Rasus y Bannau
2nd May 2026
Rasus y Bannau (The Beacon Races) are 3 epic, long distance running races starting and finishing in Brecon and following a circular route around the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park. There are 3 race distances to choose from:
- 100 km (65miles / 104km) with +5100m ascent
- 75 km Ultra Trail (46.5 miles / 75.5 km) with +3500m ascent
- Marathon (26.5 miles / 43km) with +2000m ascent
The Routes
All 3 routes start in at the Theatre in Brecon town centre and follow a direct ascent up the iconic North ridge of Cribyn. From here runners head east to Fan Y Big then follow a fast ridgeline traverse towards Carn Pica, where the marathon heads to Blaen Y Glyn and Torpantu and the Ultra runners follow the long descent down to Tal y Bont reservoir. After crossing over the old dam, the ultra runners head up to the summit of Tor y Foil, followed by a short and runnable (if you have the legs) section towards Blaen-y-glyn, waterfalls, and onto Craig y Fan du on the Cambrian and Beacons Way.
From Torpantu all routes head through Taf Fechen Forest, cross the damm over the Taff Fechen valley, and climb up to the ridge line of Cefn Cul and Craig-Gwaun Taf, before dropping down to
Pont-ar-Daf car park and CP3. The marathon route and ultra routes split here, with the marathon runners climbing to Corn du then Pen Y Fan and a descent into Brecon, and the Ultra runners heading west to Fan Fawr.
Both ultra routes then follow the classic routes over Fan Fawr and Fan Llia, then drop down down to Blain Llia car park and CP4. Here the 100km and 75km Ultra races split with the 75km Ultra heading north towards the Graig Cerrig Gleisiad Nature reserve and the 100km runners heading further west on the Beacons Way towards the Black Mountain (Carmarthen Fan).
The 100km runners follow the Beacons Way footpath eventually topping out on Fan Brycheiniog on the Carmarthen Fan (the Black Mountain). Then the journey heads back east with a dramatic rollercoaster ride across mountain tops as it largely follows the South Wales Traverse line to Fan Gyhirych and Fan Nedd.
The 100km runners then re-join the 75km ultra route shortly after, with a long climb above the Graig Cerrig Gleisiad Nature reserve and a fast (if you have the legs) descent along the Beacons Way to recross the A470 and CP9 (100km) / CP6 (75km).
The final leg takes you up to the summit of Pen Y Fan where depending on your time you may see an beautiful sunset or sunrise and a then enjoy a fast descent down the North ridge to Brecon and the finish.
Event Base,
The event base registration and start and finish locations are at;
Theatr Brycheiniog,
Canal Wharf,
Brecon,
Powys
LD3 7EW
Car parking is in one of the many pay and display car parks outside the Theatre and more details are available here.
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 route is marked at major junctions with running arrows and you must also be able to follow the published route using the gps trace. For a competent ultra runner the route is very simple to follow using gps alone and typically follows obvious mountain trails and footpaths on well established paths and mountain trails. Whilst there will be safety teams and marshals around the course, ultimately it is the participants responsibility to follow the published gps route using a combination of the marker and gps trace.
Checkpoints
There are 9 checkpoints for the Rasus y Bannau 100km, 6 for the Ultra and 4 for the Rasus y Bannau marathon. They will provide refreshments, water, energy drink, sweets, biscuits, crisps, sandwiches, noodles, soup and more substantial food.
There is a drop bag available for the runners on the 100km and Ultra which will be available at CP5 (at approximately 50km).
Checkpoint locations are provide on the FAQ page (Q17) and can also be seen on the interactive maps on mapometer (links at the bottom of the page).
Time limits and start times
The Rasus y Bannau 100 km race starts at 0730 on Saturday and has a 24 hour time limit (Sunday 0730).
The Rasus y Bannau 75 km mile race starts at 0730 on Saturday and has a 24 hour time limit (Sunday 0730).
The Rasus y Bannau Marathon starts at 0830 on Saturday and has a generous 15 hour time limit (Saturday at 2330).
Accommodation
There are numerous accommodation facilities in Brecon and the surrounding areas. These include bed & breakfasts, hotels, air b&Bs, bunkhouses and campsites. The following links take you to a list of the various accommodation types although a google search is by far the best way to organise accommodation suitable for your taste.
A list of local accommodation providers can be found at the following link.
Compulsory Kit
There is a compulsory kit list that must be carried. 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 suitable combination of the gps trace, signs and map. You must be able to look after yourself in a potentially hostile mountain environment and in extreme weather and for the ultra distance races you must also be comfortable in the mountain environment at night.
Timetable
- including Start and Registration Times
Saturday
0600-0700 Registration in Brecon for the 100km and 75km runners only
0715 Race brief for both Ultra race runners
0730 Race start for 100km and 75km runners
0700-0800 Registration in Brecon for the marathon runners
0815 Race brief for the marathon runners
0830 Marathon starts
2330 Marathon course closes
Sunday
0730
All ultra distance courses close
Prices
There are 3 race distances available for competitors and you can select the appropriate options when you sign up online.
Rasus y Bannau 100km ultra (£99)
Rasus y Bannau 75km ultra race (£79)
Rasus y Bannau Marathon race (£50)
Custom unisex tech RyB race t-shirt (£20)
Custom female fit tech RyB race t-shirt (£20)
Custom RyB race hoodie (£40)
RWC race buff (£5)
What your entry fee includes
Checkpoints with refreshments
Finishers medal
Emergency first aid cover and mountain safety teams
GPS file
Route marking at junctions
1 drop bag for the ultra and 100km race at the 50km checkpoint
Free race photography for downloads and bragging
GPS tracking from open tracking and timing for all runners
More Details and FAQs
Please consult the race FAQs
for greater details on the event.
Enter
All entry is on the SiEntries system at the following link.