Beacons to the Blacks | 50 Mile Ultra

Who is it for?

Ideal for seasoned/elite athletes and also runners new to trail events. The support will be to such a high level that hopefully you will progress to achieve and fulfil future goals and aspirations that you may have to push that bit further next time.

Support crews

Support crews, friends and families are more than welcome to attend and assist runners at checkpoints. No outside help is allowed at any other points on the course.

During the event you will also be supported by a fully mobile medical unit; support runners will be on the course at various locations if needed and all are well-experienced within this Mountain Range.

Kit check

Each competitor will pass a stringent kit check during registration and at the main Check Point Zone on route. Mountain Rules set by the Local Mountain Rescue Team must be obeyed.

Tracking

Participants on the 50-mile ultra and marathon will be tracked by the team throughout the entire race. Family and friends will be able to track you along your race. 

Timetable

• Friday evening | The team will welcome you to Race HQ. Camping and parking will be available. Registration and kit check will be available for an easier pre-race morning.
•  06:00-06:45 Saturday morning | For those unable to attend Friday please do not worry as there will also be registration available Saturday morning. Race briefing will be confirmed by email.

Transport

Transport to the start will be arranged.

Mandatory kit

• Waterproof jacket
• Waterproof trousers
• Race vest/pack
• Base layer top 
• Capacity to carry 2 litre of fluid
• Emergency food for the duration
• Map or GPX file downloaded
• Fully charged mobile phone and power pack ultra only 
• Hat and gloves
• Appropriate footwear (trail shoes)
• First aid kit - essential items 
• Foil blanket
• Reusable cup
• Head torch and spare batteries ultra only 
• Whistle

Event HQ

Llangynidr New Village Hall
Llangynidr
Llangynidr
Crickhowell
Powys
NP8 1LS
UK

The Ultra and marathon runners will be transported to the start by coach. 

Route overview

• Starting at Llangynidr the route takes you straight up towards Pen y Fan via Fan y Big and Cribin - Pen y Fan being the highest point in South Wales.
• Leaving Pen y Fan you head over Corn Du and drop down to the Storey Arms before heading back up to the ridge, following Graig Fan Du you drop down and cross the valley heading towards Pontsticill Reservoir before once again climbing to Waun Rhydd and joining the marathon route.
• Head from Llangynidr up to the reservoir before joining the 50-mile route near Tor y Foel.
• Taking the Beacons Way you head towards Llangynidr before crossing to climb Mynydd Llangorse, The Dragons Back and hitting Waun Fach in the Black Mountains before your descent back to Perth y Pia. 

Cut off time

There is a strict cut-off time of 24 hours.

Self-navigation

This trail challenge is self-navigation, so exceptional knowledge of how to use a map and a compass is compulsory and will be checked at kit check. 

Included

• Bespoke medal
• Chipped timing
• GPS tracking
• Prizes - 1st 2nd and 3rd Male and Female, trophy designed in Wales - totally unique
• 1st Male and Female Vet over 50
• Parking tickets will go into a ballot - winning ticket will receive a free entry to the next event
• Best picture advertising Limitless Trails on Social Media during this event will win a free entry to the next event
• Four refuel zones plus water stations
• Full support from amazing staff
• First aid 
• Full gallery of pictures 
• Online results
• Free celebratory hot and cold drinks along with delicious warm or cold food after the event for each participant. All dietary requirements will be tailored for.
• Moon and Back Coffee will be at HQ throughout the event serving speciality drinks and cakes for family and friends.
• Fresh hot food will be available at the finish for runners in the Ultra and Marathon only.

Entry fees

Well organised and very welcoming event. The views were stunning, the course was challenging but well thought out and although self-navigating it was difficult to get lost (even in the dark). I would recommend to anyone wanting a bit of adventure in one of the most beautiful parts of the country. Brian F

Absolutely outstanding race organisation. We felt safe and well looked after during the whole event which also took us into the night.. The checkpoints and marshals were absolutely fantastic. So helpful and really looked after us at each stop! Will always highly recommend this race.. Lisa N

Amazing event. Well organised from start to finish. A real community feel with a lot of care shown to entrants across all distances. Very challenging course, well marked, in a stunning location. Highly recommended. Nick H

What an event, an amazing spectacular route over hard but beautiful mountains and with the absolute best support before, during and especially afterward with a very welcoming finish and home-cooked hot food.. Best event I've ever done.. MJC

Really enjoyed this event. It was low key-which I like and everyone was so friendly. The route was spectacular and it was nice starting and finishing at different points. I have already started recommending it to friends. Danielle H

Super friendly. Over night camping option. Efficient kit check. Great route. Excellent support all the way round. Well stock aid stations. Hot and cold foods are really appreciated. Sports massage at the end to help recovery. Everyone should try these events! Una M

Outstanding event. Hard enough to be a real challenge, scenic enough to break your heart, amazing organisation and couldn't have been better looked after at the aid stations or the end. Without doubt one of the best events I've done (and I've done more than my fair share), I can't wait to come back for another go! Paul P

Reviews thanks to RaceCheck