Black Mountains 50
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Black Mountains 50 & 32 Mile Ultra, Marathon & Half Marathon
The Black Mountains running event takes place in the Brecon Beacons National Park, starting and finishing at Longtown Hall in Hereford. The course consists of approximately 90% trail and 10% road sections on local lanes. This event is a self-navigation challenge, though the organizers provide GPX files and emergency route maps. Landmarks along the routes include Llanthony Abbey, Hatterall Hill, Pen Cerrig Calch, Cat’s Back, Waun Fach, and Lord Hereford's Knob.
Participants can choose from four distinct distances:
- 50 Miles (80 km) with 11,059 feet of elevation
- 32 Miles (50 km) with 6,663 feet of elevation
- 27 Miles (43.4 km) with 5,505 feet of elevation
- 13 Miles (21 km) with 2,738 feet of elevation
The event features a 24-hour cut-off time for all distances. While runners must navigate themselves, the organizers provide tracking and full support, including medical care, chip timing, and back runners. Checkpoints and water stations are positioned along the route, with the 50-mile ultra featuring a food station at the midway point in Llanbedr.
Mandatory kit requirements are strictly enforced for safety in the mountain environment. Essential items include a waterproof jacket and trousers, a race pack with a 2-liter fluid capacity, a head torch with spare batteries, a foil blanket, and a whistle. The event is cup-free, requiring participants to carry their own reusable cup. Facilities at the race headquarters include parking, toilets, and post-race refreshments. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
