After waiting nearly 2.5 years because of Covid the Devil’s Staircase Ultra trail race finally got going on Saturday, April 2. The inaugural race organised by Green Events in Llanwrtyd Wells and sponsored by Trailhead Get Jerky attracted 70 entrants, with 54 on the start line. The distance of the race is 31.5 miles with 5200ft of ascent. The route, marked expertly by Cycle-Tec of Builth Wells, takes in the beautiful Abergwesyn valley, the fearsome Devil’s Staircase with its gradient of 25%, Soar y Mynydd chapel the most isolated in Wales, Llyn Brianne reservoir and dam, and on the home run the 11 th century St David’s church.
The weather conditions were favourable for running, but it was cold and the runners were subjected to scattered sleet showers. The 1 st male in an excellent time of 4hrs, 24 min, 34 sec was Henry Walker who runs for Malvern Buzzards running club. The first lady was Adel Kestin who clocked a time of 5hrs, 45 min, 32 sec.
The Race Director, Martin Pigott, reported that the feedback from runners had been very positive regarding the route, the friendly marshals, and the hospitality of Llanwrtyd Wells, and many said they would return next year. The first three males and females all received engraved Welsh crystal as their prizes.
Results:
- First Male Henry Walker 4:24:34
- Second Male Robert Kestin 4:52:35
- Third Male Justin Baird-Murray 5:00:57
- First Female: Adel Tyson 5:45:32
- Second Female Jo Marriot 6:04:44
- Third Female Flora Gunner 6:12:27
