Welsh 3 Peaks Race
The Welsh 3 Peaks Race is a multi day continuous mountain race covering 286 km with over 11,000 metres of ascent. Entrants may compete as a SOLO runner or as part of a TEAM of three or six people.
The route sets off from Llanberis, passes the summit of Yr Wyddfa early, continues through Moelwyn, the Rhinog and Mawddach areas to Cadair Idris, then traverses Tarrens, Pumlumon, the Radnorshire Hills and the Cambrian Mountains to Bannau Brecheiniog and Pen y Fan, finishing at Storey Arms. Competitors largely follow the Cambrian Way on sections of the route.
Event logistics include a headquarters at Llanderis, Y Ganolfan (LL55 4UR). The race is fully tracked, timed and monitored and provides five indoor rest areas with toilets, first aid, food, drinks, masseurs and sleeping areas, plus five outdoor support stations with water and provisions. The event lists 25 Mountain Leaders and is limited to 150 participants. The published time limit is 4.5 days (108 hours), which equates to an average overall speed requirement of about 1.7 mph.
Participants must be comfortable in mountain and remote environments and largely self sufficient. Teams follow strict rules: each team member completes one specific section and changeovers occur at event checkpoints. Team kit requirements match those for solo competitors. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
The Stats:
- 3 Welsh Peaks
- 1 continuous race
- 286 Kilometres.
- 11,300 Metres of ascent.
- 4.5 days/108 hours event time limit.
- 1.7mph required average overall speed to complete.
- 5 indoor, fully stocked and supported checkpoints.
- 5 outdoor support stations with water, first aid and provisions.
- 25 Mountain Leaders.
- 150 total participants.
- 1 amazing experience.
The Route:
In Summary - a stunner, but TOUGH. This is not a challenge for the unprepared. You must be comfortable in mountain and remote environments, and have the skills to negotiate them. The course is demanding and rewarding in equal measure. Giving a brief overview then:
- START: Llanberis
- FINISH: Storey Arms
- Yr Wyddfa. Moelwyn, Rhinog and Mawddach to Cadair Idris. Tarrens, Pumlumon, Radnorshire Hills Cambrian Mountains and Bannau Brecheiniog, to Pen Y Fan.
You'll largely, though not exclusively, follow the Cambrian Way on your journey through Wales.
Checkpoints, Timings and Support:
This is an event that is fully tracked, timed and monitored, and provides 5 indoor rest areas with toilets, first aid provision, food, drinks, masseurs, and a place to rest as you wish.
Our team of Outdoor Professionals will be strategically placed along the route for your additional safety. This aside, you need to be largely self sufficient along the route, and are strongly advised to have a support driver to meet you in case of retirement or you need retrieval for any reason.
Indoor Checkpoints/rest areas shall be set up at the following locations, with distances and cut off's:
- Penmeanpool (69km)
- Commins Coch (118km)
- Devils Bridge (165km)
- Rhiandwrmwyn (218km)
- Llandeusant (246km)
The event has a time limit of 4.5 days - exactly 108 hours. This equates to an average speed requirement of 1.7mph overall. This means you’ll need to reach Storey Arms by 7pm on Friday 25th September.
The race is non stop, in that quite simply, whoever gets to Storey Arms after descending Pen y Fan, first - wins. How long you stop at each CP is completely up to you, there are sleeping areas at each one - though the race clock is always ticking. Some competitors will prioritise more sleep for a more productive ‘act