DISTANCE
50 MILES
ELEVATION
2898M
LOCATION
COED-Y-BRENIN
PLACES
500
CUT-OFF TIME
20 HOURS
ENTRY FEE
£109

ULTRA WALES 50

Saturday 21st June 2025

6th Edition 2025! Take on this beautiful mountain and trail race with 2898m of ascent and featuring the magnificent Cadair Idris Penygader (893m), the 'Queen of the Rhinogs' Rhinog Fach (712m), Dolgellau, the world renowned Barmouth estuary and the majesty of Wales' greatest forest, Coed-y-Brenin.

With 6 Checkpoints spanning the course, fantastic GB Ultras support and Live Online GPS Tracking via GB Race Tracker. Ultrarunners will be pushed to their absolute limit during Ultra Wales!

Ready for the challenge?

Secure your place now on the Ultra Wales for a limited time at only £99. 

Follow the Ultra Wales 50 page & Join the GB Ultras Community Group.

Course Records

Mens PB – Lachlan Ives (GBR): 9 Hours, 37 Minutes, 31 Seconds (2024)

Ladies PB – Sanna Duthie (GBR): 10 Hours, 58 Minutes, 36 Seconds (2024)

Days
Hours
Minutes

Are You Ready To

See Beautiful Southern Snowdonia? Take on Cadair Idris? Cross Barmouth Estuary? Take on this Special Race?

Gold, Silver or Bronze?

Top 100 finishers earn a Gold ‘Ultra Wales’ Medal, 101-200 finishers earn a Silver ‘Ultra Wales’ Medal and 201+ finishers earn the Bronze ‘Ultra Wales’ Medal. The 2023 Ultra Wales is part of the GB Ultras 50 Mile GRAND SLAM!  There are additional prizes for the Top 3 Male & Top 3 Female finishers.

Click Below To Watch The Live Online Tracking

Click Below For The Live Race Results Feed As Runners Cross The Finish Line

All The Ultra Wales Information

We want you to have the most amazing time at the Ultra wales! All the information you need to participate in this event is below.

Start Venue & Race HQ

Coed-y-Brenin Visitor Centre, Dolgefeiliau, Ganllwyd, Dolgellau, LL40 2HZ.

Friday 20th June 2025.

5.30pm – 9.00pm – Race Registration & Bib Number Collection.

If you collect your bib number on Friday evening, you will still need to return during the times below on Saturday to collect your Race Tracker.  The Race Tracker device is part of your mandatory kit – if you do not collect this, you will not be permitted to race.

Saturday 21st June 2025 – Race Day

4.15am – 5.30am –  Race Registration: Bib Number Collection, GB Race Tracker Collection

6.00am – Race Start.

At least 20 years old + at the time of the race.

In good health.

Must have run at least a marathon distance race prior to the event. This can be for an event not yet taken place but that will be successfully completed prior to race day.

Each of the checkpoints have refreshments including cola, tailwind, water and juice as well as a variety of sandwiches, salted potatoes, fruit, snacks, crisps and chocolate. Vegetarian and vegan refreshments will be available. We’ll also have a Medic, First Responder or a First Aider available at each CP.

There are strictly enforced cut-off times per Checkpoint implemented by the Event Organisers, GB Ultras, to ensure a safe event.  Checkpoint distances are approximate and may vary each year should there be minor diversions on the route (due to local authority/landowner works).  You must enter the checkpoint before the cut off time to proceed further in the event.  Should you pass through the Checkpoint in time, you may stay at the relevant checkpoint for no more than 20 minutes after the cut off.

Participants must attend ALL checkpoints and have their details recorded by the Checkpoint teams. Failure to check-in at a Checkpoint will result in your disqualification from the race.

Checkpoint 1- 10 Miles. Cut-off 10:00 Saturday

SH73010 17915 Dolgellau – Close to the Leisure Centre
(Please park at the Co-op/supermarket) – Dolgellau – Arran Rd, Dolgellau LL40 1LH
https://what3words.com/sticky.fittingly.done

Support teams welcome

Checkpoint 2 – 16 Miles. Cut-off 12:24 Saturday

SH73147 11590
Dol Idris Car Park/Minffordd Car Park, Minffordd Path, Llanfihangel-y-Pennant, LL36 9AJ
https://what3words.com/crackles.stint.movements

Support teams welcome

Checkpoint 3 – 22 Miles. Cut-off 14:48 Saturday

SH69804 15278 Ty Nant, Pony Path, Arthog, Gwynedd, LL40 1TN
https://what3words.com/lakes.sharpens.plates

Support teams welcome – please park on public car parks in the vicinity and walk to the checkpoint.  There is no parking at the venue itself or on the street.

Checkpoint 4 – 30 Miles. Cut-off 17:00 Saturday

SH61313 15732 – Dragon Threatre, Jubilee Road, Barmouth, Gwynedd, LL42 1LR
https://what3words.com/music.juniors.morphing

Support teams welcome

Checkpoint 5 – 39 Miles. Cut-off 20:36 Saturday

**NO SUPPORT TEAMS PERMITTED**

SH62939 23830 Pont Scethin, Dyffryn Ardudwy, Gwynedd, LL45 2PL
TOWARDS Dyffryn Ardudwy, Talybont LL43 2AT
https://what3words.com/having.unwound.pastels


Checkpoint 6 – 45 Miles. Cut-off 00:00 Sunday

**NO SUPPORT TEAMS PERMITTED**

SH68396 30189 Graigddu Ganol, Trawsfynydd, Gwynedd, LL40 2LB
https://goo.gl/maps/gq45mXXgecYaHbBEA

https://what3words.com/reputable.brew.cemented

Finish. Cut-off 02:00 Sunday
SH72335 26866 Coed-y-Brenin Visitor Centre, Dolgefeiliau, Ganllwyd, Dolgellau, LL40 2HZ.

No dropbags are permitted to be transported to checkpoints at this event.

There is no facility to leave a bag at the start/finish area.

Mandatory kit MUST be carried AT ALL TIMES during the race.

Failure to carry mandatory kit will result in a participant being disqualified.

Random kit checks at race registration, during the race and at the finish line will take place.

Mandatory Kit

Hardcopy Map – Harvey Maps XT40 (both Central and South Snowdonia) or similar or Ordnance Survey Explorer OL18 & OL23,
Waterproof coat with sealed seams (Gore-Tex or similar) – minimum 10,000mm,
Base plate Compass
Long Sleeved Base layer (kept in a drybag separate from starting kit)
Whistle
Water bottle or bladder – min 1 litre capacity,
Fully charged mobile phone,
Survival/Foil blanket,
Primary light – Headtorch,
Secondary light (not mobile phone),
GPS Tracker (Provided by GB Race Tracker Prior to the Race).

Reccomended Kit

Electrolytes/S-caps

Base Plate Compass

Sun protection/head cover

First aid kit

Cup

Please be aware GB Ultras events are cupless! You can buy a GB Ultras reusable cup to use during the event. CLICK HERE to visit the shop.

GB Ultras Merchandise

We’ll have a range of our GB Ultras branded merchandise available at both race registration and at the finish.

  • Drybags
  • Enamel cups
  • Hoodies
  • Running vests
  • Soft cups
  • Technical t-shirts
  • Visors

Optional Finisher T-shirt 

If you’ve pre-ordered your optional finisher t-shirt, you’ll be able to collect this during race registration on either day, or after you finish the race.  To make sure yours is waiting for you to collect, you can order it here if didn’t order one when you entered the race.

Availability is limited and finisher t-shirts won’t be available on the day to purchase!

Pacers / Support Runners

No Pacers or Support Runners are permitted.  Participants found to be running with another person who is not entered in the race will be disqualified.

We have been given permission for vehicles to park at Coed-y-Brenin Visitor Centre for the duration of the event.

Vehicles can arrive from 17:15 on Friday 21st June and may remain parked until 08:00 on Sunday 23rd June. PLEASE DO NOT ARRIVE BEFORE 17:15 ON FRIDAY.

Participants may sleep in their vehicles overnight on the overflow car park. Toilets will be accessible outside the Visitors Centre building overnight.

NO OVERNIGHT CAMPING IN TENTS IS PERMITTED. NO FIRES OR BBQ’S ARE PERMITTED.

Parking is chargeable and can be paid at the payment machine at the Visitors Centre or on exiting the carpark. Charges are displayed on entry and your entry/exit time is recorded by ANPR cameras.

Supporters wishing to drop-off or pick up their runners may park in the main car park.  Please note that entry to the car-park for participants and supporters is chargeable on each occasion.

The results will be available real-time during the event and we’ll update this page with the link prior to the event.

As each runner crosses the finish line, their race chip records their individual finishing position and finishing time.

Your position and time shown in the results link is your official result. Please note that the tracking system is different to the timing system and has no bearing on your chip time or result.

We’ll be posting the links to the official media team photographs here after the race has finished.  Please keep checking back to find yours.

Processing and editing the photographs does take some time so please allow 48-72 after conclusion of the race for the links to be added.

We’ll also be adding photographs taken by the event team on our Ultra Trail Wales Facebook page and in the GB Ultras Community Facebook Group as well!

2024 Event Photographs

Dan Bentley Photography. Finish Line Headshots. Printed versions of the digital images can be purchased here: Photo Order Form

David Murch (Mick Hall Photos) Start, Cadair Idris, Rhinog Fach Photos

Ridgeline Media Registration, Start, Course and Finish Line Photos

Tosh Simpkin, Start, Cadair Idris, Rhinog Fach and Finish Line Photos

GB Ultras Event Team Start, Course and Finish Line Photos

Andrew Paylor Photography Start, Cadair Idris and Rhinog Fach Photos

Ultra Wales Admission Waiver

Each ultra runner agrees and understands the full nature of an Ultra-Marathon. That an Ultra-Marathon involves running throughout the day and well into the night at times with limited rest over challenging terrain with inherent risks of changing weather conditions. Each ultra runner understands that it is their responsibility to adequately train for the event, and monitor their own health throughout and are ultimately responsible for their own safety. Criteria ensures that a runners safety depends on their own skills and abilities and these have been gained from other events placing them in good stead to take on the mental and physical challenges of Ultra Wales.

Each ultra runner understands these are there responsibilities not those of GB Ultras.

Please read these terms and conditions carefully and make sure that you understand them, before placing an entry on our site. By submitting your entry form, you agree to be bound by these terms and conditions (“the Terms”), and by submitting, you declare that you hereby, for yourself, your heirs and executors, administrators, successors, and assigns, declare that:-

1. I hereby agree to comply with the Conditions of Entry and all event rules and regulations as set down by GB Ultras Ltd (“the Event Organisers”) a company registered in England and Wales under company number 09397186. These conditions include the length of time taken to complete sections of the course which may be implemented by the Event Organisers, at their discretion, to ensure safe and proper running of the event.
2. I agree that the decision of the Race Referee will be final in all circumstances and no discussion will be entered into.
3. I agree to conduct myself in a sporting, professional and cautious manner during my participation in the event and understand that I may be disqualified if I do not do so.
4. I understand participation in this Event is physically strenuous and demanding and am fully aware of the nature of the event and all associated medical and physical risks involved. I further certify that I am physically capable of competing in this Event and I will only compete if I am fit enough to do so.
5. I will be immediately disqualified from the Event if I am found to have intentionally shortened the route to the race, and found to be deliberately littering the course.
6. If I have any medical condition(s), including allergies, which the Event Organisers or Event medical advisors might need to be aware of, I have provided details of this on my entry form, and will also provide written details of this on the rear of my pin-on numbers prior to my participation in the Event. I agree to display my number at all times during the Event.
7. I acknowledge that my pin-on number is personal to me and it is non-transferable under any circumstances.
8. I understand and agree that I participate in this Event entirely at my own risk, that I must rely on my own ability in dealing with all hazards, and that I must conduct myself in a manner that is safe for myself and all others throughout the duration of this Event.
9. I agree to retire immediately from the event if ordered to do so by the Event Organisers, any government official or member of the emergency services.
10. I accept full liability for any medical expenses incurred as a result of training for and/or participating in the Event
11. I accept that the Event Organisers, sponsors, race officials, medical advisers and any person involved in the organisation of this Event are not liable for any injury or illness or resultant death that I may suffer as a result of my participation in the Event, whether prior to, during or subsequent to the Event. I enter the race entirely at my own risk. I renounce any rights and claims for damages that I may have against the Event Organisers, sponsors, race officials, medical advisers and any person involved in the organisation of this Event together with their officers, directors, shareholders, successors and assigns, (collectively, “Releasees”) and release them from all liability to the Participant and his/her personal representatives, assigns, heirs, executors, and successors for loss(es), damage(s) and claims therefor on account of injury to Participant or his/her property or the resultant death of Participant, whether caused by the active or passive negligence of the Releasees or otherwise, in connection with Participants involvement in the Event (“Losses”), and further covenants not to sue any of the aforementioned parties for such Losses.
12. Whilst the Event Organisers take every care with the staging of the Event, I accept that I must make all reasonable precautions for the safeguarding of my person and of my property during my participation in this Event. I further acknowledge that personal accident and personal items insurance is my responsibility.
13. I understand that at registration, I must produce photographic identification.
14. I am aware that when running, the function of the marshals is only to indicate direction and that I must decide if the movement is safe.
15. I accept that, in relation to my participation in this Event, I am required to obey instructions from marshals and relevant signage before, during and after the Event.
16. The Event Organisers introduce cut off times for completion of sections of the course as they see fit. These will be made clear prior to the race. Competitors may be instructed to withdraw from the Event in accordance with the imposed cut off times.
17. I accept that the Event Organisers reserve the right to amend the event format or cancel the Event due to health and safety reasons, including storm, rain, inclement weather, winds or any other act of god conditions. I accept that my Entry fee shall be non-refundable in this circumstance as costs have already been incurred.
18. I accept that the Event Organisers will do their utmost to provide me with a finish time following my completion of the Event, however they will not be held responsible for any computer result anomalies.
19. I will be 20 years old or over on the day of the Event (Rule T3 (141) S5 UKA Trail Running).
20. I have read, understood and accept the GB Ultras Ltd Withdrawal Policy.
21. I understand that confirmed entry to this event is dependent on a fully and accurately completed online Entry Form; and receipt of payment to cover my Entry fee at least 10 working days (2 weeks) in advance of the event. If either of these conditions is not fulfilled then my entry will not be valid nor accepted, and I will not be eligible to take part in the Event.
22. Through my completion and submission of the online Entry Form, I am committing to paying for my Event entry via the means as instructed on the GB Ultras Ltd website.
23. I irrevocably consent to my appearance in any media format, in relation to the publicity of this Event, and in future publicity and advertising of GB Ultras Ltd; provided that such use does not imply my direct endorsement of any official sponsor or suppliers of the Event.
24. All decisions and rulings by the Event Organisers, its employees and its agents are considered final.
25. The Event Organisers reserve the right to vary these conditions by giving notice to in writing in any official event material or correspondence prior to the Event.
26. A person who is not party to these Terms shall not have any rights under or in connection with them under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999.
27. We will not be liable or responsible for any failure to perform, or delay in performance of, any of our obligations under the Terms that is caused by events outside our reasonable control (Force Majeure Event).
A Force Majeure Event includes any act, event, non-happening, omission or accident beyond our reasonable control and includes in particular (without limitation) the following: strikes, lock-outs or other industrial action; civil commotion, riot, invasion, terrorist attack or threat of terrorist attack, war (whether declared or not) or threat or preparation for war; fire, explosion, storm, flood, earthquake, subsidence, epidemic or other natural disaster; impossibility of the use of railways, shipping, aircraft, motor transport or other means of public or private transport; impossibility of the use of public or private telecommunications networks; the acts, decrees, legislation, regulations or restrictions of any government; and pandemic or epidemic.
28. I have read, understood and accept the GB Ultras Ltd Withdrawal Policy. You agree that we may publish your Personal Information as part of the results of the Event and may pass such information to the governing body or any affiliated organisation for the purpose of insurance, licences or for publishing results either for the event alone or combined with or compared to other events. Results may include (but not be limited to) name, any club affiliation, race times, occupation and age category. Your details may also be passed onto 3rd parties via Live tracking so that your family and friends and the general public can follow every entrants position during the Race.
29. Should a GPS Tracker be damaged, lost or stolen then the entrant agrees to cover the cost of the tracker which is £150 + VAT per GPS tracker.
30. Upon withdrawal or completion of the Race, the runner agrees to return the GPS tracker to the Race Organiser. If a GPS tracker is not returned to a dedicated Race Marshal at Race HQ then the runner will be charged £150 + VAT.
31.  I have read, understood and accept the GB Ultras Ltd Withdrawal Policy.

If you see a runner experiencing difficulties during Ultra Wales please inform Checkpoint Marshals. Each runner has Head Quarters mobile numbers on their bib.

No roads are closed en route so please exercise due diligence and care at all times. This will mean that participants have to slow, possibly stop to cross roads.

There are certain sections that lead onto country road, and/or road crossings – due to the length of the route – it won’t be possible to marshal a 50 mile route. It is the role of the entrant to be self-sufficient.

Our team will endeavour to reach any participant in difficulty within 30 minutes to 1 hour due to the inaccessibility of the Trail. Medical staff will be dispatched as quickly as possible. Phones must be used only in emergency to conserve battery power should the need arise.

Participants who lose time helping another fallen participant, struggling against the cut off time due to this reason, can claim this time back, subject to RD discretion, Checkpoint/Village Hall availability, and under the proviso of completing within their new, extended cut off period.

GB Ultras believe all participants should make proper and mindful transport arrangements prior to the event and NO participant should be in charge of a car directly after the event. Please make sensible arrangements.

Please note Support Crew restrictions at:

Checkpoint 5  – No support crews permitted

Checkpoint 6  – No support crews permitted

At other checkpoint locations, no more than two Support Crew members supporting an individual runner are permitted at a checkpoint at any one time.  These must not impede the Event team nor other runners.  

Parking locations at all checkpoints are pay and display.

Support crews must not take the food nor drink from the checkpoint except for their runner unless given permission to do so.

Support Crews must respect instructions given by Event Staff.  Failure to do so will result in the Support crew being asked to leave the checkpoint and possible time implications or disqualification of the runner.

No dogs are permitted at checkpoints.

Prior to the Ultra Wales race

Due to the nature of the event, costs are incurred as soon as a participant signs up, no refunds are possible in this event. However, GB Ultras understand injuries do occur so would URGE ALL RUNNERS to take out DOGTAG PERSONAL MEDICAL COVER or BMC Personal Cover to help claim back the entry fee (due to injury) and thus following the insurance companies process. Please be aware that the Insurance Company determines whether the nature of your injury will necessitate a refund.

We allow deferrals to the following years race or transfer of your place to another runner subject to the timescales below. Transfers to another runner are also subject to the replacement runner meeting the qualifying criteria for the event (please see the Qualifying Criteria section).
 

Deferrals

Any deferrals to the the following years Race must be requested by emailing the event team at events@gbultras.com no later than 8 weeks prior to the event subject to payment of an administration fee. No deferral requests will be permitted after this time. Click here to pay the Admin Fee.

Please note that a deferral is permitted for one year only (unless due to pregnancy – please see GB Ultras Pregnancy Deferral Policy below).

Pregnancy Deferral

  1. Women who have entered a GB Ultras event and are, or become, pregnant prior to race day can defer entry for up to two years.
  2. Women who fall pregnant again during the deferral period may request another deferral for up to an additional two years.
  3. Partners are also able to defer for one year if the birth is imminent.
  4. To defer please email events@gbultras.com with the medical certificate/medical confirmation of the pregnancy/birth.
  5. All other rules and requirements for race entry will apply.

 

Transfers to another runner

Transfers are possible up until 3 weeks before the Race day providing qualifying criteria is met (marathon experience) and payment of an administration fee. No transfer requests will be permitted after this time.  Click here to pay the Admin Fee.

Participants allowing another person to run under their name and bib no will be in breach of English Athletics code of conduct and will be disqualified.  The organiser must be informed of any change.

Once the administration fee has been paid, please email the team at events@gbultras.com with the following details of the replacement runner:
 
Full name
Date of Birth
Full address and postcode
Mobile
Email address
Running Club (if any)
UKA membership number (if any)
Next of kin name
Next of kin number
 

During the race

Please inform a GB Ultras Race Marshal at one of the Checkpoint’s or Race HQ.  This will ensure all participants who are registered and pull out of the race are accounted for, allowing for the accurate and safe running of the event.  If a participant withdraws at a Checkpoint they must hand over their Race Number & GPS Tracker to the Event team to signal their retirement.  Marshals will inform the race organiser and each of the remaining Checkpoints can update their event documentation.

Upon withdrawal from the race, it is the responsibility of the individual to get themselves home (or to the finish if required to collect their dropbag). We would recommend having your own Support Crew or someone on standby to collect you in case of unexpected withdrawal during the event.

Where possible, runners withdrawing from the race may be able to be transported by GB Ultras event support from a checkpoint back to Race HQ however this cannot be guaranteed. Priority will be given to runners still participating in the race.

Where it is possible to transport a runner to the finish, this will only be available after a checkpoint closes and therefore may involve a significant wait. In addition, as event teams are deployed to multiple checkpoint locations, transport to Race HQ may involve intermediate stops on route for further (potentially lengthy) periods of time before heading to Race HQ.

GB Ultras also reserve the right to pull any participant out of the race on health grounds. 

Play Video

Ultra Wales Race Briefing

Play Video

Ultra Wales Mandatory Kit

The Route

The course is a 50 mile trail and mountain race with a 20 hour cut-off and explores the lower reaches of Southern Snowdonia before ascending and taking in the beauty of Cadair Idris and Rhinog Fach. 

Part Of The 50 Mile Grand Slam

Take on 5 of our 50 Mile Ultra Marathons for the Slam Medal or take on all 8 50 Mile Ultra Marathons for the Grand Slam & get in to the Hall of Fame.

Training Runs

In the lead up to the Race, GB Ultras Running Club organise training runs covering the entire route section by section to help build confidence and prepare runners for the upcoming Ultra Wales 50 Mile Race.

There will be a small charge Of £19.99 for 1 day or £34.99 for both days for these to cover event team costs. Included is –

  • Fully guided recce run
  • Mandatory kit advice
  • Exclusive group messenger chat for recce and race prep
  • Limited edition buff
  • Meet the team
  • Gain trail experience and knowledge

Pace wise we’ll be going at a nice gentle pace ensuring all runners stay as a group with brief stops approximately every couple of miles.
Generally our training runs have high attendance and for safety reasons we’ll be imposing a limit depending on feedback. 

Please take into account weather conditions closer to the time. We recommend runners refer to the Mandatory kit section and carry sufficient food/water for the duration of each of the runs.

Section covered & distance

Starting from Dol Idris car park (Checkpoint 2) and taking runners to Cadair Idris and then onwards to Barmouth (Checkpoint 4) covering 15 miles of the route.

Starting point

8:00am – Dol Idris Car Park/Minffordd Car Park, Minffordd Path, Llanfihangel-y-Pennant, LL36 9AJ

Finish point

Dragon Threatre, Jubilee Road, Barmouth, Gwynedd, LL42 1LR

Car sharing

Please opt into the WhatsApp messenger group to secure arrangements. 

Poor weather alternative

If severe/poor weather is forecast, an alternative route maybe actioned during the training run to avoid the high ground.

Section covered & distance

Covering 20 miles from Barmouth to Coed-y-Brenin, the Finish Venue for the Race.

Starting point

8:00am – Dragon Threatre, Jubilee Road, Barmouth, Gwynedd, LL42 1LR

Finish point

Coed-y-Brenin Forest Park, Dolgefeiliau, Ganllwyd, Dolgellau, LL40 2HZ.

Car sharing

Please opt into the WhatsApp messenger group to secure arrangements.

Poor weather alternative

If severe/poor weather is forecast, an alternative route maybe actioned during the training run to avoid the high ground.

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