The Gower Ultra 50 challenge is to complete a 50 mile circumnavigation of the stunning Gower peninsula on foot. It is suitable for both runners and fast walkers.
The Route
The Race starts at 0730 on Saturday from the event base at the St Madoc Centre, on the outskirts of Llanmadoc, North West corner of Gower.
From here the route follows the Wales Coastal Path, across the cliff tops heading to and crossing Rhossli Bay. From Rhossli the path heads east along the southern coast of the Gower initially crossing farmland along cliff tops, until it reaches Port Eynon. You will then cross a string of stunning beaches and bays including Port Eynon, Oxwich, Three Cliffs, Caswell and Langland until reaching the Mumbles at the southern tip of Swansea Bay.
Following Swansea Bay for approximately 4k, you'll follow the old railway line through the Clyne Woods heading to the north cost of the Gower. When it reaches Gowerton you will regain the Coastal Path and follow the Loughor Estuary on a flatter faster route. A final push through the dunes at Llandimore leads back to the St Madoc Centre and the finish line.
Navigation
The route is self navigation and participants will need to have a basic understanding to be able to follow a map. If your time for 50 miles is over 12 hours then it also worth getting experience of running / navigating in the dark as you will probably be doing the last 1 or 2 checkpoints in the dark!
Checkpoints
There will be 7 manned checkpoints which we will provide basic refreshments, usually water, flat coke, tea and coffee, sweets, biscuits, crisps, nuts etc. Exact details of which will be sent out closer to the event.
Time Limit
The time limit for the event is 16.5 hours (Midnight) so it is suitable for anyone who can maintain a pace of 3 mph or 4.8kph.
Read Blind Dave Heeley's race review here.