Bute Park Dark Run

Glow up and experience Bute Park like never before!

This fantastic 2k spooky fun run takes you through historic Bute Park in the heart of Cardiff city centre.

Date of event

18.10.2025

Location

Bute Park, Cardiff

Sponsorship

£50 per family or group

Registration fee

Adult Ticket – £10
Child Ticket – £5

This fantastic 2.5k spooky fun run takes you through historic Bute Park in the heart of Cardiff city centre. Your run will take you past the Gorsedd Stone Circle, up past Blackfriars Friary, along the path next to the river Taff towards the orchard lawn.

We have lit up parts of the grounds for this event, plus you can expect music and entertainment.

Run, walk or jog, the choice is yours. Fancy dress is optional but strongly encouraged – think bright neon colours and Halloween dress up! – and we’ll be giving a prize for the best costume.

Registration opens at 17:45 and the event starts at 18:30. There isn’t a time limit for completing the route.

Download your sponsorship forms below:

Tickets

For this year’s Dark Runs, we’ll be offering two different types of ticket options: fundraising tickets and non-fundraising tickets.

Fundraising Tickets

These tickets are at a lower price, with a fundraising commitment of £50 per family/group

Adult – £10 + booking fees
Child – £5 + booking fees
Under 3s – Free
Family of 4 – £25 + booking fees
Please note: By purchasing a fundraising ticket, you agree to raise a minimum of £50 per family/group in support of Tŷ Hafan.

Booking fees apply and will be added at checkout.

Non-Fundraising Tickets

These tickets are priced higher, with no fundraising commitment required.

Adult – £20 + booking fees
Child – £15 + booking fees
Under 3s – Free
Family of 4 – £50 + booking fees
Please note: Non-fundraising tickets come with no fundraising obligation.

Booking fees apply and will be added at checkout.

Get your tickets

What you get on the day:

Entry into the ticketed event

A fully marshalled route

A large glowstick

A bespoke medal

Fundraising support

What you need to know

Every child must be accompanied by a participating adult

Each adult can accompany a maximum of three children

Everyone must bring a headtorch

There will be hot food and drinks available to purchase

There is pay-and-display parking nearby, including Sophia Gardens, Cardiff Museum and North Road car park

This is a dog-friendly event, with one dog allowed per participant

Your dog must be kept at your side on a short, handheld, non-extendable lead

It is not permitted to participate with a pushchair and a dog at the same time

The event is wheelchair accessible (please contact events@tyhafan.org to find out more)

Accessible toilets and baby changing facilities are available

Pushchairs are allowed

Frequently asked questions

What time does registration open for the Dark Runs?

Registration opens at 5.45 pm.

What time do the Dark Runs start?

The Dark Runs start at 6.30 pm.

Where is the registration tent for the Dark Runs?

The registration tent is in the event village.

What happens at registration?

When you arrive at the event village, come to the registration tent to show your booking confirmation - please have the QR code ready to be scanned. Each participant will be given a coloured wristband. You will then be able to collect your glow stick and you'll be ready for your Dark Run!

How early should I arrive for the Dark Run?

Arrive from 5.45 pm to register and please allow time to park and walk to the event village.

Where do I get my medal after the Dark Run?

Please return your wristband (adult wristband only) to our team of volunteers at the medal and water stand in the event village in exchange for your medal(s).

Is there a dress code for the Dark Runs?

There is no dress code. Fancy dress is encouraged but must be suitable for the weather and to complete the route. You must also wear sensible shoes for running. Anything glow in the dark or light up is encouraged!

What do I need to bring to the Dark Run?

All participants taking part must wear a head torch for your own safety as these events will be taking place when it is dark. There will not be a bag drop facility so anything that you bring must be always kept with you.

When do entries close for the Dark Runs?

Entries will close on the Thursday before each event.

How much should I fundraise for the Dark Runs?

We are asking for a minimum of £50 to be raised per family, to support Tŷ Hafan’s work with children and their families at the hospice and in the community.

What are the rules at the Dark Runs?

Please be considerate of all other participants, give warning if you are overtaking. Please speak to a marshal if you need assistance at any point.

How do the Dark Runs begin?

To make sure that there is enough space on the route, participants will be set off in waves. You will stage together as a family group.

Are wheels allowed at the Dark Runs?

Only wheelchairs, pushchairs and prams are allowed. No scooters, bikes, skateboards or rollerblades please.

Are the Dark Runs routes marked?

There will be marshals, cones and arrows directing you throughout the route.

How long does it take to complete a Dark Run?

We estimate that it will take 20 – 55 minutes to complete the route. Please go at a pace that you feel comfortable doing.

Will refreshments be available at the Dark Runs?

There will be a coffee vendor available so that you can purchase drinks and snacks.

What happens if I cannot make it on the day?

Please email events@tyhafan.co.uk if you are unable to attend.

Here to help

If you have a question about our event, please contact our events team at events@tyhafan.org. They’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

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