Winter Celtic Trail Races
Celtic Trail Races 16th December 2023
With new looped routes for the ultra, a full marathon distance course and the already established classic linear half marathon race, the Celtic Trail races 2023 promise to be another exciting adventure! The route takes in areas of the Afan Forest and Rhigos mountain range, and finishes along the popular sections of 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 dramatic, rugged routes follow 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 finish at the beautiful Dare Valley Country Park.
- The Celtic Ultra is a circular
route starting and finishing in Dare Valley Park - 34 miles - 5194 ft ascent.
- The Celtic Trail Marathon is a circular
route starting and finishing at Dare Valley Country park. 26 miles - 3050
ft ascent.
- The Celtic Trail Half Marathon is a linear
route 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
Please note there are 2 event base post codes:
The post code for Dare Valley Park visitor centre, registration for all events, start/finish line, and event parking for the ultra marathon and marathon runners is at CF44 7RG.
The event car parking for the half marathon participants is located at the rear entrance to Dare Valley park at CF44 8UH.
Start Times and Locations
The Celtic ultra race starts at 0800 from Dare Valley Country park
The Celtic trail race starts at 1000 from Dare Valley Country park.
The Celtic Half marathon starts at 1130 from
Resolven Rugby Club
Ardwin Terrace
Resolven
NEATH
SA11 4HH
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 marathon and 3 for the half marathon. They provide high energy refreshments including water, fruit, sweets, biscuits & crisps to keep you going.
Transport for the Half Marathon Race
As the half marathon race 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.
As the ultra and marathon races are circular in 2023 you DO NOT need coach transfer.
Time Limit
All courses close at 6pm giving very generous time limits for the event as set out below-
Ultra- 10 hours, trail marathon 8 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. One look at the snow in the photos should tell you need to be prepared! 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
0630 Car Park opens at Dare Valley
0645-0745 Registration for Ultra at Dare Valley Park
0745 Ultra Race Brief
0800 Ultra Race Start
1800 All Courses Close
Celtic Trail Marathon Race Times
0845-0945 Registration for Celtic Trail Marathon Race, Dare Valley Park
0945 Race Brief
1000 Celtic Marathon Race Start
1800 All Courses Close
Celtic Trail Half Marathon Race Times
0930-1015 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
1115 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
Marathon race (26 miles) £34
Half Marathon race (13 miles) £26
Race Optional Extras
Refund Protect (to give you a full refund in the event you are injured)
Plant a tree £6
Coach Transport £8 Half Marathon Racers ONLY
Event T-shirt £12
Event Hoodie £35
Donation to Wales Air Ambulance
Additional Donation to CAVRA
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 & banter 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 via the sientries entry system.