HUNDREDS of runners took part in the inaugural Vale Coastal Ultra last weekend.

The runners crammed on to the end of Penarth Pier before running along the Esplanade and then the Cliff Tops. The course takes in a stunning route incorporating a total of 19 beaches, including the popular Whitmore Bay in Barry and the dramatic cliff top scenery at Southerndown.

340 runners ran either the full 30 miles, which started at Penarth Pier and finished at Ogmore-by-sea, or a shortened course of 18 miles, which started at Porthkerry Country Park and finished at Ogmore.

Runners prepared for the ultra-marathon, the first to be held in the Vale of Glamorgan, by packing drinks, energy gels, foil blankets, navigation equipment and other vital tools.

Many of those taking part said they were attracted to the race by the route and the chance to run along the stunning Vale coastline. Others had chosen to walk the scenic route and enjoy the atmosphere.

The race was organised by the south Wales company Run Walk Crawl, who also host the Gower Ultra 50 and Brecon to Cardiff 50.

Graham Vyner and Samantha Perrott, members of the Run4All running club, travelled from Swansea to take part in the 30 mile race starting from Penarth Pier.

“We signed up as the route looks fantastic, crossing quite a few beaches,” said Samantha.

“We have done the Welsh Castles Relay (a two-day event where teams run from north to south Wales over 20 stages), the Roman Run from Brecon to Merthyr and the Snowdonia Marathon, but we have never run an ultra before.”

Ben and Sue Baldry, members of Penarth and Dinas Runners, said they would be walking the 30 mile route to Ogmore.

“I’m turning 50 this year so I’ve set myself a few challenges,” said Sue.

“There are things like bobsleighing, a firewalk, snowboarding, the Snowdon zipwire, Welsh Velothon and this on the list. I’ve also got a few random things like knitting a bobble hat.”

Ben added: “If we feel OK at the end we might walk all the way to Porthcawl.

“Penarth to Porthcawl has quite a ring to it.”

As participants run, walk or crawl past manned checkpoints volunteers will be on hand to hand-out water, tea & coffee, sweets, and nuts to help them along their way.

Sponsorship for each of the checkpoints was arranged in part by the Vale of Glamorgan Council’s Creative Rural Communities team. The organisation has recently launched a series of guides to walking routes along the heritage coast and CRC’s Principal Rural Regeneration Officer, Phil Chappell, is encouraging people to use the event as an opportunity to get out and see parts of the Vale’s coastline that they may not be familiar with.

For their efforts, each competitor will receive a goody bag, filled with sponsors’ products, a race t-shirt and a medal. The male and female winners will each receive a specially designed Vale of Glamorgan coastline themed trophy, from Penarth based artist Anne Morgan.