How do I summerise this ‘race’? Well, I DNF’ed through injury at 76miles into this 135 mile, 25000ft ascent race so I can only report on the first 27 hours! Yep, you read that right, 27 and a bit hours to cover 76 miles! (actually 80 miles including some 'bonus' miles accumilated getting lost) The full race was won in a time of 41.5 hours by a machine of an ultra runner so this gives you some indication of what your in for if you fancy a crack in 2018. 2nd place arrived home in 49.25 hours!! Race cut off is 72hours and it’s entirely possible to need this much time! 

Starting at Knighton in Mid Wales and winding it’s way around the Glyndwrs Trail to Welshpool this 135mile self navigation race should not be underestimated. The race kicks off at 7pm Friday and with about 10-11 hrs of daylight don’t expect to see beautiful Welsh views until you are about 11 hours into this race. 

With a 30% finisher rate for the inaugural 2017 event and small starting field of competitors expect to be spending extended periods of time on your own. There’s not much running to be done, this is an out and out fast hiking race. Even when the going is flat it’s generally muddy boggy moorland. 

Checkpoints are sparse, at 25 or so miles and four checkpoints to reach its possible to not see another single person between the warmth of the village halls where hot meals and drinks await. 

The terrain underfoot is predominately muddy fields, moor land and forest trails. With a splattering of road and some hard packed trail allowing some faster sections these bits are in the minority. Mud and water feature extensively. A change of shoes and socks for drop bags are highly recommended.

The organisers provide a matchbox sized gps tracker which allows the safety team to keep tabs on your whereabouts and a race tracking website allows friends and family to spend sleepless hours watching the competitors bimble around the countryside. Shouting at their computer invariably ensues and gets the safety team a little twitchy when you inevitability go off route whilst stumbling around in the middle of the night & fog looking for a finger post, gate or some other indication a route. The GPS device also has a SOS button in case you get into trouble and need rescuing. 

A handheld GPS with route loaded is recommended to compliment the compulsory route map. Do your homework too though, don’t assume a gpx route of the map is correct. Know where you are at all times and fall back to physical map if in doubt! There were times when my GPS route did not match the map and it was very easy to suddenly find yourself off track. 

With quite an extensive compulsory kit list including full waterproofs, first aid, sleeping bag and emergency bivvy don’t expect to be travelling light. 

The weather in 2017 was quite tame for November in the Welsh hills and it was still horrendous. We faced rain pretty much from the get-go, fog, biting cold wind and hail. This all conspires against you to make a tough route even harder. 

The check points are a welcome relief, with moral support, hot food and drinks and somewhere to get your head together before heading out for the next stint. Expect to be hitting CP1 in the early hours at best and your not likely to be at CP2 until daylight on Saturday.

The organisers worked tirelessly to ensure all competitors were well looked after, fed and watered. A safety crew were available to rush out and collect anyone who decided they couldn’t make it to the next check point. On the face of it £180 to stumble around, mostly in the dark, for up to 3 days seems steep but when you start to consider the logistics of putting on these races you’ll quickly realise Up Hill Down Dale aren’t in it to make their millions. This is a hardcore race for hardy endurance athletes. The low key format adds to the appeal. It truly is you versus the race course. The friendly team behind the event did a fantastic job, on very little sleep, and I anticipate this becoming a very successful event.

This is one brute of a course, but with some good planning, spare kit at checkpoints and a level head it’s possible to get it done. There some epic sections of this route and some fabulous views to be had. But to be rewarded with these gems you’ve got to persevere through some pretty dark times (literally and figuratively). 

If you are not comfortable with any of the following, then maybe the race isn’t for you (or maybe it is, since these events are about challenging yourself):

navigating at night, spending hours alone (incl night time in potentially horrid conditions), have a concern with livestock,  hills, mud, having soft wet feet, have concerns with loud barky dogs on farms at night, fog & lack of sleep.

But if you are up for a low key beast of an adventure with like minded athletes then this will be right up your street. 

Regarding scores: I dropped points for ease of navigation. I found this event tricky, especially at night. With sparse finger posts, gates as the only route markers and a route not always well trodden you can find yourself hunting in a field in the fog for a piece of flattened grass which gives you an indication you are on the right path. Without the addition of handheld gps expect it to be even harder. 

Local support I’m leaving as n/a since you basically don’t see anyone except checkpoint staff on this route. Don’t expect cheering crowds or in fact anyone!

Up Hill Down Dale have a fab event here which will appeal to hardcore adventurers and those looking to step up to a monster challenge.