Black Mountains 50 Mile Ultra and Marathon
Saturday June 12th 2021
Distance
27 Miles/43.4 KM
50 Miles/80 KM
Start Location
Perth Y Pia, Llanbedr
Elevation:
Marathon = 5505FT
50 Mile = 11059FT
Finish Location
Perth Y Pia, Llanbedr
Cut Off Times
26 miles = 12 hrs
50 miles = 24 hrs
Self Navigation
Limitless Trails are very excited to be offering another Ultramarathon and Marathon in the beautiful Black Mountains, deep in the heart of the Brecon Beacons National Park.
This long-distance challenge is one that will fulfil the elite and seasoned runner whilst also offering amazing support for the less experienced trail runner who may be looking to step up a gear and attempt a greater challenge with the knowledge that they will be receiving incredible support - both from our amazing team and at checkpoints throughout the duration of the run.
Support crews and supporters will be most welcome during the event.
What to Expect
Friday afternoon the Team will welcome you to Race HQ – camping and parking will be available close to the start of the race. Registration and kit check will be available for an easier pre-race morning. For those unable to attend Friday please do not worry as a gentle start time of 8 am will allow everyone a stress-free race morning. Registration will be open at 6 am and the race briefing will be at 7.30 am.
There will be a drop bag zone at the start/finish – items left at your own risk.
This Trail Challenge is a self-navigated experience however we will be supporting certain areas that may lead to some confusion with flags and signs (not tape). Participants will be tracked by our team throughout the entire race. Family and friends will be able to monitor and support each and every one of you. A GPX file and a map will be provided. We highly recommend recceing sections of the route before the event.
On route, we will be supporting you with Check Points and water stations. For the 50-Mile Ultra we will also be providing hot food at the mid-way point in Longtown.
Medical advice given to any runner not to continue must be followed, if not then the organisers do not accept any responsibility if the participant continues. They do so at their own risk. We will have a team physio on-site to offer any light relief.
Support crews, friends and families are more than welcome to attend the checkpoints however we do ask that runners take president overall. Please be considerate of our neighbours at checkpoints - keep the noise down to a minimum and be considerate when parking.
During the event, you will also be supported by a full mobile medical unit. Support runners will be on the course at various locations if needed for vital support – all experienced within this Mountain Range.
Before entering the event please have a thorough read through our COVID-19 participant guidelines.
Cut Off Times
50 miles = 24 hrs
26 miles = 12 hrs
The 50 Mile Ultra will have a cut off at 25 miles of 12hrs - unless support has been given to a fellow runner
Self-navigation with 90% trail 10% road (lanes)
Ability to read a compass is mandatory.
Any runner who assists an injured participant / or similar will gain a time reward.
Brief Route Outline
Starting at Perth y Pia Llanbedr the route takes you straight up to the Black Mountain ridge- descending into the valley, forest trails before you begin to climb Mc Namaras pass to scale the summit of Waun Fach. Leaving this behind you then follow the ridge to Lord Herefords Knob (along this ridge is when you’ll see the signs diverting the Marathon route), taking in some spectacular views before heading down to your first Checkpoint at the base of Hay Bluff!
Refuelled and energised you once again climb to the The Offas Dyke Path and head towards the stunning Cats Back Ridge, leading you into the Olchen Valley and your next Eat Zone based in Longtown (approx. 25miles) when ready and refreshed you will once again cross the valley and climb back onto the Offas Dyke Path.
Following the path, you descend into the breath-taking Abbey of Llantony where you will collect a band and fill up your water. Following the Beacons Way, you will then head back up to finally drop down over the famous Hattteral Hill and enjoy yet another small check point. Leaving here you once again start a climb towards the Sugar loaf Mountain – this will be your final check point.
You continue up heading over the summit of the Loaf where you will once again descend to find trails that traverse the mountain before once again heading back towards the summit. Here you will see your final destination in the distance! The Black Mountains, after heading back down to cross the valley you then have a small road section before your last vicious hill, glorious to the finish (50 miles). After recovering with some delicious well-deserved hot food & a shower you can marvel at your incredible achievement.
Marathon route - Leaving the 50 route between Waun Fach and Lord Herefords Knob, you will take a right turn at Rhos Dirion towards the reservoir (keeping that on your right below) dropping down from the mountain you will head into the beautiful forest of Mynydd Du. Staying on the forest trails you will eventually cross the valley and remain in the forest. A beautiful but technical section will lead you to the ridge with Crug Mawr to you left. You descend through a magnificent valley perfect trails to once again cross the valley and conquer that final climb towards the Table Mountain. Your final fast yet steep down will lead you to the finish.
ULTRA 50 HEIGHT GAIN = 11059FT
MARATHON HEIGHT GAIN = 5505FT
We openly encourage camping or taking a look at some of the fantastic local BnBs in Crickhowell.
Facilities
Camping
Refreshments
Toilets
Parking £5 - Parking tickets will go into a ballot - winning ticket will receive a free entry to our next event
Full Medical Team
What You Get
20% DISCOUNT VOUCHER FOR MONTANE
Bespoke medal, complimentary gift - refreshments
Chipped timing and Tracking
Prizes - 1st 2nd & 3rd Male & Female, Handcrafted wooden trophy, designed & hand-carved in Wales - totally unique to us
1st Male & Female Vet over 50
Parking tickets will go into a ballot - winning ticket will receive a free entry to our next event
Best picture advertising Limitless Trails on Social Media during this event will win a free entry to our next event - Tag @limitlesstrails on Instagram
Four refuel zones plus water stations - full support from our amazing staff - first aid
Full gallery of pictures
Online results
Free celebratory hot & cold drinks along with delicious warm or cold food after the event for each participant - All dietary requirements will be tailored for.
Moon & Back Coffee will be at HQ throughout the event serving speciality drinks and cakes for family & friends (COVID restriction allowing). Fresh hot food will be available at the finish for purchase/ supporters.
First-class Medical support by Nomad Adventures and mountain medics on the route
MONTANE DISCOUNT CODE
MANDATORY KIT
Waterproof Jacket and trousers
Race vest/pack
Baselayer Top - Must be either synthetic or merino wool, we suggest spare socks
Capacity to carry 2 litre of fluid
Emergency Food for the duration
Map or gpx file downloaded
Fully Charged Mobile Phone + back up
Hat & gloves
Appropriate footwear (trail shoes)
First aid kit - essential items
Foil blanket
Reusable Cup
Head torch & whistle + spare batteries
Anti bacterial gel, mask & gloves
No participant will be allowed to participate without the full kit. A full kit check will be undertaken at registration and spontaneous checks will be carried out on the event. There will be NO changes to the mandatory kit lists due to weather - the mountains are unpredictable.
Please note that we are a cup free event - please remember to bring your reusable cup.
GPX Downloads
£55
Marathon
£80
50 Mile Ultra Marathon