Race preview: Trail Marathon Wales - June 23, 2012
Next June will see a great new running event coming to Wales. Trail Marathon Wales aims to be a 'challenging and stunning' full (and half) distance trail marathon set in the world-renowned MTB heartland that is Coed y Brenin. The centre is set in the Snowdonia National Park, one of most famous mountain biking areas in the UK – if not the world - and with its superb facilities and visitor friendly accessibility the centre will play perfect host to this exciting new event.
Taking place on the 23rd of June 2012, Trail Marathon Wales will have full (26.2 mile / 42.1 km) and half (13.1 mile / 21 km) marathon race routes in the stunning trails and tracks of this world-renowned Coed y Brenin forest. The event aims to be Wales’ first true trail marathon taking in fully marked trail single track, forest roads and paths in some of the most stunning forestry and heathland in the UK.
Event organiser Matt Ward states: "We are really excited to be launching this event. Trail running is an ever growing sport, and to have an event in this location will be very special. Having a full and half distance marathon will mean that runners of all standards can come and enjoy the event, and we are sure that the location and environment will ensure that Trail Marathon Wales will be a huge success and a race to remember for all of those taking part.
"Our plans are in full swing with regard to the route, the event village and the general event logistics. We have some exciting plans for the day, and over the coming months we will be releasing details on event partners, attractions and some unique and sustainable features of the race. We are totally committed to using as much local resource as possible, in terms of suppliers and manpower, in addition to this it is an absolute goal of ours to make to event sustainable, have a low environmental impact and be around for years to come to benefit the local economy and communities".
The organisers are also working closely with Forestry Commission Wales at Coed y Brenin to deliver what will be a race route to remember. The exact course details will be released in the early Spring of 2012. A number of elite athletes have been provisionally recruited to take part in the race, ensuring that the event has a highly competitive element – whilst hopefully attracting good club runners and first time trail marathoners alike.
