03 JUN 2023
One of the toughest "half marathon" routes in the UK, and possibly 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.
- Distance: 13.1 miles
- Height gain: 1120m
- Terrain: 65% trail, 25% mountain path, and 10% tarmac
ROUTE
The route will be route marked, but we recommend navigation skills, and downloading the GPX file to your device/watch. Sometimes the dragons burn the arrows.
ROUTE VIDEO
DESCRIPTION
Starting from Dol Einion campsite the route enters Dol Idris and the Cadair Idris National Nature Reserve. You will quickly be faced with a steep ascent, one of the steepest starts to any race.
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 may 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 1km and 3km involves steep ascent. It's one of the steepest starts to any race.
The most challenging underfoot terrain is just after the summit of Cadair Idris. Take care on this descent.
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, secret waterfalls and back along a country track parallel to the north side of the stunning glacial ribbon lake, Tal Y Llyn, before returning to Dol Einion campsite for some well earned rest.
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 may 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 1km and 3km involves steep ascent. It's one of the steepest starts to any race.
The most challenging underfoot terrain is just after the summit of Cadair Idris. Take care on this descent.
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, secret waterfalls and back along a country track parallel to the north side of the stunning glacial ribbon lake, Tal Y Llyn, before returning to Dol Einion campsite for some well earned rest.
Cadair X is an UTMB qualifier in the 20K category
KIT
Your usual hill running kit must include:
You are expected to be experienced mountain runners, with this experience comes sound decision making on kit.
- Waterproof jacket
- Race-cup (for aid stations)
- Whistle
- Fully charged mobile phone
- Suitable footwear for mountain terrain
- Hat/buff
You are expected to be experienced mountain runners, with this experience comes sound decision making on kit.
In the event of severe mountain weather we'll use our Plan B route.
SCHEDULE
Race HQ: Doleinion Campsite
- 09:00-10:00: Registration
- 10:20: Race start
CHECK POINTS
Distance from start, and altitude:
- CP1: 4.1km, 893m (summit)
- CP2: 7km, 560m (saddle)
- CP3: 12.5km, 25m (Mary Jones' Chapel)
- CP4: 16km, 95m (Forest)
GUIDED DAYS
We will be offering guided reconnaissance days so participants can experience the full route in advance, guided by Race Director Mike Alexander. Subscribe to our mailing list for dates & further details.
CAMPING/PARKING
There is all day parking available at Dol Einion Campsite (£10). There is also parking in Cadair Idris National Reserve (£6). For those that have booked into the Tyn Y Cornel Hotel for a meal or accommodation then there is Hotel parking.
NOTE: The 2023 race starts and finishes in Dol Einion campsite.
NOTE: The 2023 race starts and finishes in Dol Einion campsite.
Helen Skipper (female CR holder), approaching the summit
COURSE RECORDS
- Richard Shephard 2:10:40 (2021)
- Helen Skipper 2:37:51 (2022)
