Sheeptracks is a challenging 27-30km distance race introduced in 2018. With unmarked trails throughout, the course visits checkpoints positioned to offer a wider scope of route choice than traditional fell races. Where possible most efficient racing line has been designed, in part, to follow the wonderful natural lines created by the master path builders, our wonderful welsh mountain sheep.  The course is new every year to keep the race from growing stale and gives me something to do over the dark winter months 😉

Runners need to be fully self-sufficient for the duration of the event and must be capable navigators in mountainous areas. Route choice is available on many of the checkpoint legs and these choices are seen as an essential part of the challenge of the race. In some places the route choices offer only small gains, in others much bigger gains. Local knowledge is beneficial in picking the most efficient line to follow. Time should be taken to study the map beforehand and a prior visit to the area is recommended. Having said that a capable navigator will be able to complete the route ‘on sight’ but maybe not in the most efficient way and relying on longer sections of ‘normal’ footpaths & tracks with more high gain/loss.

The local Mountain Rescue team NEWSAR provides first aid & safety cover and any proceeds from the race are donated to the team.

This is a challenging race in winter in an upland area. Although not as exposed as more mountainous areas, the weather and visibility could well be poor hence we are asking you to have previous experience to sign up for this race.  Relevant experience could be from other AL/AM fell races or equivalent mountain running. Orienteering experience will be beneficial as several of the checkpoints are not in well trodden places (apart from by baa-lambs).

The course is laid out like a single day mountain marathon hence could form a good training event for those looking to progress to these longer events.