FAQ's

Why is it cheaper to enter the three events separately, rather than entering the Full Long Course Weekend?

If you enter the three events separately, you will receive a finisher's medal for each event (3 medals total). If you commit to the Full Long Course Weekend, You will receive not only the finisher's medals for the three separate events, but also the official LCW finishers T-shirt and Goodie Bag as well as the coveted fourth medal (if you finish all distances within the cut-off). Not only this, but you will also get the opportunity to be a part of the awe-inspiring LCW fourth medal ceremony, plus much much more.

How do I know if I'm entered?

You should receive an email confirmation; this can sometimes end up in your spam folder so don't forget to check there. If you're certain you haven't received confirmation email, Don't worry! You can log into your Active account and see all the events you've entered with us over the year. If you can't see your entries, email us at [email protected]

Are there age restrictions for event entry?

Yes. The age restrictions are as follows:

Long Course Kinder: 4-11 years

Swim – 1.2mi: 14+ years

Swim -  2.4mi: 18+ years

Sportive – 42mi: 14+ years

Sportive – 70mi: 16+ years

Sportive – 112mi: 18+ years

5k: 11+ years

10k: 14+ years

Half Marathon: 16+ years

Marathon: 18+ years

Junior Long Course Weekend: 14-17 years

Full Long Course Weekend: 18+ years

Please not that for the sportive, athletes under 16 years must be accompanied by a parent/legal guardian (maximum of two under 16s per adult). All athletes under 18 must have a signed consent form.

What is the closing date for registration?

Providing it doesn't sell out, the closing date for registration will be as close as possible to the event. This date will be published closer to the time however it is likely to be 1 month prior to the event.

Can somebody else register for me?

No. For safety & security reasons you must register yourself and bring photo identification so that we can guarantee we are giving the right event number & timing chip to the correct athlete. This avoids mix ups with announcements, emergency contact information on the reverse of the race number, finisherpix, and DBMax timing.

What is on offer at the expo?

The 2023 event village is going to be extra special. The expo will be attended by lots of venders providing great food, drinks, merchandise and more! Thursday is special offer day some come early to bag a bargain. 

When are the event packs sent out?

Absolutely everything you need to know about the Long Course weekend will be sent out via email and available on the event website around two weeks before the event.  This is to ensure all the information is as up to date as possible.  The event pack will contain live links which will help you plan your weekend.

As well as the event pack we will be posting information videos on our social media platforms in the week leading up to the weekend so if you are not already signed up make sure you do!

Everything that you will need for the event i.e. race numbers and timing chips etc will be issued at registration.  Nothing will be sent in the post.

I haven't received my confirmation email/event pack?

The Event pack can be downloaded two weeks prior to the event. If you cannot find these emails, It is often the case that they end up in spam/deleted folders. If you have checked these folders – as well as any other email accounts you may have registered with – and still can’t find it, just contact us.

When do I get my event number & timing chip?

These must be collected at the time of registration upon showing photo ID.  Check prior to arrival you have signed your disclaimers which will speed up your registration.

Is there an event briefing?

As well as the mandatory video briefing, which you can watch, there will be an event briefing at the start of each event.

Can I change the category of the event I've entered?

You can amend your distances and categories, there will be £10 at registration to change your distance and must be done at least 4 hours prior to your start time.

It will not be possible to change your distance between 2-5pm on Friday. 

Any athlete that changes distances during the race will still receive a medal but be classed as a DNF in the general classification.

I am no longer able to participate, what are my options?

Unfortunately, we are unable to cancel entries. You can transfer entries up until 10 weeks prior to the event at the current price with an administration fee.

I've fallen ill while training, should I still participate?

Always check with your GP first. Make sure it’s safe to continue training and participate. Put all medical information on the reverse of your event number if it is safe to participate.

Can I transfer/defer my entry?

You can transfer your entry to another person, the deadline for this is 3 months prior to the event date. You can do this at https://www.eventrac.co.uk/. We do not defer entries.

Where do I have to be and when?

All times, dates & locations can be found on the event websites under event info, here you will find the itinerary.

What can I wear?

As with all events, we highly recommend racing as you train – this ensures you are comfortable with your ability and know your limits. For example if you’ve never used cleats before, you may be surprised to find muscle fatigue in new places; previously unused muscles when cycling. Try open water swimming before competing; and don’t buy brand new equipment for the event without trying it out first.

Pre-Race: Make sure to check the weather on race day so you can prepare correctly and ensure you have necessary waterproof layers/breathable layers & sun cream. It may be worth bringing a bin bag to keep muscles warm pre-race.

Swim: A wetsuit – this must cover the torso and thighs and is mandatory for all of our events. You can hire a wetsuit from our Official Swim Partners Zone 3 via the following link: Azure Comfort Wetsuit – ZONE3 UK

It must NOT cover the hands or feet. BTF rules state that the wetsuit must at no position be thicker than 5mm (Including where a patch-repair has been made). Non-triathlon wetsuits are not designed to be flexible around the shoulders and arms and will take on extra water so it is recommended you race in a triathlon wetsuit. You can purchase one now from our official swim partner, Zone3.

Goggles – goggles are necessary in all open water swims. Polarised goggles are recommended to reduce glare and increase visual acuity. It may be worth bringing a clear-lensed pair if conditions are less than ideal. Swim hat – the swim hat issued by Activity Wales Events must be worn. If you wish to wear two swim hats, the issued swim hate MUST be worn on top. Timing chip – Timing chip must be worn on the OUTSIDE of the wetsuit on the left ankle. Gloves & Boots CANNOT BE WORN without a doctor’s note. Webbed gloves are not permitted.

Bike: Race Number MUST be worn on the REAR. A Helmet MUST be worn. Approved cycling safety helmets of ANSI Z90.4, SNELL B90, EN 1078 or an equivalent national standard must be worn by competitors. A CE mark is not an approval mark and should not be treated as approval. (ii) Helmet must be used in all activities when the competitor rides the bike: competition, familiarization and training sessions. full details of helmet requirements. The torso MUST be covered at all times. Gloves are highly recommended.

Run: Race Number MUST be worn on the FRONT. Torso MUST be covered at all times. We highly recommend wearing proper running shoes that have been correctly fitted to avoid discomfort during the run. We also recommend not wearing brand new trainers on race day as they will need to be worn-in to maximise comfort. Elastic laces will help reduce time spent in transition. Running socks will reduce rub and aid both shock absorption & blood circulation. They are generally fast drying and odour repellent. We recommend merino wool or polyamide socks. Post-Race: Of course if you want to look funky fresh after your race you should definitely purchase one of our T-shirts or hoodies available at the expo & finish line. It is recommended you keep warm after your race to prevent illness & injury, so we suggest having some tracksuit pants and a warm AWE Hoodie ready for you at the finish line. A slow warm-down ensures heart rate slows gradually and dizziness from blood pooling in the legs is avoided. We highly recommend compression clothing to aid with circulation, reducing muscle fatigue, and speeding up recovery. You can purchase compression clothing now from our official partner, Zone3.

Where/when do I get my event number?

Your event number must be collected when you register. You will be given an envelope containing all the numbers & timing chips you will need for the events you have entered.

Where do I put my event number?

For the Swim, The numbers must be applied to each side of the swim hat and back of the hand. For the bike section of the course, the number must be worn on the REAR, as well as the bike number being placed on the seatpost, and the sticker upon the helmet. For the run, the number must be worn on the FRONT, and the timing chip looped metal-side-up through your laces (red side down).

Are there official photographers?

Finisherpix are the official photographers of the long course weekend. You can pre-order photos when you register, or purchase photos after the event from Finisherpix.

I haven't received my photos yet?

With over 10,000 athletes taking part over the weekend, it can take some time for finisherpix to go through all the photos and group them based on race number. Please have patience; this process can take up to two weeks. Finisherpix are an independent company and once you have paid for your photos they handle everything thereafter. You can contact finisherpix.

How do I find my event time?

DB Max are the official timing company for the Long Course Weekend. They post up live times as the race is going on, as well as full lists of times for each event.

What is the prize structure?

There are medals for everyone who crosses the finish line, including children who wish to run with their loved one! There are trophies for 1st, 2nd, & 3rd overall male & female as well as cash prizes (subject to change). There are also trophies for 1st in 5-year age category (35-70+). There will be a ceremony for 1st, 2nd & 3rd prize giving at the end of each event. Age category trophies will be posted out after the event. If 1st, 2nd, 3rd trophies are not collected at the prize giving, there is a 60 day collection period, where they can be collected from our Haverfordwest Office, or posted out at a cost of £5 shipping & handling.

Is there lost property?

Yes. Any lost property not collected from the expo will be returned to our Haverfordwest office, where it can be collected free of charge or posted out with the cost of Postage & packaging covered by the owner of the property within 60 days of the event.

Can I use a personal listening device such as an ipod?

Put simply, No. It is very important that you remain aware of your surroundings for the duration of the race as some parts of the course are on open roads and others cross public pathways.

What other events do you put on?

All of our events and the dates can be found in the events section of the AWE website.

Do I have to be a member of a club to enter?

No – all LCW events are open to all club and non-club runners. However, if you are affiliated to a club, you will get a small discount.

Can I enter just 1 or 2 events?

To get the Long Course Weekend medal you will have to complete all three events at their longest distances. However, because the Long Course Weekend is made up of three separate events, you also have the option to enter these individually: The Wales Swim, The Wales Sportive and The Wales Marathon. You can enter as many of these as you wish and at any distance, but remember; to get the Long Course Weekend medal you must register for (and complete!) the Long Course Weekend, not the three separate events.

Is there a train station in Tenby?

Yes – Tenby train station is situated on Warren Street.

What can I wear?

A wetsuit – this is mandatory for all of our events and must cover the torso & thighs. It must NOT cover the hands and feet. BTF rules state that the wetsuit must at no position be thicker than 5mm (Including where a patch-repair has been made). Non-triathlon wetsuits are not designed to be flexible around the shoulders and arms and will take on extra water so it is recommended you race in a triathlon wetsuit. You can purchase one now from our official swim partner, Zone3. Goggles – goggles are necessary in all open water swims. Polarised goggles are recommended to reduce glare and increase visual acuity. It may be worth bringing a clear-lensed pair if conditions are less than ideal. Swim hat – the swim hat issued by Activity Wales Events must be worn. If you wish to wear two swim hats, the issued swim hate MUST be worn on top. Timing chip – Timing chip must be worn on the OUTSIDE of the wetsuit on the left ankle. Gloves & Boots CANNOT BE WORN without a doctor’s note. Webbed gloves are not permitted.  You can hire a wetsuit from our Official Swim Partners Zone 3 via the following link: Azure Comfort Wetsuit – ZONE3 UK

What stroke can I use?

We only allow Front Facing Strokes during the course. If you are on your back, swim safety will assume your in trouble and take you out of the water.

Is the water safe to swim in?

We check conditions through the year and communicate with lifeguards & harbour masters to ensure the water is safe and there are no rip currents. BTF triathlon rules dictate that a wetsuit must be worn for swims between 3,000 & 4,000 metres where the water is below 16°C.

What safety measures are in place?

There is a fully qualified & professional swim safety team present in the water, with kayaks and motor boats to ensure a quick response to any situation. The Water safety team will be in the water from half an hour before race start up until the last athlete exits the water. This allows for acclimatisation before the race start.

Is there a cut-off?

Yes there is a first lap cut-off of 1 hour which will start after the last athletes has entered the water, with an overall event cut-off of two hours which is based on your chip time.

What can I wear?

Event Number MUST be worn on the REAR. A Helmet MUST be worn. Approved cycling safety helmets of ANSI Z90.4, SNELL B90, EN 1078 or an equivalent national standard must be worn by competitors. A CE mark is not an approval mark and should not be treated as approval. (ii) Helmet must be used in all activities when the competitor rides the bike: competition, familiarization and training sessions; (full details of helmet requirements here). The torso MUST be covered at all times. Gloves are highly recommended. Headphones are strictly prohibited.

How is the start organised?

Start info – wave 1 is invitational only which will start at 7am for all 70 & 112m riders who will start and will go on a first come first served basis. Our 40 mile athletes will start soon after that.  

Bikes must be road worthy, it is your responsibility to ensure that they are road worthy however we will be checking going into the start Pen and we reserve the right to not allow athletes to start if tyres, brakes or any other part of athletes equipment is deemed faulty - Ride within your own ability and within the conditions of the roads.  Its also mandatory to carry equipment to repair a puncture should one happen on course.

Can I choose my wave/start time for the Sportive?

No!! You will be allocated your start time when you receive your event pack. Waves will be non-transferable. Wave times are based on your estimated finish time and failure to keep to your wave time will result in Disqualification.

What type of bike can I use?

Road bikes are recommended, however you can also use TT bikes and Tri Bars as of 2023. Please not you are not allowed to go down on your tribars if riding in a group. 

E-bikes are also allowed for the 40 Mile Sportive Course (2023)

Whats better about a road bike?

To be blunt, what isn’t better!? Road bikes are exactly that; bikes which are designed for use on the road. They typically feature a more aggressive racing position; a high saddle & dropped handlebars encourage a more aerodynamic posture with more weight over the front of the bike for more power. A stiff, rigid frame reduces energy loss to suspension and ensures maximum energy is transferred from you to the wheels. A gear ratio designed with high-power cycling in mind means you can put down power at close-to top speed. If you were racing a downhill slopestyle race, you wouldn’t use a road bike, so similarly, when cycling on roads, you wouldn’t use a full-suspension rock chomper capable of tackling the Grand Canyon!

Can I use tri-bars (aerobars)?

Tri Bars are allowed. However, you cannot go down on your aerobars if you are in a group. This is for the safety and enjoyment of yourself and other cyclists.

Is there any equipment I cant use?

Illegal equipment includes, but is not limited to: • Headphone(s), headset(s) or technical earplugs; • Glass containers; • Personal video recording devices; • Bike or parts of the bike not complying with BTF rules • Personal listening devices.

Whats available at the feed stations?

There will be water available, as well as savoury and sweet snacks.  All athletes are advised to carry two bottles from the start.  If you are planning on carrying your own nutrition then please dispose of your litter at the feed station.  If you can carry it full you can carry it empty!!  We are massively passionate about the area where we run our events and anyone found littering will be disqualified without appeal.

What support is available out on course?

There will be mechanical backup as well as medical backup in the form of sweep vehicles. You will be given phone numbers for both mechanics and medics in the event pack. It is highly recommended you save these numbers in your phone before starting the event in case of an emergency. Its also mandatory to carry equipment to repair any punctures encountered. Bikes must be road worthy, it is your responsibility to ensure that they are road worthy condition however we will be checking going into the start pen and we reserve the right to not allow athletes to start if tyres, brakes or any other part of athletes equipment is deemed faulty - Ride within your own ability and within the conditions of the roads. 

Will the event be timed with timing chips?

Even though the Wales Sportive is not a race, the event number pack which you will collect at registration will have timing chips integrated into the helmet number, so make sure it is secure on your helmet. More info on this is available in the event pack.

Is there a cut-off?

Yes, there is an overall cut off for the event of 5pm.  There is also a 1pm cut off in Tenby for the second lap.  We do however reserve the right to amend the cut off times.  Any athlete that will not make the 5pm cut off will be collected in the sweep vehicle.  For insurance and safety reasons athletes are not permitted to ride on the roads once the road restrictions are lifted.

What can I wear?

Event Number MUST be worn on the FRONT. Torso MUST be covered at all times. We highly recommend wearing proper running shoes that have been correctly fitted to avoid discomfort during the run. We also recommend not wearing brand new trainers on race day as they will need to be worn-in to maximise comfort. Elastic laces will help reduce time spent in transition. Running socks will reduce rub and aid both shock absorption & circulation. They are generally fast drying and odour repellent. We recommend merino wool or polyamide socks.

How is the start organised?

The 5K will set off ahead of the Marathon Runners onto the closed-roads course. The marathon will then set off in a mass start, so organise yourselves fastest at the front, fun-runners towards the rear. The Half Marathon athletes will be marched from Pembroke Castle to the start line with a mass start. The 10K Operates in a similar fashion; athletes are marched from Manorbier Castle to the start line, before a gun start.

Is the course flat?

The course features a few climbs, so it’s worth including hill sprints in your training. Full details of the elevation for the run course can be found in the event pack.

Is there a shuttle bus service to the Half Marathon/ 10K start line?

There is a bus service, tickets for which can be bought prior to the event, either when registering of over the phone subject to availability. These tickets are sold on a first come, first served basis. For those of you who will drive to the start line and park in the designated parking locations, you will have to arrange travel back to your car after the event.

Is there a cut-off?

The cut-off for the all of the run events is 4pm.

I know this might sound silly, but how far is the marathon?

The Wales Marathon is 26.2 miles (42.2km), and the Half Marathon is 13.1 miles (21.1km). The 10k and the 5k are pretty self explanatory, but for using the imperial system of measurement... 10km = 6.2 miles and 5km = 3.1 miles

Will there be timing chips?

Yes - they will be on the back of your bib number.

What is the terrain like for the run?

The run is on closed tarmac roads with some spectacular scenery.

Is the Marathon extremely competitive or can people of all abilities take part?

We have runners of varying ability and experience taking part - for many it's their first marathon, while we also have elite runners entering.

How do I volunteer?

If you wish to become a volunteer for the Long Course Weekend and benefit from the rewards such as the free t-shirt, free packed lunch & free entry to the end of season party (additional promotions available exclusively to groups such as £200 towards chosen club/team/charity), just click here And fill out the volunteer form, or give us a call on 01437 765 777 from mon–fri, 9am-5pm. Alternatively, you can email us at [email protected] with the subject “LCW volunteer”.

What will I be doing?

There are a range of exciting jobs, from supplying athletes with the nutrition they need, handing out medals to the athletes at the finish line, guiding athletes out on course and ensuring the safety of both athletes and spectators. As well as being great fun and a fantastic way to enjoy the Long Course Weekend, this voluntary work looks great on a CV and shows good team working ability and responsibility.

When will I be needed?

With there being events all across the weekend, ideally you could be available to help on multiple days, however this is not essential. Times vary, but typically volunteers will need to be on site about an hour before event start.

Do I get anything for volunteering?

As if watching the Long Course Weekend from a unique perspective wasn’t enough, we also offer a free limited edition volunteer T-shirt and a free packed lunch (dietary requirements accounted for). Additionally, groups of 10 or more will receive £200 towards their chosen club/team/charity. For groups of 25 or more, we will pay for a whole new kit for the team!

I need to travel to ____ on the weekend, can you help?

Full details of road closures are available on our website. This includes maps of which roads are one way and in what direction. Roads will be re-opened by the sweep vehicle, who will follow the last athlete around the course. Please note that road closures are applicable to ALL Vehicles, including athletes, so plan accordingly.

What roads will be closed?

A full list is available on the website

How will the roads be closed?

Highway maintenance team will close the roads about 1 hour before the event starts & official course vehicles will drive the course to ensure the route is clear of traffic & blockages.

When are the roads reopened?

We have been working hard with Pembrokeshire County Council to introduce a hybrid road closures system for 2023. Because of this, we are hoping to open the roads up to 2.5 hours earlier once the majority of athletes are through and finished. An official course vehicle will notify athletes with a warning when the roads will be reopening and will do this when it is safe and appropriate to do so. 

What happens in an emergency?

Road Closures apply to all vehicles, however if there is an emergency, the roads will be accessible to emergency vehicles only when blue lights are in operation and there is no quicker route.

Are the spectator areas wheelchair friendly?

All start/finish lines are wheelchair accessible.

Do I need to pay to watch?

No! Access to all viewing areas is completely free and wheelchair friendly.

Where's the best place to view The Swim?

For the swim which starts on North Beach, there will be access to the sea wall & most of the beach, where there will be music and commentary, as well as the awards ceremony after the swim. Meanwhile Norton road offers stunning panoramas of the whole swim.

Where's the best place to view the bike course?

With road restrictions in place its important that you plan your day well.  Tenby will see the start, lap point and finish area.  There will be a bus taking supporters to Saundersfoot which will be a awesome place to spend part of the day.  With a stunning beach, great shops and eateries as well as the famous St Brides hill it will be a must view for any supporters of athletes doing the 112m route.  

Also a short stunning walk along the coastline will take you to Coppet Hall and Wisemans Bridge.  Both locations boast some of the best places to eat, drink and watch the cyclists it simply would be rude not to!!

Where's the best place to view the run course?

Sunday Run day! There are four distances covered on Sunday; 5k, 10k, half-marathon & marathon. Both the 5k and the marathon start from Tudor Square, while the 10k starts in the picturesque Manorbier castle, and the half-marathon from the stunning Pembroke Castle. All roads will be closed for the marathon course, however it does cross public highways. The best viewing areas would therefore be Pembroke, Manorbier, and of course Tenby, where the marathon & 5k start line is also the finish line for ALL the events. There will be music, commentary, and the awards ceremony. After the event, there will be live music & entertainment provided by Radio Pembrokeshire.

How do I get there?

Full details of road closures are available on our websites, including maps of closed roads & one way roads. Please note that road closures are applicable to ALL vehicles (excluding emergency services), so please plan accordingly.