This event is now a firm favourite in my calendar. It's the toughest and most diverse offroad event I've ever done!

Parking was a bit difficult as the pub car park was full when we arrived, but we managed to squeeze into the walkers car park up the road. Cars arriving after us found it more difficult to find a spot. 

Registration was very easy and was inside the pub this year so runners could keep warm. Thanks to the owners for putting the fire on! 

The briefing was thorough and very amusing with a huge emphasis on keeping safe and respecting the marshals  

This year, due to snow and then heavy rain, the course was shortened to take out a particularly steep descent and then ascent on very slippery ground. It was described in the briefing as being 'sanitised' but it was still hard work! The rain water and snow melt was cascading down the hills in fast moving streams that we had to navigate and I had several 'Vicar of Dibly' moments where I was up to my waist in a bog that looked like solid ground! The rope climb was left in as was the volcano climb at the end which was very interesting in the conditions. 

The marshals were fantastic and I always felt safe, despite the tricky course and thick fog at the beginning which meant you could barely see a few paces ahead.

Like last year, there was an impressive selection of cakes and chocolate bars for each runner to take and a free bottle of water too. 

Thank you Rogue Runs for a superb event! 

What a race that certainly isn't for the faint hearted!

The course is well marked out with marshals at key points. It starts uphill for a mile or so and takes you into deep mining canyons where you have to jump and dodge the large rocks and boulders and then gives you about 2 miles of gentle downhill running on a quiet country road and then around a high ridge with spectacular views of the Brecon Beacons. After this point, it all got rather interesting with almost sheer climbs downhills and near vertical scrambles up. The best bit was definitely the hill with a rope climb, a wade through the muddy marsh and the end on the 'volcano' before crossing the finish line.

The landscape changed so often along the route, it was hard to remember I was actaully in Wales! The Brecons are beautiful, the mining areas were barren, there were a couple of pretty waterfalls and wooded areas that could have easily been back at home in Wiltshire.

Although there are no aid stations on route, you are greeted with a bottle of water at the finish line and a moutain of cakes and energy drinks back at the pub.

There is no medal, but for only £10 you get a great day out and an extremely fun event. I made a 160 mile round trip to do this race which was definitely worth it. Thank You Rogue Runs!