MTC Afanc
The MTC Afanc is a new quadrennial ultra marathon introduced for 2026 and scheduled to return in 2030. It forms Day 5 of the Mount to Coast CYMRUN multi day challenge and is one of the Myths and Legends of Wales series. The route covers approximately 39.7 miles and follows National Cycle Route 8 from Glasbury to Merthyr Tydfil, starting at the River Wye Activity Centre, Glasbury and finishing at Travelodge Merthyr Tydfil.
Competitor numbers are strictly limited to 20 individual Afanc entries plus an allowance of 20 CYMRUN entrants, giving a maximum field of 40. Entrants must be aged 20 or over on the event date. The organisers enforce preset cutoffs based on a minimum average speed of 4 mph; falling below this threshold can lead to withdrawal.
Entrants receive a finisher Afanc medal and male and female champions receive trophies. Maps and GPX files are provided to competitors before the event and a tracking device with an SOS function is supplied for each runner. The race is cup free so competitors must use a reusable cup. Mandatory kit includes a backpack, head torch with spare batteries, the provided route maps, compass or GPS device, whistle, mobile phone, basic first aid and emergency food. Entry fees are non refundable; a defer option is available for a fee up to four weeks before the event. An optional race package includes a race shirt and hi vis jacket for an additional fee with an order deadline to guarantee supply. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
What is the Mount to Coast End to End Challenge?
The MTC End to End Challenge consists of 6 epic End to End challenges:
- Challenge 1
Take on the MTC CYMRUN - a six day end to end of Wales, covering 256 miles, averaging just over 42 miles per day.
The MTC CYMRUN also includes six unique ultras in their own right, one for each day, all with their own unique medals and trophies. These six ultra's form the Myths & Legends of Wales Series.
Day 1 - The MTC Angelystor
Day 2 - The MTC Cerridwen
Day 3 - The MTC Gelert
Day 4 - The MTC Pendragon
Day 5 - The MTC Afanc
Day 6 - The MTC Y Ddraig Goch - Challenge 2 (Takes place once every 4 years, commencing 2027, then returning 2031)
Take on the MTC MizMal ® - a thirteen day end to end of Ireland, covering 612 miles, averaging just over 47 miles per day. These thirteen ultra's form the Myths & Legends of Ireland Series. - Challenge 3 (Takes place once every 4 years, commencing 2028, then returning 2032)
Take on the MTC Scotia - a nine day end to end of Scotland, covering 366 miles, averaging just over 40 miles per day. These nine ultras form the Myths & Legends of Scotland Series. - Challenge 4 (Takes place once every 4 years, commencing 2029, then returning 2033)
Take on the MTC Anglian - a thirteen day end to end of England, covering 486 miles, averaging just over 37 miles per day. These thirteen days form the Myths & Legends of England Series. - Challenge 5 (Takes place each and every year)
Take on the ultimate - MTC JOGLE - a seventeen day end to end of Britain, covering 854 miles, averaging over 50 miles per day. - Challenge 6 (Takes place each and every year)
Take on the ultimate - MTC LEJOG - same as the JOGLE but in reverse (south to north), 854 miles, 50+ miles per day.
Completing all six challenges is not time restricted.
If you complete all six challenges you will be recorded in the Honourable Book of Endurance (HBoE)