photo: Joolze Dymond

The Trek British Marathon Champs are the pinnacle of the domestic Marathon scene. Margam Park first staged this event back in 2005 and after trips to Plymouth and Coed Y Brenin it now returns to where it all began, Margam Park on 1 June.

A 25k route offers a chance for a more Marathon feel to racing and this is the longest racing loop anywhere in the country. The large loop and the unique format means a mass race can make for a great on course atmosphere and with 600 riders expected the leading riders will be lapping quite a few on laps 3 and 4.

Having the leading riders and event novices on course together is part of the lure for many and where else do you get novice and National Champion racing equally on the same course at the same time.

The men’s race is perhaps the most intense, with Marathon Champ Nick Craig, last year’s winner James Ouchterlony, World Cup competitor Will Bjergfelt and former Silver Medallist Ian Wilkinson all competing for the honours.

Jenny Copnall will be hoping to fend of 2007 winner Liz Scalia, but with Sue Clarke, Paula Moseley, Gemma Collins, Maddie Horton, Meggie Bichar and Mel Alexander, nothing is certain.

Marathon Champions are also crowned in the over 40s and the Veterans competition is also hotly contested. This years front runners will include Michael Powell and Gavin Rumbles, with 07 champ Peter Turnbull not yet entered, this could well be Michael Powell’s chance to follow his enduro success with a Marathon win.

In addition to the Marathon action this event is the MBR Big Weekend, with RJ Ride Guide trial demos, a pasta party and leisure rides in the park.

Margam Park is situated just one minute from J38 of the M4 and visitors can also enjoy the Castle Grounds, children’s adventure playground, train rides, Orangery restaurant or just watch the deer herds go by. Camping is on site with showers, water, toilets, hard standing parking, Quaver Catering plus trade stands from Trek, Swinnertons, MBR, Torq, Team Chance, Scott, XCracer.com 29ers and others.

More details at www.xcracer.com