2026 Date TBA
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The route takes you through ancient woodland, past stunning glacial lakes, historic trails, and challenging mountainous terrain, including the summit of Cadair Idris.
- Distance: 13.1 miles
- Height gain: 1165m
- Terrain: 65% trail, 25% mountain path, and 10% tarmac
Katie Beecher, female CR 2024
2024 Results
Overall
- Dylan Walton
- Chris Smith
- Steve Jones
- Katie Beecher (new female CR)
- Brigitta Deak
- Alice Jones
- Ian Roche
- Peter Fleming
- Ali Hardaway
- Jean Ashley
- Sarah Gooda
| Cadair_X_Route.gpx |
The 2023 results are submitted to UTMB here.
Cadair X is an UTMB Index Race. The benefits of this are listed here.
THE ROUTE
GPX File
The route will be marked with arrows. We also recommend downloading the GPX file to your device/watch.
| Cadair_X_Route.gpx |
A descending Gary of Cerist Triathlon Club
DESCRIPTION
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 a sustained 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, less-travelled 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 Cadair Tearoom for some well earned rest.
Interactive map here.
The section between 1km and 3km involves a sustained 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, less-travelled 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 Cadair Tearoom for some well earned rest.
Interactive map here.
ROUTE VIDEO
KIT
Your usual hill running kit must include:
- Windproof jacket
- Whistle
- Fully charged mobile phone
- Suitable running shoes for mountain terrain
In the event of severe mountain weather we'll use Plan B. The Plan B route is in itself such an awesome half marathon route in it's own right.
SCHEDULE
Race HQ: DOL IDRIS
- 09:30-10:30: Registration
- 11:00: Race start
- 13:00: Expected first finisher
- 15:30 Expected last finisher
CHECK POINTS
Distance from start, and altitude:
- CP1: 4.1km, 893m (cut off 12:25)
- CP2: 7km, 600m - water
- CP3: 12.5km, 25m - water + electrolyte + food
- CP4: 16km, 95m - water + electrolyte + food
CAMPING/PARKING
There is parking & toilets in Dol Idris Car Park, and all day parking and camping at Dol Einion Campsite.
Once the big climb is done you can let fly
COURSE RECORDS
- Richard Shephard 2:01:20 (2023)
- Katie Beecher 2:23:38 (2024)
