Vale Coastal Trail Races

24th April 2027

The Vale of Glamorgan Ultra and Coastal Races are the original trail and ultra events along this stunning stretch of coastline – and now proudly in their 12th year!

Vale Ultra (32.5 miles): A point-to-point journey along the entire Vale of Glamorgan Coast Path.

Vale Trail 18.5 (“Mini Ultra”): A spectacular 18.5-mile run through the Glamorgan Heritage Coast.

Vale Trail 10: The perfect entry race, following the final 10 miles of both longer routes.

The Route

Vale Ultra

The Ultra sets off at 09:00 on Saturday morning from Penarth Pier.  From the start, the route follows the Wales Coast Path, almost entirely on trail, hugging the clifftops and revealing a chain of hidden, rugged bays.  Along the way, runners pass 19 beaches, with the final 14 miles along the spectacular Glamorgan Heritage Coast – a section famed for its dramatic cliffs, striking rock formations, secluded coves, and rolling countryside.

Vale Trail 18.5

Starting at 10:45 in Porthkerry Park, Barry, beneath the impressive viaduct, the 18.5-mile race joins the Ultra route on the shoreline at Porthkerry.  From here, runners share the coastal journey, enjoying some of the most beautiful sections of the course.

Vale Trail 10

The 10-mile race begins at 11:00, joining both the Ultra and the 18.5 routes as they cross Llantwit Beach, Southerndown and finally Ogmore.

All races finish together up the 'Hill of Doom' final climb at Ogmore-by-Sea Village Hall with the coastline as your backdrop and a warm finish-line welcome waiting.

Map and Gps

An interactive map and gps file is available for each race distance at the links at the bottom of the page. (To download the gps click on 'actions', then 'export' and follow the onscreen prompts). 

Navigation

The route follows the Wales Coast Path for its entire length. This section of the path stays close to the sea and is very easy to follow.

Although the race is self-navigated, the Coast Path is well signposted with markers along the clifftops. Many runners complete the course by following these alone.

To make things even easier, every competitor will also receive a marked map and detailed route notes. In addition, we place extra running markers and flags at tricky junctions or where the course briefly leaves the Coast Path.

Checkpoints

There are 6 manned checkpoints for the Ultra, 4 for the 18.5mile Trail Race and 2 for the 10mile 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. The link is at the bottom of this page.

Transport

As this is a linear race, you’ll need to either arrange drop-off/pick-up or park at Ogmore-by-Sea Rivermouth Car Park and use one of the event buses to get to the start.

Provisional bus times (subject to change – final details in your pre-race email):

Ultra (32.5 miles): departs Ogmore-by-Sea at 07:30

Trail 18.5: departs Ogmore-by-Sea at 09:15

Trail 10: departs Ogmore-by-Sea at 09:45

To reserve a place on the bus, you must select this option during registration.

Runners can leave a bag at the race finish in Ogmore-by-Sea village hall ready for the end of the race. We advise putting a warm jacket and change of clothes in.

Car Parking is at Ogmore-by-Sea, Rivermouth Car Park, CF32 0PR. 

Please note Saturday morning registration, coach collection and race finish is at Ogmore-by-Sea Village Hall, Slon Lane, Ogmore-by-Sea, CF32 0PN which is a short 5-10minute walk from the car park.

Time Limit

The time limit for the ultra race is 10 hours (7pm) 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  is 8 hours 15 minutes, 10 mile trail races is 8 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

As is standard in trail and ultra running there is a compulsory kit that must be carried at all times.  This can be viewed here .

Registration

All participants must attend registration before the event. At registration you will confirm essential information including contact numbers, pass through kit check and then collect your race number. There is a choice of 2 registration times, and you can choose to either register on Friday at Up and Under in Cardiff or on Saturday before the event at Ogmore by Sea village hall (the race finish). There is no registration available at any of the race starts.  The registration times can be found in the timetable below. You do not need to register at both times, you can turn up to the one that suits you best. Once you have registered you can go straight to the start. 

Supporter Information

The Vale Coastal Races give your supporters plenty of great places to see you as you power down the course! However, there are also a couple of places they should avoid and are not permitted. Details of supporter points and places which should be avoided are described at the following link: Vale Coastal Races Supporter Guide

Timetable -including Start, Coach Pick up and Registration Times

Friday 

1200-1830 Registration for all races in Up and Under Outdoor, Cowbridge Road, Canton, Cardiff.

Saturday

0700 – Ogmore-by-Sea Rivermouth Car Park opens *Please note the car park is locked before this time*

Vale Ultra Timings

0630 - 0730 Registration for Ultra in Ogmore-by-Sea Hall

0730 - Coach Collection for Ultra Runners from Ogmore-by-Sea Hall

0845 - Ultra race brief Penarth Pier 

0900 - Ultra race start on Penarth Pier

Vale 18 Mile Timings

0800 - 0900 Registration for 18.5 mile race in Ogmore-by-Sea Hall

0915 - Coach collection for 18.5 mile trail race from Ogmore-by-Sea Hall

1030 - Trail 18.5mile race brief at Porthkerry Park, Barry

1045 - Trail 18.5mile race start Porthkerry Park, Barry

Vale 10 Mile Timings

0900 - 0940 Registration for 10 mile trail race in Ogmore-by-Sea Hall

0945 - Coach collection for 10 mile trail Race from Ogmore-by-Sea Hall

1045 - Trail 10mile race brief at Llantwit Major Beach

1100 - Trail 10mile race start Llantwit Major Beach

1900 - All courses close and final cut off

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 (£56)

Trail 18.5 race only (£46)

Trail 10 race only (£40)

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 now in its 11th year

Checkpoints well stocked with refreshments

Finishers medal

Electronic timing

Emergency first aid cover

Free race photographs and banter from Tosh

Optional Extras

Custom unisex tech Vale race t-shirt (£20)

Custom female fit tech Vale race t-shirt (£20)

Custom Vale race hoodie (£45)

RWC race buff (£10)

Spaces

There are 400 spaces for the Ultra

300 spaces for the Trail 18

200 spaces for the Trail 10