As you may remember our 2019 race was cancelled due ‘Storm Gareth’ and ‘Storm Helen’ and all entries deferred to 2020.

We have been closely monitoring the situation surrounding the COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) outbreak, aligning our response to the government action plan, whilst making preparations for the likely next steps.

Whilst to-date the UK Government has advised that sporting events should take place as normal, we are also aware that the Government is considering banning major public events.

No race director wants to think about having to cancel a race. Therefore after further discussions with Portmeirion & Welsh/UK Athletics Referre for 2020 race, it’s sad for us to notify you all, that the 6th Trail March 28th 2020 has been cancelled. A decision had to be made today in fairness to runners and also the unknown current situation regarding COVID-19. 

Safety comes first for runners, marshals and also we have to respect the location of the event, that’s been very supportive with us from the start of 6th Trail races back in 2014.

Therefore in fairness we as organisers will refund all entries, deffered and new entries, all. We will be working closely with TDL Events Services. We will offer a 100% refund to all runners entered. It’s heart breaking to send this mailshot information. Cancelling once is awful but cancelling 2nd time running. So, so, sorry. We will be sending out information of new date on the 6th trail mailshot aswell as social media. Next year or wait and have a break till 2022.

Our thoughts remain with those directly affected by COVID-19 and the family and friends of those who have sadly passed away. We thank you for your understanding and patience at this difficult time.

May I take this opportunity as 6th trail, to apologise for any inconvenience caused with the cancellation of the event, “safety comes first”. 

Diolch / Thank you 

Stay Safe

Stephen Edwards

Race Review 6th Trail 2017 : Internationals take the honours at colourful 6th Trail race 

A day of rain and underfoot muddy conditions did little to dampen the spirits at the fourth running of the 6th Trail event at the world-famous Portmeirion village in Gwynedd last weekend, as Welsh internationals broke race records and almost 150 trail runners took on this challenging race.

Once again runners tackled the two-lap route that took in some of the most stunning coastal views that Wales has to offer and the classic Ghost Trail steps literally took the breath away!

 

With its idyllic seaside setting and network of woodland, lakeside and coastal paths, Portmerion is a perfect venue for any race, and with it’s attractions and colourful architecture visitors were treated to a festival of running and culture with live performance and bubble shows adding to a day of family entertainment. 

Racing was fast and furious as ever as the runners meandered their way from the village centre and onto the trail, with Welsh internationals Tom Roberts and Alaw Benyon-Thomas quickly establishing leads that they would hold for the entire event.

Roberts’ time of 27mins 27seconds for the challenging 6km route was impressive, as the Meirionnydd RC man was chased home by Geraint Jones (29:10) and Darren Rowlands (29:33). 

Beynon-Thomas finished a superb seventh overall, eclipsing the former women’s race record with a time of 30:38. Smashing an over all 3min 03seconds OFF the previous record. WOW!!. Second place went to Fiona Alexander (33:20) with Eryri Harrier Elliw Haf (33:55) completing the podium. ALL three ladies were within the course female record

2017 also saw a brand-new junior race at the event as over 30 youngsters took part in a 1km supporting race, organised by local club Rhedwyr Hebog Runners.

Race organiser Stephen Edwards was rightly pleased with another excellent 6th Trail event:

“It was another great day for the 6th Trail. Every single finisher seemed to have a smile on their face, and the feedback on the location, route and atmosphere on the day has been overwhelmingly positive once again this year.

 

“The main aim of the event is to get new runners into trail running, as some participants this year have not competed in a race before. There were groups of females who had traveled from England and South Wales to take part. The staff and management at Portmeirion have been amazing with their support and I think that they were equally impressed with the day’s proceedings. The atmosphere was so warm, all day, with hoards of families coming out in support, despite the rain!

“It was also great to see the junior races too, and we’re grateful to local club Rhedwyr Hebog Runners for organising this and helping the kids take part and hopefully get into the sport.”

Full 6th Trail results via the TDL Event Services website here, with further info via the 6th Trail website, Facebook page and Twitter feed, and for further information on Portmeirion visit www.portmeirion-village.com

6th Trail Race Partners

 

– Portmeirion