What are the dates of the 2024 Ring O' Fire?

Ring O' Fire takes place on 30th August - 1st September 2024.

What are the dates of the 2024 Firelighter?

Firelighter takes place on 30th August 2024.

When can I sign-up?

From 8th November 2023 - to avoid disappointment we recommend you book as soon as possible to secure your place.

Can I just enter one of the days?

Yes - it is now possible to sign-up to the Firelighter and run Day 1 as a single stage race. This 35.7 mile race is a very challenging ultra marathon in its own right.

What's the latest date I can sign up?

We will be closing both races for new sign-ups at midnight 1st July 2024.

Can I sign-up on the day?

No - we close both races for new sign-ups at midnight 1st July 2024.

Is there a limit on the number of competitors?

Yes - Ring O' Fire and Firelighter are both limited to 150 runners in each race.

Is there a waiting list?

Yes - the waiting list opens as soon as we reach 150 sign-ups for each race. Places are then offered on a first come first served basis.

I can no longer take part in the race - can I get a refund?

Yes – a partial refund (50%) is available until 1st July 2024. It is your responsibility to arrange a refund. You can do this by logging into your registered account. No refunds are available after this date.

Charity entries do not pay an entry fee, so are not refundable.

Can I defer my entry to next year’s race?

Yes - deferment to next year’s race is available until 1st July 2024. It is your responsibility to arrange a deferment. You can do this by logging into your registered account.

Note you can only defer once to the following year’s race, after which the deferral will expire.

Can I transfer my entry to another runner?

Yes - transfer to a substitute runner is available until 1st August 2024. It is your responsibility to arrange a transfer. You can do this by logging into your registered account. No transfers can be made after this date.

T-shirt orders cannot be amended after 1 July 2024. If you transfer after this, you will receive whatever size/sex the original runner requested or a charitable donation instead of a t-shirt if that was their choice.

Charity entries are not transferable.

Can I transfer from the Ring O' Fire to the shorter distance Firelighter?

Yes - transfer to the Firelighter is available until 1st August 2024. All transfers are subject to a £25 admin fee which is payable at the time of transfer. Please email team@ringofire.co.uk to arrange the transfer. We'll also arrange any refund that is due. Note that t-shirt orders cannot be amended after 1 July 2024.

Can I transfer from the Firelighter to the longer distance Ring O' Fire?

Yes - transfer to the Ring O' Fire is available until 1st August 2024. All transfers are subject to a £25 admin fee which is payable at the time of transfer. Please email team@ringofire.co.uk to arrange the transfer. We'll also request any additional entry fee that is due Note that t-shirt orders cannot be amended after 1 July 2024.

Is the race entry fee refundable in the event of a pregnancy?

Our Pregnancy Refund Policy:

	Please send your pregnancy refund request to team@ringofire.co.uk prior to the race start date.
	Please attach written confirmation, within 30 days after the race start date, of your pregnancy signed by your doctor/registered midwife or copy of an appointment letter from the hospital (obstetrics and/or midwife) addressed to you. Please feel free to strike out any personal details such as the NHS number.
	Once reviewed/approved, we will arrange a full refund to the card you paid with.

How can Firelighter runners get back to Holyhead after the race has finished?

Many runners have support crew, friends and family who help them. However, we can also arrange bus transport for a limited number of runners back to the start at Holyhead. You can book a place on the bus at the point of signing-up. There is an additional charge of £10 to cover our costs.

Are there charity runner places available?

Yes - This year we are offering a limited number of charity places in both our races. We have partnered with four leading charities; Bowel Cancer UK, the Stroke Association, the Afghan Sports Trust and Petals Charity. Please see our Run for Charity page.

How hard is the Ring O' Fire?

The extreme distance and variable terrain has sealed the race's reputation as one of the most challenging ultra marathons in the British Isles.

How hard is the Firelighter?

Don't be fooled, this 35.7 mile race is a very challenging ultra marathon in its own right. It follows the same route as the Ring O' Fire and this first day is very tough.

Am I up for the challenge?

You must be prepared to take on a challenge, beyond the limits of most and accept it will be harder than you could ever have imagined. A degree of self-sufficiency, the ability to look after yourself and make sound judgement calls is mandatory. This is not a race where we hold your hand and offer full support all the way around. Checkpoints can have many miles between them and the terrain is challenging. The weather can change quickly and you could face many hours running through the night in cold, wet and windy weather conditions.

Are there time limits?

Yes - as below and time limits are strictly enforced.
Day 1 must be completed within 9 hours (Ring O' Fire and Firelighter)
Day 2 must be completed within 18 hours (Ring O' Fire)
Day 3 must be completed within 9.5 hours (Ring O' Fire)
You will be disqualified if you fail to complete a stage or arrive at a checkpoint within the designated time.

What type of terrain is the route run on?

Runners will encounter a wide variety of terrain, including sandy and pebble beaches, steep cliff top paths, headlands, rocky coves, sand dunes, farmland fields, sections of forest and quaint seaside fishing villages. The route is predominately trail, but there are small sections of public road, although these tend to be quiet country roads. There are also gates and stiles to negotiate throughout the length of the course. Although there is over 13,000ft / 4,000m of vertical ascent over the course, the route involves fairly low level running, with the highest point being Holyhead Mountain 720ft (220m).

What do I get for my money?

A full list of entry fees and what is included in the price is on our Packages page.

Can I have a pacer?

No - pacers are not allowed.

Can I have a crew?

Yes - crews are permitted and encouraged for all runners. Information on good crew / supporter vantage points are detailed on our Supporter page.

Where can I leave my car?

Designated parking is available on the approach road to the Breakwater Country Park, which is just a short walk away and a nice warm up!



Ring O' Fire accept no liability for vehicles or possessions inside vehicles at any Ring O' Fire event.
Vehicles are parked at owners' own risk.
The designated free parking area will be available on the approach road, with thanks from Stena Line Limited. Please follow parking signs and/or Marshals to the designated parking area. Car parking at the Breakwater Country Park is limited and 'Pay and Display'.

How easy is the route to navigate?

While advanced navigational skills are not necessary, a basic level of navigation competency is required. Runners are advised to carry a map, compass and GPS device. The whole route is marked by Anglesey Coastal Path signposts, which come in different forms but always display the Tern and yellow arrow which are the guides on this route. Dedicated Ring O' Fire signs will mark the route to the night's accommodation and any difficult diversions.

How many checkpoints and where are they situated?

There are 16 checkpoints placed along the length of the course. Please see the Schedule page for full details of check point locations and opening/closing times and more.

What will be available at the checkpoints?

	Drinks - water, coke or squash
	Coffee/tea available at CP3 Wylfa day 1, CP10 Sea Zoo day 2
	Hot soup available at CP11 Newborough day 2
	Food - savoury snacks, fruit, chocolate, sweets and lots more - we'll ask what you like before the race!
	Bacon or veggie butties, coffee and tea - CP13 Rhosneigr
	Gazebo (for shelter if needed)
	Basic First Aid
	Race Marshal to record your time.

Please bring your own water bottle / hydration system and cup if needed for coke/water etc. We are not dispensing in plastic bottles or cups. This is to minimise litter-dropping on the trail and limit our environmental impact.

When will the 2024 Maps detailing the route be uploaded?

The 2024 map pack will only be made available around two weeks before the start of the race to allow for any last minutes route diversions.

Aside from our map packs and the GPX files, we recommend the Ordnance Survey Maps of Anglesey West and East (1:25,000) or Hardy Anglesey Coastal Path XT40 (1:40,000).

Tip: Use a bright highlighter pen to trace the trail on your maps. Clearly mark out the check point/honesty book locations, distances, points of interest to navigate by (electricity, pylons, water towers, lighthouses, buildings) and any diversions.

Do you provide a GPX route profile?

We encourage the use of the traditional map and compass for navigation and the final route will be that detailed on the 2024 maps. Indicative GPX route profiles for both the Ring O' Fire and Firelighter will be made available for download on the Route Overview page about two weeks prior to the start of the race. Note these are only indicative and the official and finalised route is that detailed on our 2024 map pack.

What happens with the bags?

Your bags will be transported from the start to the finish point each day.

Ring O' Fire
We'll transport two bags and camping equipment (if camping option is elected) for you: your main bag for the end of each day and an additional small 'half way' bag on Day 2 only, which will be accessible at the halfway point (Beaumaris). Drop off and collection points are outlined below:

Day 1
	drop:		Holyhead Breakwater Country Park, Holyhead, LL65 1YG
	collect:		Amlwch Leisure Centre, Townybryn, Amlwch, Isle of Anglesey LL68 9TH
Day 2
	drop:		Amlwch Leisure Centre, Townybryn, Amlwch, Isle of Anglesey LL68 9TH
	collect:		Main Bag: Aberffraw Village Hall, 52 Church Street, Aberffraw, Anglesey, LL63 5LQ Halfway Bag: Available at halfway point (CP8 Beaumaris) until 15:00, then transported to Aberffraw Village Hall
Day 3
	drop:		Aberffraw Village Hall, 52 Church Street, Aberffraw, Anglesey, LL63 5LQ
	collect:		Holyhead Breakwater Country Park, Holyhead, LL65 1YG

Firelighter
We'll transport your main bag to finish point at Amlwch. There is no access to your bags during the race so carry what you need whilst running. Drop off and collection points are outlined below:

Day 1
	drop:		Holyhead Breakwater Country Park, Holyhead, LL65 1YG
	collect:		Amlwch Leisure Centre, Townybryn, Amlwch, Isle of Anglesey LL68 9TH

What are the recommended bag sizes?

We recommend the following bag sizes:

Ring O' Fire and Firelighter:

	Your main bag should be no bigger than a 60 litre rucksack.
	Dimensions: 74cm (Height) x 34cm (Width) x 20cm (Depth)

Ring O' Fire only:

	Your day 2 'halfway' bag should be no bigger than a 20 litre rucksack.
	Dimensions: 50cm (Height) x 26cm (Width) x 20cm (Depth)

Waterproof and durable bags are recommended to ensure your kit stays dry please.

Do you have a kit list? What should I bring with me?

Please take a look at our recommended kit list.

What accommodation is provided during the Ring O' Fire?

Overnight accommodation is available at local a leisure centre and village community hall as below:

	Day 1: Amlwch Leisure Centre, Townybryn, Amlwch, Isle of Anglesey, LL68 9TH
	Day 2: Aberffraw Village Hall, 52 Church Street, Aberffraw, Isle of Anglesey, LL63 5LQ

Important Note: If Covid prevents us staying in the communal halls, camping will be available nearby for no charge. We will carry your camping equipment. Updates will be provided closer to the race date.

What accommodation is provided during the Firelighter?

Firelighter is a single stage race and no overnight accommodation is provided. There is limited capacity in the leisure centre and village community hall, so if you decide to stay the night you will need to make your own arrangements. Please see our Accommodation page for further information.

What should I bring for the overnight accommodation?

Please take a look at our recommended overnight kit list.

What about food for the evenings and mornings?

We recommend you pack enough food within your overnight bag. It's important you make enough provision for the two mornings and two evenings you are away. Depending on what time you reach the end of each stage you may find local takeaway shops (pizza, Chinese) and pubs open, but it makes more sense to have food pre-packed for when you arrive. You will also pass through small villages and towns on route so there are options to pick up additional supplies if needed.

The Amlwch Leisure Centre (end of Day 1) will have a staffed canteen which will open until 10pm serving various hot and cold food and drink. Hot and cold water will be available, although you will not be able to use the cooking facilities due to health and safety restrictions.

At the Aberffraw Village Hall (end of Day 2) we have full kitchen facilities for you to use. Cookers, microwaves, kettles etc Plenty of hot and water, but no showers. Most runners will be arriving too late to take advantage of the local amenities, although there is a small shop, good pub serving food and a good cafe in the village if you make good time!

What food will be available at the checkpoints?

Various savoury snacks, fruit, chocolate, sweets and lots more - we'll ask what you like before the race!

What will be available at the overnight accommodation?

Day 1 - Amlwch Leisure Centre

	Basic First Aid
	Shelter - roof over your head
	Space to roll out your mat or pop up your camp bed
	Hot and cold water, tea and coffee
	Toilets and wash basins (WC)
	Showers
	Swimming pool (to be confirmed)
	Staffed food canteen
	Electricity to charge your watches and GPS devices
	Massage
	Our friendly support team to welcome you home

Day 2 - Aberffraw Village Hall

	Basic First Aid
	Shelter - roof over your head
	Space to roll out your mat or pop up your camp bed
	Hot and cold water, tea and coffee
	Toilets and wash basins (WC)
	Cooking Facilities
	Electricity to charge your watches and GPS devices
	Massage
	Our friendly support team to welcome you home

Can I arrange my own accommodation?

We encourage runners to stay together in the spirit of the event. However, if you wish for something more comfortable than a night in a leisure centre and a town hall there are plenty of good accommodation options available locally. View our limited Accommodation page for further info.

What happens at the finish?

Many congratulations and we hand you your finishing medal!

If the weather is good, most runners and supporters tend to hang around soaking up the atmosphere and cheer other runners across the finishing line. There should be a few locally brewed beers to hand out and some great tunes. Stay around for the presentations and soak up the atmosphere. Ring your bells and blow your whistles, they'll be coming round the mountain when you sing! they'll be coming round the mountain...!

What time are the medal presentations?

Ring O' Fire: 15:00hrs Holyhead Breakwater Country Park, Holyhead, LL65 1YG
Firelighter: 20:00hrs Amlwch Leisure Centre, Townybryn, Amlwch, Isle of Anglesey LL68 9TH

What awards are there for winners?

Ring O' Fire and Firelighter award 1st, 2nd and 3rd place male and female runners.

What happens if I need to drop out?

If you retire from the event, for any reason, you must inform the nearest checkpoint and/or the Race Directors. It's very important that you let us know, otherwise if we can't reach you, we are likely to be conducting a search and rescue mission. The Race Directors' mobile numbers are printed on your race numbers.

While it is your responsibility to get back to the end of each stage and ultimately Holyhead, we have several vehicles and will do our best to help you.

What happens if the event is re-routed, abandoned, cancelled or postponed?

The organisers reserve the right to modify the course or listed check point locations at any time.

In the case of severe / extreme weather conditions the organisers reserve the right to abandon the event at any time. This is for your safety.

No refunds will be offered in that situation. If the event cannot take place for reasons out of the control of the organisers including but not limited to Covid, flooding, severe weather or denial of access to the original course (foot and mouth outbreak for example), the organisers reserve the right to postpone the event to a later date and all entries will be carried forward to the new date. Refunds will not be offered under these circumstances. If the event is cancelled for reasons which require the event to be postponed indefinitely, the organisers reserve the right to retain all entry fees against costs incurred.

Where are the best places for the Crew / Supporters to meet the runners?

We encourage all supporters, friends and family to come and cheer our hardy runners along.

You are VERY welcome at the start and finish points of each day and most of the check points are ok, although some are more suitable for supporters than others, with good parking and other facilities.

Please avoid the 1st check point on day 1 as there is no parking at all.

Bring your bells, whistles and hooters to encourage the runners on their merry way. While our runners will undoubtedly be hurting underneath their determined faces, your support is sure to help them not only run from check point to check point but also to cross the long awaited finish line!

Please see your Supporters page for information to help you decide on where best to find the runners.

How long has the race been going for and who are the organisers?

2024 will be the thirteenth edition of the Ring O' Fire so we've been going for a number of years and are very established compared to some of the newer events. You can read about the race team and their experience and other adventures on the ABOUT US page.

Who do I contact for more information?

Please visit the Contact Page to get in touch with the Race Team.