Brecon to Cardiff Winter 2025
Brecon to Cardiff Ultra
Sunday 16th February 2025
The Brecon to Cardiff Ultra, is a 70k, one way, fully marked race that winds its way from Brecon following the Taff Trail. Now in its 11th year, it has become a regular in the ultra running calendar and is one of the classic ultra running events - having regularly sold out each year. The race starts in the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park with its dramatic mountain landscapes, passing crashing waterfalls and crystal clear reservoirs. As you head further south you will encounter a different landscape with reminders of Wales’s industrial heritage.
The Route
The race starts at 0800 from Brecon. Here you join the Taff Trail which you follow all the way to the finish. The trail makes much use of an abandoned branch of the Taff Vale Railway and the Glamorganshire Canal. These had been built in the 18th and 19th centuries to transport coal and iron ore from Merthyr Tydfil, the Cynon Valley and the Rhondda valley to the docks at Cardiff and Barry. These routes, which although disused had remained largely intact, provide a convenient path along the narrow Taff valley.
From Brecon the route heads east following the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal to Talybont-on-usk. Here the route climbs (not steeply – but for quite a long way) to Torpantu, from this point it is downhill all the way to the finish! Passing Pontsticill Reservoir and the Brecon Mountain Railway you arrive in Merthyr at with great view of both the Cefn Coed Viaduct and Cyfarthfa Castle. Continuing south you will pass Aberfan and the memorial before reaching Pontypridd and finally the finish line at Nantgarw. The first 30k of the route is almost exclusively on footpath or Forestry Trails. From Merthyr the route follows a off road cycle path all the way to the finish. As the route is linear competitors park at the finish and be are transported, by coach, to the start in Brecon.
Event Base, Finish and Registration Location
The event base, registration and race finish is at Coleg Y Cymoedd at the following location:
Coleg y Cymoedd
Heol Cronchendy
Parc Nantgarw
Nantgarw
CF15 7QX
The event base provides event parking, café, large indoor area for registration and finish, toilets, changing rooms and showers. It is easily accessible off the A470 and one junction off the M4. There are many hotels, guest houses, cafes and restaurants in the local area. In addition there are excellent bus and rail links to and from Cardiff.
Map and Gps
An interactive map and gps file is available at the link at the bottom of the page.
To download the gps click on 'actions', then 'export' and follow the onscreen prompts.
Navigation
The route is marked with a combination of running arrows, red and white marking tape and flags at each major junction. The route mainly follows the Taff Trail cycle path, and it is possible to navigate the route completely using the in situated Taff Trail signs, but we add signage to make it very easy to follow. All competitors will be provided with a marked map to help you find your way back onto the course if you miss a sign.
Checkpoints
There are 5 manned checkpoints which provide water, energy drinks, squash, sweets, biscuits, oranges, crisps. The half way checkpoint is indoors at Merthyr College in the town centre. This is a great location to meet friends and family, it is also where you will have access to your drop bag and some time to get sorted, changed and ready to take on the final 20 miles! Details of where the checkpoints are can be seen on the FAQ page. The link is at the bottom of this page.
Transport
As the route is linear you will park your car at Cardiff (Nantgarw) race HQ/registration and catch one of the busses included in your entry fee to the start of the event in Brecon. The busses leave Nantgaru Race HQ at 0615 on Sunday morning.
Time Limit
The time limit for the event is 12 hours (8pm).
Compulsory Kit
There is a compulsory kit list that must be carried. This may vary depending on the conditions. This can be viewed here.
Timetable -including Start, Coach Pick up and Registration Times
Saturday
1700-2000 Registration in Nantgarw
Sunday
0530-0600 Registration in Nantgarw
0615 Bus pick up from Nantgarw and travel to Brecon
0700-0715 Registration in Brecon (only available if pre-booked*)
0720 Bus arrives Brecon
0730 Race brief in Theatre
0800 Race start from Brecon
2000 Cut off time Nantgarw
*if you would like to register in Brecon you can book this by e-mail after you receive the event notes two weeks before the event date. Please don't e-mail requesting to register in Brecon before this date as they will need to be re-sent.
Prices
Race entry, parking, coach transport and GPS tracking £75.
Optional extras:
Technical race t-shirt £15
Race Hoodie £35
What your entry fee includes
Participation in a classic event
Electronic timing
Live GPS tracking and map for friends and family to follow from Open Tracking
Open Tracking live mapping at race finish and halfway point
Race buff
Marked course
Checkpoints well stocked with refreshments
Half way drop bag transport
Finishers medal (strictly for finishers only)
Emergency first aid cover
Event photos and on-course banter from Tosh Simpkin
Car parking at the finish in Cardiff
Bus transport from Cardiff to Brecon on Sunday morning
Welsh weather
Enter
Entries open on the link below.