Cancer Research Wales named inaugural headline charity partner of Great Welsh Marathon

The partnership will give runners the opportunity to take on the 26.2-mile challenge while raising vital funds for cancer research, with Cancer Research Wales fundraisers set to receive exclusive priority access to charity places for the 2027 Great Welsh Marathon.

The partnership marks an important new chapter for the Great Welsh Marathon as the event prepares to welcome a new generation of runners and increase opportunities for participants to combine their marathon challenge with fundraising for causes that matter to them.

For Cancer Research Wales, the partnership comes during a landmark year for the independent Welsh charity, which is celebrating 60 years of funding ground-breaking research to improve the ways in which cancer is diagnosed and treated in Wales.

Adam Fletcher, CEO of Cancer Research Wales, said:

“We are delighted to become the inaugural headline charity partner of the Great Welsh Marathon, particularly as Cancer Research Wales celebrates its 60th anniversary.

“For six decades, we have been supporting vital cancer research in Wales, and every runner who takes on 26.2 miles for Cancer Research Wales can help us continue that important work. The money raised by our runners can help support research that could improve how cancer is detected, diagnosed and treated, right here in Wales.

“The Great Welsh Marathon provides an exciting opportunity to bring together runners, supporters and fundraisers from across Wales and beyond. We are proud to be part of this next chapter and look forward to seeing our supporters take on the challenge in our 60th year.”

Exclusive priority access for Cancer Research Wales fundraisers

As part of the partnership, Cancer Research Wales fundraisers will have their own exclusive priority opportunity to secure a place in the Great Welsh Marathon before general entries open. Those wanting to run for Cancer Research Wales will be able to secure their spot on the 15th October for just £10, when pledging to raise £500 for the charity by 17th November 2027.

Whether it is a first marathon, a personal best attempt or a challenge in memory of someone special, runners can turn every mile into an opportunity to support cancer research in Wales.

Tash Smith, Managing Director of Front Runner Events, said:

“We are incredibly proud to welcome Cancer Research Wales as the inaugural headline charity partner of the Great Welsh Marathon.

“The 2027 event represents a significant new chapter for the Great Welsh Marathon, and having a charity with such a strong history and such an important role in supporting cancer research in Wales at the heart of the event makes it particularly special.

“With Cancer Research Wales celebrating its 60th year, we want to give its supporters a unique opportunity to be part of the marathon. Their exclusive priority access means fundraisers can secure their place early and take on 26.2 miles knowing that every step can help support vital cancer research.”

The Great Welsh Marathon will take place on 17 October 2027, with general entries opening on 20th October 2026. Cancer Research Wales fundraisers will have the earliest opportunity to secure their place, receive their very own Cancer Research tech tee and get all the support they need right the way up to race day.

The partnership forms part of a wider charity network with official fundraising partner JustGiving helping to make fundraising simple and ensuring every donation goes further, while runners can focus on what matters most!

Together, runners, charities and communities are helping to shape this major Welsh marathon event – creating more opportunities for participants to make their miles count for good.

Great Welsh Marathon 2027

• Date: Sunday 17 October 2027
• Location: To be announced.
• Distance: Stand-alone marathon – 26.2 miles
• Target: 7,500 runners
• Route announcement: November 2026