Black Beacon Mountain Races

Black Beacon Mountain Races

The Black Beacon Mountain Races take place from Friday 30 October to Sunday 1 November 2026. They are a series of linear long distance mountain trail races crossing the Black Mountains and Bannau Brycheiniog National Parks from south to north.

• Black Beacon 100 - 100 miles, +7500m ascent
• Black Beacon 50 - 50 miles, +3750m ascent
• Black Beacon South - 50 km, +2200m ascent
• Black Beacon North - 21 miles, +1200m ascent

The Black Beacon 100 is an out and back route between Hay on Wye and Pontneddfechan, crossing many summits. The 50 mile route runs from Pontneddfechan to Hay on Wye and passes waterfall country, forest trails and central Beacons summits. The 50 km starts in Pontneddfechan and finishes in Llangynidir. The 21 mile trail starts in Llangynidir and follows a high ridgeline back to Hay on Wye.

Navigation and support vary by distance. Shorter races are waymarked at major junctions and use a published GPS trace. The 100 mile route is unmarked for the first section and then marked on the return leg; competitors must follow the published GPS trace. There are staffed checkpoints providing refreshments, and drop bag provision is available for the longer races. A compulsory kit list applies and an emergency map or backup GPS device is required.

Entry requirements note that competitors must be fit and able to look after themselves in a mountain environment. The 100 mile race requires prior completion of a comparable mountain 50 mile ultramarathon. Entry fees include checkpoints, finishers items, medical cover, GPS files, race photography and tracking and timing. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.