Machen Trail Races: Half Marathon and Marathon

Its hard to believe that such a beautiful route is so close to a capital city. The race has everything, for those training for mountain ultras to those looking for a lovely winters day in the woods, this is the race for you. For the half, there are wooded single tracks, open moors and pretty streams. The marathon adds a mountain feel with the exposure of Machen mountain, yet without the risks of a mountain race in winter. A race that many return to, because the route is just 'special'. The half marathon starts in Machen, with the route winding its way through some beautiful single track trails to Rudry Common. Once over the common, you'll run into Caerphilly Forest, over the hill and a glorious downhill belt to the Cefn Onn checkpoint. A long climb takes you back to the top of the ridgeway passing the Lisvane / Llysfaen trig point. You'll hit the woodlands next which will leads you to Ruperra Castle before heading down into Draethen (where sadly the pub is shut!) before a final climb up into Machen Woods followed by a downhill trail to the finish line. The marathon has a tough start to the second section, a very steep climb to the Rhymney Valley Ridgeway. Once at the top there is good track running for several miles, which should warm you up! You'll then head downhill toward Wyllie, and onto the Sirhowy Valley Walk. There's plenty of downhill single track to enjoy in this section! After a few tricky turns and a steep ascent back onto the ridgeway, good running again takes you to the highest point of your day, and the Machen Mountain / Mynydd Machen trig point. A quad bashing decent will take you back to Machen where you'll pick up your reward for completing a challenging but hugely rewarding Marathon.