What is the Darth Mannion? 

 

The Darth Mannion is a 13.1 mile adventure-run that takes place on the South Gower coast in March each year. Runners take on undulating terrain, steep hills, icey river-runs and multiple sea-dips.

 

Inclusive Challenge: 

The Darth Mannion is an inclusive challenge. Challengers start in sub-pelotons according to ability, which merge as the run progresses.  The sub-pelotons are coordinated by a group of running Regulators who assist Darth in getting everybody through the course. The route is not marked, and there are no static marshals so you will need to keep up with your sub-peloton so you do not get lost or left behind. It is essential you have a good level of fitness to take part.

The power-mad Regulators at the back of the pack are selected for their love of ordering people around, so sweet-talking them into a slower pace is not advisable. We recommend that all runners are able to run a half marathon in a maximum 2 hours 10 minutes, ideally sub 2 hours. Please see our ‘training and preparation’ section for advice on how to prepare for the day.

 

Elite Runners: 

The Immortals (the fastest peloton) will be led by one of our strongest Regulators. Runners are not permitted to run ahead of these Regulators until the competitive final stage. So if you are an Elite runner looking to fly around you may need to tame your inner tiger. That said, we regularly have army sorts and iron men taking part, so the pace should still get the heart rate up.

 

The Silent Sweeper: 

All finishers can be proud of finishing the challenge, but exalted status is awarded to anyone who finishes ahead of The Silent Sweeper. The Silent Sweeper is deployed as the final back-marshal around two-thirds of the way through the race, after all three pelotons have merged. The Silent Sweeper is a welcome sight for those struggling with the pace of their peloton. He is not power-mad, and as a chain-smoker (now vaper) does not have elite fitness. Catching him or staying ahead is very achievable.

 

Teams: 

Competitors are encouraged to enter in teams to provide an added competitive element and to further develop the spirit of inclusivity. Teams can include a minimum of 3 runners and a maximum of 6. The top 3 members of each team will be entered into the team prize.

 


 

 

 When: Saturday 16th March 2019

Below timings may change closer to the day… Please keep an eye on your emails and our facebook page!

8.00am – All runners to have arrived

8.30am – Darth’s welcome address & safety brief (all runners to attend)

9.00am to 9.20am – Runners depart

11.30am – Runners return

12.00pm – Hog roast, bouncy castle and entertainment (including Six Nations rugby)

2.00pm – Awards ceremony and Wales Air Ambulance auction

6.00pm – Darth's "Circus Circus" Party

All competitors will be given a food voucher and 2 tokens for drinks behind the bar. The awards ceremony will take place about 2 hours after the final runner crosses the line. The event takes place on the final day of the six nations, and all participants and family are invited to stay to watch the games.

The venue: South Gower Rugby Club, Pwll Du Lane, Bishopston, Gower, Swansea. SA3 3AJ.  (See map below)

Showering: Showering facilities are available, but if you have local options we recommend you make use of these.  Showers can get quite congested and hot water has been known to run low.  

Bring cash: The venue does not have a card machine so you will need to bring cash for spending at the bar. We will be running an auction to raise money for Wales Air Ambulance with some great prizes, so please come prepared with plenty of cash!

Parking: There is parking at the rugby club although we recommend you move your car to the local village if you intend to leave it there over night.

Property: We will have a system in place for personal belongings during the race, so you are welcome to leave them at the club.

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