Celtic Trail Races

Celtic Trail Races : 12 December 2026

The Celtic Trail Races return for their 7th year with three winter trail events in South Wales. Routes run through Afan Forest, the Rhigos mountain range and the Coed Morgannwg Way, finishing at Dare Valley Country Park. Terrain includes steep climbs, long flowing descents, river crossings and narrow single-track sections. The courses pass reservoirs, ancient woodland tracks, wind turbines and offer views across the Brecon Beacons National Park. Routes are fully waymarked with arrows, flags and tape.

Distances and course format

• 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

Logistics, support and rules

An interactive map and GPX files are available for download. Checkpoints: 7 manned for the Ultra, 6 for the marathon and 3 for the half; they supply water, fruit, sweets, biscuits and crisps. All courses close at 18:00 with maximum times of 10 hours (Ultra), 9 hours (Marathon) and 7 hours (Half). There is a compulsory kit list that all competitors must carry. Car parking is provided at separate locations by race distance (postcodes given for parking areas). Coach transport to the half start is available at extra cost; a small 10 litre finish bag can be transported by coach. Entry fees are listed as: Ultra £60, Marathon £50, Half £40. Included with entry are race photographs, finish refreshments, physiotherapy and first aid, electronic timing or GPS tracking, marked routes, checkpoint support and GPS files. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.