(Cader Idris)

Dolgellau can be found off the A470(T) at grid ref SH728177 (outdoor leisure 23) in the South of the Snowdonia National Park at the head of the Mawddach estuary. Plentiful car parking is available just on the edge of town at the Marian.
Tourist Information Centre, Dolgellau 01341 422888.
Rail travel times 0345 484950 Bus times, Arriva 01248 750444.

Course Description:
Landranger 124 – Dolgellau

The race covers a distance of approx 10.5 miles, from Dolgellau to the summit of Cader Idris (2927ft), and returns by the same route. Run under WFRA rules.

Race HQ will be based in the Free Library, just off the town square in view of the start/finish area. If in doubt, ask! This will also be the venue for registration, toilets and post race food. Registration will close at 13:40.

The race leaves the town (SH728177) and follows the steep metalled Cader road (bearing right at a junction) for c.2.5 km to Gellilwyd Fawr (SH707167), the first marshalled checkpoint.

At this point the route follows public footpaths to the rear of the Gwernan lake reaching the main Cader car park at Ty Nant (SH698153) in another 2km or so. Ty Nant is a marshalled checkpoint. Water is also available here.

The race then crosses the road and proceeds up the mountain on the “Pony Path” to Rhiw Gwredydd (SH691136) in another 1.5 km, just below the 2000ft point. Rhiw Gwrydydd is a main race checkpoint, all runners must pass the marshals here, where numbers are recorded.

The route then follows the main footpath to the summit of Penygadair (SH711130) which is very much unmarked. Marshals will be at the summit, where once again race numbers will be noted.

The return leg is a reversal of the ascent. All runners must pass the key marshalled checkpoints on the descent back to town.
Marshals at the above 4 key checkpoints will have communication with race HQ in case of emergency.
In the interests of safety and not to keep marshals on the hill a time “cut off” of 1hr 15mins hours from the start will be enforced at Rhiw Gwredydd check point

Safety Notes:
Under strict new WFRA rules ALL COMPETITORS MUST CARRY full waterproof body cover, map, whistle and compass ("all available from Cader Idris Outdoor Gear") . A random kit check will take place just before the start of the race. Anyone without the full requirements will have their number taken from them, their money returned and will NOT be allowed to compete in the race.
An up to date weather forecast will be available at HQ on race day.

Any runner who has to retire from the race must:
report to the nearest checkpoint so race control can be informedAND report in person to race control/finish on return to town to de-register.

Failure to follow these simple procedures will result in the competitor being assumed lost and the emergency services being mobilised. Please don’t let this happen by accident.

Refreshments:
Refreshments will be available after both the junior races and main race, free of charge to competitors, in the Free Library. Please bring your race number to get your free scran.

Awards/Prize giving:
There are cash prizes for the first 3 men and women in the main race, (£100, £75, £50), with additional prizes and trophies in veteran age categories in 10 year groups from 40 years upwards. One prize only per entry. An additional cash prize is offered to break the current course record.
The main race prize ceremony will take place, either in the main square or Free Library if it’s raining, at approx 1700 hours. An announcement will be made before they begin.

Junior Races
A series of junior races run throughout the day on a mixture of minor roads and woodland trails. A Fun Run starts at 11:15am and U/12 (c.2km) race starts at 11.30am followed by U/14 (c.3km) and U/16 (c.4km) races at 1200. An U/18 (c.10km) race, following the lower part of the main race commences with the main field at 1400hrs. Finishers medals are awarded to all junior race entrants.
Trophies for the male and female winners of each of the junior races will be awarded at a ceremony in the main square at approx 1300hrs, just before the start of the main race. The U/18 presentation takes place with the main race at 1700hrs.
Entry for all of the junior races in on the day only.