The Vale of Glamorgan Ultra and Coastal Races are the original trail races along the Vale of Glamorgan Coastline, now proudly in their 8th year!  The Ultra race is a 32 mile linear route along the entire coast of the Vale of Glamorgan.  The Vale Trail 18 (or mini ultra as it has fondly become known!) is an 18.5 mile run along the Coast Path passing through the Glamorgan Heritage Coast and the Vale Trail 10 follows the last 10 miles of both races.  

The Ultra Race starts at 08:00 on the Saturday morning from Penarth Pier. 

From here the route follows the Wales Coastal Path, almost entirely on trail.  It hugs the clifftop passing numerous hidden and rugged bays all the way to the splendid beachside resort of Ogmore-by-sea. The route itself passes 19 beaches, with the final 14 miles travelling along the Glamorgan Heritage Coast with its dramatic cliffs, amazing rock formations, romantic coves and rolling countryside. 

The 18.5 mile race starts at 10.30 at in the shadow of the viaduct at Porthkerry Park, Barry, joining the Ultra route on the seashore at Porthkerry.

The 10 mile route starts at 10.30 and joins both the 32 and 18 mile routes as they pass across Llantwit beach.

An interactive map and gps file is available for each race distance at the links at the bottom of the page.

(To download the gps click on 'actions', then 'export' and follow the onscreen prompts). 

The route follows the marked Wales Coastal Path along the entire route.  The Vale portion of the Wales Coastal Path is the closest to the sea and the route is very easy to follow.  Whilst the route is self navigation it is very well marked with Wales Coastal Path Signs, so as long as you follow the clifftop and sign posts it is very simple.  It is possible to navigate the route completely using the Coast Path signs but all competitors will be provided with a marked map and detailed route explanations to help you find your way around the course.  Where it is particularly tricky or if you have to leave the coast path we have added extra running markers and flags.

There are 5 manned checkpoints for the Ultra, 3 for the 18.5mile Trail Race and 2 for the 10 mile race, which will provide water, energy drinks, squash, sweets, biscuits, oranges, crisps.  Details of where the checkpoints are can be seen on the FAQ page. The link is at the bottom of this page.

As the route is linear you will need to either get dropped off and picked up or park your car at Ogmore-by-sea beach car park and catch one of the busses provided to the start of the event.  The provisional timings (please note these may change, full details will be confirmed in the pre-race email) for the busses are:

For the Ultra leaving Ogmore-by-sea at 0630

For the Trail 18 leaving Ogmore-by-Sea at 0900

For the Trail 10 leaving Ogmore-by-Sea at 0930  

If you want to catch the bus you need to select this option when you sign up. You will be able to leave a drop bag at the start that will be transported to the finish for you.

The time limit for the event is 10 hours (6pm) so it is suitable for anyone who can maintain a good running / walking pace of 3.2mph.  The time limit for the 18.5 course is 7 1/2 hours so is suitable for anyone who can maintain 2.5mph! There are generous cut off times- we give you 4 hours to get to 13.5 miles!

There is a compulsory kit list that must be carried. This may vary depending on the conditions. This can be viewed here. 

Friday 

1200-2000 Registration for both races in Up and Under Outdoor, Cowbridge Road, Canton, Cardiff.

Saturday

0530-0630 Registration for Ultra and Trail Races- Ogmore By Sea Rivermouth Car Park

0630- Coach Collection for Ultra Runners from Ogmore By Sea Rivermouth Car Park

0730- Ultra Race Brief Penarth Pier 

0800- Ultra Race Start on Penarth Pier

0730-0850 Registration for 18.5 mile & 10 mile trail Races -Ogmore by Sea Rivermouth Car Park

0900- Coach collection for 18.5 mile trail race from Ogmore By Sea Rivermouth Car Park 

0930- Coach collection for 10 mile trail Race from Ogmore By Sea Rivermouth Car Park

1000- Trail 18.5mile Race Brief at Porthkerry Park, Barry

1000- Trail 10mile Race Brief at Llantwit Major Beach

1030- Trail 18.5mile Race Start Porthkerry Park, Barry

1030- Trail 10mile Race Start Llantwit Major Beach

1800- All Courses Close

There are three race distance options available for competitors. There is also the option of adding coach transport from the finish to the start.

Ultra (32 mile) race only (£38)

Trail 18 race only (£30)

Trail 10 race only (£28)

Coach Transport (£10)

You can select the appropriate options when you sign up to the event online.

Participation in the original Vale Of Glamorgan Ultra Races

Checkpoints well stocked with refreshments

Event Buff

Finishers Medal

Electronic Timing

Emergency First Aid Cover from CAVRA

Race Photographs and Banter From Tosh

Custom Technical Race T-shirt (£10)

Custom Cotton Race T-shirt (£6)

Custom Race Hoodie (£30)

Plant a Tree (£6)

There are 500 spaces for the Ultra

500 spaces for the Trail 18

200 spaces for the Trail 10

Please note that these races have sold out in every previous year-so don't delay!

Entries for the April 2023 events are opening soon.