Symonds Yat Super Looper
Six hours. One brutal, beautiful 5.25 km loop. Run down from Symonds Yat Rock to the River Wye, along the riverside, then up ‘the climb’ – over 100 steps to the trig point – and back to HQ. Do as many loops as you can between 10 am and 4 pm: 6 loops earns your medal, 9 makes it an ultra.
New for 2027 – the first Super Looper, from the team behind the Forest of Dean Ultra and the Malvern Hills Trail Half. Limited to 100 runners.
“Dave and his team deliver absolutely flawless organisation, superb aid stations and stunning routes through the forest. You can see how much care goes into these races, and it makes the whole experience a pleasure, even when the legs start disagreeing! As good as it gets when it comes to race events.”
Runner – Forest of Dean Ultra 2025 and 2026
How Many Loops Can You Do?
It’s a solo challenge with a mass start at 10 am. Run as many 5.25 km loops as you can before 4 pm – only loops completed by 4 pm count. Pace yourself: every loop finishes with the toughest climb in the Forest of Dean and the Wye Valley.
- 6 loops – Finisher medal31.5 km · 960 m climb
- 9 loops – Ultra medal47.25 km · 1,440 m climb
- 12 loops – Heroes medal63 km · 1,920 m climb
You need at least 6 loops to finish the challenge. Every finisher gets a unique medal, with extra loop rings for going further.
Everything You Need for a Big Day Out
Entry is £66 (£55 + VAT) and includes everything below – you just bring your legs and your trail shoes.
Aid station every loop
You pass HQ on every loop – food, water, snacks, electrolytes and energy bars are all provided, so you don’t need a support crew.
Marked course and timing
A fully marked loop and professional electronic timing, so every lap is counted.
Medical and physio team
Our medical and physio team are on site all day, along with the event team.
Free race photos
Event photographer Alun Richardson and team cover the course – every photo is free.
Medal, loop rings and merch
A unique finisher’s medal, extra loop rings and free event merchandise.
A stunning HQ
Symonds Yat Rock – toilets, a café, woodland walks and views to the Brecon Beacons for friends and family.
Key Times and Entry
Timetable – Saturday 13 March 2027
| Car park opens | 7:45 am |
|---|---|
| Registration opensRace numbers are given out on the day | 8:00 am |
| Race briefing | 9:40 am |
| Race startsMass start | 10:00 am |
| Race finishesOnly loops completed by 4 pm count | 4:00 pm |
| Prize giving | 4:15 pm |
| Event site closes | 6:00 pm |
Entry
£66
£55 + VAT. A percentage of every entry goes to Forestry England to help look after the forest.
- Places100 runners maximum
- Minimum age18
- Time limit6 hours
- HQSymonds Yat Rock
5.25 km, 160 m of Climbing – Wonderfully Brutal
Symonds Yat is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and the loop takes in its jaw-dropping viewpoint and trig point. The terrain is technical, so wear proper trail shoes. Each loop passes the café, toilets, aid station and support crews’ cars at HQ.
- Down to the river0–2.4 kmMostly downhill from Yat Rock to the River Wye, with a short, sharp climb at around 1.8 km.
- The riverside2.4–4.1 kmFlat running on the path along the Wye. Get your breath back here.
- The climb4.1–4.8 kmAbout 120 m of ascent in 0.7 km, including over 100 steps and averaging around 18%. Touch the trig point on Symonds Yat Rock at the top.
- Back along the top4.8–5.25 kmA short run back to the aid station at HQ, where you sign in before your next loop.
Learn more about Symonds Yat Rock from Forestry England.
Race Rules
- You have 6 hours – 10 am to 4 pm – to complete as many loops as you can. It’s a mass start.
- Each loop starts and finishes at the aid station by the Symonds Yat car park / HQ.
- At the top of the climb you must touch the trig point before heading back along the loop.
- Sign in after every loop. You’re timed electronically, but you must still sign in – you can’t run past HQ.
- Only loops completed by 4 pm count – a loop still in progress at 4 pm doesn’t count.
- You must complete at least 6 loops to finish the challenge.
- No pacers. Support teams are welcome at the HQ car park, but you won’t need them for supplies.
Symonds Yat Rock HQ
HQ, the start and the aid station are at the Symonds Yat Rock viewpoint car park – a superb site with toilets, a café, woodland walks and views to the Brecon Beacons and beyond. Car park on Google Maps · car park entrance.
Approach from the south. From the north, the road up to the car park is steep and narrow – only suitable for cars, and even vans struggle. Please don’t be the one that gets stuck!
There’s plenty of parking – £9 for the day. If you visit the forest often, Forestry England membership (currently £55 a year, covering two cars) gives free parking at all its forest sites.
We’re in partnership with Forestry England, sharing an interest in the forest and in promoting outdoor recreation, health and wellbeing. A percentage of every entry goes to Forestry England to support its work.
What Runners Say About Our Events
2027 is the very first Super Looper, so there are no reviews yet. Here’s what runners say about the same team’s other trail races – the same organisation, aid stations, photographers and welcome.
“Fab event, beautiful route and the best support crews along the way. Everyone is really rooting for you, plenty of good snacks on trail – you really felt looked after! Thanks Dave and team!”
RunnerForest of Dean Ultra 2026
“My favourite running event. Can’t stop coming back! Great route, great vibes, well organised.”
Richard H.Malvern Hills Trail Half 2026
“Forest of Dean Ultra was exceptionally organised, great pre-event comms and brilliant atmosphere throughout. Dave knows how to put on an event. Route was lovely, post race goodies amazing and value overall was brilliant.”
RunnerForest of Dean Ultra 2026
“This was a very well organised and effectively delivered event and all due credit to Dave Talbot and his team. The course was very challenging but included remarkable views and scenery.”
Harold S.Malvern Hills Trail Half 2026
“First Ultra. Tough but so well organised and beautiful route… a day later and I can confirm I loved it!!”
RunnerForest of Dean Ultra 2026
“Equally good was the organisation, communication and support from Dave and his team. We have been to several of his events now and they have all been great.”
Andrew G.Malvern Hills Trail Half
Make the Super Looper Part of Your Season
Malvern Hills Trail Half Marathon
Saturday 24 April 2027 – six weeks later. 13 miles along the Malvern ridge with no cut-off time. The Super Looper is ideal hill training for it.
Forest of Dean Ultra Marathon
Saturday 9 October 2027. A 55 km self-navigated trail ultra from Beechenhurst – and it runs right past Symonds Yat Rock.
Thinking about going further? Read our guide to running your first ultra marathon.
Symonds Yat and Our Trail Races in Pictures
Super Looper Questions
Book Your Place on the First Super Looper
Six hours, one loop, as many laps as you dare – and only 100 places. Entry is £66 (£55 + VAT), minimum age 18.
Questions?
Dave is happy to help with anything about the race. More information will be sent to runners nearer the time.