Excalibur Trail Races, 10km, half marathon and marathon

The courses are a mix between maintained trail, grassy trail and loose trail. All three of the Excalibur Trail Races courses are very hilly for the distances that they cover, and in parts, very technical.

But with elevation, comes stunning views of the Clywdian Range, with back drops of Snowdon in the far distance providing some of the best scenery in North Wales.

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Races are a must-do off-road adventure set in the stunning Clwydian Range of North Wales, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty steeped in ancient Arthurian legend.

Taking place on Sunday 10th May 2026, this unforgettable event offers three fully marked and marshalled distances — Marathon, Half Marathon and 10 km — all of which traverse rugged footpaths, technical trails and exhilarating hills that reward your effort with breathtaking panoramic views.

Whether you’re a seasoned trail runner chasing elevation and endurance, or a determined newcomer keen for an epic outdoor challenge, Excalibur delivers a true test of strength and stamina. Each finish earns a bespoke medal, and there are age-category and overall prizes up for grabs.

The race base is at Moel Famau Donkeys (Llanferres), where runners and spectators can enjoy food and drink stalls, refreshments, toilets and a lively post-race atmosphere.

Organised by Running Head First CIC and supported by RunTrue, Excalibur also gives back, with part of the marathon entry helping support community health and wellbeing programmes across the North-West and Wales.

Conquer the hills. Enjoy the views. Join a community of trail runners. Excalibur Trail Races are more than a run — they’re an adventure you’ll never forget

• Bespoke Excalibur Trail Races finisher medal
• Prizes for overall and age-category winners
• Race goody bag for all entrants
• Marshals on course and at key points
• Well-stocked aid stations
• Event photography included
• Unique Arthurian / Excalibur race theme
• Stunning Clwydian Range AONB location
• Multiple distances available (to suit all abilities)
• Community-led event supporting health & wellbeing initiatives
• Ideal early-season trail challenge
• Astonishing Views
• Community race atmosphere

At each of the numbered checkpoints there will be water and snack food items. The water will be in water containers with taps. You need to carry your own bottle to refill at these points. There will NOT be cups. You are expected to carry A FULL WATER BOTTLE from the start. The route will be fully signed with signs marked with the Excalibur logo (please note there may be other events in the area this weekend which will also have signage). There will also be marshals not only at checkpoints but at other strategic points throughout the course. However, with the best will in the world marshals may get called away, signs may be tampered with or removed so …… you have a map and are asked to carry a compass, so responsibility is on you to find your way. In 5 years, we’ve only lost one person and we found them again pretty quickly!

Marathon checkpoints:

Start Moel Famau Donkeys
CP 1 GR168647 T Junction Cilcain
CP2 GR 146641 Ridge junction
CP 3 GR 148657 Cattle grid
CP 4 GR 121690 Aifft - 2.00pm cut off
CP 5 GR 121690 Aifft
CP 6 GR 148657 Cattle grid
CP 7 GR 146641 Ridge junction
CP 8 GR 162627 Moel Famau
Finish GR172612 Moel Famau Donkeys

Half Marathon checkpoints:
Start Moel Famau Donkeys
CP 1 GR168647 T Junction Cilcain
CP 2 GR 146641 Ridge junction
CP 7 GR 146641 Ridge junction
CP 8 GR 162627 Moel Famau
Finish GR172612 Moel Famau Donkeys

10k checkpoints:
Start GR172612 Moel Famau Donkeys
CP 8 GR 162627 Moel Famau
Finish GR172612 Moel Famau Donkeys

If you feel at any point that you can’t continue, please alert a marshal. If you are unable to get to a checkpoint, then inform another competitor. Do not simply go home. We need to and will account for every competitor. Mountain Rescue will be available throughout the course. The only cut off will be 2.00pm at Aifft on the full marathon route (just before the most northerly loop). Competitors arriving at this point after 2.00pm will be asked not to undertake the top loop but to make their way back (a reduction of 3 miles in distance). There will be sweepers at the tail end on all routes.

There will not be plastic bottles of water given to each finisher this year but there will be drinks available at a table at the finish. We are reducing the amount of single use plastic. In the same spirit there will not be a medal but the memento has its own special sustainability story.

The start / finish area will have catering facilities from the Original Catering Company selling a variety of hot foods, tea and coffee, toilets and a bar (local Hafod Brewery from Mold. We are hoping that people will stay, relax, have something to eat (special Excalibur sausages for sale), enjoy a beer and cheer on your fellow competitors at the finish. It will be a beautiful sunny day, so why not? Remember to bring cash - there is no signal for card machines. Remember, if you are one of the clubs with the greatest number of entries over all 3 events then you all get a free bottle of Excalibur Ale. Run True www.runtrue.org are supporting this year’s event and will be arranging recce days of the routes during the year.

Prizegiving will be at 2.00pm or sooner if all prizewinners have completed