Black Beacon Mountain Races

Black Beacon Mountain Races

The Black Beacon Mountain Races are a series of linear mountain trail races crossing the Black Mountains and Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Parks from south to north. Four race distances are offered, ranging from a 21 mile trail race to a 100 mile mountain ultramarathon. The routes use mountain trails and ridgelines and include long climbs, descents and exposed high points such as Hay Bluff.

Distances:

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

The Black Beacon 100 is an out-and-back traverse between Hay-on-Wye and Pontneddfechan and crosses multiple summits. The 50 mile and 50 km routes run from Pontneddfechan northwards across the central beacons, passing waterfall country, Fan Llia and Fan Fawr and high ridgelines; the 21 mile trail joins the ridgeline back to Hay-on-Wye.

Navigation is a participant responsibility. Shorter races are waymarked at major junctions and rely on a GPS trace; the 100 mile route is unmarked for the first half and requires reliable GPS navigation and a backup map. Checkpoints provide refreshments and fluids; drop bags are available for the longer races. Cusop Hall in Hay-on-Wye and Llangynidir village hall act as event bases and parking and limited camping are provided at Hay-on-Wye. A compulsory kit list and experience requirements apply, with the 100 mile requiring prior similar mountain experience. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.