Celtic Trail Races 14th December 2024

Close out the year with this exciting and festive trail running adventure! Now in its 5th year, the Celtic trail races offer a 50k ultra, full marathon and classic linear half marathon race. 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 Rugby Club - 13 miles - 2200 ft ascent.

All courses are FULLY MARKED. 

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 0900 from Dare Valley Country park.

The Celtic Half marathon starts at 1100 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 7 manned checkpoints for the Ultra, 6 for the Trail 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 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 7 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

0615 Car Park opens at Dare Valley

0630-0730 Registration for Ultra at Dare Valley Park

0745 Ultra Race Brief on start line

0800 Ultra Race Start

1800 All Courses Close 

Celtic Trail Marathon Race Times 

0730-0830 Registration for Celtic Marathon Race at Dare Valley Park

0845 Race Brief

0900 Celtic Marathon Race Start

1800 All Courses Close

Celtic Trail Half Marathon Race Times 

0830-0930 Registration for Celtic Half marathon Dare Valley Park

0945-Coach collection for Celtic Half marathon from outside race HQ

1000-1015 Registration for those that have pre-booked via e-mail in Resolven RFC (note- not accessible if using coach)

1015-1030 Coach arrives at Resolven RFC

1045 Race Brief 

1100 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) £45

Marathon Race (26 miles) £38

Half Marathon (13 miles) £30

Race Optional Extras

Refund Protect (to give you a full refund in the event you are injured)

Coach Transport £9 Half Marathon Racers ONLY

Event T-shirt £15

Event Hoodie £35

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

What your entry fee includes

Race buff

Finishers medal 

Car parking at Dare Valley park

Free race photographs & banter from Tosh Simpkin

Mince pie & Christmas songs at the finish

Physiotherapy and emergency first aid cover

Electronic timing and safety tracking

Checkpoints with refreshments

Marked route and land permits

GPS file and marked route map

Organised by an experienced race team