Dare Valley Trail Races 2023
Dare Valley Trail Races
Saturday 10th June 2023
The Dare Valley Trail Races are 3 long distance, circular, off-road running races starting and finishing in Dare Valley Country Park. They explore the huge forest landscape surrounding the Rhigos mountain range and Llanwonno Forest. Whichever route you choose, you will encounter forest trails, open farmland and fast, fun single tracks. You'll also be treated to dramatic views across the Brecon Beacons, South Wales coast and the Welsh Valleys.
There are 3 race distances to choose from all of which are circular and finish at the beautiful Dare Valley Country Park in Aberdare.
- The Dare Valley Marathon - 26.5miles - 4200ft ascent
- The Dare Valley Half Marathon - 13.5 miles - 2000ft ascent
- The Dare Valley 10k - 6.5 miles - 1000ft ascent
All courses are FULLY MARKED.
Race distances are approximate ('country miles').
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
Please note there are 2 event base post codes
Event Car Parking - CF44 8UH
Dare Valley Park visitor centre, registration, start/finish line - CF44 7RG
Start Times
- The Dare Valley Marathon - 0800
- The Dare Valley Half Marathon - 1000
- The Dare Valley Trail Race 10k - 1130
Navigation
The routes are FULLY MARKED with a combination of running arrows, flags and marking tape. Safety 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 marathon, 3 for the half and 1 for the 10k. They provide high energy refreshments including water, fruit, sweets, biscuits & crisps to keep you going.
Time Limit
All courses close at 4pm giving very generous time limits for the event as set out below-
Marathon- 8 hours, Half marathon - 6 hours, 10k - 4.5 hours - so they are suitable for anyone who can maintain a good running / walking pace. 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 and Registration Times
Saturday
Dare Valley Marathon Race Times
0615 Car Park Opens at Dare Valley
0630-0730 Registration for Marathon
0745 Marathon Race Brief
0800 Marathon Race Start
1600 All Courses Close
Dare Valley Half Marathon Race Times
0830-0930 Registration for Half Marathon
0945 Race Brief
1000 Half Marathon Race Start
1600 All Courses Close
Dare Valley 10k Race Times
1015-1100 Registration for 10k Dare Valley Park
1115 Race Brief
1130 10k Race Start
1600 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.
Dare Valley Marathon Race (26.5 miles) £35
Dare valley Half Marathon (13.5 miles) £30
Dare valley trail 10k (6.5 miles) £25
Race Optional Extras
Refund Protect (to give you a full refund in the event you are injured)
Plant a tree £6
Event T-shirt £10
Event Hoodie £35
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
Physiotherapy and Emergency First Aid Cover
Car parking at Dare Valley Park
Electronic timing
Checkpoints with water and refreshments
Marked route and land permits
GPS file and marked route map
Enter
Entries open via sientries on the link below.