Organiser Martyn Salt explained the growing appeal: “I think the Margam circuit offers a proper challenge for all and even completing the 25k is an achievement and you have earnt your finishers medal. That coupled with a site that is very easy to get to and is a good setting to spend a weekend at with your family rather than just being a bike race in a field.”

Next year’s event promises to be bigger and better, according to Martyn. “we’re in discussions right now to do a high level XC race on the saturday and make a longer event so people can use Margam as a base to explore the excellent local trail centres thu/fri, watch some top quality racing and entertainment on Saturday and then endure the challenge of the Big Marathon on Sunday,” he explained.

Thanks to Trek and British Cycling for help producing the event. Picture can be seen at www.joolzedymond.com