run4Wales says “We will be looking to draw upon solutions from both the UK and international arena as we work together to plan a safe return for our events,  protecting jobs in the industry, including those in our supply chains.

The mass participation events sector significantly enhances Wales’ international profile, welcoming thousands of international visitors and plays a major role in improving the health of the nation. The growth in social running groups across Wales has also inspired a positive impact on social inclusion, women’s running and community engagement.

It is essential we secure the long-term future of our businesses and the hundreds of businesses in the supply chain in order to deliver on our social, economic and promotional agenda for Wales.”