The Maverick X Series Afan Forest 2025
Saturday 20 September 2025 | Afan Forest
WATCH THIS SPACE! ENTRIES LAUNCHING JANUARY 2025
Afan Forest Park in South Wales isn't just a haven for mountain bikers; it's a hidden gem for trail runners. All 4 routes (with Marathon & Ultra route still to come!) begin with a gradual climb up towards the wind turbines. You’ll pass through tree lined avenues with the whoosh of the turbines above you. As the other routes split off, those on the Longer routes adventure out through the trees, enjoying views of rolling Welsh hills with grazing sheep and heathland streams.
Meander through the wide gravel tracks of Afan forest, before traversing along a beautiful single track back past the wind turbines. After a long downhill stretch, with a couple of technical descents thrown in for good measure, you pass through the final outpost and see the reassuring site of a straight road ahead. We know what you're thinking…. where is the infamous Maverick elevation? But don't worry we've saved the best to last - a 2.5km ascent with just under 200 m of elevation to finish off, notoriously called ‘The Wall’.
All 4 routes have some punchy hills but could bring some fast times with 95% of the route being hard packed / gravel trails. We can’t wait for you to join us in this new Maverick location. So, lace up your shoes and explore the hidden trails of Afan Forest. With its scenic beauty, challenging terrain, and rich history, Afan promises an unforgettable trail running experience.
DETAILS
Registration: 08:00am
Start time:
Ultra: 09:00am
Long: 09:30am
Middle: 10:00am
Short: 10:30am
DIFFICULTY
Classic woodland, well-marked trails, stunning autumnal colours - well suited to all levels.
More Info
Prices
Ultra
- $104.37/pp
Long
- $91.16/pp
Middle
- $64.73/pp
Short
- $51.52/pp
This event has sold out. On the day entries will NOT be accepted.
How it Works
As a guide you should always:
• Follow the on course signage
• Listen to on course marshals
• Take care when crossing roads
• Be considerate to others
• Please close all gates, DO NOT litter!
OUTPOSTS
There will be no outpost on the short route. There will be 2 outposts on the Middle route. There will be 3 outposts on the Long route. There will be 4 outposts on the Ultra route. The outposts are designed to act as a top up for what you are already carrying. There will be a range of sweet & savoury snacks (fruit, cake, crisps) as well as Precision Hydration fuel & electrolyte.
There will not be pre-filled water cups available at the outpost. Please have your re-useable cup or bottle ready when you arrive and make use of our self serve water barrels.
PLASTIC FREE
In our quest to make this season plastic-free, we ask that you run with a reusable cup or bottle. Hydrapak Speed Cups are available to purchase at each event and online.
HEADPHONES
We strongly recommend not wearing headphones during this event.
CUT-OFFS
Those on the Ultra and Long routes will have 9hrs to complete the run.
TRANSFERS
If for any reason you wish to transfer out from an event we are happy to do this, but once only. You may transfer to any event listed on our website or even change to a higher value event and pay the difference. We cannot action any transfers or refunds for an event that has sold out.
The last day to transfer out of an event is the Monday before event day (5 days before the event), please email us on [email protected] with the name of the event you would like to move to. We are not able to move you out of an event if you contact us after this day
The Routes
Choose your route carefully. The distance and elevation gain should give you some indication as to how easy/hard each route is, as well as showing you where the tougher climbs are.
GET THE SUPPORT THAT YOU NEED AS A RUNNER WITH TAILORED PLANS TO ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS, FROM TRAINING FOR A FASTER 5K TO YOUR FIRST MARATHON. USE REFERRAL CODE MAVERICKEVENTS TO UNLOCK YOUR EXCLUSIVE OFFER!
What you get
Getting to the Race
By Car
Free parking at the venue. If you're looking to share transport you can message other runners here.
The venue is approximately 15 minutes from M4, Junction 40, follow directions to SA12 9SP and then keep an eye out for signs to Bryn Bettws Lodge.
Free parking at the venue. If you're looking to share transport you can message other runners here.
The venue is approximately 15 minutes from M4, Junction 40, follow directions to SA12 9SP and then keep an eye out for signs to Bryn Bettws Lodge.
By Train
Nearest Station: Port Talbot Parkway Station (15min drive to start venue)
GWR: London Paddington - Port Talbot Parkway Station
Journey time: Approx 2hr 25
Nearest Station: Port Talbot Parkway Station (15min drive to start venue)
GWR: London Paddington - Port Talbot Parkway Station
Journey time: Approx 2hr 25
By Taxi
AA Taxi's - Port Talbort
07799 053123
AA Taxi's - Port Talbort
07799 053123
Essential Items
TRY TO PACK:
These items are mandatory for the Ultra and Long race
• Trail shoes
• Waterproof jacket
• Mobile phone (in case of emergency)
• Enough food and drink (at least 1 litre) to last you the race - there will be outpost on course to top up
• Foil blanket
• A re-usable cup (we’d like to ensure our are races plastic free!)
• GPX of the route
How to stay hydrated
Take Precision Fuel & Hydration's free trail running sweat test to get a hydration plan tailored to your Maverick Race
Free Sweat TestBring your own cup
In an effort to keep our trails clean and preserve the nature around us, we’re aiming to keep out outposts cup free. Please bring a cup or bottle to re-fill.
Get a Maverick Speedcup
