Vale Coastal Trail Races

Saturday 5th April 2025

The Vale of Glamorgan Ultra and Coastal Races are the original ultra marathon and trail races along the Vale of Glamorgan Coastline, now proudly in their 10th year!  The Ultra race is a 32.5 mile linear trail race along the entire coast of the Vale of Glamorgan.  The Vale Trail 18.5 (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 Route

The Ultra race starts at 0800 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 traves along the breathtaking Glamorgan Heritage Coast with its dramatic cliffs, amazing rock formations, romantic coves and rolling countryside. 

The 18.5 mile race starts at 1030 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 1045 and joins both the ultra and 18.5 mile routes as they pass across Llantwit beach.

Map and Gps

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

Navigation

The route follows the marked Wales Coast Path along the entire route.  The Vale portion of the Wales Coast 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 Coast Path signs, so as long as you follow the clifftop and sign posts it is very simple. Where it is particularly tricky or if you have to leave the coast path we have added extra running markers and flags.

Checkpoints

There are 5 manned checkpoints for the Ultra, 3 for the 18.5 mile 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 on the main website page.

Transport

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 18.5 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. Please remember bus spaces are limitted and on a first come first serve base.

Time Limit

The time limit for the ultra race is 10 hours (6pm) so it is suitable for anyone who can maintain a running / walking pace to complete the event within that time frame.  You should always include stopping at checkpoints in your estimation of your time management.  The time limit for the 18.5  and 10 mile trail races is 7 and 1/4 hours.  If you are in any doubt about your ability to complete the ultra race in the 10 hour time limit you should enter the shorter distance and have an enjoyable day.  Please also remember that race distances are approximate i.e. 'country miles'.

Compulsory Kit

There is a compulsory kit list that must be carried.  This may vary depending on the conditions, but you should come prepared to have ALL the compulsory kit.  This can be viewed here. 

Timetable -including Start, Coach Pick up and Registration Times

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

1045- Trail 10mile Race Start Llantwit Major Beach

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.

Ultra race only (£45)

Trail 18.5 race only (£35)

Trail 10 race only (£32)

Coach Transport (£10)

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

What your entry fee includes

Participation in the original Vale Of Glamorgan Ultra Races

Checkpoints well stocked with refreshments

Event buff

Finishers medal

Electronic timing

Emergency first aid cover

Free race photographs and banter from Tosh

Optional Extras

Custom technical Race T-shirt (£15)

Custom Race Hoodie (£35)

Spaces

There are 500 spaces for the Ultra

500 spaces for the Trail 18

200 spaces for the Trail 10