Entry Fee £85

What your entry fee includes:

• Race entry
• Parking
• Coach transport 
• Electronic timing 
• Live GPS tracking and map for friends and family to follow from Open Tracking
• Race buff
• Marked course
• 6 checkpoints
• Half way drop bag transport 
• Finishers medal (strictly for finishers only)
• Emergency first aid cover
• Event photos and on-course banter from Tosh Simpkin
• Welsh weather

Optional extras:

• Technical race t-shirt £15
• Race Hoodie £35

Please note: in order to keep entry fees down, support local businesses and inline with what our regular runners prefer there is no meal provide at the finish and instead competitors have a choice of purchasing food and drinks in the onsite cafe at the college or numerous local restaurants and fast food outlets.

Saturday

1700-2000 Registration in Nantgarw

Sunday

0630 Bus pick up from Nantgarw and travel to Brecon

0715-0800 Registration in Brecon (only available if pre-booked*)

0730 Bus arrives Brecon

0810 Race brief in Theatre

0830 Race start from Brecon

2200 Cut off time Nantgarw

*Please note there is no registration on Sunday morning in Nantgarw.  This is a change to previous years if you are returning to the event.

If you would like to register in Brecon you can book this by e-mail.  You will receive a pre-race email letting you know when to do this - please don't e-mail before this date as they will need to be re-sent.

• Rucksack or suitable means to carry kit
• Waterproof jacket (with taped seams)
• Waterproof trousers (with taped seams)
• Upper body long sleeve thermal mid layer (warm) top minimum weight 300g or 2 lighter tops totalling over 300g*
• Lower body base layer or running leggings
• Warm hat or buff
• Head torch
• Gloves
• Whistle
• Compass (a watch or phone compass is acceptable)
• Appropriate trail running footwear with adequate grip for slippery off road conditions
• Foil survival blanket or foil bivy bag
• Small first aid kit to include: blister plasters, sterile dressing and bandage or tape
• Mobile phone
• Emergency map (provided)
• Water bottle 500ml minimum and/or cup for drinks at checkpoints 
• Appropriate food / energy products for your expected time for the event
• A device with the GPS route on it** (This may be a phone app, gps watch, or handheld gps unit). The device must have sufficient battery life to last the event.
• Open tracking GPS Tracker (provided)

Advisory / Optional Kit  

• Thermal and or fleece top (in addition to compulsory long sleeve top)
• Lower body base layer or trousers
• Hydration tablets or similar
• Money
• Ice spikes / running crampons
• Running poles
• Sunglasses
• Sun cream
• Additional food or energy products specific to your taste.

Notes

*You must carry either two additional standard Base layers (combined weight >300g) or a thicker synthetic mid-layer such as fleece or primaloft top with a minimum weight of 300g. This is additional to what you start the race in. 

**Many runners will already have a gps watch that displays the route. If you don't own a gps watch, the simplest way to have the gps file available to view is to use a phone app. There are several phone apps available, and we recommend the OutDoors GPS app from ordnance survey. This app gives you a map and gps dot which identifies your location, and you can download the route onto it. It is really useful if you mistakenly miss a sign or come off the route or if you intend on recceing some of the course. A short tutorial explaining how to use and download the route onto the outdoor gps app is available here

There are 6 manned checkpoints.  Each one is listed below with distance and cut off time shown along with a list of what you can expect to find at each checkpoint.

CP1 - 8 miles (Cut off 1030) 

Water, sweets, biscuits, bars, energy drink

CP2 - 14 miles (Cut off 1230) 

Water, biscuits, crisps, fruit, energy drink

CP3 - 20 miles (Cut off 1430) 

Water, biscuits, crisps, fruit, energy drink

CP4 - 24.5 miles (Cut off1600)  

Drop bags available here.  Water, sweets, biscuits, crisps, sandwiches (cheese, jam, peanut butter, chocolate spread) fruit, chocolate, energy drink, tea / coffee

CP5 - 30 miles (Cut off 1730) 

Water, sweets, biscuits, crisps, chocolate bars, fruit, energy drink

CP6 - 37 miles (Cut off 1930) 

Water, sweets, biscuits, crisps, tea / coffee, sausage & chips

Finish -  43 miles (Cut off 2200).

Drop Bags 

Your drop bag will be provided at registration and should be labelled with your name and race number.

All of your drop bag items must fit in the bag and the drawstrings should be tied shut.  Drop bags are 44cm x 33cm.

All drop bags can be collected from the finish from approximately 4pm onwards.  

Please note this is an estimate and that, depending on what is happening on the course this could be delays.  If you are unable to wait for your drop bag, or if you forget to pick it up, they can be posted to you in the week after the event.  Post & package will apply to all returned drop bags.

The route is marked with a combination of running arrows, orange marking tape and flags at each major junction. 

The route mainly follows the Taff Trail cycle path.  It is possible to navigate the route completely using the in situated Taff Trail signs, but we add signage to make it easier to follow. 

All competitors are required to carry a device with the gps route on it, and this could be a running watch, mobile phone app, or handheld gps device.  You will also be provided with a basic marked map to help you find your way back onto the course if you miss a sign. 

You should download the GPS file onto your watch, smartphone or hand held device and keep a firm eye on this throughout.  To download the race GPS file, click on the map and chjoose 'actions', then 'export' and follow the onscreen prompts.

There is a short online video presentation explaining the steps required to upload the route onto the outdoorgps smart phone app here. 

Car - If you are coming by car, Nantgarw is easy to reach by following the M4 West into Wales.  Leave the M4 at Junction 32 to follow the A470.  Leave the A470 following signs to 'Treforest Industrial Estate'.  To College is directly ahead.  Parking is in several large car parks around the college and is included in the race fee.

Train – The closest train staion is Treforest.
From here is is a short walk to the event HQ, signposted from the station.  Trins run on a Sunday, but you can plan your journey using the Trainline website: Trainline

Staying in Cardiff / the local area

As you would expect for a capital city there are many places to stay – Air B&B, hostels, B&Bs and hotels.  The choice is yours!  These are all then a short drive / taxi ride to the start.  However, you may appreciate one that is close to the finish so you can stagger just a short distance before you rest.  The closest hotels to the finish are:

Travelodge Carephilly

At the top of the hill overlooking Nantgarw

1 Beddau Way, Caerphilly CF83 2AX

08719846364

Website

Travelodge M4

One junction along the M4 from where you leave for the A470

Moto Service Area, M4 Motorway, Cardiff CF72 8SA

08719846226

Website

Village Hotel

Around 5 miles away just off the A470 / M4 junction

29 Pendwyallt Road, Cardiff, CF14 7EF

0292 1671120

Website

Premier Inn Caerphilly (Crossways)

In Caerphilly, a short drive from the finish

Crossways Business Park, Caerphilly CF83 3NL

03337773974

Website

Premier Inn Caerphilly (Corbetts Lane)

Also in Caerphilly and surprisingly close to the other Premier Inn

Corbetts Ln, Pwllypant, Llanbradach, Caerphilly CF83 3HX

03337773973

Website

For those of you who have supporters, the information below will help them follow you around the course.  

PLEASE NOTE there are several locations where supporters should NOT come to watch / support you.  As a runner, it is your responsibility to make sure your supporters are aware of these areas and avoid them.  Any supporters at these locations will incur penalties for the runner in question or disqualification.

The Taff Trail route from Brecon has many places to stop at along the way for supporters to cheer you on.  However, not many have a large amount of parking immediately available.  Large portions of the route run close to residential housing and streets where parking is limited.  In order to reduce our impact on the local community, we have listed some official locations where supporters can / cannot view the race.

The northern part of the route in the Beacons is quite hard to access, so the best points after the start are from Merthyr onwards.  We have listed some of the easiest to find ones below. 

The Start outside Theatr Brycheiniog, LD3 7EW 

There is ample parking at the race start and plenty of places to watch / take pictures as the runners head along the canal and off towards the Bannau. 

Talybont-on-usk, LD3 7JD 

Approximately 7 miles from the start, Talybont-on-Usk is easily reached from Brecon.  Please avoid parking in the White Hart Pub or obstructing local residents or businesses. 

Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons)

Due to the narrow roads in the National Park we would NOT recommend that supporters follow the route into the Bannau.  Runners will use these roads and additional traffic poses a real safety risk to both the runners and to safety vehicles accessing the course.  Supporters should, instead, head to Merthyr and join runners there.

Checkpoint 1&2 - IMPORTANT

There is no supporter access at either checkpoint.  Vehicles here will cause a serious danger to runners and to race vehicles.  Please remind supporters to avoid this location.

Checkpoint 3, Pontsticill Village

This is a small village and we would recommend that supportes do not come here.  Runners will be through it very quickly and a small number of cars here will make a big impact on the traffic and the residents of the village.  We advise you head to...

Checkpoint 4, Merthyr College, CF48 1AR

The checkpoint is located at the college where there is a large car park to the left hand side of the main building.  This is a great place to meet runners as there is ample parking and with the Beacons section behind them, they'll need some encouragement to take on the remaining miles! 

Please note there is no access to supporters or supports crews in the building.

Checkpoint 4, Aberfan - IMPORTANT

There is no supporter access to Checkpoint 4 (Aberfan), as it is on very narrow lanes which must be kept open for safety team and medical access.  The runners also need to cross-roads along this stretch so extra vehicles causes an additional hazard.  There are many locations further along the trail where you can meet your runner.

Abercynon Train Station

51 Station Rd, Abercynon, Mountain Ash CF45 4TQ

Following the runners South, the next major place to see them is at Abercynon.  The trin station here provides plenty of parking and the route is a short walk from the station.  

Checkpoint 5, Pontypridd

This checkpoint is in residential streets where there is limited parking.  We would ask supporters to respect the local community and not to attend this checkpoint.  As we are in an increasingly suburban area, your best bet from here would be to head straight to the finish.

The Finish, Coleg Y Cymoedd, Nantgarw, CF15 7QX

The end!  Where you will probably be most warmly appreciated.  There is parking, showers, toilets, food, everything that both a supporter and race finisher could want.  The race finish should be quite easy to spot once you leave the A470 and head towards Parc Nantgarw.  The College building is a very large building, with colour panels, on your left as you enter the industrial estate.

There is a list of FAQs on the event website that you can find here

Cancellations

If competitors withdraw prior to the event, the following costs are incurred: 

5 months before the event, 75% of entry fee will be refunded OR you can transfer the remaining cost (75% of entry fee) off a different event.  

2 months before the event, 50% of entry fee will be refunded OR you can transfer the remaining cost (50% of entry fee) to a different race.

Your deferral or refund will be processed within 30 days of initial e-mail. 

1 month before the event, no refunds or Transfers to another race are available.

Ttransfers

You can transfer your place to another participant until two weeks prior to the race day, but you must contact us first and follow the instructions we provide. Any transfers without our consent will not be honoured. 

General Terms

Please do not enter any event unless you agree to take full responsibility for your own health, fitness and well-being whilst out on the route and agree to our terms and conditions. 

For distance races you must be able to navigate the route and have experience / intend to gain experience of night navigation (if required). 

Competitors must read carefully all of the information provided on the Run Walk Crawl website, including kit lists, route details and safety information. 

Competitors should not take part in the event if they are knowingly under prepared, have an undisclosed medical condition or current medical illness (eg: chest infection) or any other condition which may compromise their safety. 

All details provided by competitors must be accurate at time of entry. Any changes to personal or medical details must be notified to the event organisers by email. before the start of the race. 

If you are unable to attend the race please let the organisers know only via e-mail. Please note Facebook messenger or calling via telephone are not an accepted method of cancelling or deferring entry.  

Your deferral or refund will be processed within 30 days of initial e-mail. 

Competitors must follow the rules and regulations of the event as outlined by the organising team. 

If the organisers are forced to cancel the event for any reason, a new date will be established and all entries will be carried forwards. If no alternative date is available, all entries will be carried forwards to the next year. 

Entrants should always act in a manner which ensures minimal impact upon the environment, event route and local inhabitants.   These include but are not limited to: 

Leaving no litter 

Closing gates 

Acting responsibly around livestock 

Being quiet when travelling through villages at night 

Keeping to marked paths 

Any entrant not acting in this manner, either during or before the event, will be disqualified and their entry fee will not be refunded. 

Officials also reserve the right to withdraw a participant from the event if they deem that it is unsafe for them to continue.

Self-sufficiency

All our events are self-sufficient which means participants complete the course carrying compulsory kit, following the route (details below), and being responsible for themselves and there safety.  This is standard practice in these types of ultra-running, trail running, walking and fell running events.  The organisers will provide additional safety cover, aid stations / checkpoints, to help you complete the challenge.

Participants must be aware of and look out for traffic and road crossings, general members of the public, other path or road users, as well as livestock, dogs and bikes. It is your responsibility to keep yourself safe whilst following the route. You must pay reasonable attention to your safety on the paths, mountains, cliff edges and roads. You must give way to other path users and keep to single file when paths are narrow, busy or when instructed to by marshals.  

Marshals will be on the course at checkpoints, and generally around the start areas. In addition there will be a first aid and safety team monitoring the course. There will not be marshals every couple of hundred meters on the course. Some sections of the courses may be exposed and you could not see another person on it! This is one of the great reasons to do this type of event. However, if you are NOT completely confident with this style of event you should not enter! 

Abuse of marshals is unacceptable.  Any participant guilty of this will be immediately withdrwan from the race.

You should be familiar with the serious disabling consequences of hypothermia, dehydration and heat exhaustion and act appropriately during the race.  You should also take appropriate action to avoid getting into the above situations which increases the risk of the above occurring. 

You must take note of the length and severity of the race and local weather forecast for the day and judge their capabilities accordingly.  If the weather forecast is particularly bad then you should add additional kit (for example warmer clothing) based on your ability. Remember the compulsory kit is just the minimum required! You may need more.

Take reasonable care not to create hazards that may cause harm to other people and support anyone in need of assistance, even if it means abandoning their race.  

By entering the event you are agreeing to take responsibility for your actions and that you are competent to participate in such an event.

Checkpoints and Cut-Offs  

You must report to each checkpoint and ensure your race number is recorded by the marshal.

All checkpoints have a strictly enforced cut-off. The cut-offs have been determined by the organizers to allow you to complete the event in the allotted time. They are there to ensure the safety of all participants and marshals. They are necessary so our resources especially first aiders and safety marshals are able to be in the correct positions for competitors. Any participant that has not departed the Check Point by the cut-off time will be retired from the event. 

Retirements & Repatriation

The support team and organizers will be doing everything we can to get every competitor to the finish line. If participants need to retire at any other location (other than a checkpoint) it is critical that they communicate this to the Race Director urgently as per the emergency instruction printed on the map. 

Unless it is a major emergency you should make yourself comfortable using your safety kit and find shelter. If you are safe and not a major medical emergency then you may have to wait some time before a marshal can pick you up. We would strongly advise competitors to carry sufficient money so that they could get a taxi just in case.

Compulsory Kit 

Having the right kit could be essential for yours or other competitor’s safety during the event. We have also made certain undertakings on behalf of the competitors to landowners and authorities about what safety kit competitors will be carrying. There will be kit checks during the event and at the finish line. There will be random kit checks for many competitors. The leading runners can expect a kit check at the end of the race! Competitors found to be missing mandatory items can expect to be disqualified from the event. If you have any questions about the acceptability of your kit please do not hesitate to contact us.

You agree to carry sufficient kit, e.g. body and leg cover which gives protection from the effects of wind chill and, rain and safety equipment, (including food and drink) throughout the race to be able to provide protection from hypothermia, or dehydration and heat in the worst foreseeable weather conditions during the race, noting that rescue could take a long time.  

Factors including weather and terrain mean that these style of races takes place in a hazardous environment. Competitors must have appropriate experience in the conditions that may be encountered so that they can manage their own safety.  

The Race Organisers have a duty of care to competitors in their race, however competitors must accept that race monitoring arrangements, e.g. marshals and checkpoint recording are primarily designed to ensure ‘fair competition’ and must not be considered a ‘safety net’.  A competitor enters a race on the understanding that they are responsible for their own safety.  The competitor must obey all instructions from the organisers and officials but must equip and conduct themselves as though they were unsupported for the duration of the race.  

Once registered you are ‘in’ the race. If you retire from the race you must text or phone the race number printed on the map, and let the next checkpoint know. This is a check to ensure everyone is safe at the end of the event. If you fail to do this you will be held responsible for us contacting mountain rescue and the police as a missing person and be liable for any charges!

Participants must not drop litter and must deposit litter in bins provided at the checkpoints and finish. Anyone caught dropping litter will instantly be disqualified.