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