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 North to South.  There are 4 race distances to choose from; 100 mile mountain ultramarathon, 50 mile ultramarathon, 31 mile 'Ultra Bach' trail race and a 21 mile mountain trail race.  All races finish in Pontneddfechen at the Southern 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 3 each for the Ultra Bach and Trail race.  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 +7900m ascent
• 50 Miles with +3750 ascent 
• 31 Miles with +2400m ascent
• 21 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 Southern tip of the national park, following some amazing trails through 'waterfall country', before the first big climb of Fan Llia which leads onto the amazing rollercoaster of mountains that form the spine of the route.  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 Pontneddfechan 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 North to South crossing of the Black mountains and Bannau Brycheiniog.   The adventure starts at 8am on the Saturday morning in the market town of Hay-on-Wye at the Northern end of the Black Mountains range.  The route heads straight up Hay Bluff into the Black Mountains and a dramatic high-level ridgeline traverse over mountain summits follows before dropping down to Llangynidir to join the Ultra Bach route. 

The 31 mile 'Ultra Bach' route traverses the Bannau Brycheiniog range, starting in the small village of Llangynidr at the Northern boundary of the national park.  The route heads out (and over) the central mountain range with some excellent ridgetop running.  The first summit is Tor Y Foel followed by a  challenging, but beautiful, 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 Bannau 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 with an amazing climb up the North Ridge of Cribyn where it meets the ultra distance races at the summit.  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 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 100 mile route and 50 mile routes are navigational challenges and you must be able to follow the published route using the gps trace.  For a competent navigator the route is very simple to follow and follows obvious lines, mountain trails and footpaths.  You will be required to carry an emergency map as part of the compulsory kit list.  There will also be markers out on both courses from Llangynidir checkpoint on the route back as the 31 mile route has markings.  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 any markers. 

The 31 mile Ultra Bach and trail 21 mile race 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 3 each for the Ultra Bach and trail race.  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 38 hour time limit (Sunday 0800). To continue on the route you must have left the turnaround point in Hay-on wye within 18 hours.

The Black Beacon 50 mile starts at 0800 on Saturday morning and has a 22 hour time limit (Sunday at 0600). 

The Black Beacon Ultra Bach 50 km starts at 0930 on Saturday and has a generous 20.5 hour time limit (Sunday at 0600).

The Black Beacon trail race race starts at 1130 on Saturday and has a generous 18.5 hour time limit (Sunday at 0600).

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

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

•        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 at
 

0600 (Saturday) for the Black Beacon ultra 50 mile

0800 (Saturday) for the Black Beacon Ultra Bach 31 mile 

1000 (Saturday) for the Black Beacon 21 mile 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. 

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 & 21 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. 

1400             Car park and camping opens (100 miles)

1600-1700   100 mile registration in Pontneddfechen

1715             100 mile race brief

1800             100 mile start

1900-2100   Registration for all remaining races in Pontneddfechen

0530             Car park opens Pontneddfechen

0600             Coach pick up for 50 mile runners from Pontneddfechen

0645-0745   50 mile registration Hay-on-Wye

0745             Race brief in Hay-on-Wye

0800             Ultra 50 mile race start in Hay-on-Wye

0800            Coach pick up for Ultra Bach runners

0815-0915  Ultra Bach registration Llangynidir

0915            Race Brief in Llangynidir

0930            Ultra Bach Race start Llangynidir

1000            Coach pick up for trail race runners

1030-1115  Trail race registration Brecon

1115            Race brief in Brecon

1130            Trail race Start in Brecon

0800              Course cut off for the 100 mile race

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 31 mile race (£55)

Black Beacon 21 mile Trail race (£40)

Coach Transport (£10)

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

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.