RAS DEWI SANT
2024 Dates to be released Soon!!
The Ras Dewi Sant Marathon, Half, and 10K routes are predominately on the Coast Path and pass by some of the most scenic and historical sites in Wales. These routes can be windy, muddy, sunny, rainy and anything in-between but are always undulating and stunning! Each distance presents its own challenge all of which are achievable with a bit of effort! In it’s 10th year! We love RDS, because it has so many return runners and a great atmosphere. The routes have been described by runners as one of the most beautiful. Whilst the Marathon has had the accolade of some as being the most beautiful and difficult in the UK. We don’t know about that, but its definitely pleasing on the eye and challenging on the body. For specific details on each route please see the tabs
Ras Dewi Sant Marathon, Half, and 10K
Marathon Man himself Rik Vercoe, the holder of numerous marathon world records and someone who boasts a 39th Place finish in the Marathon des Sables, won the 2013 Ras Dewi Sant and said on completion –
“I’ve run a 137 Marathons in 137 weeks and this is the best, the course is stunning”
Additional information
| Course | Full Marathon, Half Marathon |
|---|
The Full Marathon
Ras Dewi Sant Marathon
-
- Date: TBC
- Registration: TBC
- Safety Briefing: Online and at start
- Event Start time: 0800hrs
- Cost: Price £45 – Includes T-shirt, Medal, Aid Stations, timed event, a spectacular course – if not a little bit tough!!!
Registration Closing today
- Prize Categories: 1st, 2nd, 3rd (male and female), 1st male and female 50-60 and over 60
The Course
The start will be in St Davids outside the iconic Bishops Palace and will see the first 6 miles run on a rural country roads. This will help to warm the legs up and spread the pack before the coast path. You will join the coast path at Porthgain and for the next 19 miles you will experience the best the Pembrokeshire Coast Path has to offer as you run back towards St Davids. Taking in the delights of, Abereiddy, Pen Beri, (The View), Carn Llidi, Whitesands, St Justinian, Ramsey Sound, St Non’s and Caerfai. All Iconic spots.
The last mile will see you come off the Path and head back towards St Davids. For those who’ve done it before, you’ll be please to know that the. We’ve kept the
- Carn Llidi Climb
and
- The Sting in the dragons tail (The Cathedral Steps)
The Cathedral Steps, what a spot to finish any race! We are looking forward to it already!
Navigating the Course
We will do our best to mark the route and have marshals strategically placed but it is not practical and almost impossible to have every section of the coast path marked with signs. You will see a number of desire lines, animal tracks and footpaths coming off the coast path at various locations – the important thing to remember is this is a coast path run and the following points should help:-
- Keep the Coast on your Right
- The Coast Path is marked by the ACORN – Follow the ACORN !
- Footpaths are marked with a walking figure – DO NOT FOLLOW THESE
- If we want you to head off the coast path we will sign post or marshal it
- Please have a look at the route and familiarise yourself! (Once Published)
A final map of the route will be published in the lead up to the event. (beginning of February)
Mandatory Kit List
- Whistle
- Space Blanket
- Warm clothing hat / gloves / wind/shower proof jacket
- Mobile phone
- Emergency food / drink
- Glow stick / flashing beacon / head torch
We will have a better idea of the forecasted conditions nearer the date and will advise appropriately on any additional measures that we may feel are necessary.
Ras Dewi Sant – Half Marathon
- Date: TBC
- Registration: As per Email
- Safety Brief: online and at the start.
- Start times: 0900hrs
- Cost: Price £35 – Includes T-shirt, Medal, aid stations, timings and a spectacular course.
- Prize Categories: overall 1st, 2nd, 3rd (1st male and Female), 1st Male and female 40-50, 50-60 and over 60
The 2023 Course
The Half Marathon course will be starting on the Pebbles, In the heart of St Davids.
You will head out of St Davids via Quickwell Well and the Country lanes that will take to the picturesque hamlet of Treleddyd-Fawr. From here you you take the footpaths that lead over the hills and to the Coast Path. This section has some great views of the surrounding area. Once on the Coast Path you will head towards St Davids Head. But and a big But! Before you get to the head land, you will be directed in land and up and around Carn Llidi Rock. The climb is hard but the views are outstanding.
From here, you’ll be directed back to the coast path and Whitesands Beach.
At the beach you will join the Coast Path for a 7 mile stint along this spectacular section of the National Park that will take you around to Caerfai Bay. These 7 miles will see you taking in the scenic sights of St Justinian’s, Ramsay Island and Porthclais, at Porthclais Harbour, you will be directed back to St Davids and the last challenge of the day – ‘The Sting in the Dragons Tail’! this is the spectacular 12th Century Cathedral, it’s 39 steps and the sprint finish up them.
Navigating the Course
We will do our best to mark the route and have marshals strategically placed but it is not practical and almost impossible to have every section of the coast path marked with signs. You will see a number of desire lines, animal tracks and footpaths coming off the coast path at various locations – the important thing to remember is this is a coast path run and the following points should help:-
- Keep the Coast on your Right
- The Coast Path is marked by the ACORN – Follow the ACORN !
- Footpaths are marked with a walking figure – DO NOT FOLLOW THESE
- If we want you to head off the coast path we will sign post or marshal it
- Please have a look at the route and familiarise yourself!
Advisory Kit List
- Whistle
- Space Blanket
- Warm clothing hat / gloves / wind/shower proof jacket
- Mobile phone
- Emergency food / drink
- Glow stick / flashing beacon / head torch
Video Of New Route / Course Changes
Registration
Date Saturday 4th March 2023
Booking Conditions
Organising events relies on pre-bookings, to establish what our outlays will be and how much of everything we have to order. To make sure that we are not left at a loss by ordering unnecessary items the following policy is in place.
- You can obtain a refund of 80% up until a month before the event
- No refunds will be issued after 1 month before the start of the event
- You can transfer your place to another runner up until 2 weeks before the start of the event.
- You can defer your place to the following years event up until 2 weeks before the start of the event. (only one deferral is allowed)
- You can transfer your entry to another RDS distance, up until 2 weeks before the event (assuming there is space on the other event)
Our events are held in the outdoors in wonderful places and that is what makes them challenging and spectacular. Unfortunately from time to time extreme weather conditions can cause serious disruption to the areas of the event or make the running of the event unsafe or irresponsible. On such occasions we may have to postpone the event. If this is done we will look for the nearest possible date to reschedule the event. If a rescheduled date proves to be unsuccessful or one can not be found entries will be deferred to the following years event.
What this means is
If an event is cancelled due to adverse weather, or an unforeseen incident, emergency or such matter that is totally out of our control; Your options are.
- 50% refund will be given
- You will be deferred to the new date
- If the New date does not suit you, you will be transferred to the following years event.
- Throughout this process you will have the opportunity to transfer your place to another person or swap to another of our events of the same value.
We hope you appreciate the reasons behind such a policy and understand the work and financial commitment that goes into an event in the lead up, such as staff hours, merchandise buying and marketing. And having to cancel or having a large number of request for refunds can make future events unsustainable. We also very much appreciate the time and financial commitment you have put into training and preparing for an event and the frustration you have at it being postponed. That is why we try to be as fair as possible in dealing with these matters.
Our insurance does not cover cancellations, However I know there are companies that cover individual competitors for entry fees on cancelled events. If you do a large amount of events and ones of high value this may be something to look into.
The Ras Dewi Sant – 10k
- Date – TBC
- Time 0900hrs
- Event Briefing – Safety and route briefings will take place via online and start line
- Cost – £30
- Goodies – T-shirt and Medal
- Cat – 1/2/3 Male/Female, 1st 50 Plus
Location – St Davids
The shorter route was introduced in 2019 to the Ras Dewi Sant Marathon series and proved very popular. The route offers a mixture of Road and Coast Path all finished off with the iconic Cathedral Climb. It is an ideal run for those who like a faster run, want an introduction to Coast path running or just like the distance.
