50k and 21 miles

The Black Beacon Mountain races are epic long distance running races crossing the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park from North to South.  There are 4 race distances to choose from; a 21 mile mountain trail race starting in Brecon, a 50k mountain trail race (UltraBach) starting in Llangynidir, a  50 mile mountain ultramarathon starting at 11pm on Friday night in Hay-on-wye AND a 100 mile mountain ultramarathon.  All races finish in Pontneddfechen at the Southern edge of the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National park. 

The 100 mile Black Beacon race is a gruelling out and back traverse of the Bannau Brycheiniogs (Brecon Beacons) and Black Mountains and is one of the worlds toughest ultramarathons. 

Participants start at the Southern tip of the national park, initially following some amazing trails through 'waterfall country', before gaining Fan Llia and conquering the amazing rollercoaster of mountains which transverse the Brecon Beacons and Black mountains. The first half of the race culminates in the Market town of Hay-on wye at the Northern tip of the national park, before participants turn around and retrace their steps back across to waterfall country, Pontneddfechen and the race finish.

This challenge should not be underestimated - it is tough, there is a lot of 'vert' (7,500m)  and it is only suitable for the hardiest mountain goats! 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 tough challenge which includes over 3750m of ascent and starts at 11pm on the Friday night in the Market town of Hay-on-Wye at the Northern end of the Brecon Beacons and Black Mountains range.  The route heads straight up Hay Bluff into the Black Mountains and the darkness of night.  A dramatic high-level ridgeline traverse over mountain summits follows, set against the backdrop of stars and the lights of the small villages before dropping down to Llangynidir and the start of the Ultra Bach race. 

The 50k Ultra bach route is not an easy option either,  with an epic 2400m ascent! The race starts in the small village of Llangynidr at the Northern boundary of the Brecon Beacons National Park.  The route heads out (and over) the central Brecon Beacons with some excellent ridgetop running.  The first summit is Tor Y Foel followed by a stunning climb past waterfalls to the top of Craig Y Fan Ddu.  For the 50 mile runners you will be rewarded with breath taking views as the sun rises over the mountains.  However, the main Beacons range now lies in wait with the climbs of Fan Y Big, Crybyn and Pen Y Fan in quick succession!

The 21 mile Black Beacon trail race starts its 1600m ascent with an amazing climb up the North Ridge of Cribyn (watch out- it's steep!) where it meets the ultra race runners at the top.  All routes then head down Cribyn and up 'Jacobs Ladder' to the summit of Pen Y Fan - for the 100 mile runners, it is the 2nd time they summit the highest peak in southern Britain (mile 85)!  A short run across to Corn Du is followed by a fast fun descent to the Storey Arms Centre to cross the A470.  Fan Fawr follows, then Fan Llia before dropping down a long descent into Ystradfellte and the fast runnable forest trails of Waterfall Country.  Here you pass under the breath-taking Sgwd Yr Eira Waterfall - another highlight of the route.  A fast mile all on single track forestry trails brings you to the finish in Pontneddfechen on the southern edge of the National Park. 

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 route is navigational and you must be able to follow the published route using the gps trace and map. For a competent navigator the route is relatively simple to follow and typically follows obvious lines, mountain trails and footpaths. You will also receive a marked map and gps file and 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, map, compass and markers.

There are 13 well stocked checkpoints for the Black Beacon 100, 6 for the Black Beacon 50, and 3 each for the Ultra Bach and Trail race. They will provide refreshments, water, energy drink, sweets, biscuits, crisps, etc.  In addition there is 3 drop bags available for the 100 mile runners and 1 for the 50 mile runners. 

The Black Beacon 100 mile race starts at 0900 on Friday morning and has a 38 hour time limit (Saturday 2300). 
To continue on the route you must have left the turnaround point in Hay-on wye within 17.5 hours (0230 Saturday).

The Black Beacon 50 mile starts at 2300 on Friday night and has a 24 hour time limit (Saturday at 2300). 

The Black Beacon Ultra-bach 50k starts at 1000 on Saturday and has a 13 hour time limit (Saturday at 2300). 

The Black Beacon Trail Race race starts at 1400 on Saturday and has a 9 hour time limit (Saturday at 2300).

The event base is at Pontneddfechen and has the following facilities; 

•    Optional camping for the weekend (payable on arrival at the event HQ)

•        Parking for participants

•        Toilets 

•        Registration office

•        Onsite refreshments

As the Black Beacon 50mile, ultrabach 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 at
 

2100 (Friday) for the Black Beacon ultra 50 mile.

0800 (Saturday) for the Black Beacon ultra bach 50k.

1200 (Saturday) for the Black Beacon 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 100mile course. 

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

These are very challenging mountain route. 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 also be able to look after yourself in a potentially hostile mountain environment. 

100 Miles - This is not suitable for inexperienced 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 self sufficient and a competent night time navigator.

50 Miles -  To participate in the 50 mile race you must be a competent night-time navigator and be able to stay fully self-sufficient in a potentially hospitable environment. 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 & 21 Miles - These are challenging races but have a more forgiving time limit than the 100 or the 50.  Be aware there are technical sections as well as large amounts of ascent and descent and you should be adequately prepared for these. 

0700              Car park opens (100 miles)

0700-0800   100 mile registration in Pontneddfechen

0800             100 mile race brief

0900             100 mile start

1900             Car park opens (50 miles) 

2000-2100   50 mile registration Pontneddfechen

2115             Coach pick up for 50 milers

2230             Race brief

2300             Ultra 50 mile race start

0645             Car park opens (Ultra Bach) 

0730-0815   Ultra Bach registration Pontneddfechen

0830             Coach pick up for Ultra Bach

0930             Race Brief in Llangynidir

1000             Ultra Bach Race Start 

1030             Car park opens (Trail race)

1045-1145   Trail Race registration Pontneddfechen

1200             Coach collection (Trail Race)

1400             Trail Race Start in Brecon 

2300             All Courses Close

1000             Camping Closes

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 Bach 50k Race (£55)

Black Beacon Trail Race (£50)

Coach Transport (£10)

Weekend camping (£20 - payable on the weekend of the event)

Event T-shirt (£15)

Event Hoodie (£35)

Donation to Wales Air Ambulance

Donation to CAVRA

Donation to Brecon Beacons Mountain rescue

Checkpoints with refreshments

Finishers medal

Race buff

Physiotherapy and Emergency First Aid Cover

Mountain safety teams

Route map 

GPS file

Free race photography

GPS tracker (worth £15)

All entry is on the SiEntries system at the following link.