Black Beacon Mountain Races
Hay-on-Wye, United Kingdom • 30-1 Oct-Nov 2026
Black Beacon Mountain Races
The Black Beacon Mountain Races are a series of linear, long distance mountain trail races that traverse the Black Mountains and Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Parks. Starting in South Wales, the routes travel from South to North, featuring terrain that includes waterfalls, reservoirs, and mountain peaks. The event offers four different distances:
- Black Beacon 100: A 100 mile mountain ultramarathon with 7500m of ascent, running from Hay on Wye to Pontneddfechan and back.
- Black Beacon 50: A 50 mile ultramarathon with 3750m of ascent, running from Pontneddfechan to Hay on Wye.
- Black Beacon South: A 50 km trail race with 2200m of ascent, running from Pontneddfechan to Llangynidir.
- Black Beacon North: A 21 mile trail race with 1200m of ascent, running from Llangynidir to Hay on Wye.
The courses follow trails that are described as fast and non-technical with straightforward navigation. Participants are supported by professional event staff and volunteers at stocked checkpoints throughout the routes. The 100 mile race includes 13 checkpoints, while the 50 mile race has six. Both the 50 km and 21 mile distances provide three checkpoints each.
The event is open to participants aged 18 or older. For logistics, there is an optional coach transport service available to take runners from the finish line back to the start location. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.