Black Beacon Mountain Trail Races

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

Event overview

The Black Beacon takes place from 31 October to 2 November 2025 around Hay on Wye, Wales. The event comprises linear mountain trail races that cross the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) and the Black Mountains. Minimum age to enter is 18. The event base and finish for the 100 mile, 50 mile and trail race is at Cusop Hall, Hay on Wye; the 50 km Ultra Bach finishes at Llangynidir village hall. New entries for this event closed on 26 October 2025.

Races, logistics and requirements

Distances on offer:

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

Checkpoints and support: the 100 has 13 checkpoints, the 50 has 6, the 50 km has 4 and the trail race has 3. Checkpoints provide refreshments and water. Drop bags are available (at least two for 100-mile entrants and one for 50-mile entrants). Compulsory kit is required and runners must be able to follow the published GPS trace and maps; parts of the 100-mile route are unmarked on the outward leg. Time limits apply to each race. Optional coach transport between finish and start is available for a fee. Entry fees and included services (medal, buff, first aid, GPS file, photography, tracking and timing) are published for each distance. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

Race information

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

Join the Smurf Run at Dare Valley Country Park for a seven hour Time Challenge where you choose how many laps to tackle and soak up scenic country views. Complete a lap to earn a themed medal and enjoy on course refreshments.

Celebrate the season on rugged Black Mountains trails at the Secret Santa Festive Trail Series. Three scenic but technical distances, bespoke medals, mulled wine and full on course support make for a memorable winter run.

Pick 14 km, 10 miles or a half marathon from Cwmdu across the Black Mountains with rocky single track, boggy moorland and stunning views. Well marked with checkpoints and medical cover, this scenic but testing trail welcomes dogs on leads.

Part of the 12 Days of Christmas, Partridge in a Pear Tree on 7 December 2025 offers offroad laps at Pengethley Manor through vineyards and a cheeky hill. Choose 5k to ultra, walkers and runners welcome with a unique finisher medal.