Moel Famau Festive 'Piece of String' Race
Bwlch Penbarras, United Kingdom • 19 Dec 2026
Event Overview
The Moel Famau Festive 'Piece of String' Race is a trail running event held on the last Saturday before Christmas. The race takes place on Moel Famau, with the start and finish lines located at Bwlch Penbarras. This event features a unique format where the exact distance and route are not disclosed to participants in advance. Instead, the course unfolds during the run, and marshals notify participants when they have 1 km remaining until the finish line.
Course Details
The route consists of various terrains and significant elevation changes. Participants can expect a course length between 6 km and 12 km. The path is fully marked and marshalled to guide runners through the hills. Due to the winter timing and the nature of the terrain, there is a mandatory kit requirement. Specific gear lists are communicated closer to the event date based on expected weather conditions.
Participation and Categories
The event is open to runners of all abilities and includes two distinct categories:
- Standard Entry: A traditional foot race for individual runners.
- Canicross Entry: A dedicated category for participants running with dogs, which starts before the main group of runners.
All finishers receive a festive medal and a mince pie upon completion of the course. The event maintains an inclusive atmosphere, though participants should be prepared for technical terrain and steep ascents. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.