1)-Do I need to carry all the compulsory kit?

YES. On race courses you must carry all the compulsory kit. 

For the compulsory kit list click here.

2)-I am in a team, do all team members need to carry all the compulsory kit?

YES all team members must carry the whole kit. This includes all of it... first aid kit, map, compass…all of it!

3)-Will there be a kit check?

Yes. You will be required to show a number of random items from your kit before you are allowed to register and receive your race number.  

No kit = No number.

All podium finishers will also be kit checked at the end.

4)-How hard is the navigation?

The Black Beacon routes are relatively simple to follow using gps device, any additional route marking and paper map as needed. The route follows logical paths traversing the Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons. It is the participants responsibility to follow the route using a combination of the gps, and markings and map.   

To enter you should be a competent mountain runner , and if you have any doubts you should recce the route and practise your route finding and navigation in your training or enter a shorter distance. 

The 50 mile, 50km (BB South) and trail race (BB North) are 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 and 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, markers and map and compass.

The 100 mile route is unmarked for the first 50miles but then will be marked for the return leg from Pontneddfechen to Hay-on-Wye where it joints the shorter race distances. 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 or back up gps device as part of the compulsory kit list. 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.

5)- When will entries close?

Two weeks before race date or before if the event sells out.  

6)- What are the entry limits?

Entries are limited for 2026 to 500 runners

7)- Is there a reserve list?

NO - There is no reserve list for the event. Once the entry limits have been reached there are no extra spaces available. 

8)- Can I enter & pay on the day?

No, you must register using the online registration system at sientries system. 

9)-I can’t do the event, can I have a refund or transfer to a different race?

As per our terms and conditions '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.

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

You can transfer your place to another participant until two weeks prior to the race day. 

Please note if you require refund or transfer you must e-mail us at info@runwalkcrawl.co.uk. Your transfer/refund will be processed within 30 days of the e-mail. 

 

As part of the sign up you are offered the option of taking out 3rd party race insurance for a small additional fee. This is a contract between you the participant and the insurance company and is processed with them direct. We highly recommend you take out the 3rd party event insurance so you can reclaim a refund if you are unable to race and fall outside our policy as explained above, but please ensure you read their terms and conditions so that you know the policy details. 

10)- I can’t race can I transfer my entry to a friend?

As per our terms and conditions as summarised in FAQ 9 (above). You can transfer your place to another runner up until 2 weeks before the event. After this date there is strictly no transfers available.  

11)-Will I receive a medal for completing the event?

Yes you will receive a medal when you finish the challenge?

For the avoidance of doubt you will not receive a medal if you do not complete the course which you entered in the given time frame. If you complete 21 miles of the ultra course, but drop out or are timed out you will not receive a trail race medal. 

For the Black Beacon 100mile race all finishers will receive a unique Black Beacon Belt Buckle.

12)- Can I walk the challenge? Time limits

The race is open to runners and walkers that can maintain the pace to reach the cut off times.

The Black Beacon 100 race starts at 1400 on Friday from Hay-on-Wye and has a 42 hour time limit (Sunday 0800). To continue on the route you must have left the turnaround point in Pontneddfechen within 19 hours giving you 23 hours to make the return leg.

The Black Beacon 50 race starts at 0800 on Saturday morning from Pontneddfechen and has a 24 hour time limit (Sunday at 0800).

The Black Beacon SOUTH (50Km) race starts at 0900 on Saturday from Pontneddfechen and has a generous 14 hour time limit (Saturday at 2300).

The Black Beacon Trail Race

Race starts at 1100 on Saturday from Llangynidir and has a generous 12 hour time limit (Saturday at 2300).

13)- Are there cut off times and what happens if I miss the cut off times?

There are cut off times at various checkpoints. If you miss the cut off times, then you will be retired from the event. If you are doubtful of weather, you can reach the cut off times for an event you should enter a shorter course- or recce the first sections to check! The cut of times for the 50km and trail races are extremely generous. Cut off times can be seen on the Black Beacon Checkpoint Guide Blog available here.

14)- What is the terrain like and what type of trainers should I wear?

The terrain is mountain trail. This means it combines grassy trails, hard rock trails, with some muddy sections.

The best type of trainer for the Brecon Beacons route would be a trail trainer which is comfortable on hard trail AND has excellent grip for the downhills.  

HOWEVER, if there is a lot of rain in the preceding days then a more aggressive trail trainer with better grip would be best such as the La Sportiva mutant, Salomon speedcross, inov 8 Mudtalon, or similar shoe with more aggressive lugs.  A full fellrunning shoe would be ideal or a trail trainer with very good grip. 

A road shoe is unsuitable for the route as there are lots of steep technical and muddy sections, therefore you would not be allowed to race in them. 

15)-What times do the buses leave and how do they work?

As the Black Beacon 50 mile, 50km 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. We hope to facilitate easy logistics, so please read the following carefully and select the most appropriate options for you. The bus will leave at the following times: 

 

0545 (Saturday) for the Black Beacon ultra 50 mile from Hay-on-Wye

0645 (Saturday) for the Black Beacon SOUTH 50km race from Llangynidir

0915 (Saturday) for the Black Beacon NORTH trail race from Hay-on-Wye

There is no bus transport required for the 100 mile course as you are running there and back. 

If you want to catch the bus you need to select this option when you sign up. 

16)- When will final event details be sent out?

All final event details will be sent out to the e-mail address you registered with 1 week before the event date. 

All other information is found on the event webpage or in the FAQs above.

If you have not received the details please check your junk e-mail folders, and check your e-mail address you registered with is correct. If you still haven't received then then please e-mail or contact us. 

We will also post the event details on the website, and facebook page one week before the event. 

17)- Where are the Checkpoints and what is available?

There are 13 checkpoints on the 100mile race, 6 on the 50mile race, 3 on the Ultra Bach and 3 on the 21mile trail race. 

The race checkpoint locations, can be seen on the route maps (links at the bottom of the main event page). 

Details of what is available at checkpoints can be found on the Black Beacon checkpoint guide on our Blog. 

18)- Where are the best places for my friends and family to support?

One of the best aspects of the Brecon Beacons are the great opportunities for friends and family to support you around the course. The following is a list of the best and most accessible places. 

Hay-on-wye

Castle Dinas Inn is a checkpoint for the 100mile, 50mile and BB North and serves amazing food throughout the weekend.

Llangynidir - has some pubs open and some lovely walks along the canal

Pen Y Fan summit -if you fancy a walk - but make sure you carry the correct kit and make appropriate preparations.

Blaen Llia Forest car park 

Ystradfellte and the four waterfalls walk- 

A more detailed description of the above places will be sent out with the event details one week before the event.

19)- The GPS file does not open?

To access a gps file you will first need to save the relevant file to your computer. To do this right click on the download and choose 'save as' and save it to your computer. In order to view / use the file it will have to be imported onto a device that allows you to view & use it. Please Note-If you open the file on your computer it will appear blank / full of gibberish! It can only be viewed by importing it onto a gps device (eg Garmin Fenix, Suunto Ambit etc) or by viewing it using a computer program that will access the information.

20)- Is there a drop bag facility?  

For the Black Beacon 100 mile ultra you have access to 2 drop bags available at 3 checkpoints. 

Drop bag A will be available at checkpoint 3 and 11 which is at the Llangynidr Village Hall CP on the way out and way back.

Drop bag B will be available at the turn around point at CP7 in Pontneddfechen village hall. 

Drop bags are provided for you and can be collected at the race registration. These will be collected at the start. Once the checkpoints have closed these will be taken to the race finish.

For the Black Beacon 50 mile ultra one drop bag will be taken to Llangynidr Village Hall (CP4).

The drop bags are provided and will allow you to fit a spare set of trainers, some running kit (spare base layer (etc) and some energy food. These will be collected at the race start. 

For all races you can have a finish line bag which can be left and stored at the finish line and near the coach collection points. 

21) Where can we stay in the local area?

The Dinas Castle Inn is on the route and provides bunkhouse and B&B accommodation - it is ideal for a reccie. https://dinascastleinn.co.uk/

22)- Can I have a support runner or support crew?

Support Crews (teams) are acceptable - these are people who can meet you on the route with extra provisions / kit - YOU MUST CARRY THE COMPULSORY KIT AT ALL TIMES.

A support runner or pacer is someone who runs the course alongside you. 

Support runners are not allowed on the Trail race, 50km ultra bach or 50mile race. 

100mile support runners (pacers) are ONLY allowed at the following times: 

- From CP3 Llangynidir to CP6 Ystradfellte (through Friday night)

- From 1800 on Saturday evening until the race finish (through Saturday night)

Any runner running with a support runner outside the above times will automatically be disqualified. The support runner can help with verbal encouragement and navigation, but is strictly not allowed to carry any food, water or equipment for the 100mile racer - THE RUNNER MUST CARRY THE COMPULSORY KIT AT ALL TIMES. 

23)- Can I run with my dog?

Unfortunately due to land owner, insurance, and and safety logistics we do not allow running with your dog.