2023 DATE TBD
This is 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.
NB: This is a mountain route with some challenging ascents and descents.
- Distance: 13.1 miles
- Height gain: 1100m
- Terrain: 65% trail, 25% mountainous, and 10% tarmac
NB: This is a mountain route with some challenging ascents and descents.
THE ROUTE
The route will be route marked, but we recommend some navigation skills. Downloading the GPX file below is required.
The route will be route marked, but we recommend some navigation skills. Downloading the GPX file below is required.
GPX 2022
| Cadair_X.gpx |
ROUTE DESCRIPTION
Starting opposite 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 3km and 6km mark involves steep ascent.
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 and back to Tal Y Llyn and the Tyn Y Cornel Hotel for some well earned rest.
Starting opposite 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 3km and 6km mark involves steep ascent.
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 and back to Tal Y Llyn and the Tyn Y Cornel Hotel for some well earned rest.
Cadair X is an UTMB qualifier in the 20K category
MANDATORY KIT
Your usual hill running kit must include:
Your usual hill running kit must include:
- Waterproof jacket
- Race-cup (for aid stations)
- Suitable bag for carrying kit
- Whistle
- Fully charged mobile phone
- Suitable footwear
- Map/GPS + Compass
- Hat/buff
In the event of severe mountain weather we'll use our Plan B route.
SCHEDULE
- 08:30-09:30: Registration
- 09:50: Race brief on start line
- 10:00: Race start
CHECK POINTS
Distance from start, and altitude:
Distance from start, and altitude:
- CP1: 5.1km, 625m (style)
- CP2: 7.1km, 893m (summit)
- CP3: 9km, 560m (saddle)
- CP4: 15.5km, 25m (Mary Jones' Chapel)
- CP5: 19km, 95m (Forest)
- CP3 Water, energy bars
- CP4 Water, coke, gels, boiled & salted potatoes
- CP5 Water, coke, gels
PARKING
Please park in the lay-bys along the lake. Please do not park in the Tyn Y Cornel Hotel car park unless you are booked for a meal, or have booked a room.
There is all day parking (£5) available and overnight parking (£10) available at the Pen Y Bont Hotel, 1 minute's walk away!
If you can please car share.
Please park in the lay-bys along the lake. Please do not park in the Tyn Y Cornel Hotel car park unless you are booked for a meal, or have booked a room.
There is all day parking (£5) available and overnight parking (£10) available at the Pen Y Bont Hotel, 1 minute's walk away!
If you can please car share.
COURSE RECORDS
These are for the original course which had slightly more height gain, and 500m more distance.
These are for the original course which had slightly more height gain, and 500m more distance.
- Richard Shephard 2:10:40
- Melanie Funnell 2:42:09
The style you cross at CP1
