Clwydian Sheeptracks
Sheeptracks is a new challenging 27km distance race being introduced in 2018. With fully unmarked trails throughout, the course traverses the east & west flanks of the Clwydian Range visiting checkpoints positioned to offer a wide scope of route choice. The most efficient racing line has been designed to follow the wonderful natural lines created by the master path builders, our wonderful welsh mountain sheep.
Runners need to be fully self-sufficient for the duration of the event and must be capable navigators in mountainous areas. Route choice is available on many of the checkpoint legs and these choices are seen as an essential part of the challenge of the race. In some places the route choices offer only small gains, in others much bigger gains. Local knowledge is beneficial in picking the most efficient line to follow. Time should be taken to study the map beforehand and a prior visit to the area is recommended. Having said that a capable navigator will be able to complete the route ‘on sight’ but not in the most efficient way and relying on longer sections of ‘normal’ footpaths & tracks with more high gain/loss.
The local Mountain Rescue team NEWSAR provides first aid & safety cover and any proceeds from the race are donated to the team.
This is a challenging race in winter in an upland area. Although not as exposed as more mountainous areas the weather and visibility could well be poor hence we are asking you to have previous experience to sign up for this race. Relevant experience could be from other AL/AM fell races or equivalent mountain running. Orienteering experience will be beneficial as several of the checkpoints are not in well trodden places (apart from by baa-lambs).
The course is laid out like a single day mountain marathon hence could form a good training event for those looking to progress to these longer events.
http://www.clwydianfellrace.org/?page_id=696
Race Day Info
Sheeptracks Fell Race
The next race: 10am Sunday 25th February 2018.
- Registration at Start Line tent/van (allow 5 mins walk from Viewpoint parking, 15 mins walk from village)
- Start grid ref: SJ 166 653 – nearest postcode CH7 5NZ
- Viewpoint parking grid ref: SJ 169 652 – nearest postcode CH7 5PB – see map below
- Registration from 8.45 until 9.45am for 10am race start
- Main race (Over 18) £8 entry fee – online only
- ONLINE ENTRY OPEN
Getting to Cilcain: Viewpoint/Golygfan is signposted from the main road into the village from the Mold-Denbigh road (A541). If coming from the other direction then head up past the White Horse pub from the crossroads in the village. Past the church and keep going up the hill. Turn left (signed) just past the houses on the right.
Parking: Where possible please car share as the parking is limited at the Viewpoint. There is room for additional car parking on the grass verge along the viewpoint road but please ensure your car is well on the verge and not obstructing the road way. Please do not block any gates. More parking is available down in the village (circa 1km – 10 minute walk up the hill). Please click the below map for parking areas:
Registration: 9.00-9.45am. At Start Tent/Van. Please allow plenty of time to check-in for registration, pickup your race pack and read the safety information. Safety pins are available for small donation.
Kit Requirements: See attached Race Info sheet for more detail. The weather can be grim on the hills during February so you should prepare for the worst. Due to the time of year, length of race and as a Category AL race (Hard) it is MANDATORY to CARRY the following:
- Waterproof full body cover
- Spare thermal layer – full body i.e. top & bottoms
- Hat & Gloves
- Map (a waterproof 1:25k pre-marked with checkpoints will be provided to all runners)
- Compass & Whistle
- Sufficient food & drink for your own requirements
Race Brief: 9.50am Will be at the Race Start at the top crossroads which are a 5 minute walk from the viewpoint carpark or 15 minute walk up from the village centre.
Race Start: 10am We are operating cut-offs at the manned checkpoints so any late starts will need to clear CP5 by the allotted time. Give yourself a chance – be at the start on time!
Toilets: A chemical toilet will be available at start/finish line – will be interesting if the wind is blowing! Nearest public toilets are down in the village behind the Village Hall so maybe worthwhile calling there on your way past 😉
After Race: Refreshments are available after the race (tea & coffee, cakes) for free in the registration tent.
Last Minute Shopping: The Shop/Cafe (down in the village should be open) usually has a good range of tasty treats either for the hill or just late breakfast. Also great coffee for caffeine addicts.
