Brecon to Cardiff Xtreme
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Brecon to Cardiff Xtreme & Taff Xtreme Marathon
The programme comprises two linear, winter trail races between Brecon and Cardiff. Distances:
- Brecon to Cardiff Xtreme - 75 km (47.5 miles), around 2,680 metres of ascent
- Taff Xtreme Marathon - 26.2 miles, around 1,300 metres of ascent
The Brecon to Cardiff Xtreme follows a mountain route over 11 summits and high points, including Pen y Fan, Cribyn and Fan y Big, with technical descents such as the Roman Road and long sections through forestry and ridgelines. The course meets the classic Brecon to Cardiff route near Pontsticill and again close to Pontypridd. The Taff Xtreme Marathon covers the second half of the ultra course from Merthyr, passing through Gethin woodlands, the Glamorgan Way, St Gwynno and Llanwonno forests, and finishing at Coleg y Cymoedd.
Logistics are organised as a linear event with coach transfers from the finish area to the starts. The event base at Coleg y Cymoedd provides parking, a café, an indoor registration area, toilets and changing rooms. There are manned checkpoints (six on the Xtreme; three on the Marathon) with refreshments and a halfway indoor aid station at Merthyr. Entries are restricted to those aged 18 and over. The Xtreme has a 15 hour time limit and the Marathon a 12 hour limit; finishers within the limit receive a medal.
Navigation is unmarked and relies on a GPS trace; organisers publish a compulsory kit list and recommend a primary GPS device and a backup. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
