GB Ultras - Ultra Wales 50

Event Overview

The Ultra Wales 50 is a mountain and trail ultramarathon covering a distance of 51 miles with a total ascent of 2898 meters. The 2026 edition will be the seventh running of the event. The course explores the lower reaches of Southern Snowdonia, taking in notable features such as Cadair Idris Penygader (893m) and Rhinog Fach (712m), and passes through or near locations including Dolgellau, the Barmouth estuary, and Coed-y-Brenin forest.

Practical Information

The event has an entry limit of 500 places and a cut-off time of 20 hours. There is an entry fee of £119. Participants must be at least 20 years old on race day and must have previously completed an organized marathon or longer distance event. The start and finish venue is the Coed-y-Brenin Visitor Centre in Dolgellau.

Course and Support

The route features six checkpoints providing refreshments, including cola, water, juice, sandwiches, fruit, and snacks. Vegetarian and vegan options are available. A medic, first responder, or first aider is present at each checkpoint. Pacers and support runners are not permitted. There are specific checkpoints where support crews are not allowed.

Participants are provided with live online GPS tracking during the event.

Requirements and Equipment

There are strict mandatory kit requirements that must be carried at all times. This includes a waterproof coat with sealed seams, a hardcopy map (Harvey Maps XT40 or Ordnance Survey OL18 & OL23), a compass, whistle, long-sleeved base layer, survival blanket, headtorch, secondary light, and a minimum 1-litre water capacity. Random kit checks are conducted. The event is cupless, so participants must bring their own cup.

Post-Race

Finishers' medals are awarded in gold, silver, or bronze depending on finishing position, with additional prizes for the top three male and female finishers. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.