Machlud Trail Half Marathon

Heading out of the village through fields, the course briefly touches tarmac before starting the first climb on good tracks to the col between Moel Arthur & Moel Llys-y-coed.

From the col the route descends and traverses the western side of the Clwydian Range on grassy paths & tracks giving great views over the Clwyd Valley below.

The route then starts a long ascent around the back of Foel Fenlli where runners face a final steep ascent up and onto the summit hill fort earthworks. A beautiful hill traverse of the hill is followed by a short descent to the Bwlch Penbarras col.

From here runners climb the steady track up and over the summit before descending back down into the village

95% of the course is run on good quality tracks & paths with the only tarmac being marshalled quiet sections leaving & re-entering the village. Waymarked throughout the course offers some good running with stunning views but don’t relax too much as the second half the route contains most of the height gain – one short section in particular will bring most to a walk. Obviously with a sunset target on Moel Famau mandatory kit will include a headtorch to get off the hills safely with the last section marked with reflective arrows.

For CaniCrossers: There are a few climb over stiles on route which you will need to navigate with the dog – a couple have dog doors – a couple are old skool. There are a couple early on in the fields leaving the village then a few at half distance. Other than that all crossings are kissing or vehicle gates. Remember it is up as owner to you to determine if the event is suitable for your dog – the race is just over a full half marathon distance or 21.4km with 750m ascent.

Relaxed friendly event hosted at the village primary school. The race is not commercialised. Any profits from the race go directly to the school to benefit the pupils.

Changing rooms, hot & cold drinks will be available prior to the race.

The course will be marked throughout. There will be 6 aid stations on the course offering water, snacks and homemade cake bites.

Post-race there will be hot veggie soup/stew & crusty bread available along with hot & cold drinks which you can enjoy around the fire pit near the race finish plus a cheeky beer if you fancy.

All runners will receive a handmade bespoke race souvenir.

Parking field will be available free-of-charge which is 5-10 min walk from Race HQ. If weather is poor in proceeding weeks and field unsuitable other arrangements will be made.

Race HQ will be the local primary school - Ysgol-y-Foel

Cilcain is a small rural village and has poor public transport links. If you do not have access to a private car please email us and we will attempt to direct you as best we can.

On the entry form you will be asked for your approximate run times for your previous (recent) trail runs, road runs. I am not just being nosey – I will use these to help calculate your start time/wave. The deal is if you are honest & run true to form and my calculations are somewhere near then you should be running on the slopes of Foel Fenlli & Moel Famau during the golden hour of sunset. Of course sunset cannot be guaranteed but a warm welcome back to the school with hot soup & a beer at the finish is!