News
Women’s Running Conference 2026 - Round up
22/04/2026 00:00, In
On Saturday 18 April was the second edition of the Women’s Running Conference organised by Welsh Athletics. Hosted at the University of South Wales’s Newport Campus, over 100 runners came together for an inspiring and educational day focused on the female runner.
Lowri Morgan (television presenter, adventurer and ultra runner) was the host for the day and introduce out first talk of the day with Baroness Tanni Grey Thompson. she shared her journey through sport as well as her ambitions to give back for future generations. One attendee fed back:
Tanni was so incredible. Listening to her experiences and clear determination to keep making things better for the next generation was so inspiring
After her inspiring talk Tanni joined a panel of guest speakers, with an overall theme of running through adversity. Speakers included Natasha Wilson (leading Welsh marathon runner), Samantha Munkley (endurance runner with endometriosis) and Mel Stepheson Grey (runner with type 1 diabetes and founder of Diabetes Parkrun).
The day followed with lectures and workshops from a host of experts from the fields of menstrual cycles, menopause, pelvic health, recovery and massage, nutrition, and buggy running.
New this year for the 2nd edition of the Women’s Running Conference was the introduction of practical sessions. Pilates and S&C sessions were led by industry professionals and received brilliant feedback from this years attendees:
I also loved the practical Pilates and S&C sessions
Good to have some physical sessions too this year
Enjoyed the workshops - Pilates & S&C
Before the lectures started and during lunch there was a large exhibitor area, local and further afield exhibitors attended to support the conference and share their products and knowledge with the female running audience.
The stalls were great
The exhibitors were a great touch too!
After the event we asked attendees to share feedback to help us plan for future events, and we were overwhelmed by the kind words:
Second year of going and can’t wait for the third. Great event!
Fantastic day! What a wonderful event! Well organised and great content! The perfect place to connect with other runners, and the exhibitors were a great touch too!
Tanni Grey Thompson was amazing to listen to. So inspirational! I also loved the practical Pilates and S&C sessions.
Loved it all!