Brecon to Cardiff Xtreme

Event overview

The Brecon to Cardiff Xtreme is a linear mountain ultramarathon from Brecon to Cardiff that crosses multiple high points and forested trails. The route includes Pen y Fan, Cribyn and Fan y Big, and passes through Merthyr, Pontypridd and local forestry on the Glamorgan Way before finishing at Coleg y Cymoedd in Nantgarw. The Taff Xtreme Marathon covers the second half of the ultra route from Merthyr to Cardiff.

Distances and ascent

• Brecon to Cardiff Xtreme - around 75 km (about 47.5 miles) with roughly 2,680 m of ascent.
• Taff Xtreme Marathon - 26.2 miles with about 1,300 m of ascent.

Route, navigation and support

The route is unmarked for most of its length and uses a GPS trace for navigation. Runners are expected to be self-sufficient for navigation and to carry compulsory kit. There are six manned checkpoints on the Xtreme and three on the marathon, offering water, energy drinks, squash, sweets, biscuits, oranges and crisps. The halfway checkpoint (Merthyr College) is indoors and provides drop-bag access for Xtreme runners.

Logistics and entry

The event base, registration and finish are at Coleg y Cymoedd, Heol Cronchendy, Parc Nantgarw, Nantgarw CF15 7QX, which offers parking, a café and indoor facilities. The Xtreme is a linear event with coach transport from the finish to the start included in the Xtreme entry. Entry fees listed are £85 for the Xtreme and £45 for the Taff Marathon; optional coach transport for the marathon is available for £10. Time limits are 15 hours for the Xtreme and 12 hours for the marathon; finishers medals are awarded only to those within the time limits. The event sold out in 2024 and 2025 and places are limited. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.