Welsh 3 Peaks Race

The Welsh 3 Peaks Race is a multi day continuous race, of 286km in length, containing over 11000m of ascent. 
Participants can enter as a SOLO competitor or in TEAMS of 3 or 6. 

Setting off from Llanberis at the foot of Yr Wyddfa, you'll take on the country's highest first, then you'll cover some stunning and challenging ground to arrive at Cadair Idris, before making your move towards the ultimate goal - Pen y Fan, and a triumphant, if a little fatigued (!) descent to the finish at Storey Arms.

 

Our Event HQ is the Llanberis Community Centre. The team will open registration in the afternoon of Sunday 20th September, and you can attend anytime between 4pm and 8pm to collect your race number, tracker and essential event documents, deposit your drop bag to be transported down the route by us, and view the plethora of event information on display. There will also be an informative pack for support crews to access, which will be very welcome to help monitor and assist the competitors in the best way.

The HQ will also be open between 5.30 and 6.30am on Monday 21st, shortly before we get underway at 7am.

The event briefing shall commence at 6.40am, and is compulsory for all to attend, kitted out and ready to go straight after.

 

The Stats:

3 Welsh Peaks

1 continuous race

286 Kilometres.

11,300 Metres of ascent.

4.5 days/108 hours event time limit.

1.7mph required average overall speed to complete.

5 indoor, fully stocked and supported checkpoints.

5 outdoor support stations with water, first aid and provisions.

25 Mountain Leaders.

150 total participants.

1 amazing experience.

 

The Route:

In Summary - a stunner, but TOUGH. This is not a challenge for the unprepared. You must be comfortable in mountain and remote environments, and have the skills to negotiate them. The course is demanding and rewarding in equal measure. Giving a brief overview then:

START: Llanberis

FINISH: Storey Arms

Yr Wyddfa. Moelwyn, Rhinog and Mawddach to Cadair Idris. Tarrens, Pumlumon, Radnorshire Hills Cambrian Mountains and Bannau Brecheiniog, to Pen Y Fan.

You'll largely, though not exclusively, follow the Cambrian Way on your journey through Wales.

Checkpoints, Timings and Support:

This is an event that is fully tracked, timed and monitored, and provides 5 indoor rest areas with toilets, first aid provision, food, drinks, masseurs, and a place to rest as you wish.

Our team of Outdoor Professionals will be strategically placed along the route for your additional safety. This aside, you need to be largely self sufficient along the route, and are strongly advised to have a support driver to meet you in case of retirement or you need retrieval for any reason.

Indoor Checkpoints/rest areas shall be set up at the following locations, with distances and cut off's:

- Penmeanpool (69km)

- Commins Coch (118km)

- Devils Bridge (165km)

- Rhiandwrmwyn (218km)

- Llandeusant (246km)

 

The event has a time limit of 4.5 days - exactly 108 hours. This equates to an average speed requirement of 1.7mph overall. This means you’ll need to reach Storey Arms by 7pm on Friday 25th September.

The race is non stop, in that quite simply, whoever gets to Storey Arms after descending Pen y Fan, first - wins.

How long you stop at each CP is completely up to you, there are sleeping areas at each one - though the race clock is always ticking. Some competitors will prioritise more sleep for a more productive ‘active’ period…whilst others will opt for shorter rests to keep moving more. That’s up to your tactical plan, and general preference.

 

TEAM EVENT:

The Team format is a great option for those looking for a great challenge whilst sharing it with friends. In terms of rules, it’s quite rigid and simple. Teams are made up of either 3 or 6 people, and each individual completes 1 specific section each. The route therefore being split into 3 or 6, with a changeover occurring at an event CP.

The 1st runner starts with the SOLO entrants.

TEAMS OF 3

Leg 1 - Llanberis to Commins Coch (119km)

Leg 2 - Commins Coch to Rhiandwrmwyn (100km)

Leg 3 Rhiandwrmwyn to Storey Arms (66km))

TEAMS OF 6

Leg 1 - Llanberis to Penmaenpool (69km)

Leg 2 - Penmaenpool to Commins Coch (50km)

Leg 3 - Commins Coch to Devils Bridge (47km)

Leg 4 - Devils Bridge to Rhiandwrmwyn (53km)

Leg 5 - Rhiandwrmwyn to Llandeusant (28km)

Leg 6 - Llandeusant to Storey Arms (41km))

 

The Kit requirement for team participants is the same as for the Solo competitors, and must be adhered to at all times during the event.