We are now just a few days away from the 2nd Edition of Ultra X Wales! This is our only 250km event on UK shores and the stage is set for 2022’s race to be even more exciting than before.

This article will give you an insight on the course that lies ahead for our runners, as well as giving you an insight into some of the competitors stepping up to the start line this year. We’ll also outline the all-important World Championships Points that are up for grabs…

Course Preview

The Ultra X Wales course is not for the faint hearted. Taking place on some of the most remote trails of southern Snowdonia, the 9,017m of elevation will test even the most seasoned climbers. The course includes not one, but two ascents of Cadair Idris, a SSSI that’s renowned for it’s incredible views and challenging climbs.

Day one is a looped route which will give runners their very first taste of the Glyndwr’s Way, a National Trail that climbs along forest trails before skirting the northern edge of the Cambrian mountains. The 42km course should help ease our runners into the race whilst giving them plenty of time to recover back at camp afterwards.

Day 2 will see runners head Northwest out of camp and officially into Snowdonia National Park. The route takes runners up onto a spectacular remote ridgeline before they begin their first ascent of Cadair Idris. Once they’ve reached the top, they’ll hopefully be greeted by spectacular panoramic views before they begin their descent into camp 2.

Day 3 takes runners north, crossing the bridge at Penmaenpool before summiting Y Llethr, Diffwys and Llawlech. From there the runners descent into Barmouth bay before heading back to camp via some remote lakeside trails.

Day 4 is the runner’s longest day and will see take on their second summit of Cadair Idris in the early morning light. They’ll then descend along a stunning ridgeline towards Bala Lake before turning Southwest back towards camp. As with every day, they’ll be greeted by our crew, including Medics and Osteos, every 10km or so, where they’ll get a much needed energy boost and support with any niggles.

Day 5, the final stage, will see the runners head southwest out of camp until they hit the coastline. From there, they follow the beach south until they join Panorama Walk, a stunning rolling trail that shows off the very best views in the area. From there, they’ll continue east towards the finish line, with their final obstacle being a river crossing less than 2km out from that final finish line.

Ones to watch

In the men’s race, we’ll be keeping our eye on Ultra X Ambassador Lewis Robling, who has already completed two of our 250km multi-stage races this year and is aiming to finish the full set. Lewis flew through this race last year and knows what to expect out on course, but will that be a help or a hindrance? Only time will tell!

The women’s race looks wide open, with the majority of our female participants taking on their first multi-stage ultra. Ita Emanuela Marzotto could be one to watch, as she has plenty of ultra experience under her belt including Ultra X Azores, Chianti Trail Ultra and Ultra Sky Marathon D’abruzzo, where she came first female. It would also be worth keeping an eye on Isabel Norris, who recently completed Brighton Run To The Sea, coming 1st female and 11th overall.

How to follow the race

You can track the runners using the link here.

You can see of the latest updates through our socials on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

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