The only way is up with these Half Marathon/Marathon/Ultra distance races along the Offas Dyke footpath!

Starting at Prestatyn seafront, the National Trail waymarkers are followed up into the hills on the edge of the town and continue in a Southerly direction, with the scenery and terrain becoming more and more beautiful, and challenging as you go! The registration process will require you to choose between 1 of 2 start times for each distance - with those taking more time going off half an hour before those who will complete more quickly.

In 2026, the Ultra has become that little bit longer (55.5km), as we have decided to finish this event at the Horseshoe Pass, giving runners an uncomfortable (!) descent from Cyrn y Brain, but allowing for a more exciting finish, close to the road, and more spectator friendly. 

Start Times:

ULTRA DISTANCE 6.30am or 7am. MARATHON DISTANCE 7.30am or 8am. HALF MARATHON DISTANCE 8.30am or 9am

Checkpoint locations:

CP1 Mynydd y Cwm SJ0805976749, 11km. Closure/Cut off 11.15am

CP2 Grove Hall, Bodfari SJ1034069887, 20km. Closure/Cut off at 12.30pm

CP3 Bwlch Penbarras SJ1641958176, 41km. Closure/Cut off at 2.30pm

CP4 Llandegla SJ1959452400, 48km.  Closure/Cut off at 3.15pm

Finish locations: 

HM - Moel y Parc Summit

FM - Moel Gyw Summit

UM - Horseshoe Pass Summit

Coach Travel. This is available to all who purchase a ticket in advance of the event. All competitors are advised, regardless of whether they have booked coach travel or not, to have a support driver on hand, in the event of you having to drop out early through injury or any other reason and you have somebody to pick you up. The coach shall leave the finish car park at the following times:

Half Marathon - Bodfari 1.30pm departure

Full Marathon - Clwyd Gate 4.30pm departure

Ultra Marathon - Horseshoe Pass 3pm departure and 5pm departure.

Electronically timed, a bespoke wooden finisher medal and more than anything else, a truly beautiful section of national trail - all makes for a great few hours out in the Clwydian Hills!

PLEASE NOTE THAT AS THE ROUTE FOLLOWS THE WELL MARKED NATIONAL TRAIL, THERE ARE NO INDEPENDANT ROUTE MARKINGS, UNTIL YOU LEAVE THE OFFAS DYKE FOOTPATH, TO THE FINAL CLIMB TO THE SUMMIT.

Due to the terrain and potential for bad weather at this time of year, all participants will have to carry a minimum kit requirement. 

This shall be:

- Full body waterproof cover

- Hat & Gloves

- Spare Thermal Top

- Foil Blanket

- Route Map (provided)

- Whistle

- Fully charged mobile phone

- Minimum 500ml of Water to start 

Course Records

Half Marathon

Male: Paul Martin 2:11:35 (2024)     Female: Amie Smith 2:17:59 (2024)

Full Marathon

Male: Warren Renkel 4:12:37 (2019)     Female: Hayley Evans 4:54:59 (2019)

Ultra Marathon

Female: Chrissie Wellington 5:49:54 (2021) Male: Ally Hughes 5:57:40 (2024)