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V3K Ultra (Vegan Welsh 3000s)

30-Jun-2018 Nant Gwynant, UK (Wales)

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12 REVIEWS
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Mountains Race Race Terrain
92KM / 57Miles
2 Days

Alternate Distances: 55KM/34M

DIFFICULTY Race Difficulty Expert  

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Divided in three section, this event is based in Bangor and includes all Welsh mountains above 3000 feet (914 metres): Snowdon, Garnedd Ugain, Crib Goch, Of Elidir Fawr, Y Garn, Glyder Fawr, Glyder Fach, Tryfan, Of Pen yr Ole Wen, Carnedd Dafydd, Yr Elen, Carnedd Llewelyn, Foel Grach, Carnedd Gwenllian and Foel Fras.

The race begins at 5am and the 8pm briefing the evening before is compulsory as is maintaining a vegan diet during the event.

There are two food and drink Aid Stations at Nant Peris and Ogwen (Gen Dena Farm).

Drop bags (two) are allowed and their will be spot tests to check adherence to mandatory kit.

There is a cut-off time of 15:00 at Carneddau.

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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 V3K Ultra (Vegan Welsh 3000s)

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Swoows

11:40 24-09-18

24/6/17 - 34.1 miles / 4000m elevation
If you want a supported 14 peaks and achieve a fast time then this is the race for you. The start in Nant Gwynant and finish in Talybont is a hell of an undertaking. Fantastic camaraderie throughout from runners and crew. Do not underestimate the climbs!
A tough and serious race not for the less experienced.
Peanut butter and jam pittas and caffeine saw me through.

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red.stiletto

12:18 22-05-18

A super friendly race, with a fantastic HQ, awe-inspiring route, loads of support and the BEST vegan food (roast potatoes at one of the CPs, plates of hot food at the finish, just as examples!). This race was tough but achievable for me even as a slower runner because of the cut offs and lots of support right to the end. Fantastic weekend.

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GNEHughes

11:57 22-11-17

Probably the best race (not just ultra running) I've ever had the pleasure of taking part in. Everything about it was absolutely superb. The weekend kicks off with a pre-race vegan feast in the race HQ just outside Bangor. Kirsch Bowker (race organiser) had an army of helpers who produced the best food I've ever had at a race. There was a race briefing which wasn't that great but then everybody knew what was in store for them come the morning. It was a very early start as you catch a bus Nant Gwynant where the race begins. The midges obviously hadn't received the e-mail requiring everyone to be vegan for the day and it was a relief to get going. From the off you are into a big climb, up to the south ridge of Snowdon and on to the summit. The weather was ok, low cloud and mizzle with a bit of a breeze up top. Once over the summit you drop down a little, then over Carnedd Ugain and onto Crib Coch. This is a classic mountain ridge with big drops either side, not that we could see them. Traffic coming the other way was fairly light so there were no problems in that respect. I've never done a Sky race before and the course marking was unbelievable, little red flags on a wire every few metres. It would be virtually impossible to go off course in this race. Once over Crib Coch and down the scree slope it was a lovely run down a small valley to the road and onto the first check point at Nant Peris. This was very well stocked with all sorts of goodies. Next big test was the climb up Elidr Fawr, again we were soon into low cloud so the top wasn't visible. A rising traverse followed by a short steep climb brings you to Y Garn, then a steepish descent on a good path to base of the Glyders. The little red flags were invaluable on this next section, which is a boulder strewn moonscape. Visibility was poor and navigation without the markings could have been tricky. A horrible decent of the Bristly scree leads you on to the scramblers delight that is Tryfan. Again we were in the cloud but once the steep and rocky descent of the west face had been negotiated it was a short run down the road to the second checkpoint, where another vegan feast awaited us. The homemade soup and endless cups of tea were very welcome, as was the chance to get inside away from the midges. Drop bags were available, so a change of t-shirt, socks and shoes was the order of the day. It's still 25km or so to the finish from here with no water available on the Carneddau. After the long slog up Pen yr Ole Wen the going becomes a bit easier with not much up and down between the peaks and good paths to run on for most of it. Once the final (and 15th) peak has been bagged it's approx. 10km, mostly downhill, to the finish where more delicious food awaits you.
Everything about this race is wonderful. If you don't mind a bit of exposure then it should definitely be on your to-do list. The organiser and her team were so welcoming and friendly, it gives the race a very unique vibe.
At 57km it's not a very ultra, ultra but the technical aspects and ever changing terrain make it a hard run. If you are lucky with the weather you will be treated to some of the finest mountain scenery this country has to offer. I can't recommend it highly enough.

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steveriley

09:48 23-08-17

I'd wanted to do the Welsh 3000s for years and this was the perfect excuse for me. Friendly faces, a bus to the start, couple of food stops and somewhere to collapse at the end. I'd count flying(!) along Crib Goch in the mist as a lifetime high. An absolute joy to be at home in these mountains in good company. Fell into step with my new friend David from Spain near Nant Peris and we were so well matched, the miles flew by. Nice.

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Karl1981

07:51 03-07-16

First time at this event . Have to say I was feeling confident of doing a good run I had a good mileage base behind me so was confident of running strong .

The event itself has a good friendly feeling to it and as part of the ethos you must go vegan for the day not such a bad thing . If your planning on running the race I would recommend you do plenty of long mountain runs as training as I found the race a lot harder than I thought it would be probably due to a lack of long mountain runs .

The course is pretty well marked I have heard of people saying it wasn't marked enough but in my opinion the course should not be marked and competitors should rely on own navigation . Sometimes marking a route like this takes the fun away a bit.

The aid stations are well stocked with food the jam sandwiches at Ogwen proved a life saver . The weather didn't really play ball so didn't get to enjoy the great views you would otherwise get on clearer day .

Overall I loved this race and can't wait to sign up again I would say however that a race like is is for a more experienced long distance/mountain runner and certainly not for the faint hearted .

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Anna Paxton

04:35 29-06-16

Vegan Welsh 3000s started out as an annual challenge for Race Director Kirsch Bowker and friends. Each year more runners joined, and the race has grown quickly, having become part of the Sky Running series in 2014.

The V3k has kept that friendly feel, which is a feature of UK fell races. As Kirsh is vegan the race team is keen for runners to experience the vegan running ethos, so all entrants must be vegan for the day. The event was catered by the fantastic Caffi V who provided food for the pre-race pasta party, aid stations, and mini festival.

The route itself is tough, as you might expect. There's a lot of ascent over technical ground, and it's essential that you can navigate as the nature of the terrain means that you can't rely on the route markers being visible at all times. You will probably experience all weather conditions in one day.

It's a grand tour of the spectacular Welsh hills, it's a challenging day out, and with Crib Goch it includes one of the best scrambles in the UK. You can read my race report here http://wp.me/p5f31F-mi

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lightfootbe

05:07 26-06-16

Great course, my first in the UK. Very helpful volunteers at aid stations and checkpoints and excellent food! Markers are not always present e.g. on rocky terrain, so navigation requires full attention, but good map reading and navigation skills are required to enter, so that's not excuse...

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mickemidge

02:49 26-06-16

Great race in spectacular settings! Even with the low cloud cover on the day you couldn't help but enjoy the surroundings. My first Sky race so the amount of scrambling required in the first 2 sections was a bit of a surprise but all added to a very enjoyable day.
Organisation, food supplied and marshalling could also not be faulted and being Vegan for the day wasn't a problem!

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stonebenj

12:00 17-06-15

Awesome race, big ascents, big descents, technical terrain, stunning scenery. Excellent organisation and super friendly marshals. Not to underestimated though! Being comfortable on grade 1 scrambles a definite bonus, and nav skills also useful although the route is marked. Don't let the vegan thing put you off: the food was top notch. Looking forward to next year already.

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RunTomRun

09:48 16-06-15

First ultra ever ! I simply loved it !
Incredible route, well organized and tons of delicious food !
Be ready to use your navigation skills in case of fog ! (very likely) otherwise just enjoy the incredible Welsh landscape that you're crossing during the race
2015

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