Afan Forest Trail Half Marathon
Pontrhydyfen, Neath Port Talbot
14 Nov 2026
⚠ Start times change frequently. Always check with race organiser or their website for this year's confirmed start time before travelling.
Course map
Map adapted from official race's website
Elevation profile
About this race
The Afan Forest Trail Half Marathon starts and finishes at Bryn Bettws Lodge, deep within Afan Forest Park near Pontrhydyfen, Port Talbot. The route explores the forest tracks and trails of Bryn Bettws and the upper forestry, on largely hard-packed gravel and forest road rather than tarmac. The defining feature of the course is "The Wall", a notoriously tough climb that arrives around mile eleven, testing runners just as fatigue is setting in. Away from that climb, the route rolls through wooded valleys and open forestry with expansive views across the surrounding Welsh hills. The terrain is genuinely challenging in places, reflecting the natural, undulating character of a working forest rather than a manicured trail. The course is fully marked and marshalled, with water stations positioned on the route and at the finish. It's a demanding but rewarding half marathon that suits experienced trail runners looking for a proper test.
Course profile & record eligibility
World Athletics record-eligibility rules cap net elevation loss at 1m per km of race distance, and require the start and finish to be no more than 50% of the race distance apart — both meant to stop a course gaining an unfair edge from downhill grade or a point-to-point tailwind. This is based on this course's recorded elevation and GPS data, not an official measurement or certification.