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Round Pen Llyn Ultra Marathon

29-Jun-2019 Llyn Peninsula, Gwynedd, UK (Wales)

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Trail Race Race Terrain

121KM / 75Miles
1 Day - 100 Runners

/50M /100M

DIFFICULTY Race Difficulty Expert

Entry From £70 GBP

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THE SUMMER RACES
50 miles, 75 miles and 100 miles in 24 hours, these are the challenges posed by the third Pen Llŷn Ultra Marathon. The races start and finish at the beach next to Aberech Sands Caravan Park near Pwllheli, with checkpoints / aid stations along the scenic route.

50 MILE RACE INFO & TIMETABLE
The 50 Mile Race starts with the 75 & 100 at the beach next to Aberech Sands Caravan Park , Pwllheli and continues with the main pack along the coastal path to Abersoch.
From here you will be going back in history following the old fisherman’s path towards Ty Coch. This path has just recently opened so you are in for a great day passing along lakes, rivers and running between the hills of Garn Fadryn the inland views of Llyn are spectacular.
Entering Edern we take you left on a dogleg towards and along the coastal path then round onto the headland in Porthdinllaen with views towards the Yr Eifl Mountain Range.
As you leave Nefyn the path takes you up the headland and then weaves along the coast and down into Nant (Huws favourite bit!)
A tough vertical route takes you up and out and down past Llithfaen and Llannor and along the back roads to Aberech Sands and the Finish.
So who’s it for??? … Anyone! With 24 hours to complete this really is for all ability’s. So if youre a walker and a talker, looking for a fast 50, raising money for charity, practising for the MDS long stage or just looking for a challenge it ticks all the boxes.
UTMB POINTS:4

75 MILE RACE INFO & TIMETABLE
Starting at 5am from the beach next to Aberech Sands Caravan Park, the Classic 75 route entices the competitors along the coastal path towards Llanbedrog & Abersoch then out towards the tip of Pen Llyn with the coastal path taking you along all nooks and crannies, with views across to the St Tudwals islands and over the Cilan headland where you might get a glimpse of the Welsh Wild horses.
A long stretch of the sandy beach of Porth Neigwl (Hell’s Mouth), then across towards Rhiw where shortly after the mystical island of Enlli comes into view.
The route from Aberdaron to Ty Coch is certainly the toughest with most of the path being undulated underfoot, it really tests your now depleted energy levels.
Large crowds at Ty Coch and fatigued legs and mind can prove the undoing of the most seasoned runner. This checkpoint is the biggest for competitors to call it a day. So beware!
Along the path and through Nefyn heading towards Nant this part of the route will test your navigation and the descent towards Nant is a short-lived sense of joy as your faced with the climb towards the top.
Tarmac time! for the next 17 miles with an opportunity to visit a traditional Welsh Farmhouse (CP7) then off towards the final leg of the course with a cheeky 1.5 mile beach finish.
Once signed up we have various free recce weekends and a competitor’s Facebook group to share hints and tips.
With a 24hour cut off and varied course terrain, this race is really drawing the attention of the international competitor, with runners travelling from as far away as Holland, France,Canada & Israel.
Train hard and you will really enjoy this race, if you don’t it will demolish you.
UTMB POINTS:5

100 MILE RACE INFO & TIMETABLE
THE 100 MILER IS BRAND NEW FOR 2018 AND ITS BRUTAL!
With 3 Mount Snowdon’s worth of ascent (11,085ft / 3378m) a cheeky 2.68miles of constant uphill from mile 7 are just a few of the “Distractions” in store for the Pen LLyn Ultra 100 competitors.
Unless you are an elite, experienced endurance runner with proven finishing times or have had a personal invitation for the Pen LLyn Ultra 100 from us, do not even think about entering, just leave it.
You have 29 hours to complete. so please do not sign up and embarrass yourself unless you know hand on heart you can complete it.
Starting at the same place at midnight you will be setting off in the opposite direction, running along the beach over to the headland at Hafan Y Mor then across and up Lon Coed and round towards Clynnog Fawr in the shadows of Gyrn Coch.
As you approach the village of Trefor you will now have in your sites the Quarry where you will run up and be faced with the majestic brickwork of the old quarry. This is also the location of your first Honesty book & water (It’s in one of the ruins of the miner’s hut and also where Sean Conway spent the night on his cycle around the UK).
Descending the track towards Lithfean then following the road to the first checkpoint at Huw’s Farm. That’s right no checkpoints till then, over a marathon distance without supplied food (Good Practice for Spine). We did warn you. Your first CP though is in a farmhouse. warm drinks & food aplenty.
Fed and watered you now head to chase down the other competitors along the coastal path to Llanbedrog (The very steep climb up Llanbedrog headland to The Tin Man sees the location of Honesty book 2) then along on the beach to Abersoch towards toward CP2 then down and around the headland past the wild horses of Cilan and onto the beach at Hells Mouth.
Most probably the cows will have been milked and are now grazing in the fields you have to pass, so please be vigilant. On the main road, you will arrive at CP3 in the Car park Near Rhiw, then across some really scenic woodland to another steep climb.Following around the coastal path and into the very picturesque village of Aberdaron (This is also where CP4 is) You will now have your biggest off-road stint of the 24hours.
This side of the course of Pen Llyn really does knit its way into every crook and cranny, spectacular views of Enlli will not really help.It will feel like forever before you get to Porth Colmon and CP5 then head down to TY Coch and CP6. You will most probably be now running in darkness so please be extra vigilant of the cliff edges.
Running through Nefyn and along the path to Nant Gwrtheyrn, you will have a 25% Ascent before reaching CP7 then down the path and road you ran in the morning and out towards the Ultra Village in Aberech Sands and onto the beach for the run into the finish.
Good Luck. You will need it.

Compulsory Kit List
– Back Pack
– Head Torch
– Batteries
– Map / GPS navigation device
– Compass
– Foil Blanket
– First aid
– Water Proofs (Jacket & Trousers)
– Whistle
– Water
– Snacks
– Cash
– Mobile Phone
– Watch
– Hat & Gloves

Event Organiser
Huw Williams

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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 Round Pen Llyn Ultra Marathon

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philbrynmaen

10:18 19-12-18

Having completed the now "classic" 75 mile route in 2017 and 2018, I can totally recommend this event. The route follows the Wales Coastal Path around the stunning Lleyn Peninsula. This is NO contrived ultra - the line it takes is natural and compelling. Simply put, you will have no dull moments. The scenery is drop-dead gorgeous the whole way. This is an event created and run by local runners. It embraces the local Welsh-speaking community while reaching out to all. Ultras are becoming more and more commonplace yet on Pen Lleyn you will be cheered along by locals and amazingly friendly checkpoint staff.
The route is 75% coastal path and primarily on narrow, single-track footpath. As you would expect the ascent/descent is considerable without any single climb/drop being particularly arduous. Collectively however it makes for a challenging course. If you like fabulous coastal scenery and can handle the ups and downs then you won't find a better ultra. The Lleyn Peninsula is a hidden gem and this ultra does it full justice

leeshannon81

03:59 18-12-18

I did the Pen Llyn 50 this year (2018), my first attempt at 50 miles. The race set off from Aberach beach and followed the coast path to Abersoch, at which point the 50 mile route splits from the 75 mile route and heads across the Llyn Peninsula, predominantly via farmland with some road sections too. At about half way the route reaches the coast path at the top of the peninsula, rejoining the same route as the 75. After the aid station on the beach at Ty Coch pub, the route follows the coast path again taking in stunning views before beginning the second crossing of the Peninsula, starting with the steepest road climb I've ever come across, 25% gradient for a mile!!. By the time I reached the Nant Gwythern check point I was dead!, Luckily there was a lot of gentle downhill after that to get my legs turning over. The last 10 miles were gentle rolling country lanes followed by a mile on the beach to the finish line. The aid stations were well stocked, the marshalls were friendly and supportive, the course itself absolutely stunning, a tough, but not brutal course (5,790 feet elevation gain according to my Strava), the event does well to create a festival atmosphere, with the campsite, beach start/finish, flares at the start, and award ceremony in a pub the next day. Definitely one of my favourite races I've done and I'm going back next year to do the 75.

Northender

11:41 06-07-18

I ran the 2017 and 2018 races... the only times I've entered ultras, so I can't compare it with other similar races - though I've done many marathons and shorter. In 2017, I almost made it round but this time I tasted success. I think this race has everything. This year, they had a race village on a nice campsite, which was really great... then the race start and finish was about 200m away on the beach.
What a fantastic vibe there is to this race. The people are spectacular - equalled by the most wonderful scenery. The first 60ish miles follow the Wales Coast Path as it undulates its way around the peninsular. It's tough in places but also you get periods where you get some flatter sections for respite. There's a bit of beach, some road sections and lots and lots of trail - some of it quite remote and not well trodden. You just need to look at the UTMB points on offer to work out that this is a challenge! Most of the remaining miles are through narrow lanes as you cut back across the peninsular. Most people have their drop bag delivered to the start of the road section for a welcome change in shoes!
8 checkpoints nicely stocked, (plus a couple of other water stations on the longer sections), so you don't need to carry much. Navigation not difficult. Whatever I write, I can't do this race justice. I'll run this race again, even though it's far from local, although might consider the 50m option because I'm not fast enough to do the 76 miles in time to enjoy the after-race evening, so might be nice to have a taste of that - although there is a nice Sunday lunchtime event for prizegiving, food and music. Well recommended. (ps... there is a 100mile option too, but you'd have to be mad for that!)

jameshinton

12:41 28-06-18

This is a tough event with a really beautiful route along an undulating coastline. The check points are well spaced, with super supportive marshals and friendly locals to cheer you on your way. It is very well organised and the navigation is straightforward. Hue the event organiser deserves a special mention, as you won't find a more enthusiastic and committed race director, he is also a bit mad.

Be prepared for a long day out, running on some great trails, in a wonderful part of the world. I even saw a pod of dolphins close up. You will have earned your medal when you cross the finish line.

Round Pen Llyn Ultra Marathon