13th JULY
CADAIR X is one of the toughest half marathons 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 challenging, stunning route has 1150m of height gain.
Raising money for Mend Our Mountains - strictly limited to 100 entrants.
This challenging, stunning route has 1150m of height gain.
Raising money for Mend Our Mountains - strictly limited to 100 entrants.
THE ROUTE
The route will be fully marked. Starting from the Tyn-Y-Cornel Hotel the route follows a country track along the north side 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 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.
There are 5 check points and 2 generous cut-off points. The route will be marked.
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 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.
There are 5 check points and 2 generous cut-off points. The route will be marked.
| Route.gpx |
~ You will run in an anti-clockwise direction, starting at the SW end of Tal Y Llyn ~
~ A total of 3767 feet (1140m) of height gain ~
NUTRITION
There will be nutrition available at the Check Points (CP):
- CP1 - Summit of Mynydd Moel (6.5km) - Jelly Babies
- CP2 - Summit of Cadair Idris/Cut-off point (8km) - Jelly Babies
- CP3 - Turn off from the Pony Path (10km) - Jelly Babies, Water
- CP4 - Mary Jones Chapel (16km) - Jelly Babies, Water, Crisps/Salty snack
- CP5 - Forest (19km) - Jelly Babies, Water, Crisps/Salty snack
It is paramount that no litter is left on the route. If you are using your own nutrition please carry out wrappers or leave with the marshals at the Check Points. Any participant seen deliberately littering will be disqualified.
CUT OFF TIMES
If you have not reached the summit of Cadair Idris within 2hrs 30mins of the event start time you will be asked to turnaround and return to the event start. The summit of Cadair Idris is around the 7.5km mark, after the vast majority of the ascent.
If you have not reached Mary Jones' Chapel within 4hrs 30mins of event start time you will be retired from the event and transported back to the event start. Mary Jones' Chapel is at the 16km mark.
These cut-offs are in place for the safety of participants and marshals. If you can maintain a steady brisk walking pace then you'll be under the cut-offs. 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 Mary Jones' Chapel within 4hrs 30mins of event start time you will be retired from the event and transported back to the event start. Mary Jones' Chapel is at the 16km mark.
These cut-offs are in place for the safety of participants and marshals. If you can maintain a steady brisk walking pace then you'll be under the cut-offs. If you have any questions regarding the route or the cut-off times then please get in touch mike@weswimrun.org.
COMPULSORARY KIT
Your usual hill running kit must include:
* Weather dependant - we will inform all participants if any kit may be omitted 24 hours in advance of event start time.
All participants must have the Race Director's number stored - 07725416134.
SEVERE WEATHER - In the event of severe mountain weather the route will be changed, it will still be a stunning route of the same distance, but won't go higher than 400m. Participants will be notified in advance.
- Windproof
- Personal medication
- Water bottle (1 litre)
- Suitable rucksack/bum-bag
- Whistle
- Fully charged mobile phone
- A wristwatch
- Suitable footwear
- Waterproof jacket*
- Map & compass*
- Hat*
- Sun cream*
- Waterproof bag*
- Insulation layer*
* Weather dependant - we will inform all participants if any kit may be omitted 24 hours in advance of event start time.
All participants must have the Race Director's number stored - 07725416134.
SEVERE WEATHER - In the event of severe mountain weather the route will be changed, it will still be a stunning route of the same distance, but won't go higher than 400m. Participants will be notified in advance.
RACE HQ
VOLUNTEER
All volunteers receive a guaranteed free entry to CADAIR X in 2020, or free entry to The Classic 1 mile Tal Y Llyn Swim event in 2020. 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
This event will help to raise funds for the Mend Our Mountains campaign by the British Mountaineering Council. If you wish to find out more and/or donate please do so here.
