Machen Mountain Race
Machen Mountain Race is a fell race of approximately 7 km with about 365 m of ascent (4.3 miles / 1200 ft). The event is scheduled for Monday 31st August 2026.
Registration is based at Machen Welfare Ground on Tyn-Y-Waun Road, Machen CF83 8LA. Parking is available in the recreation ground. The start and finish are on Church Street near the Machen Stores mini supermarket.
The entry fee is £7 on the day only. The event has an age limit of over 18.
The route is run on steep, loose, uneven and unpredictable terrain. Footwear suitable for slippery underfoot conditions is recommended, for example trail or fell shoes. The race director will assess conditions on the day and may require participants to carry at least a windproof running jacket; in exceptionally severe weather windproof leggings may also be required. Participants with little or no off-road experience are advised to practise on similar terrain before taking part. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
Safety Information: Comprehensively marked and heavily marshalled, no route choice, surrounded on both sides by valleys with visible communities. Course clearance of excess vegetation prior to the race is substantial. The downhill has a section of fairly steep rutted terrain and a later section that is exposed and stony due to tree felling.
Retiree Options: If within the first 1.5 miles, reverse the route. Otherwise, walk with the tail runner/walker to avoid loops at the top or wait with marshals to walk in.
General Area: Mainly accessible low-lying moorland and/or open fell. Height rarely above 1,000 ft (300m).
Terrain: Some moderately challenging terrain, e.g. reasonable tracks over moorland or good fell paths.
Exposure (drops) and hazards on or near route: No exposure but mild risk from e.g. ground holes, bogs, or river crossings.
Navigation skills required: Basic: route may be mostly obvious or waymarked, but some basic navigation required in parts.
Mountain skills required: Basic: off-trail experience helpful, e.g. in route planning, preparation and emergency considerations.
Escape routes: Lots of options but with possible “decision points” before some sections.
Season time and effect of weather: Any inclement weather unlikely to present serious challenges. The race takes place on August Bank Holiday, so weather is seldom a factor other than occasionally being very hot – in which event water is carried up to the trig.