The Red Kite Challenge is an eleven mile trail race which takes place on Saturday the 5th of May and this year incorporates the Welsh Trail Running Championships (medium category) and the UK Trail Running Championships (short category) races. The Red Kite is the first event in the 2012 Welsh Trail Running Championships which will look to capitalise on the popularity of the Commonwealth Ultra Trail Running Championships which were held at Newborough Forest on Anglesey last September.

This popular event held near Aberystwyth in West Wales always attracts trail runners from around the UK. Organisors are happy with the interest in this years races and are hoping for a record entry. Entries for the Welsh Championships will only be taken in advance but entries for the open race will be taken on the day at race registration, which is based at the Nant Yr Arian Visitor Centre in Ponterwyd.

Experienced Mountain Runner, Tim Davies (Maldwyn) won the men's race in 2011 with local athlete Phoebe Webster from Aberystwyth the ladies champion on that occasion.

The Ras Yr Diafol (Devils Race) is a sister race to the Red Kite Challenge and is held the following day on May 6th over an eighteen mile course. Some athletes choose to race in both events with Andy Davies (Mercia) and Susan Davies (Croft Ambrey) the combined champions in 2011.

Organisors would recommend taking part in either race (or both) in preparation for the Wales Trail Marathon which will be held in Coed Y Brenin on the 23rd of June.

2012 Welsh Trail Running Championships;