Black Beacon Mountain Races
Always double-check with the organizer's website! This page may contain affiliate links.
Event overview
The Black Beacon Mountain Races take place around Hay on Wye and cross the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) and Black Mountains. The event offers linear long-distance mountain trail races over varied upland terrain, including waterfall country, forest trails and high ridgelines. The event base and finish for most races is Cusop Hall, Hay on Wye; the 50 km finishes at Llangynidir village hall. Parking is available at the main event bases and camping is available at Hay on Wye on Friday and Saturday nights.
Distances
- Black Beacon 100 - 100 miles, +7500 m ascent
- Black Beacon 50 - 50 miles, +3750 m ascent
- Black Beacon Ultra Bach - 50 km, +2200 m ascent
- Black Beacon North Trail Race - 21 miles, +1200 m ascent
Routes, navigation and checkpoints
The 100-mile route is an out-and-back traverse between Hay on Wye and Pontneddfechan and crosses 44 summits. Shorter routes run south-to-north across the central beacons and join shared sections on ridgelines back toward Hay on Wye. The 50-mile, 50 km and 21-mile routes are waymarked at major junctions; the 100-mile route is unmarked for the first half and requires use of the GPS trace. Compulsory kit includes an emergency map or backup GPS device. There are 13 checkpoints on the 100-mile route and 6 on the 50-mile route; shorter races have multiple checkpoints. Drop bag availability varies by distance.
Entries, fees and services
Minimum age is 18. Entry fees listed in the event information are: 100 mile £160, 50 mile £90, 50 km £60, 21 mile £50. Optional services include coach transport from finish to start (fee applies), event photography, GPS tracking and checkpoint refreshments. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
