Beacons Ultra, Marathon & Half Marathon

The course for all three distances is very varied and will test competitors’ strengths and weaknesses, flat land specialists will love the canal bits whilst the mountain goats will prefer the 'gap', and then of course there's all the 'in between' bits.

Beacons Ultra: 50 miles - 2.258m/7,408 feet
Beacons Marathon: 26 miles - 1,319m/4,327 feet
Beacons Half: 13 miles - 543m/1,781 feet

The Beacons Ultra, Beacons Marathon and Beacons Half are a series of mixed trail/mountain/canal/road run around the magnificent Brecon Beacons in the middle of November, when climatic conditions can vary quite considerably. The race has taken place in everything from sparkling sunshine through to minus 8 degrees, with obligatory rain and mist thrown in to remind the athletes that they are running in Wales in all its glory.

The timing of the event being at the end of the prime UK ultra season means the event attracts a very mixed range of abilities, from multi-world record holders, to world champions through to those taking part in an ultrarun for the very first time and of course everyone in between. With three distances to choose from, ranging from 50 miles, 26 miles or 13 miles, the overriding atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming (although the competitive spirit in some can never die!). Whatever your ability, you will also be made extremely welcome by what is possibly the friendliest organisers and marshals anywhere on the planet.

• Finishers' medal
• Pizza available at the finish line (at additional cost)
• Fully marked course

Start Times
Beacons Ultra: 07:30
Beacons Marathon: 10:00
Beacons Half: 10:00


Cut Offs
Beacons Ultra: Your second lap must be started by 15:30 on 8th November, you must complete the race by 23:30
Beacons Marathon: You must be finished by 23:30
Beacons Half: N/A

START
Henderson Hall – Race HQ
Grid Ref: SO 11268 22883
What 3 Words: ///proper.summer.hawks

CP 1
Fire Road
Grid Ref: SO 09174 17224
What 3 Words: ///testing.unloads.short
Nutrition/Hydration: Water + Snacks
No access for crew/spectators
Distance (miles): Half: 7.4 / Marathon: 7.4 / Ultra: 7.4

CP 1a
Pen y Fan
Grid Ref: SO 01211 21579
What 3 Words: ///pinches.ticked.tenure
Nutrition/Hydration: n/a
Distance (miles): Half: n/a / Marathon: 15.9 / Ultra: 15.9

CP 2
Cwmcynwyn
Grid Ref: SO 03797 23724
What 3 Words: ///blotchy.insiders.emperor
Nutrition/Hydration: Water + Snacks
No access for crew/spectators
Distance (miles): Half: n/a / Marathon: 16.7 / Ultra: 22.3

CP 3
Henderson Hall – Race HQ
Grid Ref: SO 11268 22883
What 3 Words: ///proper.summer.hawks
Distance (miles): Half: n/a / Marathon: n/a / Ultra: 26.3

FINISH
Henderson Hall – Race HQ
Grid Ref: SO 11268 22883
What 3 Words: ///proper.summer.hawks
Distance (miles): Half: 13.1 / Marathon: 26.3/ Ultra: n/a

CP 4
Fire Road
Grid Ref: SO 09174 17224
What 3 Words: ///testing.unloads.short
Nutrition/Hydration: Water + Snacks
No access for crew/spectators
Distance (miles): Half: n/a / Marathon: n/a / Ultra: 33.4

CP 5
Cwmcynwyn
Grid Ref: SO 03797 23724
What 3 Words: ///blotchy.insiders.emperor
Nutrition/Hydration: Water + Snacks
No access for crew/spectators
Distance (miles): Half: n/a / Marathon: 16.7 / Ultra: 42.9

FINISH
Henderson Hall – Race HQ
Grid Ref: SO 11268 22883
What 3 Words: ///proper.summer.hawks
Distance (miles): Half: n/a / Marathon: n/a / Ultra: 49.7

• Supporters and crew MUST NOT travel to CP 1/2/4/5, CP 1/4 is on Natural Resources Wales land and is not accessible by the public, CP 2/5 is along a single track road.
• There will be plenty of food, water and snacks for you at each checkpoint. There is no access to CP 1/2/4/5 however if you wish to have someone meet you to supply food and/or water on any other part of the route you’re welcome to. We suggest that friends and family that would like to see athletes along the route do so at - Llangynidr, Torpantau/Taf fechan Forest, Llanfrynach, Pencelli all of which have good road access and parking.

Disclaimer: The organisers reserve the right to amend the routes when necessary.