Black Beacon Mountain Races

Black Beacon Mountain Races

The Black Beacon Mountain Races take place around Hay on Wye and cross the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) and Black Mountains. The event offers four linear mountain trail races with the following distances and ascent figures:

• 100 miles - +7500 m ascent
• 50 miles - +3750 m ascent
• 50 km - +2200 m ascent
• 21 miles - +1200 m ascent

The 100 mile race is an out-and-back traverse between Hay on Wye and Pontneddfechan and crosses many summits. The 50 mile and 50 km routes run south to north through waterfall country, forest trails and mountain ridgelines, including climbs such as Fan Llia, Fan Fawr, Corn Du and Pen y Fan, and sections near Talybont Reservoir and Tor-y-Foel. The 21 mile trail starts at Llangynidir and follows a high ridgeline back to Hay on Wye, passing Hay Bluff.

Navigation, support and entry details

Navigation combines GPS traces, route markings at major junctions, and map-and-compass. The 100 mile route is unmarked for the first half and then marked on the return leg. Checkpoints are provided along each course, with 13 on the 100 mile race, 6 on the 50 mile race, and 3 on the 50 km and 21 mile races. Drop bags are available for longer distances. Entry fees vary by distance and the entry package includes checkpoints with refreshments, a finishers medal, a buckle for 100 mile finishers, first aid and mountain safety cover, tested GPS files, race photography, and GPS tracking and timing. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.