Machen Trail Races: Half and Full Marathons
From Ridge Runners
- Date Sat 28th November 2026
- Time 08:00
- Location Caerphilly, Mid Glamorgan
- Price £40.00 - £50.00
- Races 2 races
- Distances Marathon, Half Marathon
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Event summary
Get ready for the exhilarating Machen Trail Races, taking place on Saturday, November 28th, 2026, in the stunning landscapes of Caerphilly, Mid Glamorgan! Organized by Ridge Runners, this event features both half and full marathon distances, perfect for runners of all levels. The half marathon offers a beautiful route with wooded single tracks, open moors, and charming streams, while the full marathon presents a more challenging experience with breathtaking views from Machen Mountain, all without the winter risks typically associated with mountain races.
With 4,600 feet of elevation for the marathon and 2,500 feet for the half, participants will tackle exciting climbs and enjoy thrilling descents, all while being supported by an enthusiastic team of volunteers who are passionate runners themselves. Known for its excellent organization and community spirit, the Machen Trail Races promise to be an unforgettable experience, attracting both seasoned athletes training for mountain ultras and those simply looking to enjoy a lovely winter day in the woods. Don’t miss out on this special race that continues to receive rave reviews and full entry lists year after year!
With 4,600 feet of elevation for the marathon and 2,500 feet for the half, participants will tackle exciting climbs and enjoy thrilling descents, all while being supported by an enthusiastic team of volunteers who are passionate runners themselves. Known for its excellent organization and community spirit, the Machen Trail Races promise to be an unforgettable experience, attracting both seasoned athletes training for mountain ultras and those simply looking to enjoy a lovely winter day in the woods. Don’t miss out on this special race that continues to receive rave reviews and full entry lists year after year!
Machen Trail Races: Half and Full Marathons
Sat 28th November 2026
Organiser's Description
Quite simply - our vision is to put on the very best races. And our 4.5 to 5 star ratings and full entry lists tell a story.
Its hard to believe that such a beautiful route is so close to a capital city. The race has everything, for those training for mountain ultras to those looking for a lovely winters day in the woods, this is the race for you.
For the half, there are wooded single tracks, open moors and pretty streams.
The marathon adds a mountain feel with the exposure of Machen mountain, yet without the risks of a mountain race in winter. A race that many return to, because the route is just 'special'.
With 4,600ft of elevation for the marathon and 2,500 ft for the half, whichever race you choose, you will experience challenging climbs, sensational views and fast and thrilling descents.
All along the route you will be supported by one of the best signed trail races, and supported by an amazing crew of volunteers. The volunteers are all runners, who put this on simply because of their love for the sport - they know how they would like to be supported, and that shows everytime you see them.
Note: The half course will be fully marked ; The marathon route will require self navigation, though there will be marshalls at critical junctions to support you.
Its hard to believe that such a beautiful route is so close to a capital city. The race has everything, for those training for mountain ultras to those looking for a lovely winters day in the woods, this is the race for you.
For the half, there are wooded single tracks, open moors and pretty streams.
The marathon adds a mountain feel with the exposure of Machen mountain, yet without the risks of a mountain race in winter. A race that many return to, because the route is just 'special'.
With 4,600ft of elevation for the marathon and 2,500 ft for the half, whichever race you choose, you will experience challenging climbs, sensational views and fast and thrilling descents.
All along the route you will be supported by one of the best signed trail races, and supported by an amazing crew of volunteers. The volunteers are all runners, who put this on simply because of their love for the sport - they know how they would like to be supported, and that shows everytime you see them.
Note: The half course will be fully marked ; The marathon route will require self navigation, though there will be marshalls at critical junctions to support you.
Races
-
Machen Trail Races: Marathon
£50.00
Booking for more than 1? -
Machen Trail Races: Half Marathon
£40.00
Booking for more than 1?
Reviews
- 5
- 4
- 3
- 2
- 1
4.9
7 reviews
It was muddy, wet, hilly, rocky but most of all AWESOME!!
So well planned, with plenty of details on the run up. I uploaded the route onto my watch which is highly recommend doing as I could see how much climb or descent was left as well as keep on track. Although the course was so well marked that you would be fine without it 😊
The course itself was one of the harder trails I have done but also so enjoyable. Lovely people taking part to chat with and a good pep talk at the start, as there were some detours.
Very friendly staff at the check in, support and guidance along the way and someone to greet you at the end.
Thank you to all involved!
Would highly recommend ✨✨
Excellent route for the half - enjoyed a challenge - lots of mud!
Friendly race - Marshalls and other participants all very supportive
Hello Amy
Thank you so much for your response. We do try to put onroutes we'd love to run ourselves. That does mean that marking the route is very challenging. That's why its so nice to get your feedback on the route, makes it all worthwhile
Mark
Nice but tough and well marked course with plenty of interesting hills. A storm the previous weekend had left a large section of the course as something of a mudfest but it is winter in Wales after all. Well organised and run with a nice selection of cookies and cakes at the finish
Glad you enjoyed the event David - that really does mean a lot to us. Thank you
Lucy
·2 years ago
Great route, very scenic and varied in terrain/ scenery. It was a crisp cold day which helped, although underfoot was still very boggy in places, so I'm not sure how it would be on a very wet day. Compared to previous trail races I've done it was a little harder to navigate, so you had to keep your whits about you looking for signs to turn off main paths (ended up adding a couple of km extra due to a missed turning, but I have a terrible sense of direction!). Should have had the GPX file on my phone to check.
Hills-wise, it's quite challenging, with lots of ups and downs rather than any big climbs that you get over and done with.
The beginning was a little crowded, I held back so as not to go out too fast but found I was then stuck behind people in a few places at the start. Would recommend finding your pace group better than I did.
Checkpoints were well stocked with sugary treats and water.
Overall a great morning out!
Thanks for the feedback Lucy - we really do appreciate people taking the time, every one helps us improve.
In terms of signage , sorry you took a wrong turn. On the half, we try to get a balance of enough signs to avoid the need to navigate, yet not so many that there is a feeling of being on an adventure and a sense of 'exploration'.
Glad you enjoyed the route, it is one of our favourites too
Awesome event but not for the faint hearted. I hurt so much today (day after). Definitely signing up for next year!
Thanks Rita- such a useful response. We really don't know how to let people know about our events. We don't wish to get into hyperbole about the toughness of the events - we fear that will put people off. We do know that people find the tough, but we also hear that many find them very rewarding and create a real sense of achievement. Its why we put so many running marshals on, we know how important their support is to making everyone's day fantastic
Thanks again
alex
·2 years ago
By far the hardest half trail event I’ve done, also great to see a cupless event.
Probably the best event route I’ve done this year too, the views along the route were incredible… even if I was too tired to take it all in
The hills really are hills in this event with 2,500 ft of total elevation. Consider yourself warned!
You are required to carry kit in case of emergencies which may require a bigger bag so a pre race treat yourself to kit day could be useful for anyone looking to participate
Can’t recommend this event enough, much better than the bigger events out there and the volunteers/ organisers were fantastic
Thank you :)
Thanks for your kind words Alex. We genuinly mean 'by runners for runners'. We only put on races we would want to do ourselves. Your feedback helps us know that we are putting our efforts in the right direction.
Thanks again
Location
Machen Village Hall & Social Centre, The Crescent, Caerphilly, CF83 8ND, United Kingdom
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Machen Trail Races: Half and Full Marathons
