Vale Coastal Trail Races
Vale Coastal Trail Races - 18th September 2021 and 9th April 2022
Due to the pandemic the original date in April 2021 has been postponed until 18th September 2021. All registered participants were e-mailed on 1/2/2021 and will shortly receive a further e-mail where they will be able to select from a number of options including moving to the postponed event, the 2022 event (20/2/22), transfer to a different event or receive a refund. If you have not received an email please check your junk folder! Entries for any new participants wanting to compete in either the rearranged event or the 2022 event will reopen soon.
The Vale of Glamorgan Ultra and Coastal Races are the original trail races along the Vale of Glamorgan Coastline, now proudly in their 6th year! The Ultra race is a 32 mile linear route along the entire coast of the Vale of Glamorgan. The Vale Trail 18 (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 Ultra route is a UTMB qualifying race worth 2 points.
The Route
The Ultra Race starts at 08:00 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 travelling along the Glamorgan Heritage Coast with its dramatic cliffs, amazing rock formations, romantic coves and rolling countryside.
The 18.5 mile race starts at 10.30 at 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 10.30 and joins both the 32 and 18 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 bottom of the page.
(To download the gps click on 'actions', then 'export' and follow the onscreen prompts).
Navigation
The route follows the marked Wales Coastal Path along the entire route. The Vale portion of the Wales Coastal 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 Coastal Path Signs, so as long as you follow the clifftop and sign posts it is very simple. It is possible to navigate the route completely using the Coast Path signs but all competitors will be provided with a marked map and detailed route explanations to help you find your way around the course. 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 18.5mile 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. The link is at the bottom of this 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 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.
Time Limit
The time limit for the event is 10 hours (6pm) so it is suitable for anyone who can maintain a good running / walking pace of 3.2mph. The time limit for the 18.5 course is 7 1/2 hours so is suitable for anyone who can maintain 2.5mph! There are generous cut off times- we give you 4 hours to get to 13.5 miles!
Compulsory Kit
There is a compulsory kit list that must be carried. This may vary depending on the conditions. 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 Trail Race -Ogmore by Sea Rivermouth Car Park
0900- Coach collection for Trail Races 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
1030- 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 (32 mile) race only (£38)
Trail 18 race only (£30)
Trail 10 race only (£28)
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 T-shirt
Event Medal
Electronic Timing
Emergency First Aid Cover from CAVRA
Spaces
There are 350 spaces for the Ultra
350 spaces for the Trail 18
100 spaces for the Trail 10
Please note that these races have sold out in every previous year-so don't delay!
Enter
Entries for the April 2021 events are open.
All entry is on the sientries system at the following link.