General race information:
Navigational Skills (NS) is required as a condition of entry. NS means map and compass. You may be asked to confirm you have appropriate traditional navigational skills or experience, noting that the use of GPS for navigational purposes is not allowed, (except in an emergency) – any competitor using such a device will be classed in results as non-competitive.
Fell running experience (‘Experience Required’ = ER) is also a condition of entry. This race is not suitable for those who are inexperienced or unfit. Despite entering the race via Fabian4, the Race Organiser (RO) may request prospective competitors to demonstrate that they have sufficient fell running experience. If you have any doubt over your experience, please contact me (the RO) beforehand – this will avoid any possibility that you will be refused entry on the day.
Kit: Bring full kit (you should be familiar with what this means – refer to the full kit list on the WFRA website here). There will be a kit check at the start.
Entry limit: Race limited to 50 places.
Early start: There will be an early start at 09:30 for those who are slower than average but have appropriate fell running experience.
Cut off: There will be a cut off at checkpoint 3 Fan Nedd at 120 minutes. Competitors will be compulsorily retired from the race if they do not make this time. You must retire if the marshal asks you to. So, please be sure you can achieve this (and then of course finish the remainder of the race safely).
Toilets: There are no toilets at the race start but there are toilets a 10 minute walk away at the Pont ar Daf car park - please use these. Just cross the road and follow the path.
The course
18km/1200m – 11 miles/3900ft
This is a Category ‘A’ Medium (AM) distance fell race.
The map indicates a possible route that competitors may wish to follow, but please note that this may not be the optimum route. Competitors must carry their own map. The race includes 4 checkpoints which must be visited in the correct order:
Checkpoint 1 - Fan Fawr cairn (not the trig point) GR SN 969193
Checkpoint 2 - Fan Llia (true) summit which is almost entirely unmarked, GR SN 938186
Checkpoint 3 - Fan Nedd trig point, GR SN 913184
Checkpoint 4 - Fan Frynych trig point, GR SN 958228
Fences & Walls: If you jump a fence or wall, you will be disqualified from this and all future races. Please only use the stiles (local knowledge may be helpful here).
Hazards: Competitors should expect to face a range of hazards usually expected of a fell race, across remote and rough hilly terrain. These hazards may be exacerbated by the weather. So please bring full kit and ensure you have the necessary skills and experience to deal with the conditions likely to be encountered. Specific hazards to note include:
Road crossings: You will need to cross (and re-cross) the Heol Senni mountain road. These road crossings are not marshalled and competitors should take care when crossing and must give way to vehicles which have the right of way.
River crossings: There are two river crossings (Afon Llia and the confluence of the Nant y Gwair and Nant y Gaseg). It is the competitor's responsibility to judge whether it is safe to cross these rivers and to select an appropriately safe place to cross in light of the weather conditions and water levels. If in doubt, consider heading up stream where the water flow/levels tend to be lower and/or take an alternative route.
Dogs: This is sheep country - no dogs allowed (apart from registered service dogs).
Emergency procedure
In the event of a medical or other emergency (where you are immobilised), summon help by using your whistle to give the emergency signal – six blasts repeated every minute. Ignore any three blast replies – keep blowing the whistle until help arrives. If you are mobile, make yourself highly visible and move safely to the nearest checkpoint, road, or main footpath to seek assistance.
If you do have to summon a Mountain Rescue team yourself:
· Dial 112 (preferably) or 999 if that doesn’t work
· Ask for Police, then ask the Police for Mountain Rescue
· Tell them where you are, preferably with a full grid reference including the letters – the operator may be miles away!
· Tell them the problem (injuries, hypothermia etc)
· Keep your phone switched on and stay by it
If you do retire, the golden rule is to tell the Race Organiser (and return your Fabian4 wristband) before leaving the area – this will prevent a needless rescue operation being initiated.
Race statistics
Between 2013-2024, the average finishing time was 2 hours 45 minutes. The average slowest finishing time was 3 hours 49 minutes.
