Digwyddiadau

Digwyddiad yn cychwyn: 18/04/2026 10:00
Digwyddiad yn gorffen: 18/04/2026 16:00

Welsh Athletics is delighted to announce the return of the Women's Running Conference on Saturday 18 April 2026 at USW Newport Campus.

In conjunction with the ABP Newport Marathon Festival, the day will be an inspiring and engaging event to celebrate the growth in women’s running and to explore specific female health topics relating to running.

The event will be hosted by Welsh ultrarunner and S4C Presenter Lowri Morgan. Lowri will be joined by multiple guest speakers and industry experts from accross the sport.

More information coming soon!  

EVENT DETAILS

Date Saturday 18 April

Time: 10:00 - 16:00

Location: University of South Wales, Usk Way, Newport, NP20 2BP

Getting to Newport Campus

TICKETS

Tickets are now on sale here.

£10 for affiliated members (please see members' email for the code).

£15 for unaffiliated. 

HOST

Lowri Morgan

Lowri Morgan is a sought-after and acclaimed motivational speaker. The BAFTA-winning broadcaster, intrepid adventurer and world-class extreme ultra endurance athlete is someone who is keenly aware of the attitude and application that is needed to achieve success. 

She has a coveted 6633 Ultra finish to her name (the only athlete to complete the 350 mile race in the Arctic in 2012), a top 10 overall finish in the Amazon’s 140 mile Jungle Marathon, came 4th in the toughest mountain race the Dragon’s Back Race part of the first ever female crew to complete and take line honours in the Three Peaks Yacht Race, which was filmed for Channel 4. Lowri also completed the 333, an unique running challenge in Snowdonia, which filmed her becoming the first person to run from North to South Wales via the country’s highest peaks in 60 hours soon after becoming a mother for the first time.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Baroness Grey-Thompson DBE

Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson DBE is one of Britain’s most successful Paralympians and a leading advocate for disability rights and inclusive sport.

Born in Cardiff, Wales, Tanni discovered wheelchair racing as a teenager and quickly rose to international prominence. Over an extraordinary career she competed in five Paralympic Games, winning 11 gold, 4 silver and 1 bronze medals, and breaking more than 30 world records. Her achievements include four gold medals at the 1992 Barcelona Paralympics, four more at Sydney 2000, and two gold medals at her final Games in Athens 2004. She also dominated road racing, winning the London Wheelchair Marathon six times.

Since retiring from elite competition, Tanni has continued to shape sport and public life. In 2010 she became an Independent Crossbench Peer in the House of Lords, taking the title Baroness Grey-Thompson of Eaglescliffe, where she speaks passionately on issues including disability rights, welfare reform and sport. She also serves on a number of influential boards, including the London Marathon, SportsAid, and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, championing opportunities for the next generation.

Photo Credit - © House of Lords  photography by Roger Harris

GUEST SPEAKERS

Mel Stephenson-Gray

Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 13, Mel took up athletics at 16 after diagnosis and went on to win British and Welsh medals in sprinting. Wanting to support more people with chronic conditions to become active, she qualified as a dietitian in 2018 and works in diabetes, prevention and weight management and is now also undertaking a sports nutrition qualification.

Mel is a Board Trustee for Diabetes UK, EXTOD Fellowship award winner and set up Diabetes parkrun last year to provide a fun, supportive environment for people with a connection to diabetes to be active whilst receiving peer support.

She recently started a second chapter in Bristol for children with diabetes.

Alongside this, she is a Mum and also develops resources for women around and after pregnancy, so as to support continuation of activity, including the global guidelines for diabetes and pregnancy. 

Samantha Munkley

As an endurance runner with endometriosis, Samantha’s experience in sport reshaped how she approaches performance and led her to study women’s health.

Samantha uses her platform to highlight the gaps women face in sport and encourage training that reflects female physiology.

Clara Evans

Clara is a Welsh long-distance runner specialising in the marathon, known for her resilience, consistency, and competitive performances on the international stage.

Representing Wales and Great Britain, she has delivered standout results at major events, including the Commonwealth Games and the Paris Olympics.

Natasha Wilson

Tash (formerly Natasha Cockram) is a leading Welsh marathon runner recognised for her fearless racing style and steady rise through the international ranks. Progressing from a strong background in cross country and road running, she has developed into a consistent performer over the marathon distance, representing Wales at major championships and competing against some of the world’s best athletes.

Known for her determination and ability to deliver on big occasions, Tash has played a key role in Welsh teams on the global stage while continuing to push her own limits in elite competition. Her journey reflects a commitment to progression, resilience, and a passion for long-distance running.

More speakers, lectures, experts and exhibitors will be announced soon. Stay tuned.