Black Mountains 50
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Black Mountains Endurance Races
The Black Mountains event takes place in Herefordshire, starting from Longtown Village Hall. The course transitions directly onto the mountains, featuring a selection of four distances over various trail types. Participants in the longest distances encounter several geological landmarks, including Llanthony Abbey, Hatterall Hill, Pen Cerrig Calch, Waun Fach, and Lord Hereford's Knob.
All participants must be at least 17 years old. The event offers the following distances:
- 50 Mile Ultra
- 32 Mile Ultra
- Marathon
- Half Marathon
These routes require self-navigation, though participants are provided with GPS files, maps, and tracking devices. Marshals and signage are only present in specific difficult areas. Support is provided through full checkpoints, medical teams, physiotherapy, and back runners. While all participants have access to cold refreshments, hot food is provided specifically for those in the ultra-distance categories.
A mandatory kit is required for all runners, including waterproof clothing, a race pack, base layers, emergency food, a foil blanket, and trail shoes. Ultra-distance participants must also carry a head torch, a power bank, and have the capacity to carry two liters of fluid. The event operates on a cup-free basis, requiring runners to bring their own reusable cups. Facilities at the event base include toilets, parking, and proximity to local camping options.
All finishers receive a medal. Additional prizes, including handcrafted Welsh slate trophies, are awarded to the top three male and female finishers, as well as winners in the veteran categories for those over 50 and 60. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
