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Conquest of Avalon

30-Aug-2019 Ham Hill Country Park, Somerset, UK (England)

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Trail Race Race Terrain

80KM / 50Miles
1 Day - 150 Runners

Alternate Distances: 48KM/30M

DIFFICULTY Race Difficulty Intermediate

Entry From £50 GBP

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With our races we aim to showcase some of our region's best scenery; we've shown you some stunning coastlines, some sweeping panoramas from the hills and some quaint rural locations off the beaten track, but there can't have been many more spectacular finishes to any UK ultra than in the Conquest of Avalon.

Climb to the top of Glastonbury Tor for an astonishing 360 degree view, then descend through the quirky town to the majestic ruins of Glastonbury Abbey, claimed for a long time as England's oldest shrine, and thought to be the last resting place of King Arthur. There will be a medieval theme at the finish - we would say it will be a once in a lifetime experience but you may find you want to come back and conquer Avalon again and again

There's a 30 or a 50 mile run to choose from, all of which are steeped in history and showcase the heart of the south-west; these routes display a side of the region that remains undiscovered by many

So.....

50 Miler

The 50 miler starts at the wonderful Ham Hill Country Park, and you will follow the Leland Trail all the way to Alfred's Tower. The route was based on royal librarian John Leland's journey in the 16th century to discover which artefacts were held in different churches and priories throughout Somerset. He was sent by Henry VIII, who was planning to take the artefacts for himself and drive out the monks. In 1539 Henry VIII took Glastonbury Abbey's resources and Abbott Whiting was executed along with his two brothers. The others monks were forced to leave and the Abbey was sold, much of the stone being taken by local people to build houses, and the causeway to Wells. Along the Leland Trail you will pass the 16th century mansion at Montacute House, the Iron Age hill fort at Cadbury Castle, and through Wales....yes, really....but not that one! From the impressive Alfred's Tower you will take a different route back to Bruton, where you will follow the remainder of the 70 mile route to Glastonbury

30 Miler

For the 30 miler you will follow the final 30 miles of the 50 mile route from Castle Cary to Glastonbury. This will feature Alfred's Tower along with a scintillating slideshow of south-west scenery, and of course that same finish. There is free entry to the Abbey for up to two friends/family members - each additional supporter will have to pay to enter the Abbey unless it is after 8pm. You will have free reign of the grounds when you finish : )

Whichever route you take you will get the same reception at the finish, the choice is yours.....

Event Organiser
Dave Urwin

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Beginner

Elevation: Very little change < 500 metres. Benign running terrain, not technical.

Suitable for: First ultra runners completing a marathon or doing regular long distance running in the last six months.

Intermediate

Elevation: Increase of up to 1000 metres

Suitable for: Runners who have completed at least one ultra distance race (or similar event) or are doing long distance running (>26 miles) regularly, with elevation shown.

Advanced

Elevation: Increase of up to 1500 metres

Suitable for: Runners who have completed several ultra distances or similar events, or are doing long distance running regularly, with elevation shown.

Expert

Elevation: Increase of up to 2000 metres with some challenging climatic conditions (e.g. ice, snow, humidity or heat) and or technical terrain

Suitable for: Experienced runners who have completed at least regular ultra distances in last 12 months, or are doing regular long distance running (>50 miles) with elevation and conditions shown (where possible). Admission to these races may be subject to evidence of recent qualifying race participation and recent medical examination certificate. Check with the race organiser regarding entry requirements.

Brutal

Elevation: Increase of up to 2000 metres with very challenging climatic conditions (e.g. ice, snow, humidity, heat or at high altitude) and or technical terrain.

Suitable for: Very experienced long distance ultra runners (min 3 years’ experience) or are doing regular long distance running (>50 miles) with elevation and conditions shown (where possible). Admission to these races is often subject to evidence of recent qualifying race participation and recent medical examination certificate. Purchase of specialist kit is often recommended for these races.

Endurance - Multi-activity

Type: An ultra distance race including at least two of the following activities such as running, swimming, cycling, kayaking, skiing and climbing. It may also include different climatic conditions (eg ice, snow, humidity, cold water, mud or heat).

Suitable for: Experienced multi-skilled athletes who have trained for the different activities included in this event. Admission to these races may be subject to receipt of a recent medical examination certificate. Check with the race organiser regarding entry requirements and any specialist equipment required such as a wetsuit, skis or a mountain bike.

Global - Virtual

Type: A virtual race which can be run at any time shown on the dates shown, on any type of terrain in any country.

Suitable for: For runners from beginners to experienced as you choose your own course and challenge based on the guidelines and options set by the virtual race organiser.

Review Conquest of Avalon

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Legotrooper

10:49 01-09-19

This was my 2nd run with Albion Running so had some idea of what to expect. Unfortunately though this run to me was plagued with inconsistencies of not knowing where to go. Red and white tape which is used to highlight the course was few and far between making certain points of intersections of fields guess work. I did have a gpx file on my phone and this was not matching up with the tape in many areas. On coming to the end of the race into Glastonbury the gpx file lead me to the back of the Abbey, nowhere near the finish line. I ended up having to ask for directions from people in the high street and came through the back of morrisons. I was more annoyed as up till this point I had run a good time and position. I think I wasted about 10 minutes at the end trying to figure out where to go. More signage and awareness of the route needs to be displayed and gpx files and information needs to be more up to date. Would I do it again? No probably not but I'm glad I did it the one time.

adamtoyne

07:24 01-10-17

17/06/2017 - 70 miler
I too really wanted to like this race and generally it was good. Unfortunately it was the hottest day of the year which didn't help! Aid stations were great and the general vibe was good. However the route is really tricky, following a multitude of footpaths. Organisation was a bit hit and miss and there was a fair bit of confusion at the end. Overall it was good but I've run better!

beardodraeb

09:13 01-08-17

2017 - I really want to like this event as the organiser is great and the whole things has a really nice feel to it, however there were a couple of issues with the event this year. Firstly, the route was changed due to footpath / road closures for Glastonbury but we weren't told about it until arriving so the GPX files were wrong, and the subsequent markings to highlight the new route weren't particularly clear. Secondly and more importantly, we were told that the aid stations were placed every 6 or 7 miles but they were more like 9 or 10 miles. Not much you may think but it was a blisteringly hot day and water was at a premium, so gauging your intake assuming a refill was around the corner just meant most people were getting dehydrated. All in all I would still go back but the organisation needs a little more attention for my liking.

Conquest of Avalon

30-Aug-2019 Ham Hill Country Park, Somerset, UK (England)

50 Miler