Black Cattle Ultra Gwartheg Duon

All our races have a reputation of 'Brutally Beautifull' - they are a challenge, but people come back year after year because they are simply the best routes around.

The races start in the heart of the Black Mountains, with breathtaking views. As you approach Cardiff and leave the mountains behind you, you'll be in old woods and pass that famous Castell Coch. Just wonderful.

44 mile - 71K Ultra
What better way to start a race than at the beautiful Llanthony Priory, nestled in the Heart of the Black Mountains. You'll spend the day travelling back to Cardiff passing the fairy tale Castell Coch near the finish. Over mountains, wooded vales and picturesque villages, this is one amazing route. It's not easy, yet very rewarding - and something you will definitely want to come back for.
44 mile ultra start: 7:00am
Registration opens: 6:00am (at Llanthony Priory)
Registration closes: 6:45am

33 mile - 53K Ultra
This is not the “easy” option. Starting 11 miles into the 44 mile route, in the pretty town of Abergavenny, you will first meet the Blorenge - a very big climb to start the day. Wandering through the historic towns of Pontypool and Risca, before seeing our Machen Races venue. Finally, a traverse along the Cefn Onn ridge back to Cardiff via the iconic Castell Coch. Just like the 44 mile option, a glorious mountain ultra along an amazing route which will no doubt have you wanting to come back for more.
33 mile ultra start: 9:00am
Registration opens: 08:00am (at Abergavenny)
Registration closes: 8:45am

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There will be three indoor aid stations for the 44 miles race, and 2 indoor stations for the 33 mile race.

The indoor stations will be at​
Abergavenny Community Centre - 11 miles (start for 33 mile race)
Pontypool Pontymoil Church - 23 miles (12 miles for 33 mile race)
Machen - 34 miles (23 miles for 33 mile race)

There will be further water points along the route approximately every 6 miles. Further details and confirmation will be provided nearer race date.

Note: the race is self navigation

Transport to start and race t-shirts can be purchased separately

• Professionally run event
• Professional medical team
• Professional photographer
• Tracking devices - so your friends and family can 'dot watch' your progress
• Professional timing service
• Three indoor aid stations with warm food (two for the 33 mile route)
• Further water aid stations
• The same high quality experience as our other races
• Support for female entries through SheRaces charter compliance
• Locally sourced finisher’s memento (to reduce our environmental impact)
• Awards for 1st, 2nd, 3rd male and female, as well as 1st veteran male and female

Navigation​​​​​​​​​​​
Both courses will require self-navigation. The course will not be marked, but you'll be able to follow the Cambrian Way markers all the way to Tongwynlais, Cardiff where you will switch to the Taff Trail for the last few miles to the finish line. Look out for the distinctive Cambrian Way markers!
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GPX files of the route are available here

Aid stations and refreshments
There will be three indoor aid stations for the 44 mile race, and two indoor stations for the 33 mile race.
The indoor stations will be at​
Abergavenny Community Centre - 11 miles (start for 33 mile race)
Pontypool Pontymoil Church - 23 miles (12 miles for 33 mile race)
Machen - 34 miles (23 miles for 33 mile race)​​
There will be further water points along the route approximately every 6 miles. Further details and confirmation will be provided nearer race date.​
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Kit
No kit = no race. The race is a serious undertaking in mountainous areas.

Cut-offs
Both courses will close at midnight at the the Harlequins ground. This allows a pace of 2.6mph which is similar to most popular ultras such as Lakeland 100.
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Abergavenny cut-off: 11:30 (11 miles)
Pontypool cut-off: 15:30 (23 miles)
Machen cut-off: 20:00 (34 miles)
Race finish: 24:00 (44 miles)​​
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Facilities
There are changing rooms and showers at the venue.
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There will be toilets at all the indoor aid stations
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​​​Travel
There is ample parking at the finish line/race HQ.​