The Maverick X Series Afan Forest 2025
Saturday 20 September 2025 | Afan Forest
This event has sold out. On the day entries will NOT be accepted.
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 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 sight 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.
This event has sold out. On the day entries will NOT be accepted.
DIFFICULTY
Classic woodland, well-marked trails, stunning autumnal colours - well suited to all levels.
More Info
The Route
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What you get
More Information
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 or sprint route. There will be 2 outposts on the Middle route. There will be 5 outposts on the Long route & Ultra. 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 gels and electrolyte drink.
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.
Spectators are welcome at the event start/finish area, and can hike to areas along the route. The run route and outposts are not accessible by vehicle.
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.
CUT-OFFS
Those on the Ultra and Long routes will have 8hrs30 to complete the run. Please see below for the cut off time at each outpost:
ULTRA ROUTE:
START - 09:00
1. 9km - 10:30
2. 18km - 12:05
3. 25km - 13:15
4. 38.5km - 15:30
5. 45km - 16:30
FINISH - 17:30
LONG ROUTE:
START - 09:30
1. 9km - 10:30
2. 18km - 12:05
3. 25km - 13:15
4. 30.5km - 15:30
5. 37km - 16:30
FINISH - 17:30
HEADPHONES
We strongly recommend not wearing headphones during this event.
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 info@maverick-race.com 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
PLASTIC FREE
In an effort to keep our trails clean and preserve the nature around us, we’re aiming to keep our outposts cup-free. Please bring a cup or bottle to refill. Speed Cups are available to purchase at each event and online.
HEADPHONES
We strongly recommend not wearing headphones at this event, but if you do want to listen to your tunes whilst on the trials, we recommend bone conduction headphones.
TRANSFERS
If you need to transfer out from this event, you can do this via your Let's Do This account. You can't transfer if the event has sold out. The last day to transfer out of an event is the Monday before event day (5 days before the event). Please refer to our Terms & Conditions to read more about Transfers.
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Essential Items
TRY TO PACK:
We strongly recommend that ALL runners, regardless of route, carry at least 1 litre of water & a mobile phone.
These items are mandatory for the Ultra and Long race
• Waterproof jacket
• Mobile phone (in case of emergency)
• 800 Calories (equivalent of 2 bars and 2 gels)
• Minimum of 1 litre of water
• Foil blanket
• Whistle
• Self adhering elastic bandage
• Cap or buff
• A re-usable cup
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. Make sure you take the correct turning to Bryn Bettws Lodge, using the w3w ///initial.showdown.breeze.
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. Make sure you take the correct turning to Bryn Bettws Lodge, using the w3w ///initial.showdown.breeze.
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
