Grade: AS     Distance:  5.7KM    Climb: 485M       Race records: Felix McGrath 33:03,

Eleanor Johnson 38:13

A

1

2

3

4

5

General area

Mainly  accessible  

lowland areas

Mainly accessible low-lying moorland and/or open fell

Includes upland  

moorland / open fell, or more remote low-lying areas

Significant fell and  

mountain and/or less accessible or more  

remote areas

Less accessible fells, high mountains or very remote areas

Height

Rarely above 1,000 ft (300m)

Up to approx. 2,000 ft (600m)

Up to approx. 2,500 ft (750m)

Some up to approx.  

3,000 ft (900m)

Much up to or above 3,000 ft (900m)

Terrain

Easy grade  

trails and tracks

moorland or good fell paths

Largely rough tracks and/or challenging but runnable off-track terrain over open fell and hill

Mostly very rough  

tracks and/or off track with difficult underfoot sections (e.g. bogs, tussocks, boulders) or steep ascents/descents

Mostly off track with several difficult underfoot sections (see left); some scrambling may be required

Exposure  

(drops) and hazards on or near route

No exposure, minimal terrain hazards

No exposure but mild risk from e.g.  ground holes, bogs, or river crossings

Occasional  

moderate exposure and/or moderate terrain risk (see left)

Some exposure, possibly occasionally severe, and/or increased terrain risk (see left)

Severe exposure  

and/or significant terrain risk (see left)

Navigation skills  

required

None:

navigation is  

simple or route is fully  

waymarked

Basic:

route may be  

mostly obvious or waymarked, but some basic  

navigation required in parts

Competent:

possibly some  

waymarking but runners must be confident in self

navigating without obvious features

Advanced:

no waymarking, and runners must be  

confident in self

navigating over  

challenging routes and in low visibility

Expert: 

no waymarking, and runners must be confident in self

navigating over very challenging routes and in zero visibility

Mountain  

skills  

required

None:

little or no off trail experience needed

Basic:

off-trail experience helpful, e.g. in  

route planning,  

preparation and emergency  

considerations

Competent:

suitable only for skilled movers with increased problem solving and self-reliance required

Advanced:

suitable only for skilled, experienced movers over open, high ground in all but the worst likely conditions

Expert:

suitable only for  

skilled, experienced, confident movers in an exposed, high level environment in all conditions

Escape  

routes

Lots of options for a retiring  

runner  

throughout the course

Lots of options but with possible  

‘decision points’ before some  

sections

Limited escape routes; a fatigued or injured runner might require basic survival kit and skills

Few if any escape routes; a fatigued or injured runner would require survival kit and skills

Season, time & effects of weather

Effect of  

weather likely to be minimal

Any inclement  

weather unlikely to present serious  

challenges

Conditions could be challenging and/or route may be prone to sudden weather changes; effect may  be significant

Difficult conditions likely (e.g. winter/night)  

and/or route prone to bad weather or sudden changes; effect may be severe

Very poor conditions likely and/or route prone to extreme weather or sudden changes; effect may be debilitating

Notes

This is an easy fell race in fair conditions. The route is mostly unmarked but there are obvious trails to follow for the majority of the route. There is one section when finding the descent which can cause navigational issues and markers will be used to help runners locate the main route down.

The route is a straight up and down mountain short race at only 5.7km but the ascent and descent are on very steep terrain which can often be technical and difficult especially when coming down hill. Runners must regulate their speed coming down and be mindful of running within their technical ability.

It can provide a significant challenge if the weather is poor in terms of wind, rain and fog. Navigational skills will be required in the fog. You may use GPS for route finding but please let the RO know on the day so that you may be recorded as ‘non-competitive’.

Respect the natural environment and the landowners by staying clear of livestock,  not climbing any wall or fence, (use the stiles). Failure to do so will result in disqualification.

Bring full kit to the race (including waterproofs) as in previous years these have been required due to the challenging weather conditions.

Points of Interest

Description

Distance into Race

Grid Reference

Race HQ

Llanfoist Community Center

0km

SO 28647 13445

Race Start

Llanellen Road, Llanfoist

0km

SO 28620 13260

Checkpoint 1

Blorenge Mountain Summit

2.3km

SO 26998 11851

Checkpoint 2

First part of the Descent

4.3km

SO 28394 12370

Race Finish

Llanellen Road, Llanfoist

5.8km

SO 28620 13260

Exposure

Potential Hazards / Risks

Existing Control Measures

Severity

Likelihood

Risk Score

Additional Control Measures

Risk Rating

Runners/ Marshalls

Cold weather conditions

Hypothermia

For Runners:

• Rigorous enforcement of minimum kit requirements according to WFRA safety policy.
• Strategic placement of marshals along the route.
• Marshals equipped with appropriate safety and medical gear, ready to escort runners off the hill if necessary.
• Marshals maintain communication with race organisers via radio and phone, with access to emergency services if needed.
• Race entry is restricted to competitors with demonstrable mountain experience, including navigational skills and endurance racing experience.
• Availability of first aid kits at the race start and finish.
• Race modification in case of bad weather, with shortened versions or abandonment in extreme conditions such as storms.
• The race is relatively short with zero river crossings. The largest amount of time a runner will be on the course will be 1 hour 20 minutes.
• The likelihood of getting wet (without rainfall) is unlikely.

For Marshals:

• Thorough race briefings and access to contact details for communication with race organisers.
• Marshals are experienced mountaineers, ensuring they are well-prepared to handle any situation during the event.
• The race is relatively short, the last runner is likely to take around 1 hour 20 minutes

3

2

3

Clear race briefing at the start of the race

Low

Runners / Marshalls

Heat Exhaustion

Weather at the end of November is unlikely to be hot. The race is also very short (less than 6 km).

3

1

2

None Required

Low

Runners/Marshalls

Dehydration

Given the relatively short duration of the race, dehydration is unlikely to be a significant concern. However, as a precautionary measure, marshals will be stationed at multiple points along the route, each equipped with water bottles to provide assistance in case of severe dehydration.

4

1

2

None Required

Low

Runners/Marshalls

Lost/off route

Runners will be provided with a detailed route map prior to the race. Competitors must demonstrate navigational competence as a condition of entry. Marshalled checkpoints will be strategically positioned throughout the mountainous terrain. A dedicated race sweeper and rapid response team will be on standby to assist any runners who veer off course. Additionally, the course will be clearly marked at challenging sections to aid navigation.

1

1

1

Clear race briefing at the start of the race

Low

Runner

Runner unaccounted for

• All competitors are registered and provided with unique race numbers, facilitating accountability throughout the event.
• A headcount will be conducted at the start to identify any non-starters.
• At checkpoints along the route, runners are required to present their race numbers, enabling efficient tracking of participants.
• Marshals will communicate when all runners pass through each checkpoint, employing a well-established procedure to address any discrepancies promptly.
• Additionally, a duplicate headcount will be performed at the finish line by the Race Organizer if feasible.
• Phones will be available to ensure effective communication and coordination among race officials throughout the event.

1

1

1

None Required

Low

Runners/Marshalls

Injury-Slip/Trip/Fall/twisted ankle

• Runners are advised to wear fell or trail shoes, which are recommended for the varied terrain encountered during the race.
• The type of terrain and prevailing conditions will be communicated to competitors beforehand and reiterated on the race day, ensuring they are adequately prepared.
• First aiders, who are also participants, will be available along the route to provide immediate assistance if needed.
• Competitors will be reminded of the importance of adjusting their speed according to the surrounding terrain to mitigate injury risks
• Furthermore, the ethos of fell running emphasises mutual assistance, encouraging runners to aid others in distress, fostering a supportive and safe environment for all participants.

3

4

4

None Required

Medium

Runners/Marshalls

Injury - Break

In the event of a breakage or similar serious injury, marshals and race officials equipped with communication devices will immediately contact emergency services to ensure prompt medical assistance. Clear instructions will be provided to participants on how to alert marshals in case of such emergencies, facilitating quick response and evacuation procedures.

5

2

4

None Required

Medium

Runners/Marshalls

Heart Attack

Runner responsible for assessing own health and fitness levels; RO to monitor runners at registration; runners with first aid experience available

5

1

3

None Required

Low

Runners

Injury - Fall from Height

Communicate known hazards such as steep terrain; the race route does not have any hazardous/ precipitous cliffs; race route follows established paths

4

1

3

None Required

Low

Runners/Marshalls/Public

Injury-Collision with vehicle

During the race, participants will briefly traverse a single road, which maintains a 20mph speed limit and primarily serves a small number of residences. Marshals will be positioned in close proximity to monitor traffic and ensure the safety of runners. Additionally, highly visible signage will be placed along the route to alert motorists to the presence of runners and remind them to proceed with caution.

1

1

1

None Required

Low

Runners/Public

Injury-Collision with vehicle Colliding with Public on foot/bike

Fell runners are remarkably polite/ there are no pinch points on the race route.

There are very few cyclists on this road as it's not a through route (only serves a few households)

1

1

1

None Required

Low

Runners

Environmental damage

Litter

To mitigate environmental damage, participants will be educated on Leave No Trace principles before the race, emphasising the importance of minimising their impact on the natural surroundings.

Wildlife

Participants will be briefed on the importance of staying on designated paths throughout the race to minimise disturbance to local wildlife habitats

3

2

3

None Required

Low

Runners/Livestock

Sheep worrying

No dogs allowed

1

1

1

None Required

Low

Runners/Rivers

Drowning/injury

No major streams are crossed.

1

1

1

None Required

Low

Virus Care

Runners/Marshalls

Danger of passing or contracting Covid 19

The Race Organiser will check the latest Covid 19 rules and guidance immediately prior to the race and take appropriate additional action

1

1

1

Checking local rules & guidance prior to race

Low

Area

Initiative

Measure in place

Transportation

Encourage cycling, or using public transport to events

Entry details include a question on transportation to get participants to think about their transportation choice and consider alternatives to driving.

Offer incentives for participants who carpool or use sustainable transportation methods.

The event will have Environment awards that encourage people to travel via active travel and public transport.

Provide information about local public transport options to participants.

All information about the local transport and ways of getting to the race will be published on our website and we will provide specific correspondence (email) on how to get to the race start.

We will let people know where the bike lock locations are, and we will allow people to leave any bags in the hall in a locked room.

Race Organisation

Include environmental impact considerations in the race risk assessment.

We have provided a climate and environmental impact section in race risk assessment.

Limit the number of participants to minimise environmental impact.

The race limit will be 120 participants

Choose race start times to reduce carbon emissions and facilitate sustainable transportation.

The race start will be at 12pm which gives participants plenty of time to travel.

Use reusable or recyclable race numbers and minimise single-use plastics.

We will be hand making the race numbers out of scrap/of cut material.

The race numbers will be collected after people finish to be re-used for next year.

Offer incentives for environmentally friendly behaviour, such as recycling or using reusable items.

There will be no water on route, and therefore if runners feel the need they will have to carry their own in their own water bottle.

We will be providing tea and coffee in the hall afterwards along with some food and we will utilise the kitchen equipment provided. If there is no permanent kitchenware (cups, plates etc) we will hire them from zero waste Torfaen. So there will be zero single use plastics.

Provide information about waste disposal and encourage responsible waste management.

We will be bringing large containers labelled by the different forms of waste in order to recycle as much as possible.

Participant Engagement

Encourage participants to consider sustainable practices in travel, kit selection, diet, and advocacy

Kit

As part of the event, we will be creating a ‘kit swap’ where people can bring unwanted running attire and we will provide a coat hanger where people can hang up their kit and also select any kit they would like to have.

This area will be manned by a volunteer to help coordinate the sizing / types and monitor the amount of kit that has been swapped.

Diet

We will attempt to provide some information about sustainable gels and refillable gels – as information boards.

All the food / drinks provided on the day of the race will be sustainably sourced. Likely to come from zero waste Torfaen (a refillable shop in Cwmbran)

Emphasise adherence to the Countryside Code and responsible waste disposal.

We will be highlighting that littering is absolutely not tolerated. Anyone who is seen to deliberately litter will be disqualified.

Provide guidance on using paths and adhering to permissible route choices to minimise environmental impact

Participants will be briefed on the importance of staying on designated paths throughout the race to minimise disturbance to local wildlife habitats

Wider Engagement and Advocacy

Partner with environmental organisations or community groups to address environmental concerns.

We are in contact with CADW due to the fact that the first section of the race is of historical significance.

After we have completed the first year of the race organisations, we will be partnering properly to discuss how we can reduce the footfall damage over time.

• Advocate for systemic change at the local or regional level to improve environmental sustainability.
• Participate in networks or initiatives focused on promoting sustainability in outdoor sports.

Both of our race directors are part of the network group ‘Climate Action Torfaen’

Share knowledge and resources with other clubs and organisations to promote collective action on environmental issues.

We will have educational pages on our race website and we hope that participants and marshals will spread the word on the initiatives we will be encouraging through our race

Grade: BS        Distance: 5.8km      Climb: 496m      

Race records: Ben Mitchell – MDC [24:07]; Helen Brown - Mynydd Du [31:24]

1 

2 

3 

4 

5

General area

Mainly  accessible  

lowland areas

Mainly accessible low-lying moorland and/or open fell

Includes upland  

moorland / open fell, or more remote low-lying areas

Significant fell and  

mountain and/or less accessible or more  

remote areas

Less accessible fells, high mountains or very remote areas

Height 

Rarely above 1,000 ft (300m)

Up to approx 2,000 ft (600m)

Up to approx 2,500 ft (750m)

Some up to approx  

3,000 ft (900m)

Much up to or above 3,000 ft (900m)

Terrain 

Easy grade  

trails and tracks

Some moderately challenging terrain, e.g. reasonable  

tracks over  

moorland or good fell paths

Largely rough tracks and/or challenging but runnable off-track terrain over open fell and hill

Mostly very rough  

tracks and/or off track with difficult underfoot sections (e.g. bogs, tussocks, boulders) or steep ascents/descents

Mostly off track with several difficult underfoot sections (see left); some scrambling may be required

Exposure  

(drops) and hazards on or near route

No exposure, minimal terrain hazards

No exposure but mild risk from e.g.  ground holes, bogs, or river crossings

Occasional  

moderate exposure and/or moderate terrain risk (see left)

Some exposure, possibly occasionally severe, and/or increased terrain risk (see left)

Severe exposure  

and/or significant terrain risk (see left)

Navigation skills  

required

None: 

navigation is  

simple or route is fully  

waymarked

Basic: 

route may be  

mostly obvious or waymarked, but some basic  

navigation required in parts

Competent: 

possibly some  

waymarking but runners must be confident in self 

navigating without obvious features 

Advanced: 

no waymarking, and runners must be  

confident in self 

navigating over  

challenging routes and in low visibility

Expert: 

no waymarking, and runners must be confident in self 

navigating over very challenging routes and in zero visibility

Mountain  

skills  

required

None: 

little or no off trail experience needed

Basic: 

off-trail experience helpful, e.g. in  

route planning,  

preparation and emergency  

considerations

Competent: 

suitable only for skilled movers with increased problem solving and self-reliance required

Advanced: 

suitable only for skilled, experienced movers over open, high ground in all but the worst likely conditions

Expert: 

suitable only for  

skilled, experienced, confident movers in an exposed, high level environment in all conditions

Escape  

routes

Lots of options for a retiring  

runner  

throughout the course

Lots of options but with possible  

“decision points” before some  

sections

Some escape routes but a retiring or injured runner would face difficulty in some sections

Limited escape routes; a fatigued or injured runner might require basic survival kit and skills

Few if any escape routes; a fatigued or injured runner would require survival kit and skills

Season, time & effects of weather

Effect of  

weather likely to be minimal

Any inclement  

weather unlikely to present serious  

challenges

Conditions could be challenging and/or route may be prone to sudden weather changes; effect may  

be significant

Difficult conditions likely (e.g. winter/night)  

and/or route prone to bad weather or sudden changes; effect may be severe

Very poor conditions likely and/or route prone to extreme weather or sudden changes; effect may be debilitating

Notes

This is an easy fell race in fair conditions. It can however provide a significant challenge if the weather is poor in terms of wind and rain. Navigation is easy with good visibility – paths and tracks throughout – but like all fell races, in poor visibility some navigational experience near summit and on the descent route is needed

Year

Participants

Female %

Male Winner

Female Winner

Course Alterations

2012

54

15%

Simon Barnby U/A [26:10]

Ellie Salisbury – Eryri [36:00]

2013

68

15%

Kit Ginerson - University of Bristol Orienteering Club [24:19]

Katie Beecher – Les Croupiers [32:37]

2014

98

21%

Mark Palmer – Mynydd Du [25:54]

Helen Fines - Holmfirth Harriers [31:45]

2015

84

21%

Matt Stott - MDC [26:46]

Helen Brown - Mynydd Du [32:50]

2016

75

15%

Ben Mitchell – Swansea Bay [24:43]

Niki Morgan - Mynydd Du [33:46]

2017

57

18%

Ben Mitchell – MDC [24:07]

Helen Brown - Mynydd Du [31:49]

2018

65

18%

Mark HOPKINSON - Mynydd Du [26:19]

Clare PATTERSON – Mynydd Du [33:50]

2019

70

20%

James BLORE - Chepstow Harriers [25:30]

Helen Brown - Mynydd Du [31:24]

2020

45

13%

Joseph REARDON – Aberdare [24:43]

Helen Brown - Mynydd Du [34:43]

2021

69

20%

Felix McGRATH - Bristol And West Ac [33:06]

Eleanor JOHNSTONE - Pennine Fell Runners [38:13]

2022

91

26%

Wyndham TURNER - Mynydd Du [34:57]

Katie IRONSIDE – MDC [41:26]

2023

97

34%

Wyndham TURNER - Mynydd Du [34:18]

Bethan LOGAN – Mynydd Du [40:02]

2024

96

26%

Jonathon Ford - Mynydd Du [36:26]

Bethan LOGAN – Mynydd Du [41:25]