Margam Park Duathlon

From the start, athletes follow a broad tarmac path that heads west through the lower parkland, running parallel to the Ornamental Lake. This opening stretch provides a smooth, slightly undulating surface, ideal for settling into rhythm before the short ascent toward Margam Castle.

At Margam Castle, runners turn and head back towards East lodge car park. The return leg offers sweeping views of Margam Castle’s wooded slopes and the surrounding countryside, encouraging a strong, fast finish.

Distance / Elevation: 12.24 km / 103 m gain. A short, fast loop with a few gentle rises, ideal for newer athletes or those chasing speed. Notable sections include Harbour Way stretches and short urban connectors, rolling terrain with no sustained climbs. Athletes should keep momentum over the rollers and stay aero on the flatter Harbour Way sections. Expect light crosswinds in exposed spots.

Following the same initial park roadway used by the 3 km course. Runners head north through the open parkland with the Ornamental Lake to their left, before gradually climbing into the heart of Margam Country Park.

After passing the lakeside paths, the route veers right onto undulating park trails that wind toward the foot of Margam Castle. This section offers panoramic views of the historic estate, its wooded slopes, and the surrounding hills. A short climb beneath the

castle’s elevated terrace provides the course’s most notable elevation gain, followed by a smooth, steady descent toward the deer park. Runners then loop eastward along firm gravel paths, weaving through light woodland before re-joining the lower park road. The final kilometre returns south towards East Lodge, offering a fast, mostly downhill run in past open fields and the lake before crossing the finish line or entering transition for the bike segment.

Distance / Elevation: 23.29 km / 188 m gain. A longer loop extending onto faster A-roads/park approach, with a couple of punchy rises. Notable sections include

Harbour Way, links toward A48/Margam, plus short dunes rises near Cornelly. Athletes should pace the little climbs and use the long, steady flats to settle into target power.

Expect light crosswinds in exposed spots.

Two loops of the 5km route above.

Distance / Elevation: 38.42 km / 268 m gain. A rolling, scenic route with extended flat/fast sections and several short climbs. Most elevation comes in brief pitches.

Notable sections include links toward A48/Margam, short dunes rises, and seafront/urban connectors that reward smooth pacing and good bike handling. Athletes should keep fuelling simple and frequent, cap your effort on the shorter climbs so you can make time on the flats. Gusts are possible near open seafront and parkland.