APEX Running has confirmed that its much-anticipated second edition of the Slate Trail Ultra will take place in 2026, offering runners another chance to take on one of Wales’ most evocative long-distance challenges.
The 147km Slate Trail Ultra, featuring more than 3,900m of ascent, follows the full Snowdonia Slate Trail—an historic route that winds through once-thriving industrial sites from the height of Wales’ slate-mining era. Participants will travel through some of the quietest corners of Eryri/Snowdonia, passing abandoned quarries, former workers’ settlements, and dramatic landscapes shaped by centuries of industry.
Alongside the flagship race, APEX Running is also hosting the shorter Ultra Tour of the Quarries, an 80km option with 2,300m of elevation, designed to showcase many of the most striking highlights of the Snowdonia Slate Trail.
Entries for both distances will open at 10:00 on Thursday 20 November 2025, with places sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Early-bird fees start at £169+bf for the Slate Trail Ultra (100-runner capacity) and £99+bf for the Ultra Tour of the Quarries (200-runner capacity. Entries close at midnight on 6 November 2026, unless sold out sooner.
A Route Steeped in Local History
The Snowdonia Slate Trail, launched in 2017, was developed over four years by the Cwm Community Action Group in Cwm Penmachno. The trail was created to help revive economic opportunities across former slate-mining villages while sharing the area’s rich heritage with visitors. Today, it provides a unique backdrop for trail runners seeking an experience that blends physical challenge with cultural discovery.
Aled Owen, author of the official Snowdonia Slate Trail guidebook and the trail’s original developer, has welcomed the race’s return—especially under new ownership. A keen runner himself, Owen hopes to see course records fall in the years ahead.
Runners planning a recce of the route are encouraged to purchase the official guidebook, which offers detailed historical context, geological insight, and practical planning advice.
Eryri/Snowdonia: A National Park Built for Adventure
Covering 827 square miles, Eryri/Snowdonia National Park offers everything from rugged mountain ridges and quiet lakes to 37 miles of coastline. Home to the highest peaks in the UK outside Scotland, the region remains a magnet for hikers, climbers, runners, and nature lovers alike.
Participants and supporters wanting to learn more about the landscape can visit the Snowdonia National Park Authority website. APEX Running also encourages visitors to consider joining the Snowdonia Society, a charity dedicated to conserving the park through volunteer projects and environmental advocacy.
A Challenge Not to Be Underestimated
Organisers are keen to emphasise that both race distances present a serious endurance challenge. Though largely non-technical, the terrain includes remote sections, exposure to rapidly changing mountain weather, and significant cumulative fatigue—especially on the longer 145km route.
Runners should be prepared for darkness, adverse weather, navigation, and long stretches of continuous running. While entry is not vetted, APEX Running strongly recommends that participants arrive with extensive trail experience, appropriate fitness, and confidence in their ability to complete the event safely.
Recommended minimum experience includes the ability to run at least 80km with 3,200m+ elevation in training, maintain sustained moving speeds of 4km/h on 60km runs, and demonstrate competent mountain judgement. Prior completion of challenges such as the West Highland Way Race, Pen Llyn Ultras, or Ultra-Trail Wales would provide solid preparation.
Runners are urged not to begin the race under-prepared, with organisers warning that inadequate training increases risks both to competitors and to the event’s safety team.
Staying Connected
APEX Running will share ongoing updates via Facebook and Instagram, and participants are encouraged to join the official event pages for the latest announcements.
Full details, including route info and entry links, can be found at: https://apexrunning.co/events/slatetrailultra
