Celtic Trail Races 

12th December 2026

Now in its 7th year, the Celtic Trail Races offer three unforgettable winter challenges: a 50K ultra, a full marathon, and the classic linear half marathon.  All fully marked so you don't have to worry about navigation!

The routes weave through the wild beauty of the Afan Forest and the Rhigos mountain range, before finishing on the high-level trails of the Coed Morgannwg Way.  Expect sharp climbs, long flowing descents, river crossings, and remote-feeling single track – all on trails that are fast, runnable, and steeped in history. 

Along the way, you’ll discover hidden reservoirs, ancient woodland tracks, soaring wind turbines, and unrivalled views across the Brecon Beacons National Park.  The adventure culminates with a dramatic descent into the festive atmosphere of Dare Valley Country Park, where all races finish.

Race Distances

Celtic Ultra

34 miles | 5,850 ft ascent | Circular route from Dare Valley Park

Celtic Trail Marathon

26 miles | 4,200 ft ascent | Circular route from Dare Valley Park

Celtic Trail Half Marathon

13 miles | 2,200 ft ascent | Linear route from Resolven to Dare Valley Park

Rugged trails, breath-taking views, and a festive finish – the perfect way to end your running year!

Map and GPS

An interactive map and gps file is available at the link at the bottom of the page.

To download the gps file click on 'actions', then 'export' and follow the onscreen prompts. 

Event Base, Car Parking and Finish Location

Event HQ, registration, coach collection and finish:

Dare Valley Country Park 

Aberdare 

Rhondda Cynon Taff

Car Parking

Please note there are 2 separate parking locations depending on the race distance which you enter:

Ultra
Dare Valley Park visitor centre CF44 7RG.

Marathon
Aberdare town car parks, CF44 7HU, 10-15 mins walk into the HQ.

Half Marathon
Aberdare town car parks, CF44 7HU, 10-15 mins walk into the HQ.

Start Times and Locations

The Celtic ultra race starts at 0800 from Dare Valley Country park

The Celtic marathon race starts at 0900 from Dare Valley Country park.

The Celtic Half marathon starts at 1100 from

Resolven Rugby Club

Navigation
The routes are FULLY MARKED with a combination of running arrows, flags and marking tape.  Maps are provided, but most competitors tell us that they are not needed as the marking is comprehensive and easy to follow.

Please ensure you download the GPX file for this years route as there are some differences to previous years.

Checkpoints

There are 7 manned checkpoints for the Ultra, 6 for the Trail marathon and 3 for the Half Marathon. They provide high energy refreshments including water, fruit, sweets, biscuits & crisps to keep you going. 

Transport for the Half Marathon Race

As the half marathon race route is linear, you will need to get to the start of your race.  Coach transport is provided (at an additional cost) and you can add it when you sign up.  Alternatively you can get a lift to the start with supporters. 

Please note it may not be able to add coach transport closer to the event as places are often limited, so please take time to consider your event logistics before you sign up!  If you are taking the coach you will be able to take a small finish bag of 10 litres (in which to place warm kit that you won't need on the run) that will be transported back to the finish.  There is also facility to leave bags at the finish. 

As the Ultra and Marathon races are circular routes you DO NOT need coach transfer.

On Site Accommodation

Dare Valley Country Park has onsite accommodation which can be booked via booking.com at the following link. Dare Valley Accommodation and Campsite

Time Limit

All courses close at 6pm giving very generous time limits for the each distance:

Ultra 10 hours

Trail Marathon 9 hours

Half Marathon 7 hours

Please be aware these routes are not flat and that you should take this into consideration when planning your timings.

Compulsory Kit

There is a compulsory kit list that must be carried.  You will be required to bring ALL of the kit on the list, without exception.  One look at the snow in the photos should tell you need to be prepared!  Please do not email asking if you will need it.  The answer is YES, you will.  The kit list can be viewed here . 

Timetable

Saturday

Celtic Ultra Race Times

0615 Car Park opens at Dare Valley

0630-0730 Registration at Dare Valley Park

0745 Ultra Race Brief on start line

0800 Ultra Race Start

1800 All Courses Close  

Celtic Trail Marathon Race Times 

0730-0830 Registration for Celtic Marathon

0845 Race Brief

0900 Celtic Marathon Race Start

1800 All Courses Close

Celtic Trail Half Marathon Race Times 

0830-0930 Registration for Celtic Half marathon at Dare Valley Park

0945-Coach collection for Celtic Half marathon from outside race HQ

1000-1015 Registration for those that have pre-booked via e-mail in Resolven RFC (note- not accessible if using coach)

1015-1030 Coach arrives at Resolven RFC

1045 Race Brief 

1100 Celtic Trail Half Marathon Race Start

1800 All Courses Close

Race Prices

Ultra Race (34 miles) £62

Marathon Race (26 miles) £52

Half Marathon (13 miles) £42

Race Optional Extras

Coach Transport for Half Marathon £10

Event T-shirt £20

Event Hoodie £40

Refund Protect (to give you a full refund in the event you are injured)

You can select the appropriate options when you sign up to the event online.

What your entry fee includes

Amazing finishers medal

Free race photographs & banter from Tosh

Mince pies & Christmas songs at the finish

Physiotherapy and emergency first aid cover

Electronic timing and safety tracking for the half marathon

GPS tracking and timing for the marathon and Ultra

Checkpoints with refreshments

Marked route

Organised by an experienced race team