AS 25 Aug 2025

Machen

Mon, 25 Aug 2025
3:00 PM
Distance
7km / 4.3mi
Climb
340m / 1115ft
Safety information
AS Partially marked
Male record
28:50
Felix McGrath
2021
Female record
35:02
Katrina Entwistle
2023
Juniors
Over 18
Extra details
Park in recreation ground for registration (registration open from 1:30PM), start/finish is on Church Street (road with the Spar supermarket on the corner)

Location

Registration at Machen Welfare Ground,Tyn-y-Waun Road, Machen, CF83 8LA

giraffes.grace.cosmetic

Safety information

Comprehensively marked and heavily marshalled, no route choice, surrounded on both sides by valleys with visible communities, Machen on one side and Risca on the other. Course clearance of excess vegetation prior to the race is substantial, in some areas the exposed hillside has quite extensive rutting from vehicles illegally driving on it together with soil erosion due to water. The downhill has a section of fairly steep rutted terrain from 100 yards off the trig that lasts about 300 yards, then a section later which used to be in dense forest with very nice underfoot conditions but due to the felling of the trees is now exposed and stony. Retirees have two options, if in the first 1.5 miles simply reverse the route or from that point on walk with the tail runner/walker (who carries a first aid kit) and be directed to avoid the loops around the top or wait with the nearest marshals and walk in with them. The race takes place on August Bank Holiday (last Monday in August) so weather is seldom a factor other than occasionally being very hot – in which event water is carried up to the trig.

General Area

Mainly accessible low-lying moorland and/or open fell

1
2
3
4
5

Height

Height Rarely above 1,000 ft (300m)

1
2
3
4
5

Terrain

Some moderately challenging terrain, e.g. reasonable tracks over moorland or good fell paths

1
2
3
4
5

Exposure (drops) and hazards on or near route

No exposure but mild risk from e.g. ground holes, bogs, or river crossings

1
2
3
4
5

Navigation skills required

Basic: route may be mostly obvious or waymarked, but some basic navigation required in parts

1
2
3
4
5

Mountain skills required

Basic: off-trail experience helpful, e.g. in route planning, preparation and emergency considerations

1
2
3
4
5

Escape routes

Lots of options but with possible “decision points” before some sections

1
2
3
4
5

Season time and effect of weather

Any inclement weather unlikely to present serious challenges

1
2
3
4
5