Taff Xtreme Marathon - FAQs
1)-Do I need to carry all the compulsory kit?
YES. You must carry or wear all the compulsory kit.
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 at an undisclosed location on the course.
All podium finishers will also be kit checked at the end.
4)-How hard is the navigation?
For a competent navigator using a combination of gps and map the route is easy to follow on logical paths and trails. If you struggle with navigation you should perform a recce of the route as minimum or consider entering the Brecon to Cardiff classic route which is well marked and very easy to follow.
5)- When will entries close?
Two weeks before the event or when if the event sells out.
6)- What are the entry limits?
300 entrants for the Taff Xtreme Marathon race
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.
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 when you finish the challenge? For the avoidance of doubt, medals will only be awarded to participants who complete the full course within the allocated time limit .
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.
There is a generous cut off time for the event of 12 hours (10pm).
13)- Are there cut off times and what happens if I miss the cut off times?
There are cut off times at various checkpoints.
If you miss the cut off times, then you will be retired from the event.
See Question 17 for Checkpoint information and cut off times.
14)- What is the terrain like and what type of trainers should I wear?
The route follows a mixture of paths, trails, forest roads and some tarmac to link sections. A trail trainer with excellent grip is a must for the route.
Our recommended approach would be to use a more comfortable trail shoe with good grip.
15)-What times do the buses leave and how do they work?
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.
PLEASE NOTE there is no transport provided from the finish after the race. Competitors will be expected to make their own way from the end of the race, or be picked up by friends / supporters. The coach for the Taff Xtreme marathon runners leaves from Nantgarw for Brecon at 0830 please be at the car park with your race kit and ready to leave before this time. Please ensure you have booked your coach transport if you require it as spaces are limitted.
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 checkpoints will provide water to fill your bottles and a mixture of sweet and savoury treats. If you would like anything else to eat then we advise that you carry it with you. The provisional checkpoints are at at the following distances.
Note the cut off time are in brackets (race time / time of day)
CP1. Aberaman 6 miles Water, sweets, biscuits, crisps, fruit, chocolate, energy drink.
CP2. Llanwonno 10 miles (7 hours/1700) Water, sweets, biscuits, crisps, chocolate bars, fruit, energy drink.
CP3. Pontypridd 19.5 miles (10 hours/2000) Water, sweets, biscuits, crisps, tea / coffee, sausage & chips.
Finish. 26 miles (12 hours/2200).
18)- Is there a drop bag facility?
There are no drop bags for the Taff Xtreme Marathon
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)- What time is registration?
Registration for the Taff Xtreme Marathon runners is on Saturday afternoon from 1600-1900, or on Sunday morning between 0730-0830.
Coleg y Cymoedd
Heol Cronchendy
Parc Nantgarw
Nantgarw
CF15 7QX
Please Note all registration will be in Nantgarw at the above address and there is NO registration in merthyr.