Machen Trail Races: Half and Full Marathons

The half marathon
Starting in Machen, the route winds its way through some beautiful single track trails to Rudry Common. Once over the common, a short trip into Caerphilly Forest, then over the hill and a glorious downhill belt to the Cefn Onn Checkpoint. Once through the checkpoint, a long climb back to the top of the ridgeway, passing Llysfaen Trigpoint. A very special trip through both deciduous and pinewoods leads you to Ruperra Castle. Down into Draethen, where sadly the pub is shut, and the final climb up into Machen Woods, leading to a final trail back to the start and a well earned rest. There is mud, hill tops, sea views and meandering forest trails. It is really one of the best routes out there.

Previous entrants have mentioned the race is not easy, though those that have, have said they will be back - its one of those races, that makes you feel great for having really achieved something - mainly because of the amazingly reputational support from the volunteers.

The marathon
Continuing after completing the half route there is a tough climb to the Rhymney Valley Ridgeway. Once on 'the top' there is good track running for several miles, which should warm you up! Bomb down to the right toward Wyllie, and right again onto the Sirhowy Valley Walk. A very enjoyable downhill trot on single track to the bottom. After a few tricky turns and a steep ascent back onto the ridgeway, good running again takes you to the highest point of your day, and Mynydd Machen Trig. A quad bashing decent back to Machen and the finish.

The marathon is a tough race in its own right, and is also perfect for those training for a mountain ultras
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We believe we offer a package that is simply the best and amazing value for money. We want you to get all the amazing support that you would expect to see in an ultra - on your half or full marathon

Race HQ with toilets
Ethical race award, locally and sustainably sourced - local slate to reduce our carbon footprint
Professional Photographer
Professional Digital race timing, with live results for your friends and family to see instantly your time and position
Professional first aid team suitable for off-road races, with professional paramedics and at least two dedicated medical support vehicles
Snacks at the finish
Our infamous volunteer team - probably one of the largest out there
Fully marked courses
Adventurous routes (we keep our numbers low so that we can use smaller, more exciting trails)


Every finisher will receive a 'Finisher's medal'. There will be prizes for:
1st, 2nd and 3rd male
1st, 2nd and 3rd female
1st male veteran (over 45)
1st female veteran (over 45)

• Not for profit event
• Eco friendly medals
• Professional paramedics with dedicated offroad vehicles
• Limited field sizes to protect trails
• South Wales's best routes
• Professional free photgraphs
• Professional Digital Timing, with public live updates so friends and family can track your progress

Marathon Race Start: 8.00
Registration Opens: 7.10
Registration Closes: 7.40
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Half Marathon Race Start: 9:00,
Registration Reopens: 7:45
Registration Closes: 8:30
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There will be a kit check at registration – no kit, no entry.

Kit lists
For races less than 10 miles
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No kit necessary unless otherwise specified.

For races less than 26 miles between May and October
Suitable sized pack/bag to carry kit
Container for at least 500ml fluid
Thermal / wicking long sleeve top or Space Blanket
Waterproof Jacket, with taped seams* (If the weather is dry, and no rain is forecast, we will notify you on the day if this is not necessary)
First Aid Kit: including minimum of plasters, sterile dressing and bandages
Mobile Phone
Hat or Buff
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Optional Equipment
Sun Block
Additional capacity for carrying water or cup
Food appropriate for the time you expect take.
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Notes
Our races are cupless. We do this to reduce our impact on the environment. To get water from the check points, you must bring a 500ml container, as stated above
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Please wear appropriate shoes. If the conditions have been wet (it is in Wales!), please bring shoes with grip.
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For all other races and navigation sessions
Suitable sized pack/bag to carry kit
Container for at least 500ml fluid
Thermal / wicking long sleeve top (may be worn)
Full Length Trousers/Leggings (may be worn)
Space Blanket
Waterproof Jacket, with taped seams - or with at least 10,000 hydrostatic head
Waterproof Trousers, with taped seams - or with at least 10,000 hydrostatic head
First Aid Kit: including minimum of plasters, sterile dressing and bandages
Mobile Phone
Hat or Buff
At least 500 calories food, to be used in Emergencies only (i.e you must have it at the end)

For the half marathon, cut offs are generous and allow for approximately 2.5 m.p.h progress – which is fast walking. Remember there are some hills, so this is quite a challenge if you are considering walking the whole route.
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Race Start: 9:00
CP1 Cut Off: 12:00 (6.8 Miles) [3 hours]
CP2 Cut Off: 13:30 (10.5 Miles) [4.5 hours]
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Race Finish: 14:30 (14ish Miles)
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For the Full Marathon, since we see this as a race for the more experienced runner, there will be an overall time limit of 8 hours for the full marathon route. This equates to about 3.25 miles per hour.
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Race Start: 8:00
CP3 cut Off: 12:00 (14 Miles) (4hrs )
CP4 cut Off: 12:45 (19 Miles) (4hr 45 minutes)
CP5 cut Off: 15:00 (22.5 Miles) (7hrs )
Race finish: 16:00 (26ish Miles) (8 hours)
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Final Race Cut Off: 16:00