26 JUN 2021
This is one of the toughest "half marathon" routes in the UK, and probably the most awe-inspiring. The route takes you through ancient woodland, past stunning glacial lakes, historic trails, and challenging mountainous terrain, including the summit of one of Snowdonia's most iconic mountains, Cadair Idris.
This isn't the Bournemouth Half Marathon. This is a mountain race.
STATS
This is one of the toughest "half marathon" routes in the UK, and probably the most awe-inspiring. The route takes you through ancient woodland, past stunning glacial lakes, historic trails, and challenging mountainous terrain, including the summit of one of Snowdonia's most iconic mountains, Cadair Idris.
This isn't the Bournemouth Half Marathon. This is a mountain race.
STATS
- Distance: 22km
- Height Gain: 1150m
- Men's Course Record: 2h 10m 40s (Richard Shephard, 2021)
- Women's Course Record: 2h 42m 09s (Melanie Funnell, 2021)
| 2021_Results.pdf |
The 2019 Winner - Ian Hawley - set a course record of 2h 13m 06s
The 2019 first female - Leah Parkes - set a women's course record of 3h 05m 01s
HALF MARATHON ROUTE
Starting from the Tyn-Y-Cornel Hotel the route follows a country track along the north side of the stunning glacial ribbon lake, Tal Y Llyn, before entering the Cadair Idris National Nature Reserve.
You will run through the tranquil woodland of Dol Idris and then up steeply through the wooded gorge. As you ascend out of the trees you will clasp glimpses of the stunning glacial lake Llyn Cau to your left. You will continue your ascent towards Mynydd Moel before traversing west and ascending to the summit of Cadair Idris, 893m.
The section between the 4km and 6km mark involves steep ascent. The most challenging underfoot terrain is just after the summit of Cadair Idris.
Once off the rocky terrain of the summit your descent will follow the established Pony Path before turning south west down towards Tyn Y Fach and Mary Jones' Chapel. You will then follow a beautiful section of the Mary Jones walk before traversing North East through tranquil woodland tracks back to Tal Y Llyn and the Tyn Y Cornel Hotel for some well earned rest.
Starting from the Tyn-Y-Cornel Hotel the route follows a country track along the north side of the stunning glacial ribbon lake, Tal Y Llyn, before entering the Cadair Idris National Nature Reserve.
You will run through the tranquil woodland of Dol Idris and then up steeply through the wooded gorge. As you ascend out of the trees you will clasp glimpses of the stunning glacial lake Llyn Cau to your left. You will continue your ascent towards Mynydd Moel before traversing west and ascending to the summit of Cadair Idris, 893m.
The section between the 4km and 6km mark involves steep ascent. The most challenging underfoot terrain is just after the summit of Cadair Idris.
Once off the rocky terrain of the summit your descent will follow the established Pony Path before turning south west down towards Tyn Y Fach and Mary Jones' Chapel. You will then follow a beautiful section of the Mary Jones walk before traversing North East through tranquil woodland tracks back to Tal Y Llyn and the Tyn Y Cornel Hotel for some well earned rest.
~ A total of 1150m of height gain ~
CAMPING
For 2022 we've set the wheels in motion with a local farmer for field parking and camping! Details to follow asap.
For 2022 we've set the wheels in motion with a local farmer for field parking and camping! Details to follow asap.
| Cadair_X_Route.gpx |
REGISTRATION
Further details about registration and the start will follow but here are the basics:
Further details about registration and the start will follow but here are the basics:
- 08:40 - 09:40 - Registration
- 09:50 - 10:00 - Race start
CHECK POINTS
There will be water & nutrition available at CP3, CP4 & CP5
It is paramount that no litter is left on the route. If you are using your own nutrition please carry out wrappers. Any participant seen deliberately littering will be disqualified and banned from future events.
There will be water & nutrition available at CP3, CP4 & CP5
- CP1 - Summit of Mynydd Moel & Cut-off point (6.5km)
- CP2 - Summit of Cadair Idris (8km)
- CP3 - Turn off from the Pony Path (10km)
- CP4 - Mary Jones Chapel (16km)
- CP5 - Forest (19km)
It is paramount that no litter is left on the route. If you are using your own nutrition please carry out wrappers. Any participant seen deliberately littering will be disqualified and banned from future events.
CUT OFF POINT
If you have not reached the summit of Mynydd Moel within 2hrs (CP1) of the event start time you will be asked to turnaround and return to the event start. The summit of Mynydd Moel is around the 6km mark, after 750m of ascent.
This cut-off is generous and is in place for the safety of participants and marshals. In 2019 everyone made the cut-off time. If you have any questions regarding the route or the cut-off times then please get in touch mike@weswimrun.org.
If you have not reached the summit of Mynydd Moel within 2hrs (CP1) of the event start time you will be asked to turnaround and return to the event start. The summit of Mynydd Moel is around the 6km mark, after 750m of ascent.
This cut-off is generous and is in place for the safety of participants and marshals. In 2019 everyone made the cut-off time. If you have any questions regarding the route or the cut-off times then please get in touch mike@weswimrun.org.
COMPULSORY KIT
Your usual hill running kit must include:
In the event of severe mountain weather we'll use our Plan B route. It will still be a memorable route of the same distance, but won't go higher than 400m. Participants will be notified in advance.
Your usual hill running kit must include:
- Waterproof jacket
- Insulation layer (eg micro-fleece, down gilet)
- Personal medication if required (eg. asthma pump)
- Water bottle/bladder & race-cup
- Suitable bag for carrying kit
- Whistle
- Fully charged mobile phone
- A wristwatch
- Suitable footwear
- Map/GPS + Compass
- Hat/buff
In the event of severe mountain weather we'll use our Plan B route. It will still be a memorable route of the same distance, but won't go higher than 400m. Participants will be notified in advance.
RACE HQ
The Tyn Y Cornel Hotel, Gwynedd LL36 9AJ. All participants must have the Hotel number stored - 01654 782 282.
The Tyn Y Cornel Hotel, Gwynedd LL36 9AJ. All participants must have the Hotel number stored - 01654 782 282.
What They Said...
The debut of CADAIR X took place on 13th July 2019 with great success , thanks to all that took part and those that helped make it happen.
"Just wanted to say how much I enjoyed the Cadair X half marathon last week, it was so well organised and such a beautiful course. And the fact that their was no plastic and as little impact on the mountain as possible was awesome." - Nolwenn
"What a day!!! Just wanted to say how much I enjoyed Cadair X and what a great event you organised. It was really enjoyable - yes, all 1,150 metres of up and then down - such a friendly, supportive and relaxed atmosphere. It was my first proper ‘off road’ run and will definitely not be my last. It was much more friendly than road races and the ‘ups’ give you a chance to chat to fellow runners." - Duncan
"A week on from last weekend's event and I just wanted to say thank you for a great race. My friend and I traveled from Cambridge to come and take part and we both thoroughly enjoyed it. All the marshals were super friendly and welcoming (especially the two young ladies at checkpoint 4, which reminded me so much of being at home in South Africa. It was a real pleasure to be a part of the debut of Cadair X. It made my first experience of Wales that more memorable." - Nikara
"What can I say?! It was absolutely amazing (brutal) but such a beautiful route I will definitely be doing it next year and can’t wait to enter so I don’t miss out." - Darren
The debut of CADAIR X took place on 13th July 2019 with great success , thanks to all that took part and those that helped make it happen.
"Just wanted to say how much I enjoyed the Cadair X half marathon last week, it was so well organised and such a beautiful course. And the fact that their was no plastic and as little impact on the mountain as possible was awesome." - Nolwenn
"What a day!!! Just wanted to say how much I enjoyed Cadair X and what a great event you organised. It was really enjoyable - yes, all 1,150 metres of up and then down - such a friendly, supportive and relaxed atmosphere. It was my first proper ‘off road’ run and will definitely not be my last. It was much more friendly than road races and the ‘ups’ give you a chance to chat to fellow runners." - Duncan
"A week on from last weekend's event and I just wanted to say thank you for a great race. My friend and I traveled from Cambridge to come and take part and we both thoroughly enjoyed it. All the marshals were super friendly and welcoming (especially the two young ladies at checkpoint 4, which reminded me so much of being at home in South Africa. It was a real pleasure to be a part of the debut of Cadair X. It made my first experience of Wales that more memorable." - Nikara
"What can I say?! It was absolutely amazing (brutal) but such a beautiful route I will definitely be doing it next year and can’t wait to enter so I don’t miss out." - Darren
VOLUNTEER
All volunteers receive a guaranteed free entry to CADAIR X for the subsequent year. We are looking for marshals who are happy in the hills, and marshals who are happy to stay in the valley.
All volunteers receive a guaranteed free entry to CADAIR X for the subsequent year. We are looking for marshals who are happy in the hills, and marshals who are happy to stay in the valley.
Looking towards the summit of Cadair Idris from Mynydd Moel
CADAIR X is a WESWIMRUN Event.
