
Gwynedd, United Kingdom · Saturday 17 October 2026
Take on a true test of endurance in the rugged terrain of Wales with the Cadair X Half Marathon. This challenging trail race ascends and descends the slopes of Cadair Idris, a majestic mountain in Snowdonia National Park. This race offers a chance to conquer a formidable peak. The views from the summit are a reward for those who dare to tackle this demanding course.
Adjusted Time
2:57:22
Time difference: +72.4 minutes compared to a flat, road, temperate course.
Cadair X Half Marathon is a half marathon held in Gwynedd, United Kingdom, scheduled for Saturday 17 October 2026. The course is run on trail surface with 1107m of total elevation gain, reaching a maximum altitude of 886m above sea level. For registration and full race details, visit the official Cadair X Half Marathon website.
This is a very challenging course with 1107m of total elevation gain — significantly more than the average trail marathon. The route ranges from 28m to 886m above sea level (858m range). Hill training is essential, and runners should expect a significantly slower time compared to a flat course.
Based on historical weather data for October, the expected race day conditions are as follows. Near-ideal running temperatures are expected, ranging from 6°C to 17°C. This temperature range is widely considered optimal for marathon performance, allowing efficient heat dissipation without cold-related issues. There is a low chance of rain (0%), so dry conditions are likely.
Cadair X Half Marathon is a trail race, meaning the course includes unpaved surfaces such as dirt, gravel, or forest paths. Trail surfaces are inherently slower than road courses due to uneven footing, technical sections, and often steeper gradients. Trail-specific shoes with good grip are recommended, and runners should expect a finish time 10-20% slower than their equivalent road marathon time.
Our difficulty rating for Cadair X Half Marathon is calculated using a model that combines elevation gain, temperature impact, and surface type. Use the difficulty calculator above to enter your target finish time and see exactly how many minutes this course would add or subtract compared to a perfectly flat, cool, road-based half marathon. Faster runners and slower runners are affected differently by the same course conditions, so the difficulty is personalised to your pace.
Looking for an easier marathon or a tougher challenge? You can also compare Cadair X Half Marathon against other half marathons to find the right race for your goals.
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