Ras y Barcud Coch / Red Kite Challenge

The Half Marathon is a testing 13.1 mile course starting at Woodlands Caravan Park and meandering its way up to the Arch. On the way you will negotiate several steep hills in the forest and plenty of ups and downs on forest roads, tracks and trails. After visiting the highest point near the Cefn Croes windfarm you will work your way down to the famous Arch. From there you will climb to the viewpoint before a predominantly downward section back to Devil’s Bridge.

The 10km trail race is for people relatively new to running or new to running off road. The course follows much of the half marathon route.

The 10km and Half Marathon courses can also be walked as non-competitive events.

The Red Kite Challenge is an established, annual series of running and walking events with the profits going to support our local hospital.

Over the course of 18 years we have donated approximately £20,000 to Bronglais hospital, with last year’s collection going towards their chemotherapy unit appeal.

This race is organised by runners for runners and walkers of all abilities and ages. There will be prizes for seniors and masters in five year age groups in both the half marathon and 10km and team prizes for the half marathon. Prize winners will need to be at the presentation ceremony in order to collect their awards. There will also be a memento for all finishers in each event.

There will be race marshals, feed & water stations, a refreshment tent and first aid provision.

Free parking at race HQ.

Woodlands Caravan Park, Devils Bridge, near Aberystwyth

The Red Kite Challenge headquaters are located at the Woodlands Caravan Park on the edge of Devil’s Bridge, three miles from Ponterwyd on the A44 which is itself 12 miles inland from Aberystwyth. For SATNAV users the postcode is: SY23 3JW.

Race scheduling is as follows (it is recommended entrants register at the latest 30 minutes before their event start):

11:00 Start of walk along 10km / half marathon route

11:15 Start of U13 race (about 3k)

11:15 Start of U15 race (about 5k)

11:15 Start of U18 race (about 6k)

13:00 Start of run along 10km route to include U20 male & female race inc. University Student Championships

13:00 Start of run along half marathon route

THE WALKS
These will follow the running route. Those doing the 10km will break off part way (as the 10km runners will do) while those doing the half marathon walk will continue along the full loop.

10KM TRAIL RACE
This is a recent addition in response to feedback from the running community. We wanted to provide the shorter option for people relatively new to running or new to running off road who wanted to make the step to 10k before doing the half marathon. This event, which follows much of the half marathon route, proved very successful.

HALF MARATHON RACE
This is a testing 13.1 miles starting at the caravan site meandering its way up to the Arch. On the way you will negotiate several steep hills in the forest and plenty of ups and downs on forest roads, tracks and trails. After visiting the highest point near the Cefn Croes windfarm you will work your way down to the famous Arch. From there you will climb to the viewpoint before a predominantly downward section back to Devil’s Bridge. Be warned – near the end there are some stiff ‘ups’ to test tired legs.

• We are honoured to have been given the responsibility to hold the Welsh Championships and West Wales Championships for the senior half marathon and all junior age groups
• The half marathon is a trial for representing the Welsh senior team at the Trail de Guerledan in Brittany (selection policy)
• The under 18s race is also a trial for the WMRA International Youth Cup (selection policy)
• All courses are well marshalled and sign posted

On site there is a cafe serving hot and cold food and drinks which will be open for supporters and athletes to use.

There is also adequate parking on site and at the Hafod Hotel car park which is a 2 minutes’ walk from the start.

Showers and changing are available on site but a small charge will be levied for the use of the those facilities.

We will be providing all the usual refreshments including Anne Bunton’s Bara Brith

Are you travelling from afar and are looking for somewhere to stay? Below are a few suggestions.

Woodlands Caravan Park is in fact the location of the race HQ, but there are additional accommodation options all available within a short journey to the race location.

Woodlands Caravan Park

Erwbarfe Farm Caravan Park

Hafod Hotel

Tynrhyd Retreat