The Black Beacon Mountain Races are a series of long distance mountain trail races crossing the Black Mountains and Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Parks from South to North.  There are 4 race distances to choose from; 100 mile mountain ultramarathon, 50 mile ultramarathon, 50km (34 mile) 'Ultra Bach' trail race and a Trail Marathon race.  All races finish in Hay-on-wye at the Northern edge of the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park.

These are stunning, adventurous mountain running challenges with a choice of race distances suitable for all abilities.   The trails are fast and not overly technical, the navigation is relatively straight forwards and the scenery is spectacular. You will also be supported by our wonderful volunteers and professional event staff with well stocked checkpoints along the course - 13 for the Black Beacon 100, 6 for the Black Beacon 50, and 4 for the Ultra Bach and Marathon.  They provide comprehensive refreshments details of which can be found in the 'checkpoint' section below.  In addition there are 2 drop bags available for the 100 mile runners and 1 for the 50 mile runners.

• 100 miles with +7500m ascent
• 50 miles with +3750 ascent 
• Ultra Bach 34 miles with +2400m ascent
• Marathon 26 miles with +1600m ascent 

Black Beacon 100

The Black Beacon 100 is a unique out and back traverse of the Bannau Brycheiniog and Black Mountains.  The adventure starts at the Northern tip of the national park at the market town of Hay-on-wye, with an ascent onto the Black mountains plateau, followed by an amazing rollercoaster ride over mountains summits that form the spine of the route.  The first half of the race culminates, with some fast running through waterfall country into Pontneddfechen at the Southern tip of the national park, before participants turn around and retrace their steps back across to Hay-on-wye and the race finish.  Along the way you will cross 44 summits and have wonderful views over the Welsh borderlands and mountains.

This adventure is suitable for experienced ultra-marathon runners looking for the complete physical and mental challenge.  However, the trails are fast and not overly technical, the navigation is relatively straight forwards and the scenery is spectacular.

The Black Beacon 50 mile route is another epic challenge involving a South to North crossing of the Black mountains and Bannau Brycheiniog.   The adventure starts at 8am on the Saturday morning in Pontneddfechen, in 'waterfall country' at the Southern tip of the Bannau Brycheiniog mountains range.  The route heads straight through waterfall country with some glorious and fast trail running, before gaining the summits of Fan Llia and Fan Fawr, before dropping down to Pont ar Daf to join the Ultra Bach 50km route. 

The 50km 'Ultra Bach' route traverses the Bannau Brycheiniog range, starting at Pont ar Daf Car park at the base of Pen y Fan. The main Bannau range lies in wait with the climbs of Fan Y Big, Crybyn and Pen Y Fan in quick succession - this is excellent ridgetop running and culminates in a dramatic long decent past carn pica to Talybont Reservior.  

The next summit is Tor Y Foel followed as runners head down towards Llangynidr and begin the traverse of the Black Mountains.

The Black Beacon Marathon starts in Talybont-on-Usk and heads over Tor y Foel with dramatic views over the Beacons range, then following Llangynidir the route heads over Llangorse common joining the ultra routes for the journey back to Hay-on-wye. 

For an interactive map and gps file of the provisional route please go to the link at the bottom of the page.  To download the gps click on 'actions', then 'export' and follow the onscreen prompts. 

The 50km Ultra Bach and Marathon races are both marked at major junctions with running arrows, illuminous tape or flags.  You will need to follow the route using a combination of the gps trace, markings and using the map if necessary.  Whilst there will be safety teams and marshals around the course, ultimately it is the participants responsibility to follow the published route using a combination of the gps trace, markers and map and compass.

There are 13 checkpoints for the Black Beacon 100, 6 for the Black Beacon 50, and 4 each for the Ultra Bach and trail marathon races. They will provide refreshments, water, energy drink, sweets, biscuits, crisps, etc.  In addition there are 2 drop bags available for the 100 mile runners and 1 for the 50 mile runners. 

Details of what's is provided at checkpoints is available on the blog here.

The Black Beacon 100 mile race starts at 1800 on Friday evening and has a 40 hour time limit (Sunday 1000). To continue on the route you must have left the turnaround point in Hay-on wye within 19 hours.

The Black Beacon 50 mile starts at 0800 on Saturday morning and has a 26 hour time limit (Sunday at 1000). 

The Black Beacon Ultra Bach starts at 0930 on Saturday from Pont ar Daf and has a generous 14 hour time limit (Saturday at 2330).

The Black Beacon Trail Marathon race starts at 1030 on Saturday from Talybont-on-Usk and has a generous 13 hour time limit (Sunday at 2330).

The event base is at Cusop Hall, Hay on Wye and has the following facilities; 

•        Toilets

•        Race HQ

•        Onsite refreshments

As the Black Beacon 50 mile, Ultra Bach and trail race routes are linear you will need to either get dropped off at the start or park your car at the finish and catch one of the busses provided to the start of the event.  The bus will leave Hay-on-Wye at
 

0600 (Saturday) for the Black Beacon ultra 50 mile 

0815 (Saturday) for the Black Beacon Ultra Bach 50km race 

0915 (Saturday) for the Black Beacon marathon trail race

If you want to catch the bus you need to select this option when you sign up. You will be able to leave a drop bag at the start that will be transported to the finish for you.

There is no bus transport required for the 100 mile course. 

Alternative Sunday morning bus transport.

There is the option of staying in Hay-on-Wye after the race and booking on the Sunday morning coach transport back to the various race starts. This would allow you to park at one of the race starts in Pontneddfechen, Pont ar Daf (or storey arms layby car park), or Talybont-on-Usk and then stay in Hay on Wye overnight or when you finish, then catch the coach back to the race starts. The coach will leave at 0900 on Sunday morning and will drop of at Talybont, Pont ar Daf then Pontneddfechen. To take this option then please select this when you register. 

There is a compulsory kit list that must be carried. This may vary depending on the conditions. This can be viewed here.

These are challenging mountain routes. To enter you must be in good fitness and be able to complete the distance you have registered for.   You must also be able to follow the course using a combination of the gps trace and map. You must be able to look after yourself in a potentially hostile mountain environment and in extreme weather. 

100 Miles - This is suitable for experienced ultramarathon runners.  To participate in the 100 mile race you need to have at least completed a similar mountain 50 mile ultramarathon within the time limits.  You should also be very comfortable being self sufficient in the mountains and also will need to be a competent night time navigator. If in doubt you should enter one of the shorter race distances which will allow you to gain the necessary skills and experience before taking on this challenge.

50 Miles -  To participate in the 50 mile race you must be able to follow the route with gps or map and be able to stay fully self-sufficient. If in doubt you should enter a shorter distance, or an alternative race on our events calendar in order to gain the appropriate experience.

34 & 26 Miles - These are challenging  races but have a more forgiving time limit than the 100 or the 50 mile races.  Be aware there are technical sections as well as large amounts of ascent and descent and you should be adequately prepared for these. 

There are four race distances available for competitors. There is also the option of adding coach transport from the finish to the start as required. You can select the appropriate options when you sign up online. 

 

Black Beacon 100 mile race (£150)

Black Beacon 50 mile race (£80)

Black Beacon Ultra Bach 50km race (£55)

Black Beacon Trail Marathon (£40)

Coach Transport (£10)

Sunday Coach Transport (£10)
Event T-shirt (£15)

Event hoodie (£35)

Checkpoints with refreshments

Finishers medal

Race buff

Physiotherapy and Emergency First Aid Cover

Mountain safety teams

Accurate and tested GPS file

Free race photography for downloads and bragging

GPS tracking and timing for all races 

Please consult the race FAQs for greater details on the event. Checkpoint provisions can be found on the website blog.