PCP FAQs
PCP - FAQs
1)- How much ascent is there in the route ?
There is,
approximately 6300
meters ascent for the 100miler race
approximately 2900 meters ascent for the 50mile race
approximately 1850 meters ascent for the 32mile (50k) race
approximately 0950 meters ascent for the 22mile race
2)-I am in a team, do all team members need to carry all the compulsory kit?
YES all team members must carry the whole kit. This includes all of it... first aid kit, map, compass…all of it!
3)-Will there be a kit check?
Yes. You will be required to show a number of random items at an undisclosed location on the course.
All podium finishers will also be kit checked at the end.
4)-How hard is the navigation?
The route is signposted with excellant Pembrokeshire coast path and Wales coast path signs, and Run Walk Crawl arrows around for any sections which you leave the coast path to enter checkpoints. The Wales coast path arrows are excellent and it is possible to follow the path just using these. In addition to the route markings you will receive a marked map and online route brief providing clear guidance on important navigation landmarks to lookout for. You should download the Gps file onto your watch, smartphone or hand held device. View our short online video presentation explaining the steps required to upload the route onto the outdoorgps smart phone app here. If you lose your way or come off the route you can easily find your way back to it using the map or gps device.
The sections where you leave the Coast Park will be well marked with illuminous flags, tape and arrows.
5)- When will entries close?
Two weeks before the event or earlier if the event sells out.
6)- What are the entry limits?
200 spaces for each event
7)- Is there a reserve list?
No - There is no reserve list for the event. Once the entry limits have been reached there are no extra spaces available.
8)- Can I enter & pay on the day?
No, you must register using the online registration system at sientries system.
9)-I can’t do the event, can I have a refund or transfer to a different race?
As per our terms and conditions 'If competitors withdraw prior to the event, the following costs are incurred'
5 months before the event, 75% of entry fee will be refunded OR you can transfer the remaining cost (75% of entry fee) off a different event.
2 months before the event, 50% of entry fee will be refunded OR you can transfer the remaining cost (50% of entry fee) to a different race.
1 month before the event, no Refunds or Transfers to another race are available .
You can transfer your place to another participant until two weeks prior to the race day.
10)- I can’t race can I transfer my entry to a friend?
As per our terms and conditions. You can transfer your place up until 2 weeks before the event. After this date there is strictly no transfers available.
11)-Will I receive a medal for completing the event?
All competitors who complete the full course they entered within the time limit will receive a finishers medal.
For the avoidance of doubt - you will not receive a 50mile medal if you started the 100mile race and completed half of it! You will only receive a medal for completing the race you started.
12)- Can I walk the challenge?
The race is open to runners and fast walkers that can maintain the pace to reach the cut off times and complete the course in the time limit.
13)- Are there cut off times and what happens if I miss the cut off times?
As with all reputable ultramarathons around the world that follow ultra running event best practice there are cut off times at checkpoints. Please remember the cut off times are not there as pacing guidance and you should not aim to arrive (or leave) each checkpoint exactly on the cut-off as this strategy does not work
due to the inevitable and natural slowing down that occurs in demanding ultramarathons. We highly recommend aiming to get ahead of the cut-offs - but ultimately it is your responsibility to set your own speed (based on training) in order to pass through each checkpoint before it closes.
If you miss the cut off time, then you will be retired from the event.
In addition if you are behind the pace required to get to the next checkpoint on time the safety team may collect you before the checkpoint.
Cut off times and checkpoint distances can be found at FAQ 17 below.
14)- What is the terrain like and what type of trainers should I wear?
It is a mixture of hard trail, sand, muddy trail, tarmac, grass, mud. A trail trainer suitable for the distance would be best.
We would recommend a comfortable trail trainer with good tread. The tread does not need to be super aggressive like a fell/mud running shoe) and we would advise going for a hybrid/hard trail running shoe. Examples are the Hoka challenger atr or Speedgoat, the inov 8 Trailtalon or Roclite, the La sportive Ultra Raptor or Akasha, The Saucony Perigrine, or the Scott Kinabalu or Supertrac Ultra. Obviously, shoe choice is highly individual and depends on weather conditions. We would also recommend a change of shoes / socks at strategic locations around the course.
As there are sections of the course with lots of sand, some competitors choose to use gaiters for part of the route. Additionally, it is worth considering your shoe and sock change strategy.
15)-Is there a drop bag facility?
For the PCP 100 mile race there are 3 checkpoints where your drop bag is available.
Drop Bag 1- CP3 Fishguard 45km.
Drop Bag 2- CP6 White Sands 97km.
Drop Bag 4- CP10 Broad Haven 135km.
For the PCP 50 there is one drop bag available at the half way checkpoint at CP5 Broad Haven 54km.
The drop bag will be collected at the race start, it should be no bigger than 20 litres and 10kg.
There are no drop bags for the 50k or trail race.
16)- When will final event details be sent out?
All final event details will be sent out to the e-mail address you registered with 1 week before the event date.
The Gps file and any further information will then be sent out the Monday before the race.
The majority of information is found on the event webpage or in the FAQs on this page.
If you have not received the details please check your junk e-mail folders, and check your e-mail address you registered with is correct. If you still haven't received it then please e-mail or contact us.
We will also post the event details on the website, and Facebook page one week before the event.
17)- Where are the Checkpoints and what is the cut offs?
There are 12 manned checkpoints for the PCP100 race, 7 checkpoints for the PCP50mile race, 5 checkpoints for the PCP ultra bach 50k, and 3 for the PCP 22 mile trail race which will provide a mixture of sweet and savoury snacks and hot and cold drinks. Provisional checkpoints for each race can be seen below:-
PCP 22mile trail race Checkpoints
START Newgale
CP1 9.5k / 400m
CP2 St Brides 19.5 / 800m
CP3 Martin's Haven 26.5k / 1050m
Finish Dale 80k / 2900m 50.5k / 1850m 35k / 950m
PCP 50k Ultra bach Checkpoints
START St Davids
CP1 Solva 7k / 200m
CP2 Newgale 14.5 / 500m
CP3 Broad Haven 24.5k / 900m
CP4 St Brides 35k / 1300m
CP5 Martin's Haven 41.5k / 1550m
Finish Dale 50.5k / 1850m
PCP 50mile Checkpoints
Start 50 Porthgain
CP1 Whitesands 15k/600m
CP2 St Davids 27k/950m
CP3 Solva 34k / 1150m
CP4 Newgale 43k / 1500m
CP5 Broad Haven 54k / 1900m
CP6 St Brides 63k / 2300m 35k
CP7 Martin's Haven 70k / 2550m
Finish Dale 80k / 2900m 50.5k / 1850m 35k / 950m
PCP 100mile Checkpoints
Start St Dogmeals
CP1 Moylgrove 14k / 600m
CP2 Newport Parrog 27.5k / 1300m
CP3 Fishguard 45k / 2000m
CP4 Pwll Du 64k / 2700m
CP5 Porthgain 82k / 3450m
CP6 Whitesands 97k / 4100m
CP7 St Davids 110k / 4400m
CP8 Solva 117k / 4600m
CP9 Newgale 125k / 4950m
CP10 Broad Haven 135k / 5050m
CP11 St Brides 145k / 5750m
CP12 Martin's Haven 152k / 6000m
Finish Dale 160.5k / 6300m
*Note distances are approximate and rounded.
18)- What time and location is registration?
PCP 100 mile race registration is in St Dogmeals between 1030-1130 on Friday.
PCP 50 mile registration is in Dale on Friday between 1800-2100 or Saturday in Dale between 0500-0530.
PCP 50k registration is in Dale on Friday between 1800-2100 or Saturday in Dale between 0630-0715.
PCP 22 mile Trail race registration is in Dale on Friday between 1800-2100 or Saturday in Dale between 0730-0815.
19)- The GPS file does not open?
To access a gps file you will first need to save the relevant file to your computer. To do this right click on the download and choose 'save as' and save it to your computer. In order to view / use the file it will have to be imported onto a device that allows you to view & use it. Please Note-If you open the file on your computer it will appear blank / full of gibberish! It can only be viewed by importing it onto a gps device (eg Garmin Fenix, Suunto Ambit etc) or by viewing it using a computer program that will access the information.
20)- Will I receive a map and copy of route description?
Yes, you will receive a map at registration with the route and checkpoints marked on it. This will be 1;50,000 scale so if you would like a more detailed/larger version you should bring one with you.
21)- Will I be tracked?
There will be gps trackers for both the 100mile and 50mile gps races from open tracking. The link will be sent out will be sent out the week before the event. For the Ultra bach 50k and trail race there is no gps tracking, but supporters will be able to follow runners around the course.
22)- Where are the best places for my friends and family to support?
More information about the best locations to support will be sent out with the pre-event notes 1 week before the event. However, one of the best parts of the route is the great facilities for spectators along the entire route.
24)- Can you use local shops around the course to buy supplies/refreshments?
Yes this is acceptable, although please do not rely on them being open and ensure you carry enough food for between checkpoints.
25)- Are there any bonus miles?
All good ultra races have a few extra miles- you can add more by not paying attention to the route brief!
26 )- Are support crews or support runners aloud?
Support Crews (teams) are acceptable for all race distances - these are people who can meet you on the route with extra provisions / kit. Support crews must strictly follow the guidance as identified in the checkpoint guide and avoid certain checkpoint locations.
Support runners or a pacer is someone who runs the course alongside you.
Support runners (pacers) are acceptable and encouraged for the 100 mile competitors.
For all other race distances (50mile, 50km, 22 mile) support runners / pacers are NOT acceptable and anyone seen to be gaining an unfair advantage by running with a supporter will be disqualified.