Skyline
I sighted the distant horizon,
Where the haze touched the blue,
In my heart, a dream,
To chase that endless view.
102km/63mile 4680m/15340ft BL SER NS
Saturday 27th June 2026
Start – Barmouth 4am. Finish – One Planet Adventure (Llandegla)
Linear course. GPS tracked. WFRA rules throughout (no navigation aids). All mandatory safety kit must be carried/worn at all times. There will be kit checks. There is a time limit of 18 hours & strict cut-off times will be enforced.
The course traverses the continuous band of high mountain & moorland seen as the South Eastern skyline when viewed from almost all high ground in North Wales (see skyline pdf below). It follows Leverton’s Line (Mercia’s Charlie Leverton) in the main – though running in the opposite direction and carrying on a bit further… (but with the prevailing wind and the ‘easier’ running towards the end is my thinking). I knew nothing about Charlie’s exploits 35 years earlier as I sat on Foel Fenlli one evening and schemed with my RO’s brain at the skyline I have looked at for over 20 years but never truly seen before.
The course provides some glorious running in places, though in others your movement will more resemble wading in a deep (heather) river and even following a prolonged dry spell some of the terrain will be wet underfoot. Always high, crossing some of the remotest moorland landscape in Wales, the race is a true test of physical & mental stamina and mountain-craft.
Entrants will be vetted for experience, capability & attitude. Limited entries – due to safety restrictions.
Entrants must have support crew (transport) capable to retrieve them from one of the road crossing checkpoints if you retire or miss a cut-off. One “crew” can support two runners maximum.
Due to the length & nature of the course, a (moral) support runner is allowed from Bwlch y Groes (63km). A support runner is recommended but not essential. No muling allowed (carrying provisions etc). The support runner must be suitably equipped and experienced to support the required leg/final legs (up to 40km, 1350m).
Support crews are only allowed to service certain road crossing checkpoints (due to lack of parking & vehicle access). Drop-bags will be provided for intermediate checkpoints if runners require. Only basic ‘fell running’ provisions will be available at road checkpoints i.e. water & snacks.
I am aware the 18 hour limit and strict cut-offs will exclude some runners from the event. Extending beyond 18 hours brings darkness into play which is beyond my current safety margin for the race. That is not to say if we are successful with this race that a longer duration event will not be considered in future. The skyline picture above above does have another sheet – just saying… Please think of this event as more of a pilot race. Why not offer your support to help make it a success either as marshal or as a support runner? I think that would count massively for any future race vetting.
Price wise I will only aim to cover costs as per WFRA guidelines. GPS tracking widgets are not cheap plus I will aim to cover fuel expenses for marshalling & safety crews. Hopefully < £50. That said, I will be asking for voluntary donations to Aberdyfi & NEWSAR mountain rescue teams on top who will be your safety backstop for the day.
Full rule set to follow. At this moment only expressions of interest are required via form or email below:
There are two potential ‘shorter’ options available (38/45k) but without additional help (likely need a separate RO!) these will not happen in 2026.
“It’s a path Jim, but not as we know it…” (sic) – cultural reference from the UK no 1 hit Star Trekkin’ 1987