YES. On the ultra, 18.5mile and 10mile courses you must carry all the compulsory kit. 

For the compulsory kit list click here.

YES all team members must carry the whole kit. This includes all of it... first aid kit, map, compass…all of it!

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.

In terms of navigation we would rate it as easy to follow for a competent navigator. The route is marked with Wales Coastal Path Signs, it follows the coast and there are lots of other runners on it. You also receive a map with the route marked on it and there is a GPS file on the webpage which you can download. We also add some extra signs along the route.

Midnight on Saturday 1 week before the race date of before if the event sells out.  

400 entrants for the Ultra

400 entrants for the 18.5 mile

200 entrants for the 10 mile

NO - There is no reserve list for the event. Once the entry limits have been reached there are no extra spaces available. 

No, you must register using the online registration system at sientries system. 

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. 

 

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.  

Yes you will receive a medal and a race t-shirt when you finish the challenge?

For the avoidance of doubt you will not receive a medal if you do not complete the relevant course in the given time frame. For example, if you complete 20 miles of the ultra course, but drop out or are timed out you will not receive an 18.5 mile course medal.

Yes the race is open to runners and walkers that can maintain the pace to reach the cut off times. If you are in any doubt of your ability to complete the event within the cut offs we recommend either entering the shorter distance or alternatively test yourself on the first parts of the course before entering. 

The Ultra Race time limit for the whole race is 10 hours. 1800  

The 18.5 mile race time limit for the whole race is 7.5 hours. 1800

The 10 mile race time limit for the whole race is 7 and a quarter hours. 1800

There are strict cut off times at various checkpoints. The below times will strictly be enforced. 

If you miss the cut off times, then you will be retired from the event. They are very generous we give you approximately 4 hours for a half marathon. If you are doubtful of weather, you can reach the cut off times for the ultra you should enter the shorter course- or recce the first section to Porthkerry park.

1130- The Knap CP2 12.5miles

14.30 Llantwit Beach Checkpoint- All Races-

17:15 Southerndown - All Races

Please note it would be an unsuitable strategy to plan your pacing exactly to meet these cut off times and instead you should aim to get significantly ahead of these wherever possible. Additionally please remember that in ultra and trail race all race distances are referred to as 'country miles', meaning that they are approximate and trying to plan an exact pacing strategy is not appropriate.  

The terrain is mixed/light trail. This means it combines grassy trails, hard rock trails, tarmac trails, with some road sections mainly around Barry. The last 14 miles of the courses are on the Glamorgan Heritage Coast which is almost entirely soft trail along cliff top fields, and paths. 

The best type of trainer for the vale route would be a trail trainer which is comfortable for road sections. These are commonly referred to as ‘citytrail’, ‘light trail’ or ‘hybrid’ trainers.

If there is a lot of rain in the preceding days then a more aggressive trail trainer with better grip would be best. 

A full fellrunning shoe would be overkill especially on the Ultra. A road shoe would be unsuitable for some of the more technical and muddy sections especially on the descents near cliffs!

If it is extremely wet and muddy a very grippy fell style shoe would be fine for the 10mile course.

You park at the finish and the bus takes you to the start. You then run back to the finish. This is so that when you have finished your car is their ready for you. 

The ultra bus leaves Ogmore by Sea Car Park at 0630 on Saturday morning and drops off at Penarth Pier at 0710.

The 18.5 mile bus leaves Ogmore By Sea Car Park at 0900 on Saturday morning dropping off at Porthkerry Park at 0930.

The 10 mile bus leaves Ogmore By Sea Car Park at 0930 on Saturday morning dropping off at Llantwit Major at 0950.

All final event details will be sent out to the e-mail address you registered with 1 week before the event date. 

All other information is found on the event webpage or in the FAQs above.

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 then 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. 

Checkpoint locations are listed below.  The distances are: Ultra / 18.5 / 10 mile races.
1. Barry                5.5 miles (no toilets at CP, but toilets on Barry island)

2. The Knap        12.5 miles (toilets available) NOTE-New Location at the Knap for 2020

3. Aberthaw        18miles / 4.5 miles

4. Llantwit           23 miles / 9.5 miles (toilets available)

4.5 Nash Point    26 miles / 12.5 miles/ 4.5 miles (Water and Sweets Only)

5. Southerdown  29 miles / 15.5 miles/ 7.5miles (toilets available)

FInish - Ogmore 32 miles / 18.5 miles / 10miles (toilets available)

 

Water will be at each checkpoint. As is standard in Ultras and as per your compulsory kit you will be required to fill up your water bottle. There will not be plastic cups for water. 

A list of what will be at each checkpoint will be sent out with the final details.  You can expect a mixture of energy drink, squash, sweets, biscuits, oranges, and crisps. Please note race distances are approximate 'country miles'.

One of the best aspects of the Vale Coastal Races are the great opportunities for friends and family to support you around the course. The following is a list of the best and most accessible places. 

The ultra start – Penarth Pier CF64 3AU- 

The Knap CF62 6FF 

The 18 mile start - Porthkerry Park CF62 3BY

Llantwit Beach CF61 1RF

Nash Point CF61 1ZH

Southerdown (Dunraven Bay) CF 32 0TF

The finish – Ogmore-by Sea CF32 0PR

 A more detailed description of the above places will be sent out with the event details one week before the event.

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.

We will transfer one drop bag from the start of each course to the finish. You will not be able to access this bag during the race. This should be a maximum size of 15 litres, waterproof (as they will be stored outside) and should not contain any valuable or breakable items.

Of course. It is not a trail race without any free miles! Although how much more you do will be down to taking the optimum line around the course and the accuracy of your gps recording device.