How does a weekend with both an MTB-marathon and a road sportive sound?
After launching the first event in 2000, it’s now become a four weekend series with a lot of different tracks on offer. Starting at the home of the MTB Marathon Series, Builth Wells, in mid-April, it will go via Marshbrook and Abergavanny/Crickhowell before the final round in Ruthin, Wales in August.
Each weekend consists of two events and opens with the Exposure Light Big Night Out in Builth Wells on Saturday, with the MTB-marathon the day after – the courses are different from each other. Apart from the first weekend there’s a change in the running order, with the MTB-marathon taking place on Saturday and the road rides on Sunday.
Different race categories
The event offers rides for people in all skill categories with four different marathons on offer. The Mini Marathon is not only shorter (25-30km), but also less technically challenging than the biggest challenge: The Full Marathon, where you’ll be facing a lot of climbs and descends during the 80-100km. Sandwiched between the two is the Half Marathon (40-50km) and the Middle Marathon (60-75 km). They are all ‘one loop’ affairs.
The road sportive also offers two distances: The 40-50 mile standard one or the 80-100 mile long one.
On the night between the events they offer an event bar with live music and catering. You’ll also get a discounted price if you enter both events during a weekend.
For more info and how to enter, click here.
Dates and locations:
Builth Wells – Wales
13th April – Exposure Light Big Night Out (Night Marathon)
14th April – Schwalbe MTB Marathon
Marshbrook – England
13th July – Schwalbe MTB Marathon
14th July Schwalbe Road Sportives
Abergavenny/Crickhowell – Wales
3th August – Schwalbe MTB Marathon
4th August – Schwalbe Road Sportives
Ruthin – Wales
31st August – Schwalbe MTB Marathon
1st September – Schwalbe Road Sportives