APEX Running are thrilled to announce that the 145km & 3,900m+ Slate Trail Ultra is set to return over the weekend of 18th-20th October next year and become a permanent fixture in the UK ultrarunning calendar.
The inaugural 88km Ultra Tour of the Quarries (UTQ), which also runs along much of the Snowdonia Slate Trail, will join it.
Race Director Michael Jones explains: “In late 2020, I was delighted to take over ownership of this event from my good friend Jonny at Up Hill Down Dale, who previously hosted it in January 2019 and 2020. However, full-time work for UTMB and developing UTS took hold from late 2021, rendering a re-run of the event somewhat unrealistic in recent years.
I am recently free of those commitments and have radically overhauled my concept and vision for this event. I’m now entirely focused on developing it over the coming years to join the exciting new World Trail Majors circuit and continue to highlight Eryri’s potential as a world-class trail, ultra and sky running destination through our superlative events.”
Snowdonia Slate Trail founder and keen hillwalker Aled Owen echoes Mike’s sentiments: “The Snowdonia Slate Trail Trust is excited about the return of the Slate Trail Ultra. Founded in 2017, we believe that this trail offers a truly amazing snapshot of all that is wonderful in Snowdonia — from rushing waterfalls and towering mountain views to desolate moorlands and abandoned villages.
The challenging terrain along the route also offers an insight into the culture and history of slate quarrying in North Wales. We look forward to following the race next October!”
In 2021, the Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales was granted a UNESCO World Heritage Site inscription, no doubt a vast added appeal to running this event in future.
Early bird entries to the revamped Slate Trail Ultra are now live HERE, and you can find out more about what’s included in your entry fee HERE. Local runners also benefit from a 15% discount.
Introducing the Inaugural UTQ
For many runners, the full Slate Trail Ultra may lie at the more aspirational end-of-race completion yardstick. However, next year, the 88km Ultra Tour of the Quarries – or UTQ – will be running alongside its bigger sibling.
Starting on Saturday morning and with a generous 24-hour time limit, this route takes in some 2,700m+ with five aid stations, initially following the Slate Trail to Rhyd-Ddu before a detour that rejoins the Slate Trail at Ogwen Valley before heading to the coastal finish at Port Penrhyn in Bangor. Take a closer look at this route on the webpage HERE. Early bird entries to the inaugural UTQ are now live HERE.
From the founder of events such as Ultra-Trail Snowdonia and the Snowdon SkyRace, the new Slate Trail Ultra looks set to be another superb event for Eryri/Snowdonia, further highlighting this National Park’s potential as a world-class area for trail running events.
Find out more about the event on its website here: www.slatetrailultra.com
