Ridge Runners Machen Trail Races
Winter trail half and marathon over Rudry Common and Machen Mountain
| Distance | Ascent | Per km |
|---|---|---|
| 42.2 km Marathon | 1,491 m | 35 m |
| 21.1 km Half marathon | 752 m | 32 m |
Nobody has reviewed this one yet
No reviews of the Machen Trail Races, and nothing on what people wore. Both are things no organiser publishes and every runner wants before they enter — how it actually went, and what was on your feet.
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Pick your distance
VERY HARD
TRP grade · E4
8h cut-off, which needs 11:22/km
starts 08:00
This file is from a previous running and the course may have changed since. If you are navigating with it, get the current version from Ridge Runners first.
What you’re in for
Starting and finishing at Machen Welfare Ground, the half marathon winds through woodland singletrack to Rudry Common, over the ridge through Cefn Onn Country Park, past Ruperra Castle and down to Draethen before a last climb through Machen Woods. The marathon adds a second loop with a very steep climb onto the Rhymney Valley Ridgeway, a descent towards Wyllie and the Sirhowy Valley Walk, and the summit of Machen Mountain before a steep descent to the finish. The half is fully marked; the marathon needs self-navigation with marshals at key junctions. Cut-offs are set so everyone finishes in daylight (8 hours for the marathon). Kit is checked at registration. Toilets and showers at the venue; no train station in Machen.
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How to enter
Sat, 28 Nov 2026 · Not open yet · £40–£50
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Common questions
- The Machen Trail Races offers 2 distances: Marathon (42.2 km / 26.2 miles), Half marathon (21.1 km / 13.1 miles).