Trail and Ultra Running in Wales

Winter Christmas Celtic Trail Races

Christmas Celtic Trail Races - 18th December 2021

The Celtic Trail Races are three exciting trail running races following the old high level route the 'Coed Morgannwg Way' and exciting fast forest trails around the Rhigos and Lluest-wen Reservior.

The Coed Morgannwg way is a dramatic route following ancient tracks of Celtic origin, with amazing views across the Brecon Beacons, The Black Mountain, South Wales Valleys, and South Wales Coast . The route goes through woodlands, pastures, moorland and mountainsides. It is a fast, fun, runnable route following some of Wales hidden trails.

There are 3 race distances to choose from-

-The Celtic Ultra is a 32/34 mile route.

-The Celtic Trail Race is a 21 mile route.

-The Celtic Trail Half Marathon is a 13 mile linear route circling the Lluest-wen Reservior.

All courses are FULLY MARKED.

The Route

For Winter 2021 edition all race routes are now circular, starting and finishing at Dare Valley Country Park.

Map and Gps

For an interactive map and gps file is available at the link at the bottom of the page.

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

Event Base, Car Parking, Start and Finish Location

Dare Valley Country Park

Aberdare

Rhondda Cynon Taff

CF44 7RG

For Directions and more information click here.

Start Times and Locations

Celtic Half Marathon starts at 1100

Celtic Trail 20 race start at 0900

Celtic Ultra starts at 0730

Navigation

The routes are FULLY MARKED with a combination of running arrows, flags and marking tape.

Checkpoints

There are 6 manned checkpoints for the Ultra, 4 for the Trail 20, and 3 for the Half Marathon. They will provide refreshments including water, oranges, energy drinks, sweets, biscuits & crisps to keep you going.

Time Limit

All courses close at 530pm giving very generous time limits for the event as set out below-

Ultra- 10 hours, Trail 20- 8.5 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!

Compulsory Kit

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

Timetable -including Start, Coach Pick up and Registration Times

Saturday

Celtic Ultra Race Times

0600 Car Park Opens at Dare Valley

0600-0630 Registration for Ultra at Dare Valley Park

0645 - Coach Collection

0715-0730- Registration for those that have pre-booked via e-mail at the start location (note- not accessible if using coach)

0730 Coach Arrives at L&A Outdoors, Goytre

0745 Ultra Race Brief

0800 Ultra Race Start

1800 All Courses Close

Celtic Trail 21 Race Times

0815-0845 Registration for Celtic Trail 21 Race Dare Valley Park

0850 Coach collection for Trail 21 Race

0945-1000 Registration for those that have pre-booked via e-mail in Afan (note- not available if using coach)

1000 Coach Arrives at Afan Argoed

1015 Race Brief

1030 Celtic Trail 20 Race Start

1800 All Courses Close

Celtic Trail Half Marathon Race Times

0830-1015 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

1120 Race Brief

1130 Celtic Trail Half Marathon Race Start

1800 All Courses Close

Prices

There are three race distance options available for competitors. There is also the option of adding coach transport from the finish to the start and adding an event t-shirt.

Ultra (32 mile) Race only £38

Trail 20 Race only £32

Half Marathon only £28

Event T-shirt £8

Event Hoodie £30

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

What your entry fee includes

Marked Route and land permits

Free Car Parking at Dare Valley Park

Event Medal

Physiotherapy and Emergency First Aid Cover

Electronic Timing