Brecon to Cardiff Classic

Nantgarw, United Kingdom • 1 Mar 2026

Event overview

The Brecon to Cardiff Classic is a one-way, fully marked ultra running event of 70k. It follows the Taff Trail and is in its 12th year. The next edition is scheduled for 01/03/2026. The route begins in the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park and finishes at Nantgarw.

Route and logistics

The route follows sections of the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal, former branches of the Taff Vale Railway and the Glamorganshire Canal, and other paths along the Taff valley. The first about 30k is almost exclusively on footpath or forestry trails. After Merthyr the route follows an off-road cycle path to the finish. Notable places on the route include Talybont-on-Usk, Pontsticill Reservoir, Merthyr with views of Cefn Coed Viaduct and Cyfarthfa Castle, Aberfan memorial, and Pontypridd.

The event is linear, so competitors park at the finish and are transported by coach to the start. The event base offers parking, a café, a large indoor registration area, toilets, changing rooms and showers. The organiser provides bus transport from Cardiff to Brecon, electronic timing, live GPS tracking and mapping, a race buff, stocked checkpoints, halfway drop-bag transport, a finishers medal for finishers only, first aid cover, free event photos and free car parking at the finish. The location is accessible from the A470 and near the M4. There are bus and rail links to Cardiff and local accommodation options. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

Race information

70 km
70k Ultra
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.

Explore Afan Forest on hand picked trails with 5K and 10K options at the RTT Afan Forest run. Fully marked and marshalled courses, chip timing and a finisher medal make this a rewarding, well organised trail day for all abilities.

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.

Embrace festive trails in the Brecon Beacons with the Secret Santa Festive Trail, a scenic but challenging run across the Black Mountains. Multiple distances, checkpoints with vegan options and a canicross welcome for dogs on leads.