Black Beacon Mountain Races
19th-21st September 2025
'A night well spent...12,000ft of elevation, from waterfalls and reservoirs to the highest mountain peaks of South Wales. This race had it all... This is gonna be a classic!'
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, 50k mountain 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.
Race Distances
- 100 Miles with +7900m ascent
- 50 Miles with +3750 ascent
- 31 Miles with +2400m ascent
- 21 Miles with +1600m ascent
The Routes
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 50k 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.
Map and Gps
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.
Navigation
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 50km 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 50km ultra bach and trail 21mile 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.
Checkpoints
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.
Time limits and start times
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 50km starts at 1030 on Saturday and has a generous 21.5 hour time limit (Sunday at 0600).
The Black Beacon Trail Race race starts at 1300 on Saturday and has a generous 17 hour time limit (Sunday at 0600).
Event Base, Car Parking and Finish Location
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
Transport
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
0600 (Saturday)
for the Black Beacon ultra 50 mile.
0830 (Saturday)
for the Black Beacon ultra bach 50k.
1045 (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.
Compulsory Kit
There is a compulsory kit list that must be carried. This may vary depending on the conditions. This can be viewed
here.
Experience
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.
Timetable
- including Start, Coach Pick up and Registration Times
Friday
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
Saturday
0530 Car park opens Pontneddfechen
0600 Coach pick up for 50 milers from Pontneddfechen
0630-0730 50 mile registration Hay-on-Wye
0745 Race brief in Hay-on-Wye
0800 Ultra 50 mile race start in Hay-on-Wye
0830 Coach pick up for Ultra Bach
0900-1000 Ultra Bach registration Llangynidir
1015 Race Brief in Llangynidir
1030 Ultra Bach Race start Llangynidir
1045 Coach collection (Trail race)
1130-1230 Trail Race registration Brecon
1300 Trail Race Start in Brecon
Sunday
0600 Course cut off for the 50mile, Ultra Bach 50km, Trail race
0800
Course cut off for the 1000mile race
Prices
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 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)
What your entry fee includes
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
More Details and FAQs
Please consult the race
FAQs
for greater details on the event. Checkpoint provisions can be found on the
website blog.
Enter
All entries are on the SiEntries system at the link below.