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Black Beacon Mountain Trail Races

Hay-on-Wye, United Kingdom • 31-2 Oct-Nov 2025

Event overview

The Black Beacon is a series of linear long-distance mountain trail races held 31 October - 2 November 2025 around Hay on Wye. The routes cross the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) and the Black Mountains. Event bases and finish lines are at Cusop Hall, Hay on Wye for the 100 mile, 50 mile and trail race, and at Llangynidir village hall for the 50 km Ultra Bach. Entries open 15 November 2024 and close 14 September 2025. Entry fees are listed per distance.

Routes, distances and logistics

  • 100 mile - 100 miles with +7500 m ascent
  • 50 mile - 50 miles with +3750 m ascent
  • 50 km (Ultra Bach) - 50 km with +2200 m ascent
  • 21 mile (Trail Race) - 21 miles with +1200 m ascent

The 100 mile is an out-and-back traverse between Hay on Wye and Pontneddfechan and crosses many summits. Shorter races follow south-north crossings and share sections of ridgeline and mountain trails. Checkpoints provide refreshments with up to 13 for the 100, 6 for the 50, 4 for the Ultra Bach and 3 for the trail race. Drop bags are available for the longer races. Navigation uses a GPS trace plus course markers; the 100 mile is unmarked for the first half and requires GPS and map competence. Compulsory kit and experience requirements apply; the 100 mile requires prior similar mountain 50 mile completion. Coach transport options are available for linear routes. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

United Kingdom Wales Hay-on-Wye

Race information

Registration
UTMB 50K UTMB 100K UTMB 100M
100 mi
7500 m+
Black Beacon 100 - 100 Miles With +7500m Ascent
50 mi
3750 m+
Black Beacon 50 - 50 Miles With +3750 Ascent
50 km
2200 m+
Black Beacon Ultra Bach - 50 Km With +2200m Ascent
21 mi
1200 m+
Black Beacon Trail Race - 21 Miles With +1200m Ascent
Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
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