Rasus y Bannau
100km April 2nd & 3rd 2027
40mile and Marathon April 3rd 2027
Rasus y Bannau (The Beacons Races) are 3 epic long-distance mountain trail running races starting and finishing in Brecon, following circular routes through the heart of the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park.
Choose your distance:
- 100Km Ultra – 64 miles / 104 km / +5,100m ascent
- 40 mile Ultra – 40 miles / 65 km / +2,850m ascent
- Marathon – 26.5 miles / 65 km / +2,000m ascent
The Routes
All three races start in Brecon town centre, climbing directly onto the north ridge of Cribyn. From here, runners head east to Fan y Big, before following a fast ridgeline traverse towards Carn Pica.
The Marathon and 40 mile routes turn towards Blaen y Glyn and Torpantau, while the 100km Ultra runners descend to Talybont Reservoir and a dramaitic climb up Tor y Foel. A runnable section leads through the Blaen y Glyn waterfall complex, then up onto Craig y Fan Ddu, where the Cambrian Way and Beacons Way meet.
From Torpantau, all routes head through the Taf Fechan Forest, crossing the old dam into the valley and climbing onto the ridgeline of Cefn Cul and Craig Gwaun Taf, before dropping to Pont ar Daf. Here the courses split: the Marathon climbs to Corn Du and Pen y Fan, before descending directly into Brecon for the finish.
Both Ultra routes swing west following the classic lines over Fan Fawr and Fan Llia before dropping to Blaen Llia. The 40mile Ultra heads north towards Craig Cerrig Gleisiad National Nature Reserve, while the 100K Ultra pushes further west on the Beacons Way into the Black Mountain (Carmarthen Fan), topping out on Fan Brycheiniog.
The 100K finally turns east for the rollercoaster traverse across a series of summits including Fan Gyhirych and Fan Nedd, before rejoining the 40 mile course above Craig Cerrig Gleisiad. A long descent follows the Beacons Way back across the A470 with Pen y Fan looming.
The final leg takes all ultra runners to the summit of Pen y Fan – where, depending on your timing, you may catch a sunrise or sunset – before a fast, glorious descent of the north ridge back into Brecon for the finish.
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 mountain 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 markers and gps trace.
Checkpoints
There are 7 checkpoints for the Rasus y Bannau 100km, 5 for the 40 mile 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 which will be available at CP5 Glyntawe (at approximately 39miles).
Checkpoint locations are provided on the FAQ page (Q17), the checkpoint guide blog and can also be seen on the interactive maps on mapometer (links at the bottom of the page).
Time limits and start times
There are new timings for 2027 event with an increased cut off for the 100km.
The Rasus y Bannau 100 km race starts at 1730 on Friday evening and has a 30 hour time limit (Saturday 2330).
The Rasus y Bannau 40 mile race starts at 0730 on Saturday and has a 16 hour time limit (Sunday 2330).
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.
accommodation-providers-Brecon
Car Parking
Car parking is in one of the many pay and display car parks near Theatre Brycheiniog or in Brecon town centre and more details are available here .
Compulsory Kit
There is a compulsory kit list that must be carried. This can be viewed here .
Experience
These are challenging mountain races, and all participants must:
- Be in good physical fitness and capable of completing the distance they have entered.
- Be able to navigate the course using a combination of GPS trace, route signage, and map.
- Be prepared to look after themselves in a potentially hostile mountain environment and in extreme weather.
- For the ultra-distance races, be comfortable running in the mountains at night.
Timetable
- including Start and Registration Times
Friday
1615 -1715 Registration for the 100km runners only
1715 Race brief for the 100km
1730 Race start for 100km from Brecon
Saturday
0615-0715 Registration for the Ultra 40 mile runners only
0715 Race brief for the Ultra 40 mile runners
0730 Race start for the Ultra 40 mile from Brecon
0730-0815 Registration for the marathon runners
0815 Race brief for the marathon runners
0830 Race start for the marathon in Brecon
2330 All 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 100 km ultra (£99)
Rasus y Bannau 40 mile ultra race (£75)
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 (£45)
RWC race buff (£10)
What your entry fee includes
Checkpoints with refreshments
Finishers medal
GPS tracking from open tracking
Emergency first aid cover and mountain safety teams
Electronic timing
GPS file
Route markings
Free race photography for downloads and bragging
Drop bag for the 100km race at the 40mile checkpoint
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.