Celtic FAQs

Celtic Trail Races- FAQs
1)-Do I need to carry all the compulsory kit?
YES. On all race courses you must carry all the compulsory kit. 
For the compulsory kit list click here.

2)-I am in a team, do all team members need to carry all the compulsory kit?
YES all team members must carry the whole kit. This includes all of it... first aid kit, map, compass…all of it!

3)-Will there be a kit check?
Yes. You will be required to show a number of random items from your kit before you are allowed to register and receive your race number.  
No kit = No number. You have been warned!
All podium finishers will also be kit checked at the end.

4)-How hard is the navigation?
The route is marked with a combination of running signs, red and white flags and red and white tape. As long as you pay attention at junctions and turnings you will follow it easily. People only generally miss a sign f they are not paying attention of are talking! You also receive a map with the route marked on it so if you do miss a marker you can find your way back onto the course. There is a GPS file on the webpage which you must download onto a mobile phone app, gps device such as a running watch or handheld unit. Please wait until the week before so you have the most up to date version!

5)- When will entries close?
Two weeks before the event date or before if the event sells out.  

6)- What are the entry limits?
200 entrants for the Ultra.
200 entrants for the Marathon.
200 entrants for the half marathon race.

Please note this event sold out in 2023!

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

8)- Can I enter & pay on the day?
No, you must register using the online registration system at sientries system. 

9)-I can’t do the event, can I have a refund or transfer to a different race?
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. 
 
10)- I can’t race can I transfer my entry to a friend?
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.  

11)-Will I receive a medal for completing the event?
Yes you will receive a medal for completing the event. If you would like an event t-shirt you have the option of ordering one when you sign up. You also have the option of ordering a lovely event Hoody (to keep you warm afterwards). T-shirts cost £15 and Hoodies cost £350 and will be available for collection from the event base at Dare Valley Park at either registration or after the finish. 
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 13.5 miles of the marathon-course, but drop out or are timed out you will not receive an 13.5 mile course medal.

12)- Can I walk the challenge?
Yes the race is open to runners and walkers that can maintain the pace to reach the cut off times.
The Ultra Race time limit for the whole race is 10 hours at 1800.  
The marathon race time limit for the whole race is 9 hours at 1800.
The Half Marathon Race has a time limit for the whole race is 67 hours at 1800.

13)- Are there cut off times and what happens if I miss the cut off times?
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. 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. 

14)- What is the terrain like and what type of trainers should I wear?
The terrain is 95% trail with a combination of fast forest tracks, single track, grassy trails, hard rock trails and some tarmac trails. 
The best type of trainer for the Celtic route would be a trail trainer which is comfortable suitable for hard ground trails. A fell shoe would be overly aggressive for the route. Whilst your trainer should have good grip we would recommend comfort and cushioning/protection as the most important aspect for this race.  
A road shoe would be unsuitable for some of the more technical, gravel and downhill sections and and is not permitted. 

15)-What times do the buses leave and how do they work?
For the half marathon 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 Half Marathon bus leaves Dare Valley Park at 0945 on Saturday morning.

As all other routes are circular starting and finishing at dare valley park you do not need to add bus transport.
 
16)- When will final event details be sent out?
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. 

17)- Where are the Checkpoints and what is available?
The 2023 (and provisional 2024) checkpoint locations are listed below. 

Ultramarathon Checkpoints
CP1 = 5k / 270m
CP2 = 11k / 460m
CP3 = 20.5k / 780m
CP4 = 30k / 860m  (cut off 1330)
CP5 = 39k / 1440m  (cut off 1500)
CP6 = 47k / 1670m (cut off 1630)
CP7 = 51k / 1670m (cut off 1730)
(distance in kilometres / ascent in meters)

Trail Marathon Checkpoints
CP1 = 5k / 270m
CP2 = 11k / 460m
CP3 = 20.5k / 780m
CP4 = 28k / 880m  (cut off 1500)
CP5 = 34k / 1100m (cut off 1630)
CP6 =  38.5k / 1150m (cut off 1730)
(distance in kilometres / ascent in meters)

Trail Half Marathon Checkpoints
CP1 = 6k / 430m (cut off 1500)
CP2 = 13k / 660m (cut off 1630)
CP3 = 17k / 700m (cut off 1730)
(distance in kilometres / ascent in meters)

Water will be at each checkpoint. As is standard in trail races and as per your compulsory kit you will be required to fill up your water bottle. There will not be any plastic cups for water-you must bring your own or use your water bottle. 
You can expect a mixture of energy drink, squash, sweets, biscuits, oranges, crisps. If you would like anything else please bring it with you. 

18)- Where are the best places for my friends and family to support?
Much of the race is in the forest, so the best locations for supporters is to park near the checkpoints usually where the route crosses roads, and then walk into the forest. If you intend on walking in the Forest please ensure you have suitable clothing and a suitable map as the forest can become a maze and it is easy to become disorientated!
 
-The start and finish locations offer good viewing places (addresses on the event home page).
-Rhigos Mountain Pass Mynydd Beili-glas, off A4061 [PLEASE DO NOT BLOCK THE RUNNERS OR THE ACCESS TO THE CHECKPOINT] 


19)- The GPS file does not open?
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.

20)- Is there a drop bag facility?  
There are no drop bags on the course. 
You should bring a finish line bag with a warm change of clothes for after the race which can be left at dare valley park.

21) -Are dogs aloud on the event?
Sorry, but due to the race route crossing through fields with livestock and event insurance issues dogs are not aloud to run with you on the course. Dogs are more than welcome at the event base, but please keep them on a lead if heading onto the farmlands and fields which surround the park.
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