FOR those Powys residents who love a punishing challenge, there’s not many events that sound scarier than a 30-mile ultra trail race up the Devil’s Staircase.

The Trailhead Get Jerky Devil's Staircase Ultra Trail Race has been revived for this spring after being postponed due to the pandemic in 2020.

The race will tackle the steep ascent of the iconic Devil's Staircase near Llanwrtyd Wells and is being organised by Green Events – renowned for their innovative, quirky and downright mad concoctions.

Llanwrtyd is famous for hosting a series of wacky and wonderful competitions, including the World Bog Snorkelling Championships, the Man versus Horse Marathon and the World Alternative Games, to name but a few.

The Trailhead Get Jerky Devil's Staircase Ultra Trail Race covers 50.3km (31.25 miles) and has a total ascent and descent of 5,361ft (1,634m).

Most of the race, taking place on Saturday, April 2, is off road with some short road sections including the “hellish” ascent (25 per cent) of the Devil's Staircase.

The race, originally planned for April 2020, is being sponsored by Trailhead Fine Foods’ Get Jerky brand, award-winning premium Welsh Beef Jerky snacks made in Welshpool.

They had even developed a fiery new flavour, called Devil's Wrath, especially for launch at the planned 2020 event. Devil’s Wrath is now part of ‘the Hot Ones’ Get Jerky collection.

When he heard that Green Events was launching the new event that involved taking on the imposing Devil’s Staircase, Trailhead’ managing director Arwyn Watkins was very keen to get involved.

County Times: The run is on this year after having to be postponed in 2020 The run is on this year after having to be postponed in 2020

“The Devil’s Staircase is set in Nant Irfon where my family and our forefathers have worked the land in the beautiful Irfon Valley for centuries,” said Arwyn.

“With the River Irfon and the race route running through the family farm, it was only right that Trailhead should support this challenge.

“The race also fits perfectly with the Get Jerky brand because the snacks are nutritious and high in protein, providing the fuel for customers to enjoy endurance activities.

“The extreme heat and adventurous flavours used in Devil’s Wrath represent an exhilarating challenge, which is exactly what this trail race is all about.”

Lindsay Ketteringham, chairman of Green Events, added: “The race will test endurance and stamina during the 50km trail and all the runners will be rewarded with a fantastic and lasting, memorable experience.

“We recognise that ultra trail running is a fast-growing sport and we have the terrain here for it. We are hoping to attract around 200 runners to experience this iconic journey.

“Having Trailhead Get Jerky as sponsor is a match made in heaven with the Watkins family connection, which is ideal.”

Trailhead’s handmade, artisan jerky is produced with responsibly sourced PGI Welsh Beef and marinated using secret, unique recipes. The jerky is high in protein, gluten free and low in fat, making it a healthy alternative to sugary and high fat snacks.

Get Jerky snacks are available in more than 100 stockists, ranging from one off boutique farm shops to selected Co-Op stores across Wales. Trailhead offers free UK delivery when ordered online at https://www.trailheadfinefoods.co.uk.

The race starts and finishes in the centre of Llanwrtyd and the route comprises a mixture of road, forest tracks and farmland.

Each runner will receive a unique devil medal and there will be prizes for the first three male and female runners. The entry fee is £45 which includes a T-shirt.

To enter the race online visit https://www.green-events.co.uk.