Excalibur Trail Races, 10km, half marathon and marathon

Excalibur Trail Races logo

From Excalibur Trail Races

  • Date Sun 10th May 2026
  • Time 09:00
  • Location Ruthin, Clwyd
  • Price £36.00 - £46.00
  • Races 6 races
  • Distances 10km, Half Marathon, Marathon

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Booked 14 times recently

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Five runners are on a trail path during a run. They're wearing outdoor athletic gear and numbered bibs. The terrain is hilly and the weather appears overcast. The mood seems energetic and focused.

Excalibur Trail Races, 10km, half marathon and marathon

Sun 10th May 2026

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Event summary

Get ready for an unforgettable experience at the Excalibur Trail Races, taking place on Sunday, May 10th, 2026, in the stunning landscapes of Ruthin, Clwyd. Organised by the dedicated team at Excalibur Trail Races, this event offers three challenging race distances: a grueling marathon with over 6,300 feet of ascent, a half marathon featuring 3,200 feet of elevation, and a spirited 10km route that still packs a punch with 1,750 feet of climb.

Whether you choose to run or walk, the Excalibur Trail Races invite you to conquer the breathtaking trails of the Clwydian Range, a region rich in Arthurian legend. Embrace the adventure, push your limits, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of North Wales. Make sure to mark your calendars for this incredible event that promises not only a test of endurance but also an exhilarating celebration of trail running!

Excalibur Trail Races, 10km, half marathon and marathon

Sun 10th May 2026

Five runners are on a trail path during a run. They're wearing outdoor athletic gear and numbered bibs. The terrain is hilly and the weather appears overcast. The mood seems energetic and focused. A group of runners in athletic gear navigate a muddy trail surrounded by trees and grass. They wear numbered bibs and carry hydration packs, participating in an outdoor race. The image captures the energetic atmosphere of the event. A large group of runners in colorful athletic gear stand in line on a grassy trail surrounded by trees. It's a bright day with a blue canopy visible in the background. Some runners wear race bibs with numbers. Two men are hiking on a rocky trail using trekking poles. They're wearing numbered race bibs and are accompanied by other hikers in the background. The scenery includes greenery and hills under a cloudy sky.

Organiser's Description

RUN IT, WALK IT (AT TIMES) BUT… CONQUER IT

Excalibur is the tough trail event that traverses the spectacular Clwydian Range in North Wales steeped in ancient Arthurian legend. With over 6,300 feet of ascent in the marathon route, 3200 in the half marathon and 1,750 in the 10k Excalibur is a tough trail event.

Races

  • Excalibur 10km

    Sun 10th May 2026 (11:00)

    £36.00

    Booking for more than 1?

  • Excalibur Half Marathon

    Sun 10th May 2026 (10:00)

    £41.00

    Booking for more than 1?

  • Excalibur Marathon

    Sun 10th May 2026 (09:00)

    £46.00

    Booking for more than 1?

  • Excalibur 10k Canicross

    Sun 10th May 2026 (11:15)

    £36.00

    Booking for more than 1?

  • Excalibur Half Marathon Canicross

    Sun 10th May 2026 (10:15)

    £41.00

    Booking for more than 1?

  • Excalibur Marathon Canicross

    Sun 10th May 2026 (09:15)

    £46.00

    Booking for more than 1?

Book

  • Excalibur 10km

    Sun 10th May 2026 (11:00)

    £36.00

    Booking for more than 1?

  • Excalibur Half Marathon

    Sun 10th May 2026 (10:00)

    £41.00

    Booking for more than 1?

  • Excalibur Marathon

    Sun 10th May 2026 (09:00)

    £46.00

    Booking for more than 1?

  • Excalibur 10k Canicross

    Sun 10th May 2026 (11:15)

    £36.00

    Booking for more than 1?

  • Excalibur Half Marathon Canicross

    Sun 10th May 2026 (10:15)

    £41.00

    Booking for more than 1?

  • Excalibur Marathon Canicross

    Sun 10th May 2026 (09:15)

    £46.00

    Booking for more than 1?

Course Details

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.

Excalibur Trail Races, 10km, half marathon and marathon course map
Excalibur Trail Races, 10km, half marathon and marathon course map

What's Included

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 Coed Moel Famau Car Park (Llanferres), where runners and spectators can enjoy food (Original Catering Company) and a bar with its own exclusive Excalibur ale, refreshments, toilets and a lively post-race atmosphere.

Organised by Running Head First CIC and supported by Run True, 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

How to Get There

To get there leave the A494 between Mold and Ruthin for Tafarn Y Gelyn and follow the signs for Moel Famau. The event HQ will be signposted on the right.

Parking

to get to the event leave the A494 between Mold and Ruthin for Tafarn Y Gelyn and follow the signs for Moel Famau. Parking will be at Coed Moel Famau Car Park, Llanferres, Mold, CH7 5SJ and is on the right.

You can park at the start/finish site for the duration of the event.
PLEASE NOTE: The car park costs £6 (cash or card)

FAQs

  • What is Excalibur?

    Excalibur is an off-road event in the Clwydian Range of North Wales. It comprises of a full marathon route, a half marathon route and a 10k route. There will be hills!

  • What time does it start?

    The marathon starts at 9am, the half marathon at 10am, and the 10k race will start at 11am. Dogs and harnesses (and their owners!) running canicross will start after the main races (delay will be taken account of).

  • Is there a cut off?

    There will be a cut off at Aifft (just before the very top loop on the marathon route) at 2pm. Runners after 2pm will be asked to make their way back to the finish. There will be sweepers at the tail end on all routes.

  • What do I need to bring?

    All runners will need full waterproofs (whole body), a whistle, compass, and a map of the area from which you can navigate (OS 265 Clwydian Range, 1:25,000 cover the area). Please note: We supply you with a map at registration so, please don’t buy one! Runners will also need to carry a hat, gloves, water bottle and (marathon and half marathon only) emergency food.

  • Will there be a kit check?

    Yes – you will need to allow time for a kit check before starting Excalibur. Everyone who enters will be kit checked.

  • What if the weather is great?

    The kit requirements may change slightly depending on the weather. A list of the required items will be displayed at the registration tent on the morning of the event but our recommendation is that you bring all of the items listed below, just in case!

  • Why do I need to bring my own water bottle?

    To minimise litter, participants can re-fill their water bottles at checkpoints on the route. If you don’t have your own water bottle, you won’t have a drink on the route.

  • What if there is an accident?

    The North East Wales Search & Rescue Team will be in attendance on the day. They will be based at both the finish line and on the route.

  • How old must I be to enter?

    Participants must be 18 years of age or over on the day of the race for marathon and half marathon. 16 for the 10k.

  • Do I have to have done fell/mountain running previously?

    All participants will need to sign a disclaimer to say that they consider themselves physically fit enough to take part in such a demanding event. We strongly advise that all participants have some experience of running or walking on hilly terrain. Individuals must carry the essential kit on the day and be a competent map reader. Although the route will be clearly marked and supervised by marshals throughout the course it is YOUR responsibility to find the right way.

checkpoints

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

start and finish

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

Event Video

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Location

Bwlch Penbarras, Ruthin, CH7 5, United Kingdom

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