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 South to North.  There are 4 race distances to choose from; 100 mile mountain ultramarathon, 50 mile ultramarathon, 50km 'Ultra Bach' trail race and a 21mile Trail race. 

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 4 for the Ultra Bach and 3 for the trail race.  They provide comprehensive refreshments details of which can be found in the 'checkpoint' section below.  In addition there are 3 drop bags available for the 100 mile runners and 1 for the 50 mile runners.

• Black Beacon 100 - 100 miles with +7500m ascent
• Black Beacon 50 - 50 miles with +3750 ascent 
• Black Beacon Ultra Bach - 50 KM with +2200m ascent
• Black Beacon Trail Race - 21 miles with +1200m ascent 

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 Northern tip of the national park at the market town of Hay-on-Wye, with an ascent onto the Black mountains plateau, followed by an amazing rollercoaster ride over mountains summits that form the spine of the route.  The first half of the race culminates, with some fast running through waterfall country into Pontneddfechen at the Southern tip of the national park, before participants turn around and retrace their steps back across to Hay-on-wye 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 and 50 km routes are both epic challenges involving a South to North crossing of the Bannau Brycheiniog and for the 50 miles the Black mountains.  The adventure starts at 8am on the Saturday morning in Pontneddfechen, at the Southern tip of the Bannau Brycheiniog mountains range.  The route heads straight through 'waterfall country' with some glorious and fast forest trail running before passing under the Sgwd Yr Eira Waterfall.  Then it is in to the mountains, with the climbs of Fan Llia and Fan Fawr.  

The route then traverses the iconic Bannau Brycheiniog starting with the climbs over Corn Du, Pen y Fan and Crybyn.  Before an excellent ridgetop run culminaing in a dramatic long decent past Carn pica to Talybont Reservior.  The next summit is Tor Y Foel followed by the village of Llangynidir the finish for the 50k runners.  The 50 mile route still has another 20 miiles and the Black Mountains before the finish at Hay is in view....

The Black Beacon trail race starts in Llangynidir and heads over Llangorse common joining the ultra routes for the beautiful journey back to Hay-on-wye.  The majority of the route follows a high level ridgeline looking over mid Wales and has some easy to follow trails with some exciting descents and climbs.  The final high point of Hay Bluff provides an incredible view over the finish and the town of Hay on Wye and the final long descent will cap off a great day out in the hills!

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. 

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.

There are 13 checkpoints for the Black Beacon 100, 6 for the Black Beacon 50, and 4 each for the Ultra Bach and trail marathon races. 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.

The Black Beacon 100
Race starts at 1800 on Friday evening and has a 40 hour time limit (Sunday 1000). To continue on the route you must have left the turnaround point in Hay-on wye within 19 hours.

The Black Beacon 50
Race starts at 0800 on Saturday morning and has a 26 hour time limit (Sunday at 1000).

The Black Beacon Ultra Bach
Starts at 0800 on Saturday from Pontneddfechen and has a generous 14.5 hour time limit (Saturday at 2230).

The Black Beacon Trail Race
Race starts at 1030 on Saturday from Llangynidir and has a generous 12 hour time limit (Sunday at 2230).

The event base and finish line for the 100mile, 50mile and trail race is at Cusop Hall, Hay on Wye.

The event base and finish line for the 50km Ultra Bach is at Llangynidir village hall.

As the Black Beacon 50 mile, Ultra Bach 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: 
 

0600 (Saturday) for the Black Beacon ultra 50 mile from Hay-on-Wye

0615 (Saturday) for the Black Beacon Ultra Bach 50km race from Llangynidir

0845 (Saturday) for the Black Beacon trail race from Hay-on-Wye
There is no bus transport required for the 100 mile course. 

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.

Alternative Sunday morning bus transport.

There is the option of staying in Hay-on-Wye after the race and booking on the Sunday morning coach transport back to the various race starts. This would allow you to park at one of the race starts in Pontneddfechen, and then stay in Hay on Wye overnight or when you finish, then catch the coach back to the race starts. The coach will leave at 1030 on Sunday morning and will drop of at Llangynidir then Pontneddfechen.  To take this option, please select this when you register. 

There is a compulsory kit list that must be carried. This may vary depending on the conditions. This can be viewed here.

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.

50k & 20 miles - These are challenging  races but have a more forgiving time limit than the 100 or the 50 mile races.

0745 Race brief in Pontneddfechen Village Hall

1030 Race starts Llangynidir

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 Ultra Bach 50km race (£55)

Black Beacon Trail Marathon (£40)

Coach Transport (£10)

Sunday Coach Transport (£10)
Event T-shirt (£15)

Event hoodie (£35)

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 

Please consult the race FAQs for greater details on the event. Checkpoint provisions can be found on the website blog.