As the year draws to a close, it’s only natural to start thinking about what we would like to achieve in the year ahead. This time around, what if you set yourself a more realistic, healthy and enjoyable goal that could help raise money for the Wales Air Ambulance at the same time?
For many of us, this future planning goes hand in hand with making (and more often than not breaking) New Year’s resolutions. Raising money for the Air Ambulance can give a sense of accomplishment and empowerment whilst will also help the Charity continue to serve the people of Wales and save lives.
The Wales Air Ambulance has a number of events coming up in 2024 that you can take part in. Kicking off the New Year, there is the annual Air Miles virtual walking, jogging or running event in which, you complete 25, 50 or 100 miles during the month.
It’s a great stepping stone if you want to go on to take part in one of the many running events, that are taking place throughout the year, where you can sign up for a free charity space by fundraising for the Charity. Some of these events include Cardiff Half Marathon, Chester Marathon and Ironman. 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. This year, there are plans for a cycling challenge in addition to the Charity’s annual Walk Wales event.
For the foodies amongst you, why not take part in the Charity’s first Coffee and Cake event in March? Not forgetting the Castles in the Sky trail taking place between July to September, which will see more than 20 castle sculptures dotted around Swansea city centre and neighbouring areas. So, get your walking boots on and take a stroll to see if you can find them all.
There are further events waiting in the wings, so keep your eyes peeled for updates on the Wales Air Ambulance website and social media pages.
If you’re still not sure about the events mentioned above, you could still help to support the all-Wales Charity by holding your own events or taking part in your own challenges. The Charity would love to hear all about your challenges and perhaps even help to promote it.
The Charity needs to raise £11.2 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 and Partnership Fundraiser, said:
“Why not set yourself a New Year’s resolution and challenge yourself to one of the many events we have available to us through our charity partners or our own organised events.
“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. Our virtual Air Miles event is a great way to get back into fitness after Christmas and beat off those January blues.
“If running is not for you, you can still get involved in one of our other events including our brand-new mass participation event Coffee and Cake in March, or you can organise your own event in which the Charity can help to offer support and publicity.
“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 hours a day. What a great way to kickstart 2024 by supporting our Charity and achieving a personal goal.”
Air Miles
Where: Virtual event across Wales
When: 1 January to 31 January 2024
Tell me more: Start the New Year by challenging yourself to run, jog or walk 25, 50 or 100 miles throughout the month of January. This is a virtual event, you can take part from anywhere, anytime. Entry is free but raise £100 for us and you will receive a My Air Miles medal. To sign up for free, join the dedicated Facebook group and complete the registration form. My Air Miles 2024 | Facebook
Llanelli Half Marathon
Where: Festival Fields, Llanelli
When: 25 February 2024
Tell me more: This year, the 13.1-mile event starts and finishes at Llanelli’s Festival Fields. The route will, for the most part, take place on flat terrain along the beautiful Millennium coastal path and is perfect for anyone taking part in their first half marathon, or runners chasing a Personal Best (with a maximum elevation profile of only 52ft!) across some of the best scenery Carmarthenshire has to offer.
Fundraising Target: £200
Coffee and Cake
Where: Can take place anywhere!
When: March 2024
Tell me more: We have a brand new and exciting event for 2024 which gives you the opportunity to get together with friends, family, and colleagues by hosting your very own coffee and cake morning for Wales Air Ambulance. This could take place at schools, workplaces, community groups, coffee shops, friend’s houses and so on. More information will be added to the website very soon about how you can get involved.
Chester 10k
Where: Chester
When: 10 March 2024
Tell me more: We have free charity spaces available for the multi-award winning, sell-out MBNA Chester 10K, Chester’s only city-based 10K.
Fundraising Target: £150
Darth VIII
Where: South Gower RFC, Bishopston, Swansea
When: 16 March 2024
Tell me more: The Darth is a 13 (‘ish) mile adventure run that takes place on the South Gower coast each spring, brought to you by Peloton Running. Runners take on undulating terrain, steep hills, challenging river runs and multiple sea dips. The theme for this year’s afterparty is Eurovision. To enter use the code DARTHFUNDRAISER at the checkout.
Fundraising Target: £200
Great Welsh Marathon and Half Marathon
Where: Pembrey Country Park, Carmarthenshire
When: 17 March 2024
Tell me more: Take part in south Wales’ oldest marathon. A flat, friendly and incredibly scenic and 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
Brisco Gorseinon 10k
Where: Gorseinon, Swansea
When: 19 May 2024
Tell me more: The Brisco Gorseinon 10K route will start and finish close to Penyrheol Leisure Centre before heading out through Gorseinon High Street to join the newly refurbished cycle path for approximately 4,000 people. Runners will then head towards Pontarddulais before turning to run through Grovesend as they take on the final kilometres back to Penyrheol.
Fundraising Target: £150
Chester Half Marathon
Where: Chester
When: 19 May 2024
Tell me more: The Chester Half is one of the UK’s longest established and most highly regarded half marathons, starting and finishing in the historic Roman/Medieval international destination city of Chester.
Fundraising Target: £200
Walk Wales
Where: Virtual event that can be done anywhere
When: June 2024
Tell me more: Our much-loved annual event will be back in 2024. The beauty of Walk Wales is that it is a virtual challenge is that you can take part anywhere, anytime. It’s also great for your physical and mental wellbeing.
Swansea Half Marathon
Where: From Swansea Arena
When: 9 June 2024
Tell me more: Celebrate 10 years of #RunWales. 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
Ride Wales
Where: All over Wales
When: July
Tell me more: Another new event for the year. People will be encouraged to take part in this free ride event that will take place throughout the month of July. You will be able to set your own challenge and how you want to ride – whether that be on a motorbike, a scooter, riding a pony, a bicycle, or even ride the waves, the choice is endless. More details to follow on our website.
Castles in the Sky
Where: Swansea city centre
When: 6 July to 15 September 2024
Tell me more: Castles in the Sky is a spectacular public art event which will see Swansea come alive with colour and conversations, as Castle sculptures take hold of the city. For 10 weeks, streets, parks, and public spaces across Swansea will be home to a series of Castle sculptures, each one individually designed by a Welsh artist and sponsored by a business. This free for all event is a fun, family-friendly trail of discovery for local people and visitors to explore and enjoy. A dedicated trail map and app will help you navigate your way to discovering each sculpture, where you can unlock a series of rewards and fun facts.
Ironman 70.3 Swansea
Where: Swansea
When: 14 July 2024
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 are limited.
Fundraising Target: £800
Ride Wales – In Person
Where: South Wales
When September – date tbc
Tell me more: The Charity is currently working on hosting its own charity cycling event at a location in south Wales. The event will be a mass, in person event, with the opportunity to take in some of the most scenic views in south Wales. More details to follow on the Wales Air Ambulance website.
Ironman Wales
Where: Tenby
When: 22 September 2024
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. Limited spaces
Fundraising Target: £1,500
Cardiff Half Marathon
Where: Cardiff city centre
When: 6 October
Tell me more: Cardiff Half Marathon is 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.
Fundraising Target: £200
For more information visit the events page on the Wales Air Ambulance website
To sign up for an event or for further details email: events@walesairambulance.com
