"Superhero" fun run set for Newtown

A grant application to support a superhero-themed fun run in Newtown is set to be considered by councillors next week.

The proposal, submitted by Open Newtown in collaboration with NPTC College, seeks £2,000 from Newtown Town Council’s tourism events fund to help deliver the event at Dolerw Park on 31 May.

According to the application, the “Superhero Fun Run” will be a family-friendly 5km event, with participants encouraged to dress as their favourite characters. 

The application says organisers are planning pre-race entertainment, alongside activities such as face painting and workshops where attendees can create upcycled superhero costumes. Finishers would receive goodie bags.

The event is expected to attract around 200 participants, meeting the threshold for the higher £2,000 grant award under the council’s criteria. 

Funding would be used to cover costs including event banners, materials for workshops, insurance, marshals and equipment for an obstacle course.  

Council officers have recommended that the application be approved, despite being submitted outside the usual funding window. 

TYhe council said grants are typically awarded following a December application process for events in the following year, but the scheme allows for time-critical requests to be considered at the committee’s discretion.  

The report states the event is in its second year, following on from a colour run held in May 2025 which previously received council support. 

It also highlights a recent decline in the number of tourism events supported by the authority, with only two grants awarded earlier this year compared to a typical five or six in previous years.  

If approved, the funding would add to existing support already allocated for other events in Newtown this summer, including a 10K run and the town carnival.

The application will be discussed by councillors next week.