There were joint winners this year at an iconic 50km trail race in the heart of Mid Wales.

The third Trailhead Get Jerky Devil’s Staircase 50k Ultra Trail Race took place on Saturday, October 5. 

The runners left Llanwrtyd Wells at 9am, with the weather conditions just about perfect for ultra-running - a bright sunny day with moderate winds.

The route goes through the beautiful Abergwesyn Valley, the iconic Devil's Staircase, Soar y Mynydd Chapel - the most remote in Wales - and the Llyn Brianne Reservoir and Dam.

There is a total ascent and descent of 5,200 feet over the course of the route.

The route is on a mixture of tarmac road, forest tracks and farmland.

The race was won jointly by Pembrokeshire runners Ryan Wilkins and Shaun Newbery in 5 hours, 8 minutes, and 26 seconds.

The third male was Steven Palmer, who finished in 5 hours, 45 minutes, and 11 seconds.

The first female finisher was Elizabeth Gatherer in 6 hours, 8 minutes, and 29 seconds.

The second female was Emma Clayton in 6 hours, 45 minutes, and 41 seconds, and the third female was Kathryn Cuthbertson in 7 hours, 33 minutes, and 19 seconds.

Crossing the Henog stream
Runners cross the Henog stream (Copyright: Peter Barnett_ (.)

The runners feedback was fantastic, with several competitors commenting that it was the best marked and marshalled race they had ever taken part in.

Cycle-tec of Builth Wells expertly marked the route, and there were 48 volunteer marshals guiding the runners on the course.

The route was waymarked with water points and two feed stations providing cold and hot drinks, bananas, cakes and sweets.

At the finish there was Welsh cawl and a vegetarian alternative on offer.

Each runner received a unique devil medal and there were prizes for the first three male and female runners.

Next year's race is already marked into the calendar for Saturday, October 4, 2025.

Llanwrtyd Wells is famous for for its weird and wacky events, such as the World Bog Snorkelling Championships and the Man vs Horse race.

The next event in this year’s calendar is the Ron Skilton Memorial Half Marathon, which will take place on Sunday, October 20.