Brecon to Cardiff Xtreme & Taff Xtreme Marathon
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Brecon to Cardiff Xtreme & Taff Xtreme Marathon
The event offers two linear trail races across South Wales, linking Brecon and Cardiff through upland terrain and forests. Distances and elevation are provided for each course and both require mountain running skills and navigation.
- 47.5 miles with around 2,800 m of ascent, mountain ultra covering 11 summits and high points.
- 26.2 miles with around 1,200 m of ascent, covering the second half of the ultra route from Merthyr to Cardiff.
The Xtreme route climbs Pen y Fan, Cribyn and Fan y Big, follows a technical descent via the Roman Road, passes Lower Neuadd Reservoir and Twyn Mwyalchod, and continues over Mynydd Aberdare and through Gethin woodlands. Later sections use the Glamorgan Way and pass St Gwynno and Llanwonno Forests, Pen y Foel and the approach into Pontypridd before finishing at Coleg y Cymoedd. The halfway checkpoint for the ultra is indoors at Merthyr and provides drop bag access.
The event base and finish are at Coleg y Cymoedd, Nantgarw, which offers parking, a café, indoor registration area, toilets and changing rooms and is accessible from the A470 and nearby M4 links. As linear races, competitors park at the finish and travel by coach to the start; coach transport is included for the ultra and optional for the marathon.
The route is unmarked and navigation relies on a GPS trace. A compulsory kit list must be carried. Checkpoints are manned and stocked with drinks and snacks. Time limits apply and only finishers within the limits receive medals. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
