After waiting nearly two and a half years due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Devil’s Staircase Ultra trail race finally got going on Saturday, April 2.

The inaugural race, organised by Green Events in Llanwrtyd Wells and sponsored by Trailhead Get Jerky, attracted 70 entrants, with 54 on the start line.

The distance of the race is a gruelling 31.5 miles with 5200ft of ascent.

The route, marked expertly by Cycle-Tec of Builth Wells, takes in the beautiful Abergwesyn valley, the fearsome Devil’s Staircase with its gradient of 25 per cent, Soar y Mynydd chapel- the most isolated in Wales - Llyn Brianne reservoir and dam, and on the home run the 11th century St David’s Church.

The weather conditions were favorable for running, although it was cold and the runners were subjected to scattered sleet showers.

The first male finished in an excellent time of 4 hours, 24 minutes 34 seconds was Henry Walker who runs for Malvern Buzzards running club.

The first lady was Adel Kestin who clocked a time of 5 hours, 45 minutes and 32 seconds.

The race cirector, Martin Pigott, reported that the feedback from runners had been very positive regarding the route, the friendly marshals, and the hospitality of Llanwrtyd Wells. Many of the competitors who ran have said they would return next year.

The first three males and females all received engraved Welsh crystal as their prizes.

Top three results:

First male: Henry Walker in 4:24:34

Second male: Robert Kestin in 4:52:35

Third male: Justin Baird-Murray in 5:00:57

First female: Adel Tyson in 5:45:32

Second female: Jo Marriot in 6:04:44

Third female: Flora Gunner in 6:12:27