Black Beacon Mountain Races

OCT-NOV

30-1

2026

A series of mountain trail races across the Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons offering four distances from 21 miles to 100 miles. Routes combine marked sections, GPS navigation and staffed checkpoints with mountain safety cover.

30-1 Oct-Nov 2026

Hay-on-Wye, Wales

Website

100 miles 50 miles 50 kilometers 21 miles

Always double-check with the organizer's website! This page may contain affiliate links.

Black Beacon Mountain Races

The Black Beacon Mountain Races are a series of mountain trail events that cross the Black Mountains and Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Parks from south to north. Four distances run on marked and unmarked mountain trails with substantial ascent and varied terrain including waterfalls, reservoirs and exposed ridgelines.

Routes and format vary by distance. The Black Beacon 100 is an out-and-back traverse between Hay-on-Wye and Pontneddfechen that crosses 44 summits. Shorter routes make linear crossings of the Bannau Brycheiniog and Black Mountains, with sections through woodland "waterfall country" and high ridgelines offering clear lines of travel on defined trails.

Navigation and kit requirements are explicit. The 50 mile, 50 km and 21 mile races are marked at major junctions and rely on a combination of markers and GPS traces. The 100 mile route is unmarked for the first half and requires reliable use of the published GPS trace and map and compass. A compulsory kit list must be carried and backup navigation or map is required.

Support and logistics include staffed checkpoints, drop bags, mountain safety teams and first aid. Checkpoints and support differ by distance and include refreshments. Event bases and finish locations are at Cusop Hall in Hay-on-Wye and Llangynidir village hall. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.