Beast Of The Beacons

Event overview

The Beast of the Beacons is a trail ultra event held on Saturday 18 April 2026. The event takes place from Gilestone Farm, Talybont on Usk, in the Brecon Beacons National Park, Powys, UK. Minimum age for entry is 16 on the event date. Entries open on 7 May 2025 and close on 12 April 2026. The organiser is Limitless Trails.

Distances

• 10 miles
• 20 miles
• 40 miles

Entry fees are listed as £48 for the 10 mile, £60 for the 20 mile, and £80 for the 40 mile. The 40 mile route is a reverse of the 20 mile route. Cutoff times are set at 8 hours and 16 hours.

Course and support

The route starts at Gilestone Farm and follows trails to reservoirs, ridges and forest tracks. Noted features include climbs to Waun Rydd and Bryniau Glesision, sections past Pontsticill and Talybont reservoirs, river crossings, rocky paths and forest trails. The course is marked and marshals provide support; tape will not be used for marking. Wildlife such as red kites may be seen. Snow is possible on the route.

Facilities and requirements

Facilities include toilets, parking (paid), camping, physiotherapy, a full medical team, refreshment stations and three refuel zones. Awards include a bespoke medal, handcrafted trophies for 1st–3rd, veteran categories for over 50 and 60, and a first canine trophy. Mandatory kit is required and checked at registration, including waterproofs, a race vest, at least 0.5 litres of fluid capacity, map or GPX, food, phone, appropriate footwear, head torch, whistle, first aid items and a foil blanket. The event is cup free. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.