The Nearly But Not Quite London Marathon | Wales
Sun 26 Apr 2026 Aberdare, Mid Glamorgan, UK

The Nearly But Not Quite London Marathon | Wales

Didn't get a ballot entry into The London Marathon? Don't panic, come and experience this event instead and earn a fantastic London-themed medal!

8 races

  • Sun 26 Apr
  • #1 of 8
Dare Valley Country Park, Aberdare

3K

09:00

All ages

FREE-£18

  • 3 km trail running
  • Sun 26 Apr
  • #2 of 8
Dare Valley Country Park, Aberdare

5K

09:00

Age 12 & over

£22-£27

  • 5 km trail running
  • Sun 26 Apr
  • #3 of 8
Dare Valley Country Park, Aberdare

10K

09:00

Age 16 & over

£22-£27

  • 10 km trail running
  • Sun 26 Apr
  • #4 of 8
Dare Valley Country Park, Aberdare

Half Marathon

09:00

Age 17 & over

£22-£35

  • 13.1 miles trail running
  • Sun 26 Apr
  • #5 of 8
Dare Valley Country Park, Aberdare

Marathon

09:00

Age 18 & over

£22-£35

  • 26.2 miles trail running
  • Sun 26 Apr
  • #6 of 8
Dare Valley Country Park, Aberdare

50K

09:00

Age 20 & over

£22-£35

  • 50 km trail running
  • Sun 26 Apr
  • #7 of 8
Dare Valley Country Park, Aberdare

Ultra Marathon

09:00

Age 18 & over

£22-£35

  • 30.6 miles trail running
  • Sun 26 Apr
  • #8 of 8
Dare Valley Country Park, Aberdare

Time Challenge

09:00

Age 18 & over

£22-£35

  • 7 hrs trail running

Event overview

You can run a full marathon, or further if you fancy an even bigger challenge, and be rewarded with an awesome themed medal (which many runners say is much nicer than the London Marathon one anyway!).

How it works

  • This is a 7-hour timed challenge event
  • You have full control over the distance you want to run
  • The minimum distance is 3km, which is part of a lap
  • A full lap is 4.37 miles or 7km
  • You can run as many, or as few, of these laps as you like 
  • There will be a 3K and 5K turnaround point within the lap
  • Complete 3 laps for a half marathon
  • 6 laps for a marathon
  • 7 or more for an ultra
  • 50km distance available
  • Fuel table at the start / finish of each lap
  • Receive a medal and goody bag
  • Special distance pins for half marathon and up

Event community

Hannah L.

Hannah L.

  • Average fitness
  • Beginner-friendly
  • Event village
  • Families

Shoe type

Road shoes.

Road shoes can be used all year round but if you prefer the extra grip on the trail sections then trail shoes can be worn.

Ability level

All abilities are welcome at this super-inclusive event and walkers are welcome too.

Special event

If the event is a special event for you, for instance, your 50th, 99th, 100th, 200th, 250th, etc., half or full marathon then please let us know. You will receive a special running number with your name on it and the date of the event.

  • Cafe
  • Free parking
  • Park
  • Toilets
  • Unmanned bag storage

Event HQ

Dare Valley Country Park
Aberdare
Mid Glamorgan
CF44 7PS
UK

Races at event

  • Sun 26 Apr
  • #1 of 8
Dare Valley Country Park, Aberdare
3K

09:00

All ages

FREE-£18

  • 3 km trail running
  • Sun 26 Apr
  • #2 of 8
Dare Valley Country Park, Aberdare
5K

09:00

Age 12 & over

£22-£27

  • 5 km trail running
  • Sun 26 Apr
  • #3 of 8
Dare Valley Country Park, Aberdare
10K

09:00

Age 16 & over

£22-£27

  • 10 km trail running
  • Sun 26 Apr
  • #4 of 8
Dare Valley Country Park, Aberdare
Half Marathon

09:00

Age 17 & over

£22-£35

  • 13.1 miles trail running
  • Sun 26 Apr
  • #5 of 8
Dare Valley Country Park, Aberdare
Marathon

09:00

Age 18 & over

£22-£35

  • 26.2 miles trail running
  • Sun 26 Apr
  • #6 of 8
Dare Valley Country Park, Aberdare
50K

09:00

Age 20 & over

£22-£35

  • 50 km trail running
  • Sun 26 Apr
  • #7 of 8
Dare Valley Country Park, Aberdare
Ultra Marathon

09:00

Age 18 & over

£22-£35

  • 30.6 miles trail running
  • Sun 26 Apr
  • #8 of 8
Dare Valley Country Park, Aberdare
Time Challenge

09:00

Age 18 & over

£22-£35

  • 7 hrs trail running

Other Wales events

Other UK events

4 steps to wellbeing
Sleep well

A good night's sleep is an essential foundation for a healthy lifestyle, effective training and weight control.

Train slow

Low-intensity training is easier for you, reduces the risk of injury and helps builds an efficient aerobic system.

Eat natural

Cut out sugar & junk food, reduce carbs, eat natural foods and train your body to burn fat for fuel.

Get outdoors

Fresh air, natural light and reconnecting with nature all help to improve mental and physical wellbeing.