MTC Afanc

MTC Afanc

The MTC Afanc is an ultra-marathon event set to take place in Wales. This single-day challenge covers a total distance of approximately 39.7 miles (frequently rounded to 40 miles). It is a quadrennial event, occurring every four years, and serves as a standalone race while also functioning as Day 5 of the CYMRUN series, a six-day end-to-end crossing of Wales.

The course follows National Cycle Route 8 for its entire duration. Participants start at the River Wye Activity Centre in Glasbury and travel south through the landscape to reach the finish at the Leisure Village in Merthyr Tydfil. The route features an ascent of 4,214 feet and a descent of 3,925 feet.

There are three intermediate check-points along the route:

• Llanfilo (8.6 miles)
• Lock House (17.2 miles)
• Merthyr Tydfil (28.1 miles)

This is a cup-free event, meaning participants must carry their own reusable drinking vessels. Check-points provide various food items such as malt loaf, cake, sandwiches, and sweets. A minimum average pace of 4 mph is required to remain in the race, with specific cut-off times enforced at each check-point. The field is limited to a maximum of 40 participants, which includes those competing in the full multi-day series.

Mandatory equipment includes a backpack, head torch with spare batteries, route maps, a compass or GPS device, a whistle, a mobile phone, an emergency food pack, and a basic first aid kit. All finishers receive a bespoke race medal, while the male and female champions are awarded trophies. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.