Summer Celtic Trail Races
Celtic Trail Races - Summer ****** 2022
The Celtic Trail races have both a Summer and Winter edition starting at opposites sides of the hills that make up the Afan Forest. The Summer edition starts on the South side at Margam Country Park and starts with a gentle climb up to the low hills that border the coast before heading deeper into the steep sided valleys of the Afan Forest. The route uses part of the Coed Morgannwg Way as well as other forest tracks and winds it's way deep into the forest before returning and dropping back into the park with spectacular views over Margam Castle to the South Wales coast.
The Southern section of the Morgannwg Way starts with gentle climbs before taking in the more extreme hills of the Afan Forest. It doesn't feel as wild or remote feel as the Northern section, but don't let that fool you! The paths here, while fast and runnable, have many hidden suprises!
There are 3 race distances to choose from. All of which start in beautiful Margam Park before heading into the trails of the Afan Forest. The routes are:
- The Celtic Ultra - 32 miles - xxx ascent
- The Celtic Trail - 26 miles - xxx ascent
- The Celtic Trail Half Marathon - 13 miles - xxx ascent
All courses are FULLY MARKED.
The Route
XXXXX The summer is the perfect time to explore the rolling hills of the Afan Forest. The route will give you glimpses of the South wales coast from the Vale of Glamorgan through to the Gower. You'll also see the dramatic Brecon Beacons, The Black Mountain and the Four Fans. It is a fast, fun, runnable route following some of Wales hidden trails.
Map and Gps
For an interactive map and gps file is available at the link at the bottom of the page.
To download the gps click on 'actions', then 'export' and follow the onscreen prompts.
Event Base, Car Parking and Finish Location
Margam Country Park
Margam
Port Talbot
SA13 2TJ
For Directions and more information click here.
Navigation
The routes are FULLY MARKED with a combination of running arrows, flags and marking tape.
Checkpoints
There are 6 manned checkpoints for the Ultra, 4 for the Trail 20, and 3 for the Half Marathon. They will provide refreshments including water, oranges, energy drinks, sweets, biscuits & crisps to keep you going.
Parking
Parking is available at the start finish location: XXXXXXX
Time Limit
All courses close at 6pm giving very generous time limits for the event as set out below-
Ultra- 10 hours, Trail 20- 8 hours, Half Marathon 6.5 hours - so they are suitable for anyone who can maintain a good running/walking pace. There are generous cut off times- we give you 4 hours on the ultra to get to 13.5 miles!
Compulsory Kit
There is a compulsory kit list that must be carried. This may vary depending on the conditions. This can be viewed here.
Timetable
Saturday XXX
Celtic Ultra Race Times
0600 Car Park Opens at Margam Country Park
0615-0730 Registration for Ultra
0745 Ultra Race Brief
0800 Ultra Race Start
1800 All Courses Close
Celtic Trail 26 Race Times
0830-1000 Registration for Celtic Trail 20 Race Margam Country Park
1015 Race Brief
1030 Celtic Trail 20 Race Start
1800 All Courses Close
Celtic Trail Half Marathon Race Times
0830-1100 Registration for Celtic Half Race Dare Valley Park
1120 Race Brief
1130 Celtic Trail Half Marathon Race Start
1800 All Courses Close
Prices
There are three race distance options available for competitors. There is also the option of adding an event t-shirt, event hoodie or planting a tree to help offset your ecological footprint for the event.
Ultra (32 mile) Race only £XX
Trail 20 Race only £XX
Half Marathon only £XX
Plant a tree £6
Event T-shirt £8
Event Hoodie £30
You can select the appropriate options when you sign up to the event online.
What your entry fee includes
Marked Route and land permits
Car Parking at Margam Country Park??***
Event Medal
Physiotherapy and Emergency First Aid Cover
Electronic Timing
Checkpoints with refreshments
GPS file and marked route map
Enter
Entries open below.