Caerphilly town centre will host a large-scale running event this Sunday evening as organisers stage the inaugural Caerphilly 5K on a flat, three‑lap circuit that passes the castle walls.
Size, format and who’s taking part
More than 1,300 runners are expected for a programme of four chip‑timed races on Sunday 9 August. The schedule brings together elite middle‑distance competitors from across Europe alongside local and regional club runners, veterans and families.
| Race | Notes |
|---|---|
| Elite 1 Mile | European middle‑distance athletes |
| Welsh Championship 5K | Open to runners with a qualifying time under 25 minutes |
| Welsh Masters 5K | Championship for athletes aged 35 and over |
| Open Fun Run | For participants aged 12 and above |
Road closures and spectator arrangements
Roads around Caerphilly Castle will be closed to traffic for the duration of the event. Organisers have confirmed a number of specific closures will be in force on the day; one listed closure is Twyn Car Park — closed from 12:00 to 23:59. Spectators are invited to watch from vantage points around the course where stewarding and entertainment will be in place.
- Event organiser: Big Orange Events
- Lead vehicle: an Au Vodka‑branded Lamborghini will lead the field
- Entertainment: live performances including the Rock Choir, local bands and a pyrotechnic display by the castle walls
“This is only the beginning. We have a three-year plan to build the Caerphilly 5K into one of the most iconic running events in the country: a flat, fast, closed-road circuit around a thousand-year-old castle, a Welsh Championship on the line, elite European milers and a proper festival atmosphere with the AU Vodka Lamborghini leading them out.”
Local context and practical information
The Caerphilly 5K is organised separately from the town’s established May races — the Caerphilly 10K and 2K — which are run by Caerphilly County Borough Council. The new event adds a summer evening fixture that combines competitive racing with a community festival atmosphere.
Residents who usually park in or travel through the town centre on Sunday should check signage and local council updates for the latest on road closures and alternative parking. Attendees are advised to allow extra time for travel and to follow marshals’ instructions on the day.
The event promises to raise the town’s profile in the running calendar while offering an accessible spectacle for local people. For entrants and spectators alike, the setting around Caerphilly Castle will provide a distinctive backdrop to what organisers hope will become an annual highlight.
