Where is the race?

There are three different race distances: the HOWL 50 starts in Llandrindidd Wells, the HOWL 26 starts in Knucklass and the HOWL 16 starts in Bucknell.

Parking at the finish in Craven Arms is available for all three distances at the Discovery Centre, Craven Arms, SY7 9RS. This is a voluntary contribution system (please see notices when arriving there).  It is then up to you to make your way to the start line in plenty of time for registration, if you park here. We encourage you to use public transport. Transport For Wales train runs trains from Craven Arms to the various start points  (see train times)

If you wish to drive to, and park at the start point, then it is up to you to arrange transport back here after your race has finished.

 

When is the race?

The race event is on Saturday 29th May 2027

 

How do I enter the race?

You can enter the race here ENTER NOW

 

What distances and elevation are involved?

The HOWL50 is approximately 50 miles with 2,280m of elevation                                                                                        The HOWL26 is approximately 26 miles with 1,171m of elevation                                                                                            The HOWL16 is approximately 16 miles with 693m of elevation

 

What are the race courses like?

The Heart of Wales Line trail is a long distance walking and running trail that weaves its way between railway stations along the Heart of Wales Line. It opened in the Spring of 2019 across Shropshire, Powys, Carmarthenshire, Brecon Beacons National Park, and the City and County of Swansea.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      The route is way-marked by roundels, finger posts and signs with the distinctive viaduct logo.  For the inaugural hosting of this race event there are three distances to choose from: 50 miles, 26 miles or 16 miles.

All distances comprise sections of roads, tracks and public footpaths, and permissive ways. The courses offer gently rolling countryside with spectacular views.

 

Are the courses suitable for novices?

Yes, the HOWL16 and HOWL26 would be suitable for novices as long as you have engaged in some structured walking and / or running training in the months leading up to the event.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    The HOWL50 can also be walked by novices as long as a more robust walking / jogging training programme has been undertaken in the four or five months leading up to the event. However, this distance is not to be undertaken lightly.

                                                    

How much does the race cost & How do I enter?

The HOWL50 costs £95.                                                                                                                                                                    The HOWL26 costs £75.                                                                                                                                                                    The HOWL16 costs £55.

  

What is the minimum age for entry?

Minimum age of entry for the HOWL50 is 18 years of age on the day of the race.                                                  Minimum age of entry for the HOWL26 is 18 years of age on the day of the race.                                                  Minimum age of entry for the HOWL16 is 17 years of age on the day of the race.

 

What age group will I race in?

There are no age groups as such, but you need to be the at least the correct minimum age for your race on the day. 

 

How does the registration process work?

Registration will be available before the race at your respective race start point, only. Full details will be provided in the Athlete's Guide which will be emailed to you two weeks before the event. We do not send out race numbers or timing chips in the post.

 

What are the registration and start times of the races?

HOWL50: 0730 registration opens                                                                                                                                                                         0830 registration closes                                                                                                                                                                       0845 race brief                                                                                                                                                                                         0900 race start

HOWL26: 0730 registration opens                                                                                                                                                                         0830 registration closes                                                                                                                                                                       0845 race brief                                                                                                                                                                                         0900 race start

HOWL16: 0900 registration opens                                                                                                                                                                        1000 registration closes                                                                                                                                                                        1015 race brief                                                                                                                                                                                          1030 race start

 

Are there ‘cut-off’ times for the race?

There is a 24 hour cut off for the HOWL50, a 12 hour cut off for the HOWL 26 and a 6 hour cut off for the HOWL 16 meaning you need to be finished by the following times:                                                                                                    HOWL50 - 0900 on Sunday 30th May                                                                                                                                    HOWL26 - 2100 Saturday 29th May                                                                                                                                          HOWL16 - 1430 Saturday 29th May

 

Is there a kit list?

Yes, below is a list of the required kit for the race. Ultra and marathon athletes MUST have ALL the required items on the list and must be as described. There will be NO EXCEPTIONS as this is in the interest of your safety. The organisers’ decision is final.  Half Howlathon runners only require the items marked with an asterisk, but are welcome to also carry the extra kit if they so wish.

We will be carrying out kit spot checks at the start/finish and the checkpoints. Any runner found to not be carrying all the compulsory kit will be disqualified, this is for your own safety and also ensures fairness as all entrants are carrying the same kit.

The level of protection of these items is at your discretion and this depends on your experience, budget and the prevailing circumstances and conditions expected on race day. Remember you might have to stop through injury or to help another athlete, but also temperatures can drop rapidly.

• Rucksack/Race Vest - suitable for carrying the items on the compulsory kit list
• Fully charged mobile phone – with emergency numbers saved 
• Means of hydration - ability to carry an absolute minimum of 2 litres of fluid 
• Cup/Mug/Bottle - no cups will be provided at checkpoints
• Waterproof jacket
• Hat 
• Gloves
• Basic first aid kit (for example: dressings, plasters, micropore tape, blister kit, paracetamol, ibuprofen, personal medication etc.)
• Map (covering full route) - Ideally OS map but printed sections off the website will suffice   
• Whistle
•  Waterproof trousers
•  Enough food for between checkpoints (no shops on route!)      
•  Fleece (or similar warm upper body layer)
• Survival/space blanket/bag  
•  Head/chest torch and spare batteries, or a spare head torch if using a rechargeable one
•  Compass                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Ultra and Marathon runners: all the above items need to be carried                                            Half Marathon runners: only the items in bold need to be carried

 

Are there prizes?

 Yes. There will be prizes for race winners. Full details of prizes will be announced closer to race day.

 

What is the cancellation policy?

If for any reason you are unable to attend the race, there will not be a refund or deferral option, however, there is an option to transfer your entry to another competitor via SiEntries. The cut off for transfers is 28 days prior to the start of the event. The final date to be eligible for a transfer is 1st May 2027.

 

Is there parking available at Race HQ?                                                

Yes there is parking available at the end of the race at the Discovery Centre, Craven Arms, SY7 9RS. It costs £2.50 per day and £5 for 24 hours and the money goes directly towards the Discovery Centre which is a charity.

Will the race results and photographs be available online?

The race results will be online on the Andali Events website, here.                                                                                    There will be a course photographer, and links to the event photographs will be emailed to you when they are available.

What are the terms and conditions?

HEART OF WALES LINE TRAIL ULTRA AND MARATHON - TERMS AND CONDITIONS

ASSUMPTION OF RISK FOR ALL PARTICIPANTS
In registering for and participating in this event, you assume full and complete risk and responsibility for any discomfort, illness, injury, or accident which may occur while you are preparing for the event, during the event, while you are on the premises of the event, or while you are traveling to or from the event. You understand that participating in the event may be hazardous, and that you should not enter and participate unless you are medically able and properly trained.

If you are unsure, you should consult your doctor before participating in the event. It is your responsibility to check and to ensure that you are at all times medically and physically fit to participate in the activities related to the event. You acknowledge and agree that the event may be held over public roads, waterways/public waterways and facilities open to the public during the event and upon which hazards are to be expected. On open roads you must follow
the Highway Code and/or the directions of any official. You also acknowledge and agree that participation in the event may carry with it certain inherent risks and dangers that cannot be eliminated completely ranging from risk of minor discomfort to catastrophic injuries including permanent disability and death. You must be at least 18 years old on the date of the event to enter the HOWL50 and HOWL26. You must be at least 17 years old on the date of the event to enter the HOWL16.

EVENT PHOTOGRAPHY TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR ALL PARTICIPANTS
You hereby irrevocably grant Andali Events Ltd permission to record your voice and photograph you in conjunction with the Event. Please note that as our events take place in public spaces and on the highways, images from the events (including your image) may be collected during events by media agencies and members of the public that the event does not control and has not authorised. Therefore, the collection of images by these third parties is outside our control and you must speak to those agencies directly if you have concerns.
You understand and agree that the term "photograph" as used herein encompasses both still photographs and video recordings. You further grant Andali Events permission to use your photograph, voice, and likeness taken in conjunction with the Event, in any form, including edited versions, in or over any medium including without limitation streaming audio and/or video over the internet, broadcast, cable, satellite transmissions, and media that are unknown at this time, worldwide for any legitimate purpose including, without limitation, any commercial
purpose, without compensation to you.
You further waive any right of inspection of any such recordings and photographs. You understand that any such recordings and photographs recorded by Andali Events shall become the sole property of Andali Events.

REFUSAL OF ENTRY
Andali Events reserves the right to refuse any participant entry to an event at the time of registration.

REFUNDS, DEFERALS AND TRANSFERS
If for any reason you are unable to attend the race, there will not be an option to refund or defer your entry, however you are welcome to transfer your entry to another competitor via SiEntries, the cut off for transfers is 28 days prior to the start of the event (Saturday 1st May 2027).

CANCELLATION AND AMENDMENT POLICY
The Participant acknowledges and accepts that circumstances concerning the Event may change from time to time for reasons outside of the Organiser’s reasonable control or otherwise, without the Organiser incurring any liability and without any rights to withdrawal being accrued by the Participant save as expressly set out in these terms and conditions.
The Organiser may need to cancel the Event due to circumstances beyond the reasonable control of the Organiser including, without limitation, (i) acts of God, flood, drought, earthquake or other natural disaster; (ii) epidemic or pandemic; (iii) terrorist attack, civil war, civil commotion or riots, war, threat of or preparation for war, armed conflict, imposition of sanctions, embargo, or breaking off of diplomatic relations, or threats thereof; (iv) nuclear, chemical or biological contamination or sonic boom; (v) any law or any action taken by a government, public authority or governing body, including without limitation imposing any advice or restriction against events or gatherings; (vi) collapse of buildings, fire, explosion or accident; (vii) any labour or trade dispute, strikes, industrial action or lockouts; (viii) non-performance by suppliers or subcontractors (including any venue); and/or (ix) interruption or failure of utility service.
In the event of cancellation due to the previously stated factors in the above paragraph, the Participant will be offered a full refund, less non-refundable expenses incurred by the Organiser, or deferral to the following year.
Communication to all affected participants can be expected within 7 days of the cancellation announcement.
The Organiser reserves the right to change the date of the Event. In the event of such change of
date of the Event, and if the Participant is unable to attend on the revised date, they have 14 days to inform the Organiser in writing from when the change in date is announced to receive a refund of their entry fee (excluding the 6% online booking fee).
The Organiser reserves the right to alter the start time of the Event. In the event of a change of start time the Participant will be notified of the revised start time with as much notice as reasonably practicable. The Participant acknowledges that if the Event will have an earlier start time, it is the Participant’s responsibility to ensure that they arrive at the time allocated to them.
No refund in full or in part shall be made for any change in start time for the Event provided the Event takes place on the specified date of the Event.
The Organiser reserves the right to amend the Event format, including changing the course and the distance, at its sole discretion. If the Event format, course or distance, is changed the Participant will not be entitled to any refund and there shall be no further liability whatsoever arising from such change of format, course or distance.
The Organiser has the right to remove, from the Event, those participants who do not meet the applicable required cut-off times, No refunds will be paid to Participants in these cases. The relevant cut-off times, if applicable, will be made clear in pre event literature on the event website, or forwarded to the participant by email.

PRIZES AND MERCHANDISE
All prizes must be collected on the day at the event prize giving.
T-shirts and other event “goodies” must be collected on the day from registration. Uncollected merchandise may be given to marshals to thank them for volunteering their time.
If you have any further queries please email us: andy@andalievents.com 

 

Can spectators watch the race?

Absolutely. There are plenty of beautiful areas of the route that are fantastic to watch and support the athletes.

For all other queries, please get in touch