Race thoughts: Probably the most runnable fell race in the area. A glorious route starting in the Fairy Glen, traversing past Foel Lus via the Stone Circle before climbing over the shoulder of Tal-y-Fan and circling back on the tracks high above Rowen. Between the Neolithic remnants and the wild Carneddau ponies roaming freely, it feels like stepping back in time.  Whilst covering almost identical terrain to the Gladstone 9 race it however makes for a far more runnable experience for the ordinary club runner. The contrast in routes is striking. I found that I ended up walking 90% of the climbs in the Gladstone 9 (heat didn't help) whilst recceing this route I found that the majority was runnable. Additionally there is very little technical running. This makes the route ideal for the road runners who do a bit of trail/fell running, and those who prefer the less technical and more runnable routes. Unfortunately it once again clashes with the Conwy Half Marathon weekend which means I won't be participating. Fingers crossed next year it may shift in the calendar as it's a race I'd love to do. 

Overview of route and route tips: The route starts in the Fairy Glen in Capelulo and begins by heading uphill via the road which becomes a track as it climbs up onto the fells. This is a solid and steady climb but do-able. It's not technical and never THAT steep, but continues to grind onwards and upwards for a very long time. You are rewarded with some good honest running out towards Llanfairfechan. Navigation wise this whole section to CP1 is pretty straightforward following the North Wales Coastal Path until just before CP1 where you angle right up towards the quarry to check in. From here you have two route choices. The most direct route takes you over the upper shoulder of Tal-y-Fan. Whilst being the shorter route (see map below with the red X) I would advise against taking this route. It includes an extra 120m of climbing (and descending!) with several bogs and lots of tussocks. Here the route outlined on the map (green tick) which passes the edge of the sheepfold is by far the more efficient route despite it being longer. This route climbs you steadily up over to the old Roman Road. From this point on, the footing is excellent with good flowing running round to CP2 and onto CP3. Whilst there is some climbing on this section (a 40-50m climb after CP2) it is never anything too overwhelming with lots of easy descending as a reward. The final section from CP3 returns you via the gulley just before Maen Escob. A more efficient route however is to cut across off-piste northwards and join the bridleway (highlighted in yellow). You probably want to recce this first though as it's a bit trial and error and has taken me a few goes to get a good line across. Unfortunately I only discovered this after recceing the sections so it's not in the GPS/GPX. This saves you a couple hundred metres or so and a few small ups and downs. If you're not familiar with the area and haven't practiced it then it's probably not worth the risk. The final descent is very steep but relatively short descending you rapidly down to the Fairy Glen to finish.

Shoe Choice: There is lots of good running in this race and very little of a technical nature. The final descent is steep and can be slippy so bear that in mind. The sections on the fells can also be boggy in places so good drainers is a benefit to help speed you through the fast return leg.  

Race details: https://www.fellrunner.org.uk/races/04347bd8-0ec1-4019-afbc-0df07208736c

Cost: £10