New Year’s resolutions… we all make them, and we all break them! So, this year why not set yourself a goal that is more realistic, more enjoyable and more beneficial.

For many of us, this future planning goes hand in hand with making (and more often than not breaking) New Year’s resolutions. But what if you set yourself more realistic, healthy and enjoyable goals that could help raise money for the Wales Air Ambulance at the same time? 

Instead of rounding out another year wondering what if, you’d be left with a sense of accomplishment and empowerment. Plus, you will help our Charity continue its lifesaving missions, knowing your fundraising may help save someone’s life.

This year, the Wales Air Ambulance has a number of running events you can take part in. You can secure a charity space by fundraising for the lifesaving Charity. Spaces are on a first come, first serve basis so you need to sign up quick. There are also several non-running challenges to sign up to, keep your eyes peeled to the Wales Air Website for more details.

Even if you do not secure a charity place, you could still help support the Wales Air Ambulance. The Charity needs to raise £8 million every year to provide vital 24/7 emergency air cover for those who face life-threatening illness or injuries. It is the only air ambulance charity based in and dedicated to Wales.

Tracey Ann Breese, Wales Air Ambulance Events & Partnership Fundraiser, said: “Why not set yourself a New Year’s resolution and challenge yourself to one of the many running events we have available to us through our charity partners.

“It is always good to have a goal to focus on and even if you are not a runner there is enough time to build up your running distance and time if you start early. Not only will you achieve a personal goal but you will be helping to raise money for the Wales Air Ambulance at the same time.

“Through your fundraising it will help keep our helicopters in the air and rapid response vehicles on the road throughout Wales 24/7 every day of the year.

“Why not make 2023 a year to remember by supporting our Charity and signing up to a challenging race.”

 

Great Welsh Marathon and Half Marathon

Where: Pembrey Country Park, Carmarthenshire

When: Sunday 2 April 2023

Tell me more: A flat, friendly and incredibly scenic fast course set on the Llanelli coastline starting at Pembrey Country Park. There are two routes available, a 26.2-mile marathon and a 13.1-mile half marathon. It is suitable for all abilities.

Fundraising Target: £200

Free Spaces Available: Up to 20 

How to enter: Wales Air Ambulance | REALBUZZ or email [email protected]

Swansea Half Marathon

Where: From Swansea Arena

When: Sunday 11 June 2023

Tell me more: The 13.1 mile Swansea Half Marathon starts in front of the iconic Swansea Arena, before heading through the city centre back towards the Waterfront Museum and then out to Knab Rock with the lighthouse in view. You will then enjoy the stunning views of Swansea Bay before you return to the road at Brynmill Lane to the finishing straight at Swansea Arena.

Fundraising Target: £200

Free Spaces Available: Up to 20 

How to enter: Wales Air Ambulance | REALBUZZ or email [email protected]

Ironman 70.3

Where: Swansea

When: Sunday 16 July 2023

Tell me more: Experience the natural beauty along the sweeping waterfront of Swansea Bay leading to Mumbles, before cycling onto the beautiful Gower Peninsula where the dramatic landscape must be seen to be believed. The one-loop 1.2-mile (1.9km) swim begins at the Prince of Wales Dock. The one-loop 56-mile (90km) bike course will go through the Mumbles along roads that hug the Gower’s coastal clifftops before cycling out through Rural Swansea and heading back along Swansea Bay into the city. Lastly, athletes will take on a 13.1-mile (21.1km) two loop run course which takes them from the city centre, out past the new eye-catching gold-coloured Swansea Arena, towards Mumbles before heading back towards the finish line at the Marina.

Free Spaces Available: Limited spaces (sell out event!)

Fundraising Target: £800

How to enter: Email [email protected]

 

Ironman Wales

Where: Tenby 

When: Sunday 3 September 2023

Tell me more: With world-renowned spectator support and epic courses, this is the race that legends are made of.  Ironman Wales sees the picturesque seaside town come alive to a stunning 2.4-mile sunrise swim on Tenby's sandy North Beach, wild 110-mile bike course scenery along Pembrokeshire coastline, ending with a 26.2-mile run through the fan-filled medieval town-centre.

Free Spaces Available: Limited spaces

Fundraising Target: £1,500

How to enter: Email  [email protected]

 

Llanelli Half Marathon

Where: Parc Y Scarlets, Llanelli 

When: Sunday 24 September

Tell me more: The 13.1 mile event starts and finishes at the home of the legendary Scarlets rugby team, Parc Y Scarlets. Runners will line up outside the start as you pass the famous Ray Gravell statue, and take to the scenic Millennium coastal path and enjoy some of the best scenery Carmarthenshire has to offer

Free Spaces Available: Up to 20 

Fundraising Target: £200

How to enter: Wales Air Ambulance | REALBUZZ or email [email protected]

 

Cardiff Half Marathon

Where: Cardiff city centre

When: Sunday 1 October

Tell me more: Cardiff Half Marathon into one of Europe’s largest half marathons and is Wales’ largest mass participation and multi-charity fundraising event, attracting over 27,500 registered runners alongside world-class athletes. The 13.1-mile event is a flat, fast course that passes all of the capital’s most breath taking scenery and iconic landmarks including Cardiff Castle, the Principality Stadium, Civic Centre and stunning Cardiff Bay.

Free Spaces Available: Up to 50 

Fundraising Target: £200

How to enter: Wales Air Ambulance | REALBUZZ or email [email protected]

For more information visit the events page on the Wales Air Ambulance website.