OTT Ultra Marathon
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The Ultra : Brecon Beacons
The Ultra is a 30 mile trail ultra marathon held in the Brecon Beacons, starting and finishing in Georgetown, Merthyr Tydfil. The route follows the Taff Trail and riverside paths, runs alongside the Beacons Reservoir, crosses the A470, and climbs to the summit of Pen y Fan at 886 meters. The course then descends Jacobs Ladder, follows the Roman Road to Torpantau, passes forestry tracks beside Dolygaer and Pontsticill Reservoir, and returns via the Taff Fechan Nature Reserve.
Total elevation gain is 3750 ft / 1143 m. Entry is limited to 250 participants. Entry fees are listed as £60 for affiliated runners and £62 for non affiliated runners.
There are five checkpoints: Cwm Cadlen Road crossing at 6 miles; Pont yr Daf car park at 13 miles; a check in/check out only point at the Pen y Fan summit; Torpantau Train Station at 19.5 miles; and Ffynnondwyn (Taff Trail) at 26 miles. Four checkpoints provide food and water. The event is cup less so runners should bring their own cup. The cutoff at checkpoint 3 is six hours after the start, which requires an average pace of about 20 minutes per mile or quicker.
Compulsory kit includes a fully charged mobile phone, minimum 1 litre hydration, foil blanket or bivi bag, 400 kcal emergency rations, basic first aid kit, headtorch or torch, whistle, waterproof jacket and trousers (taped seams), warm layer, hat and gloves, and a rucksack. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
