Winter Celtic Trail Races
Celtic Trail Races 17th December 2022
The Celtic Trail Races are 3 long distance linear running races crossing the Afan Forest and Rhigos mountain range on the incredible high-level trail, the 'Coed Morgannwg Way'. On your journey through ancient woodlands you will pass hidden reservoirs, towering wind turbines and unrivalled views of the Brecon Beacons National Park. The route culminates in a dramatic, fast descent into a lively and festive finish at Dare Valley Country Park.
The Northern section of the Coed Morgannwg Way is a dramatic, rugged route following ancient tracks of Celtic origin, with amazing views across the Brecon Beacons, Black Mountain, South Wales Valleys and South Wales Coast. The route mainly follows wide forest tracks on some of South Wales' most hidden trails. There are sharp climbs, long fast descents, river crossings and sections of single track all with a wild and remote feel. The paths here, while fast and runnable, feel a little less travelled.
There are 3 race distances to choose from all of which are linear and finish at the beautiful Dare Valley Country Park.
- The Celtic Ultra - Starting at Goytre - 34 miles - 5194 ft ascent
- The Celtic Trail - Starting at Afan Argoed Forest Park - 21 miles - 3050 ft ascent
- The Celtic Trail Half Marathon - Starting at Resolven - 13 miles - 2200 ft ascent
All courses are FULLY MARKED.
Map and Gps
An interactive map and gps file is available at the link at the bottom of the page.
To download the gps file click on 'actions', then 'export' and follow the onscreen prompts.
Event Base, Car Parking and Finish Location
Dare Valley Country Park
Aberdare
Rhondda Cynon Taff
CF44 7RG
(Note. CF44 8UH is the postcode for the car park for 1/2 marathon competitors)
Start Times and Locations
Celtic Half Marathon
Race Starts at 1130 from
Resolven Rugby Club
Ardwin Terrace
Resolven
NEATH
SA11 4HH
Celtic Trail 21
Race Start at 1030 from
Afan Forest Park Visitors Centre
Port Talbot
SA13 3HG
Celtic Ultra
Starts at 0800 from
L & A Outdoor Centre
Goytre Rd
Goytre
Port Talbot
SA13 2YP
Navigation
The routes are FULLY MARKED with a combination of running arrows, flags and marking tape. Maps are provided, but most competitors tell us that they are not needed as the marking is comprehensive and easy to follow.
Checkpoints
There are 6 manned checkpoints for the Ultra, 4 for the Trail 21 and 3 for the Half Marathon. They provide high energy refreshments including water, fruit, sweets, biscuits & crisps to keep you going.
Transport
As the route is linear, you will need to get to the start of your race. Coach transport is provided (at an additional cost) and you can add it when you sign up. Alternatively you can get a lift to the start with supporters. Please note
it may not be able to add coach transport closer to the event as places are often limited, so please take time to consider your event logistics before you sign up! If you are taking the coach you will be able to take a small finish bag of 10 litres (in which to place warm kit that you won't need on the run) that will be transported back to the finish. There is also facility to leave bags at the finish.
Time Limit
All courses close at 6pm giving very generous time limits for the event as set out below-
Ultra- 10 hours, Trail 21- 7.5 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! Please be aware these routes are not flat and that you should take this into consideration when planning your timings.
Compulsory Kit
There is a compulsory kit list that must be carried. You will be required to bring ALL of the kit on the list, without exception. Please do not email asking if you will need it. The answer is YES, you will. The kit list can be viewed here.
Timetable -including Start, Coach Pick up and Registration Times
Saturday
Celtic Ultra Race Times
0600 Car Park opens at Dare Valley
0600-0640 Registration for Ultra at Dare Valley Park
0645 - Coach collection
0715-0730- Registration for those that have pre-booked via e-mail at the start location (note- not accessible if using coach)
0730 Coach arrives at L&A Outdoors, Goytre
0745 Ultra Race Brief
0800 Ultra Race Start
1800 All Courses Close
Celtic Trail 21 Race Times
0815-0845 Registration for Celtic Trail 21 Race Dare Valley Park
0900-Coach collection for Trail 21 Race
0945-1000- Registration for those that have pre-booked via e-mail in Afan (note- not available if using the coach)
1000 Coach arrives at Afan Argoed
1015 Race Brief
1030 Celtic Trail 21 Race Start
1800 All Courses Close
Celtic Trail Half Marathon Race Times
0915-1000 Registration for Celtic Half Race Dare Valley Park
1015-Coach collection for Celtic Half Race
1045-1100- Registration for those that have pre-booked via e-mail in Resolven RFC (note- not accessible if using coach)
1100 Coach arrives at Resolven RFC
1120 Race Brief
1130 Celtic Trail Half Marathon Race Start
1800 All Courses Close
Race Prices
There are three race distance options available for competitors. There is also the option of adding optional extras listed below.
Ultra Race (34 miles) £38
Trail Race (21 miles) £32
Half Marathon (13 miles) £28
Race Optional Extras
Refund Protect (to give you a full refund in the event you are injured)
Plant a tree £6
Coach Transport £8
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
Race Buff
Finishers medal
Free race photographs from Tosh Simpkin
Mince pies & Christmas songs at the finish
Physiotherapy and Emergency First Aid Cover
Car parking at Dare Valley Park
Electronic timing
Checkpoints with refreshments
Marked route and land permits
GPS file and marked route map
Organised by an experienced race team
Enter
Entries open below.