Where is the race?
Race HQ for the Beacons Trail Marathon, Beacons Ultra Marathon and Beacon Half Marathon is at:
Henderson Hall, Talybont-on-Usk, LD3 7YQ
When is the race?
The race is on Saturday 9th November 2024.
What distances are involved?
There are three distances to choose from:
Beacons Ultra: 47.1 miles
Beacons Marathon: 26.3 miles
Beacons Half: 13.1 miles.
What is the course like?
The route for the Beacons Ultra is a very varied one that 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.
The event takes place in the heart of the Brecon Beacons starting and finishing in the delightful village of Talybont-on-Usk. From the start at Race HQ you follow the picturesque Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal toward Llangyndir. The tow path to Llangynidr is probably the flattest 3 miles you will find in Wales! The route then splits from the canal at the canal locks and heads up the Beacons way for about a mile before detouring off to take in the much appreciated trek up and over Tor y Foel before descending down into Talybont forest. Here it picks up the old coal route where originally the tramway and later on the railway brought coal from ‘over the other side’ to be loaded on to the barges for dispatch to Newport. A steady climb continues towards Torpantau before dropping slightly and entering the Taf Fechan Forest. The forest trail then starts to change into open hill and follows what the locals call the ‘Gap Road’.
The highest point of the route is 600 meters above sea level at the ‘Gap’ itself.
After all that height gain there is quite a bit of descending along one of the Brecon Beacons ‘classic’ routes, down to the canal at Pencelli and back to Race HQ at Talybont-on-Usk where you can rest/restock before departing for your 2nd loop (note the cutoff for starting the 2nd loop is 1430).
The Beacons Marathon follows the classic Beacons Ultra loop with the cheeky little climb of Pen-y-Fan and Cribyn thrown in for good measure.
The Beacons Half Marathon is predominantly canal paths and forestry tracks.
How much does the race cost?
Beacons Ultra: £75
Beacons Marathon: £55
Beacons Half: £35
Medal is included!
How do I enter?
To enter the race visit the ‘How To Enter’ section on the website and follow instructions. Entry to the race is online only.
Online entry is being managed by SiEntries.
Maps and Navigation
All routes will be fully marked course, part of the compulsory kit list is a paper copy of the route (printed off the website is fine) this is just for reference or in the case that signage is removed by the public.
What is the minimum age for entry?
Competitors for all distances must be 18 years old on the date of the event.
What age group will I race in?
You will compete in the age group that you are in on the day of the race.
How does the registration process work?
Registration will be available before the race at Henderson Hall, Talybont-on-Usk on Saturday 9th November 2024 only. There will be no registration the night before. Full details will be provided in the Athlete Guide, which will be emailed to you one week before the event. We do not send out race numbers or timing chips in the post.
Are there ‘cut-off’ times for the race?
Beacons Ultra: Your second lap must be started by 1430 on 9th November and you must complete the race by 2230.
Beacons Marathon: You must be finished by 2230
Is there a kit list?
Below is a list of the required kit for the race. You MUST have all the required items on the list and MUST be as described. There will be NO EXCEPTIONS. The organisers’ decision is final.
We will be carrying out kit spot checks at the start/finish and the checkpoints any runner found to not be carrying all the compulsory kit will be disqualified, this is for your own safety and also ensures that all entrants are carrying the same kit whether a racing snake or back marker.
- Rucksack/Race Vest - suitable for carry the items on the compulsory kit list (!)
- Fully charged Mobile phone – with emergency numbers saved
- Means of hydration - ability to carry an absolute minimum of 500ml of fluid
- Cup/Mug/Bottle - no cups will be provided at checkpoints
- Enough food for between checkpoints (no shops on route!)
- Full waterproof cover (jacket and trousers)
- Hat
- Gloves
- Fleece (or similar warm upper body layer)
- Survival/Space blanket/bag
- Basic first aid kit
- Head/chest torch and spare batteries, or a spare head torch if using a rechargeable one
- Compass
- Whistle
- Map (covering full route) - Ideally OS map but printed sections off the website will suffice
Are there prizes?
Yes. There will be prizes for race winners. Full details of prizes will be announced closer to race day.
What is the cancellation policy?
If for any reason you are unable to attend the race, there will not be a refund, however, there is an option to defer your entry or transfer it to another competitor via SiEntries. The cut off for deferrals and transfers is 28 days prior to the start of the event. The final date to be eligible for a transfer is 12th October.
Can spectators watch the race?
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.
Is camping available?
There is no camping at Race HQ, there are several campsites locally in Talybont-on-Usk. There is no sleeping at Race HQ before or after the event.
Are there showers?
There are two community showers (£1 fee) attached at Henderson Hall – Race HQ, you will be advised if these will be available on race day.
Weather
You will be advised of the latest weather forecast at registration, please ensure you have suitable clothing for all weather condition. 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.
All other queries