PSUK CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS 2025
Proudly hosted by North Wales Police Sports Association
Wednesday, March 5th 2025
Venue – Gwrych Castle, Llanddulas Road, Abergele, LL22 8ET
Gwrych Castle is an imposing gothic ruin on the picturesque North Wales coastline, with spectacular sea views and impressive architecture around every corner. The Castle gained fame as the filming location for I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! for two consecutive years.
It is a Grade I listed country house, one of the first attempts at replicating true medieval architecture in Europe. Built between 1812 and 1822 it stands in 250 acres of gardens and grounds.
Directions: What3Words ///listed.connects.ivory
Located just off the A55, leave at Junction 24 for Abergele. Follow the A547.
From the A547, look out for the very large stone arch with two large round towers and enter the drive to Gwrych Castle Estate. Continue along this drive, passing through Manorafon Farm Park and Abergele Golf Course until you reach the castle grounds from where you will be directed to park.
There is an all-weather car park on site which will be managed (Parking ‘donation’ in aid of the Castle Trust, suggested minimum amount £3 per car, £5 per minibus. Remember to bring some cash.)
There will be Portaloo’s located within the carpark but no changing facilities. The castle facilities will not be in use.
A catering van will be located at the race finish area for you to purchase hot drinks, and food should you need a pre- or post-race boost.
There is also a Tesco close to the Castle entrance
The course
You’re in Wales and its cross country – say no more! The course isn’t classic cross-country terrain, instead we’ve made use of the wider estate which allows us to enjoy a mixture of level grassland along with woodland paths, plus a little bit of Castle thrown in!
Entries
Complete your entry here – https://secure.onreg.com/onreg2/front/step1.php?id=6834
There are 2 options –
Race entry only – £16
Race and evening function – £58
There is an unlimited number of places for the race but there are only 250 places for the evening function on a first come first serve basis so get in quickly! (We can squeeze additional people if the demand is there)
Race
The ladies’ race will be at 1pm over approximately 7km.
The men’s race will be at 2pm over approximately 10km.
The start will be at the car park area, with the finish located on the castle ramparts with an excellent view and wonderful photo opportunities.
If you ever fancied taking part in a bush tucker trail, well, you may be in luck at the finish line with some tasty goodies and you will be given a memorable keepsake for taking part in the race.
Awards- XC awards categories
Evening presentation
Venue Cymru, Promenade, Llandudno, LL30 1BB
Parking –
Venue Cymru operates a Pay and Display car park at the rear of the building (off Mostyn Broadway, LL30 1YR), with designated disabled parking bays to the left of the main entrance. Parking is also available on the Promenade which is also Pay and Display until 4pm, to which then it is free of charge.
Please arrive at 6pm prompt and enjoy a drinks reception along with our very own NWP choir who will be bringing some traditional music to really get you immersed in the Welsh culture.
You will be provided with a 3-course evening meal (each force club rep will be sent a spreadsheet to complete food choices for their team, which must be submitted no later than 3 weeks before the event).
Food choices as follows-
Duck leg Bon Bon, sesame wonton crisps, soya sauce and honey reduction
or
Goats cheese dauphinoise with a chargrilled mild, red pepper salsa (V)
***
Chicken supreme with pressed celeriac and potato, charred tender stem broccoli, truffle stuffing croquet and a chicken reduction
or
Barbecue glazed belly pork with pork crackling, smoked salt mashed potato, Cajun pumpkin and sweetcorn relish
***
Warm Treacle tart with milk ice cream and amaretto syrup
or
Mango, pineapple and coconut Pavlova with mint chilli salsa
**** A vegetarian option will be prepared as well as meals for anyone with specific dietary requirements.
The evening will consist of the usual awards presentation followed by our very talented band, The Raccoons, made up of NWP officers and who have really made a name for themselves across North Wales performing at festivals, weddings and entertainment venues. They will not disappoint (no pressure gents!).
Last orders are at midnight
Dress code – black tie (preferred) or lounge suit
Accommodation
There are hundreds of hotels in Llandudno and many within walking distance of Venue Cymru.
Additional to those on this website there is both a Premier Inn and Travel Lodge in the town centre with very reasonably priced rooms. Premier Inn Travelodge
Regular news, course photos and general updates will be placed on the PSUK Cross Country Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/groups/877805760318141/?ref=share
You can also get in touch with us on Facebook if you have any other questions.
Or contact clare.foreman@northwales.police.uk for more information.