The Loop Ultra

32 Mile Trail Running Challenge

October 12th 2024

Distance 20 Miles/32.5 KM 40 Miles/65 KM

Distance
32 Miles/50 KM

Elevation 20 Mile: 4553 Feet 40 Mile: 9106 feet

Elevation

4862 FT

Finish Location Perth Y Pia

Start and Finish Location
Camp Plas

SY21 0NA

Cut Off Times 20 Miles: 8 Hours 40 Miles: 16 Hours

Cut Off Time

12 hrs

Marked Course

Self Navigation, with Trackers

The Loop Ultra 32 Mile trail event is a great challenge amongst some spectacular, harsh but stimulating trails within the remote and less explored Cambrian Mountains of Mid Wales. Attracting runners from the elite to the ultra beginner, you will not be disappointed.

Please note that due to the unique wild and natural location, with its emphasis on sustainability, this is an exclusive event that we will cap at 100 runners (plus friends and family)

The event will be a self-navigation challenge with the added support of trackers and back runners.

Generous cut off time of 12 hours will ensure that you can conquer The Loop.

Starting at Camp Plas, a nature retreat near the village of Dolanog (near Welshpool) deep in the heart of the Cambrian mountains. The Loop will take in trails, forest tracks, ancient paths, en route to stunning Lake Vrynwy, often skirting the Glyndwr Way, you will be immersed in outstanding views across to the Shropshire Hills and southern Snowdonia. . Red kites will be your companions besides an abundance of wildlife, and as the end of summer becomes autumn, the colours will be spectacular

This is a canicross friendly event. Dogs must be at least 12 months of age, fit to run and kept on the lead at all times. Owners take full responsibility for their dogs both at headquarters and on the route. Unfortunately, due to the added benefit of having a bit of extra ‘pull’ from your four-legged friend, we cannot allocate trophies to any canicross participants.

We are proud to have been invited by Camp Plas to base this inaugural event at their wonderful and unique location. The weekend will offer exclusive camping, Field Bell Tents, log cabins, with full amenities including toilets and showers. This is an eco-friendly site within a small working farmstead, right by the River Vrynwy for wild bathing.

Check out their website for more information on how to book their boutique accommodation and camping. We have exclusive use of Camp Plas for the weekend - please book directly with them.

Runners and their supporters and families arriving on the Friday evening for pre-reg will enjoy a pre-race bbq and beer, all locally sourced.

Post-race on Saturday, will see live local music playing in the gorgeous open barn on site, with tasty food and beer. Throughout the weekend, lake paddle boarding and outdoor mobile sauna, and yoga in the barn on Sunday.

Firepits are available at the site, camp rules apply.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Checkpoints

Our checkpoints are well stocked so you’ll be well fuelled throughout the day. We cater for all dietary requirements including vegan. At our checkpoints, you can expect to be met with bananas, sweeties, biscuits, crisps, electrolytes, coke, squash, water and if you’re very lucky, some homemade cake!

CUT OFF TIMES-START TIMES

APPROX START 9AM - EMAIL UPDATE TO CONFIRM PRIOR TO THE EVENT

FRIDAY NIGHT PRE REG TIME TBC

7AM REG - 8.45AM BRIEFING - START 9AM

PHOTO GALLERY OF THE ROUTE AND CAMP PLAS TO BE UPLOADED SHORTLY

-WATCH THIS SPACE!

Facilities

Camping

Free Parking for those that camp/stay

£5 per car on the day - Prize draw applies for a free future race entry so KEEP that ticket

Refreshments

Toilets & Showers - campers/ residents only

Porta loos - non campers

Full Medical Team

Wild Swimming + Mobile Sauna

Yoga and Yoga Paddle Boarding tbc

BBQ and bar (locally-sourced produce)

Please note that as we have exclusive use of the venue, only food/drinks purchased from the bar/bbq may be consumed in the Barn area. We are supporting our hosts in every way that we can.

Live Music and Bonfire

Riverside walks and pony trekking

Lake Vrynwy with hotel and spa a short drive away

Fire logs £6 per basket (limited fire pits available so please feel freeto bring your own)

Local Barrista - cakes - free range eggs will be available

The camp is on a natural spring which is dictated by the weather

Enjoy a weekend of limited phone signal, hence cash payment is required for any added extras

What You Get

  • Bespoke medal

  • Prizes - 1st 2nd & 3rd Handcrafted trophy, designed in Wales - totally unique to us 

  • 1st Male & Female Vet over 50

  • Canicross trophy

  • Parking tickets will go into a ballot - winning ticket will receive a free entry to our next event

  • Three refuel zones - full support from our amazing staff - refreshments and food - first aid 

  • Full gallery of pictures 

  • Online results

  • Refreshments, homemade cake, snacks, sandwiches and much more will be available to feast on after the event. All dietary requirements will be tailored for.

MANDATORY KIT

  • Waterproof Jacket and trousers

  • Race vest/pack

  • Base layer Top - Must be either synthetic or merino wool, we suggest spare socks

  • Capacity to carry 1 litre of fluid

  • Emergency Food for the duration

  • Map or gpx file downloaded

  • Fully Charged Mobile Phone + power pack, plus lead

  • Hat & gloves

  • Appropriate footwear (trail shoes)

  • First aid kit - essential items 

  • Foil blanket

  • Reusable Cup

  • Head torch & whistle + spare batteries

No entrant will be allowed to participate without the full kit. A full kit check will be undertaken at registration and spontaneous checks will be carried out on the event. There will be NO changes to the mandatory kit lists due to weather - the mountains are unpredictable.

Please note that we are a cup free event - please remember to bring your reusable cup.

£75

The Loop Ultra 32 Mile Challenge