Brecon to Cardiff Xtreme Ultra and Taff Xtreme Marathon Supporter Information

Live GPS Tracking provided by open tracking can be found at the following link.



The information below will help you follow runners around the course. This guide is for the Brecon to Cardiff Xtreme Ultra and Taff Xtreme Marathon races and there is a separate guide for the Brecon to Cardiff Classic race.  

PLEASE NOTE there are several locations where supporters should NOT come to watch / support. These are described below.
 
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 below.
 
IMPORTANT
There is NO SUPPORTER ACCESS to checkpoint 2 Ponsticill Reservoir or checkpoint 3 Merthyr (Cefn Coed community centre). This is for safety reasons to allow race vehicles access and / or because there isn't sufficient space for supporters to park or even turn around. 
 
It is the runners responsibility to make sure supporters are aware of these areas and avoid them. Any supporters at these locations will incur penalties for the runner in question or disqualification.
 
There are many locations that are better suited and these are listed below.
 
1.  The Start outside Theatr Brycheiniog, LD3 7EW (B2C Xtreme Ultra only)
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 (Beacons). 

2. Pontsticill Village, Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 2UN (B2C Xtreme Ultra only)
Here you will see the runners as they exit the Brecon Beacons. Please park considerately as it is a small village. 

3. Cyfarthfa Retail Park, Swansea Rd, Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 1HY (B2C Xtreme Ultra only)
The route passes between the retail parks before heading up and onto the mountain paths. There is ample parking and plenty of restaurants and coffee shops. 

4. Start of Taff Xtreme Marathon by Merthyr Tydfil Leisure Centre, CF48 1UT (Taff Xtreme Marathon only)
The race starts alongside the Taff Trail. Please do not block the trail for runners or other trail users. 

5. Merthyr College, CF48 1AR (Taff Xtreme Marathon only)
There are large car parks to the front and side of the main college 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!  
 
6. Riverside Retail Park, Aberaman, CF44 0AH (B2C Xtreme Ultra and Taff Xtreme Marathon)
A large retail park with plenty of parking a short walk from where the runners pass through the town from their descent of off Twyn Gwersyllfa and before the head into the depths of the Llanwonno forestry. You'll be able to grab a coffee here or a bite to eat and tell them how tough it is following them around.

7. Outside Pontypridd High School, Cilfynydd Rd, Cilfynydd, Pontypridd CF37 4NX (All races) 
Runners on all courses can be seen close the school. Runners approach here from different directions, depending on the course. Therefore it is important to check the gps mapping when you arrive here to ensure you are on the correct course. 

8. The Finish, Coleg Y Cymoedd, Nantgarw, CF15 7QX (All races!) 
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 are plenty of food options surrounding the college and the café inside will be open through the afternoon. Please make note of the following:
 
Please drive with caution on entering / leaving the estate as there will be very tired runners crossing the roads as they head to the finish.
 
The college car park and access to it will be closed to vehicles once the race is in progress. Cars parked here will be allowed to leave under supervision of a race official.