Brecon to Cardiff Classic

Brecon to Cardiff Ultra

The Brecon to Cardiff Ultra is a point-to-point, fully marked long-distance race that follows the Taff Trail from the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park to the Nantgarw area on the outskirts of Cardiff. The course covers roughly 70 km (about 43 miles) and moves from upland canal and footpaths into valley cycle paths and tarmac.

The route passes reservoirs, waterfalls and mountain scenery in its northern section, then follows former railway and canal corridors shaped by Wales’s industrial history. Key landmarks on the way include the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal, Talybont-on-Usk, the high point at Torpantau, Pontsticill Reservoir, the Brecon Mountain Railway, Merthyr Tydfil with views of Cefn Coed Viaduct and Cyfarthfa Castle, Aberfan and the memorial, and the final approach to Nantgarw. The first 30 km are mainly footpaths and forestry trails; from Merthyr the course runs on an off-road cycle path, mostly tarmac. A drop bag station at Merthyr allows kit changes.

The route is marked with running arrows, orange tape and flags at major junctions. Competitors must carry a GPS device with the route loaded; a basic marked map is also provided. There are six manned checkpoints stocked with drinks, snacks and sandwiches, with an indoor halfway point at Merthyr College. The event is linear: participants park at the finish and are transported by coach to the start. Entries include electronic timing, live GPS tracking, a finisher medal for finishers only, and basic event services. A compulsory kit list applies. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.