NHS charity offers free running, swimming and cycling spaces at Long Course Weekend 2023

Hywel Dda Health Charities, the official charity of Hywel Dda University Health Board, is offering fundraisers free spaces in all Long Course Weekend 2023 events this summer.

The charity, which has been announced as the “Powered By” partner for the Wales Half Marathon at Long Course Weekend, aims to make a positive difference to the health, wellbeing and experience of NHS patients, service users and staff.

Long Course Weekend, which takes place on 30th June–2nd July, is the biggest multisport festival in Europe, attracting over 10,000 athletes and 35,000 supporters from 45 nations. Events include The Wales Marathon, The Wales Half Marathon, 10k, 5k, The Wales Swim (1.2 and 2.4-mile options), The Wales Sportive (40-mile, 70-mile or 112-mile cycle options) and the LC Kinder children’s event.

Tara Nickerson, Fundraising Manager at Hywel Dda Health Charities, said: “We’re so excited to be working in partnership with Activity Wales Events in 2023. We are offering our fundraisers exclusive opportunities to take part in events across the whole of the Long Course Weekend.

“We ask that fundraisers pledge to raise a minimum in sponsorship, depending on what event they enter. Fundraisers can choose to support a specific hospital, ward, service or department or they can choose to fundraise for general charitable purposes.

“Our limited number of free spaces are offered on a first come, first served basis, so if you are interested, please get in touch!”

Matthew Evans, CEO at Long Course Weekend, said: “We are really delighted that our local NHS charity is the “Powered By” partner for The Wales Half Marathon 2023. The Wales Half Marathon is a special event for so many people and we are thrilled that together we will be raising funds for such a great cause.”

Anyone interested in securing a free space in any of the events can register at: https://hduhb.nhs.wales/.../hyw.../long-course-weekend-2023/ or they can contact the Hywel Dda Health Charities Team directly by phone on 01267 239815 or by email at Fundraising.HywelDda@wales.nhs.uk.