FAQ’s
Q. How old must I be to enter the Rabbit Run?
A. Participants must be 17 years of age or older on the day of the event for the 12K, 18 years of age or older for the 40K, aged 5 and under for the Toddler Dash, aged 11-16 for the 4K Double Bunny and aged 6-10 for the 2K Bunny Fun Run.
Q. When do entries close?
A. 30 June 2025 @ midnight or when spaces sell out first – whichever comes first.
Q. I have entered the race, how do I know my entry has been received?
A. If you entered online you will receive a confirmation email shortly afterwards from Let’s Do This. If this did not happen please contact us.
Q. What will I receive before the race?
A. All runners who have been accepted into the race will be sent an email confirming their entry into the race with further details which will include important race information and updates from the organisers. Number pick up will be on the day from Event Hub, with proof of identity or confirmation of entry email. You will receive an information email a few days before the race with your final details.
Q. I have entered but am unable to take part; can I get a refund or give my place to a friend?
A. We are unable to give refunds or defer entries to next year’s race. However transfers will be allowed for those who entered this year, up until our transfer deadline. Please email us on rabbitrun@run4wales.org for more details and have the email address of the person you’re transferring your place to to hand. Please note: Never swap your race number with any other runner unofficially, as this could cause problems for our medical teams and results service. If race organisers become aware of anyone who swaps their race number they will be disqualified and reported to British Athletics.
Q. Can I make changes to my race entry?
A. You can make changes to your race entry (eg address, predicted finish time) via Let’s Do This by clicking here (up until the transfer deadline).
Q. Which category do I fall under?
A. The affiliated category is for those registered with an athletics club – membership numbers must be stated during registration. The non-affiliated category is for those who are not registered with an athletics club. The Welsh-registered category is for those who are registered with a Welsh athletics club
Q. How far is the Rabbit Run?
A. There are two main races – the 12K (approx 7.5 miles and 40K (approx 25 miles).
Q. Where is the race start, finish and event hub?
A. The 12K and 40K races start and finishes outside Merthyr Mawr House at 4:00pm and 12:00pm respectively on Saturday 19 July 2025. The race start/finish area in the field in front of Merthyr Mawr House. The junior races start from 3:00pm.
Q. I don’t live in the area and don’t know the route; will I be able to get lost?
A. No. The 12K course will be marshalled, sign posted and marked throughout. There will be an element of self-navigation required in the 40K. Whilst signage will direct participants in key locations, those taking part in the 40K should take steps to ensure they are familiar with the route, for which a GPX digital download will be available and have all items on race kit list.
Q. What happens if I cannot finish the race?
A. We will have medical teams at a number of points along the route. If you are just too tired we will arrange to get you back to the start/finish area. A large team of marshals are in place at regular intervals around the route should you need their assistance or wish to report other runners experiencing problems. There will be a cut off time and runners not keeping the pace will be asked to take a “short cut” thus reducing the distance covered.
Q. Can I run in fancy dress?
A. We would not encourage participants to run in fancy dress as the route is a challenging test of endurance.
Q. Can I wear headphones?
A. We would strongly advise against using headphones. Using headphones can be dangerous because it distracts people and can make them unaware. We occasionally will need to direct you or may need to get emergency vehicles onto the course and may need runners to hear instructions from marshals to assist with this.
Q. Will there be anywhere to store my bag during the race?
A. Yes, each runner will be able to store a bag. The location of the bag storage facilities will be in the Event field. We can not be held responsible for any personal belongings.
Q. Is the course suitable for a wheelchair?
A. No, we’re afraid not. The course is rugged and there are areas that wheelchairs will be unable to pass.
Q. Does the Rabbit Run have a cut-off time?
A. Yes. We would like to see all Rabbit Runners back by 7:00pm which allows 3 hours to run the 12K race and 7 hours to run the 40K race. Event marshals will follow the back of the race for support.
Q. Will there be a rope across the river?
A. Usually yes but It depends on how deep the water is! A decision will be made nearer the time.
Q. Where are the water stations?
A. There is one at Candleston Farm after approx. 3 miles in the 12K. For the 40K, participants will be sent a detailed briefing pack with water station locations (but will be expected to carry their own – please see kit list for more details).
Q. Can I raise money for any charity I choose?
A. Yes. Please contact your chosen charity to obtain sponsor forms and support or click here for fundraising advice.
Q. Do I have to raise money for a charity or good cause?
A. No, it is not compulsory – it is entirely up to you.
Q. What do I get for my money, do all finishers get a memento?
A. You’ll get a FSC approved wooden finishers medal, a fantastic, well organised race with good facilities and run on a route that is not fully open to the public. Car parking is free in a nearby field.
Q. Can I recce the routes beforehand?
A. Most of the 12K route takes runners through private land on the Merthyr Mawr Esate, so we would ask that any recce runs are limited to the publicly accessible areas. It is a privilege that we have the permission to use this course on race day. For the 40K race, once runners have passed the Ogmore By Sea carpark the route is ran on public footpaths until returning to the stepping stones at Ogmore.
Q. How do I find out which roads are closed?
A. No road closures are in place. There may be minimal delays to traffic in the area other than the car park at its busiest times.
Q. Can I get a photograph of myself running the race?
A. Yes there will be photographers around the course. Photos of the run will be available to you online after the race.
Q. Does the Bunny Run have a set age limit?
A. The Bunny Run is for children aged 4 to 16 and can be accompanied by adults if required and The Toddler Dash is for children aged 2 to 4 years. Any runners aged 8 or under must be accompanied by an adult at all times during the race. Event organisers have the right to prevent any unaccompanied runners (who are under the required age) from running. There will be prizes.
Q. Are pushchairs allowed on the course?
A. No, Due to the nature of the terrain, pushchairs are not allowed.
Q. Are dogs allowed in the race?
A. No, sorry but dogs are not allowed to take part.
Q. Are there more details about the Children’s races route?
A. The route starts and finishes on the field below the Merthyr Mawr House and the route takes in a lap of the field alongside the River Ogmore before accessing the tennis club and emerging back into the start/finish field through a tunnel! There are different race distances depending on the child’s age.
Q. How fit do you have to be to complete the Bunny Run/Fun Run course?
A. The Bunny Run and Family Fun Run welcomes participants of all fitness levels. In previous years some participants have preferred to walk the whole course, particularly if they are accompanied by children.
Q. Where can I find more information?
A. All competitors are encouraged to keep checking this site and follow us on social media as new information will be added continually until race day. If you still cannot get an answer to your question, please contact us. A detailed pre-event briefing will be sent out via email.
Q. How can I help with the event if I’m not running?
A. Thank you for your interest. The race relies on volunteers acting as stewards and giving out drinks. If you’re not running it’s a great way to ensure the event is a success and a fun thing to do with friends. To find out more please check the Volunteer Page and if you are keen please email us at volunteers@run4wales.org .
Q. Am I free to roam on the Estate?
A. No. Access is only in the fields in front of the house and to the marked running line. Merthyr Mawr House is a private dwelling and will be out of bounds on the day with clearly marked taped off areas. Please respect, as we do not wish to jeopardise the event for future years.
Q. When will race results be available?
A. Provisional results should be available on the afternoon, but please see the event website in the evening or as soon as possible for full results.
Q. Where will the toilets be?
A. Portaloos will be strategically placed on the Event Field.
Q. Will there be changing facilities prior to the event?
A. Participants are encouraged to arrive changed.
Q. Is this a licensed event?
A. This event has been licensed by UKA.