A new 31.25-mile ultra trail race, which will tackle the steep ascent of the iconic Devil’s Staircase near Llanwrtyd Wells in Mid Wales, has been revived for this spring after being postponed due to the pandemic in 2020.
Llanwrtyd Wells is renowned for hosting a series of wacky and wonderful competitions, including the World Bog Snorkelling Championship, Man versus Horse Race and the World Alternative Games, to name but a few.
Now Green Events, organiser of most of these competitions, is launching the Trailhead Get Jerky Devil’s Staircase Ultra Trail Race, which covers 50.3km (31.25 miles) and has a total ascent and descent of 5,361ft (1,634m).
Most of the race, on April 2, is off road with some short road sections including the “hellish” ascent (25%) of the iconic Devil’s Staircase.
The race, originally planned for April 2020, is being sponsored by Trailhead Fine Foods’ Get Jerky brand, award-winning premium Welsh Beef Jerky snacks made in Welshpool.
Trailhead Fine Foods even developed a fiery new Get Jerky flavour, called Devil’s Wrath, especially for launch at the planned 2020 event. The new product launch still went ahead and Devil’s Wrath is now part of ‘The Hot Ones’ Get Jerky collection.
Trailhead’ managing director Arwyn Watkins was very keen to get involved when he heard that Green Events was launching the new event that involved taking on the challenge of the Devil’s Staircase.
“The Devils Staircase is set in Nant Irfon where my family and our forefathers have worked the land in the beautiful Irfon Valley for centuries,” said Arwyn. “With the River Irfon and the race route running through the family farm, it was only right that Trailhead should support this challenge.
“The race also fits perfectly with the Get Jerky brand because the snacks are nutritious and high in protein, providing the fuel for customers to enjoy endurance activities.
“The extreme heat and adventurous flavours used in Devil’s Wrath represent an exhilarating challenge, which is exactly what this trail race is all about.”
Lindsay Ketteringham, chairman of Green Events, said: “The race will test endurance and stamina during the 50 km trail and all the runners will be rewarded with a fantastic and lasting, memorable experience.
“We recognise that ultra trail running is a fast-growing sport and we have the terrain here for it. We are hoping to attract around 200 runners to experience this iconic journey.
“Having Trailhead Get Jerky as sponsor is a match made in heaven with the Watkins family connection, which is ideal.”
The race starts and finishes in the centre of Llanwrtyd Wells and the route comprises a mixture of tarmacadam road, forest tracks and farmland.
Each runner will receive a unique devil medal and there will be prizes for the first three male and female runners. The entry fee is £45 which includes a technical T Shirt.
