Skirting the beautiful Clwydian Hills, the route meanders above the Vale of Clwyd before runners start to climb up onto the Offa’s Dyke footpath which brings them finally to the summit of Moel Famau. Covering just over a full half marathon distance of 13.3 miles / 21.4 km the route includes 2500ft/750m of ascent, the majority of which comes in the last challenging 10km.
To ensure the best chance of all runners being on the summit slopes at sunset, you will be asked for your approximate race times for any previous half trail marathons, 10k or Parkruns on your entry form. For those running as a pair or in a group please give the slowest runners times. Don’t stress if you are not sure or don’t know just leave them blank and I will contact you. Of course if I get my calculations wrong or you run much faster or slower than expected then you may be a little early or late over the final summit – hopefully you will forgive me.
Sunset on Saturday the 13th September is 7.32pm. So race start times will be from circa 4pm for the slower runners until 6pm for the faster ones. If I manage to get the timing right then all runners will be on the high level section between Foel Fenlli & Moel Famau – the first planned Mass Race Summiting in history – what could possibly go wrong!
Race HQ
The race will be hosted in Ysgol y Foel school hall / field. Registration from 2pm until 5pm. Ensure you arrive a good hour prior to your allotted start time to allow time for parking and registration. There will be a kit dump available. Watch this space for changing-room info. Toilets will be available but no showering facility – well we may find a hose pipe for outside!
Hot & cold drinks will be availabe prior to the race. Homemade soup/stew, crusty bread & homemade cakes will be available post race. If you have any allegens please highlight on your entry form. There will be vegan & gluten free options available.
Parking
We have arranged a field to be available for parking if the weather/ground conditions are suitable. The field will be signed and marshals will be present. The parking field is approx. 5-10 minute walk from the school (Race HQ).
Mandatory Kit
- Headtorch (fully charged – spare torch or spare batteries if possible)
- Whistle (to attract attention in case of injury)
- Refillable drinks bottle or collapsible cup – water & snacks will be available at 3 of the checkpoints
- Foil bivvy bag
- Fell or trail running shoes (the course is not suitable for road trainers, flip-flops, deep-sea dive boots)
- Waterproof top & bottoms may be required dependant on forecast/local conditions (this will be detailed in final race brief sent 36 hours prior to race)
Advisory Kit
- Mobile phone (fully charged in waterproof case or bag)
- Any specific food or drink requirements for yourself (although there will be fruit at the main checkpoints the other food stuffs may not be suitable for runners with specific allergens i.e. gluten.
- Dog jacket/coat if required
Race Route
GPX File Download – via Outdoor Active – click the 3 dots (more settings) – should be option to download gpx or kml or fit files. If you have any problems drop us an email and I will mail direct.
Checkpoints
There will be 3 main aid checkpoints where water refills & race snacks will be available – CP1 Moel Arthur, CP3 Llangynhafal & CP5 Bwlch Penbarras. There will be water available also at CP4. Please if possible bring your own cup/bottle for refilling to minimise waste. There will be dog bowls & snacks available for the Canicross.
All runners will need to scan timing bands at all 6 checkpoints.
Additional marshals will be on course (road crossings, etc). Please follow all instructions of the marshals.
Please ensure you read the full Terms & Conditions prior to entry.