Celtic Trail Races - 18th December 2021
The Celtic Trail Races are three exciting trail running races following the old high level route the 'Coed Morgannwg Way'.
The Coed Morgannwg way is a dramatic route following ancient tracks of Celtic origin, with amazing views across the Brecon Beacons, The Black Mountain, South Wales Valleys, and South Wales Coast . The route goes through woodlands, pastures, moorland and mountainsides. It is a fast, fun, runnable route following some of Wales hidden trails.
There are 3 race distances to choose from-
-The Celtic Ultra is a 32 mile linear route from Margam to Dare Valley County Park.
-The Celtic Trail 20 Race is a 20 mile linear route from Afon Argoed Forest to Dare Valley County Park.
-The Celtic Trail Half Marathon is a 13 mile linear route from Resolven to Dare Valley Park.
All courses are FULLY MARKED.
The Route
The Coed Morgannwg way is a dramatic route following ancient tracks of Celtic origin, with amazing views across the Brecon Beacons, The Black Mountain, South Wales Valleys, and South Wales Coast . The route goes through woodlands, pastures, moorland and mountainsides. It is a fast, fun, runnable route following some of Wales hidden trails.
Map and Gps
For an interactive map and gps file is available at the link at the bottom of the page.
To download the gps click on 'actions', then 'export' and follow the onscreen prompts.
Event Base, Car Parking and Finish Location
Dare Valley Country Park
Aberdare
Rhondda Cynon Taff
CF44 7RG
For Directions and more information click here.
Start Times and Locations
Celtic Half Marathon
Race Starts at 1130 from
Resolven Rugby Club
Ardwin Terrace
Resolven
NEATH
SA11 4HH
Celtic Trail 20
Race Start at 1030 from
Rhyslyn Forest Park
Pontrhydyfen
Port Talbot
SA12 9SG
Celtic Ultra
Starts at 0800 from
L & A Outdoor Centre
Goytre Rd
Goytre
Port Talbot
SA13 2YP
Navigation
The routes are FULLY MARKED with a combination of running arrows, flags and marking tape.
Checkpoints
There are 6 manned checkpoints for the Ultra, 4 for the Trail 20, and 3 for the Half Marathon. They will provide refreshments including water, oranges, energy drinks, sweets, biscuits & crisps to keep you going.
Transport
As the route is linear you will need to either get dropped off and picked up or park your car at The Finish at Dare Valley Park and catch one of the busses provided to the various race starts. 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
All courses close at 6pm giving very generous time limits for the event as set out below-
Ultra- 10 hours, Trail 20- 8 hours, Half Marathon 6.5 hours - so they are suitable for anyone who can maintain a good running/walking pace. There are generous cut off times- we give you 4 hours on the ultra to get to 13.5 miles!
Compulsory Kit
There is a compulsory kit list that must be carried. This can be viewed here.
Timetable -including Start, Coach Pick up and Registration Times
Saturday
Celtic Ultra Race Times
0600 Car Park Opens at Dare Valley
0615-0640 Registration for Ultra at Dare Valley Park
0645 - Coach Collection
0715-0730- Registration for those that have pre-booked via e-mail at the start location (note- not accessible if using coach)
0730 Coach Arrives at L&A Outdoors, Goytre
0745 Ultra Race Brief
0800 Ultra Race Start
1800 All Courses Close
Celtic Trail 20 Race Times
0830-0900 Registration for Celtic Trail 20 Race Dare Valley Park
0915-Coach collection for Trail 20 Race
0945-1000- Registration for those that have pre-booked via e-mail in Afan (note- not avaliable if using coach)
1000 Coach Arrives at Afan Argoed
1015 Race Brief
1030 Celtic Trail 20 Race Start
1800 All Courses Close
Celtic Trail Half Marathon Race Times
0830-1015 Registration for Celtic Half Race Dare Valley Park
1015-Coach collection for Celtic Half Race
1045-1100- Registration for those that have pre-booked via e-mail in Resolven RFC (note- not accessible if using coach)
1100 Coach Arrives at Resolven RFC
1120 Race Brief
1130 Celtic Trail Half Marathon Race Start
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 and adding an event t-shirt.
Ultra (32 mile) Race only £35
Trail 20 Race only £30
Half Marathon only £25
Coach Transport £8
Event T-shirt £8
Event Hoodie £30
You can select the appropriate options when you sign up to the event online.
What your entry fee includes
Marked Route and land permits
Car Parking at Dare Valley Park
Event Medal
Physiotherapy and Emergency First Aid Cover
Electronic Timing
Checkpoints with refreshments
Gps file and marked route map
***PLEASE NOTE***
The event is normally dog friendly, however local landowners on the route have advised us there will be livestock in the fields above Dare Valley and have asked for no dogs on the course this year. Dogs are welcome at the finish and with supporters within Dare Valley Country Park.