MTC Gelert
The MTC Gelert is a single day ultra running event covering 47 miles from Barmouth to Llanidloes. Most of the route follows National Cycle Route 8, with a short final section that extends into Llanidloes. The race starts at the Sandbanks Hotel, Barmouth, and finishes at the Red Lion Hotel, Llanidloes.
The event is Day 3 of the six day MTC CYMRUN end to end of Wales and forms part of the Mount to Coast End to End Challenge series. Gelert is scheduled as a quadrennial race commencing in 2026 and returning in 2030. Competitor numbers are limited to 20 plus an allowance of 20 for CYMRUN entrants, giving a maximum of 40 starters.
Organisers set preset cut off points based on a minimum average speed of 4.0 mph; competitors who fall below this requirement may be withdrawn. Entrants must be aged 20 or over on the start day and carry mandatory kit including a backpack, head torch with spare batteries, provided route maps, compass or GPS device, whistle, mobile phone, basic first aid and emergency food.
Maps and GPX files are provided to entrants only and tracking devices with SOS capability are issued for real time monitoring. All finishers receive a Gelert medal and male and female champions receive bespoke trophies. The race is cup free so competitors should use a reusable cup. Entry fees are non refundable and an optional upgrade includes a race shirt and hi viz jacket. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
Event Information
The Mount to Coast End to End Challenge consists of 6 epic End to End challenges:
- Challenge 1: 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.
