A stunning new addition to the North Wales trail calendar is here: Machlud, a sunset trail race brought to life by Ysgol y Foel PTA. Taking place on 21 September, this half marathon distance event will weave through the dramatic landscape of the Clwydian Hills.

The Machlud route climbs from the village of Cilcain, up through quiet tracks and hill paths, skirting the Vale of Clwyd before joining the Offa’s Dyke footpath. From there, runners will ascend the slopes of Moel Famau, North Wales’ most iconic hill, with the goal of hitting its summit around sunset - weather permitting, of course. It is Wales in September, after all!

With staggered start times designed to create a shared summit experience, Machlud breaks from the traditional mass-start format. Organisers say: "We are embracing the idea of a 'mass finish', giving runners a chance to share the golden hour summit together, before descending with headtorches down a reflective-arrow-marked trail to a warm welcome at the school."

The route is 95% trail, with minimal tarmac on quiet marshalled roads in and out of Cilcain. There are runnable stretches and scenic pacing early on, but most of the elevation gain comes in the second half, with at least one climb likely to bring even the strongest runners to a walk.

This is a race designed for all kinds of runners: solo explorers, pairs, clubmates, or even CaniCross duos. Organisers are offering entry discounts for those who sign up together, with a promise of louder finish line cheers. There will be snack and drink stations along the way as well as homemade cake and a celebratory beer waiting at the finish.

Entry fees support Ysgol y Foel, the local primary school, and while sunset views from the summit can’t be guaranteed, a memorable evening on the trails, and a hot bowl of soup at the end, certainly can be.

If you'd like to know more, visit the Machlud website.

Image: Machlud