4th July 2020
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.
This challenging, stunning route has 1150m of height gain.
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
What they said...
The debut of CADAIR X took place on 13th July 2019 with great success - we received some great feedback...
"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
"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 ROUTE
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 ~
Summit section from Mynydd Moel (CP1) to the trig point at the summit of Cadair Idris (CP2)
~ A total of 1150m 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) - WILD TRAIL bars, 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 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.
If you have not reached Mary Jones' Chapel (CP4) 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 generous and are in place for the safety of participants and marshals. In 2019 everyone made the cut-off times. 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 (CP4) 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 generous and are in place for the safety of participants and marshals. In 2019 everyone made the cut-off times. 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.
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/bladder (1 litre minimum)
- Suitable rucksack/bum-bag
- Whistle
- Fully charged mobile phone
- A wristwatch
- Suitable footwear
- Waterproof jacket*
- Map & compass*
- Hat*
- 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.
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
The Tyn Y Cornel Hotel, Gwynedd LL36 9AJ. All participants must have the Hotel number stored - 01654 782 282.
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.
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.
