Blacks to the Beacons
50 & 32 Mile Ultra, Marathon & Half Marathon
May 2025 (date TBD)
Limitless Trails are very excited to be offering our this unique Ultra-Marathon 50, 32 &Marathon - starting on the Beautiful Black Mountains and finishing deep in the heart of the Brecon Beacons National park.
CANICROSS FRIENDLY
The Half Marathon will start and finish in the village of Llangynidr
This long-distance challenge is one that will fulfil the elite and seasoned runner besides 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 and checkpoints throughout the duration of the run. Support crews and supporters will be most welcome during the event PLUS BEING FULLY TRACKED.
Start Venue: Perth y Pia Outdoor Activity Centre, Llanbedr, Crickhowell, NP8 1SY
Finish Venue: LLANGYNIDR VILLAGE HALL - Cwmcrawnon Road, Llangynidr, Crickhowell NP8 1LS
Participants will be transported to the start from the finish. The Marathon and the Ultra will BOTH be starting at Perth y Pia -TIME TBC
Registration will be at LLANGYNIDR HALL on Friday Night from 6pm - 8 pm and Saturday Morning TBC VIA EMAIL
Transport will be leaving THE HALL time TBC VIA EMAIL
What to Expect
Friday evening the Team will welcome you to Race HQ at Llangynidr Hall
Camping will be available in a field located within walking distance .
Day parking £5 - ticket ballot for a free entry or some time out with Stu either helping with navigation or techniques, you to decide
Various pubs and cafes can be found in the village
Registration and kit check will be available for an easier pre-race morning. For those unable to attend Friday please do not worry as there will also be registration available from 5 am-6 am Saturday morning tbc via event email. Transport to the start will be arranged for both distances to start together approx 7.30am so we will be leaving HQ @ 6.45am
This Trail Challenge is a self-navigation experience however we will be supporting certain areas that may lead to some confusion with flags and signs. Our pledge not to use tape stands. 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.
Each competitor will pass a stringent kit check during registration.
There will be incredible support on your challenge, first-class Medical team and mountain medics on the route. Our aim is to ensure that your experience will inject confidence with the knowledge that the Limitless Trail Team will do everything to make this challenge an amazing achievement and experience, whether it’s your first attempt at a 50/32/26 miler or not, hopefully, it will inspire you to achieve and fulfil future goals and aspirations that you may have to push that bit further.
On route, we will be supporting you with Check Points and water stations, but to go that step further we will be providing hot food where possible. 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 of physiotherapists on-site to offer any light relief at varied times on the day.
Support crews, friends and families are more than welcome to attend the Eat Zones however we do ask that runners take president overall. Please keep the noise down to a minimum and be considerate when parking. More details will follow shortly.
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 – both experienced within this Mountain Range.
DOG FRIENDLY EVENTS - PLEASE CHECK OUT OUR CANICROSS PAGE
Cut Off Times- START TIMES
START TIMES WILL BE CONFIRMED VIA EMAIL - SUNDAY BEFORE THE EVENT
APPROX PROPOSED TIMES - FRIDAY EVENING PRE REG 6PM - 8PM TBC
50 / 32 MILE & MARATHON - REG - KIT CHECK - BRIEFING - 5.30 - 6.45 - LEAVE THE VILLAGE BY COACH TO START IN THE BLACK MOUNTAINS APPROX 7.30AM
HALF MARATHON - REG - KIT CHECK - BRIEFING - 8AM - START 10am TBC
PLEASE BRING FULL KIT TO REGISTRATION WITH PHOTO ID
50, 32, MARATHON & HALF
24hr Cut Off
The 50 mile event will take in both highest peaks in both the Black Mountains and the Brecon Beacons
The 32/26 mile will take in the highest peak in the Black Mountains
HALF MARATHON IS A CIRCULAR ROUTE - START & FINISH @HQ
Self-navigation with 90% trail 10% road (lanes)
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- to scale the summit of Waun Fach the highest point in the Black Mountains. Leaving this behind you then follow the ridge to descend the Dragons Back taking in some spectacular views before heading down to your first Checkpoint at the base. Refuelled and energised you once again climb to the opposite Mynydd Troed. Following the ridge over Mynydd Llangorse you join parts of the Beacons Way and cross over to the Brecon Beacons National Park. The Mararthon will split here while the Ultra will continue towards the summit of Pen y Fan the highest point in south Wales.
ULTRA 50 HEIGHT GAIN = 10442FT
MARATHON HEIGHT GAIN = 5869FT
HALF MARATHON GAIN = 2503.28 FT
ULTRA 32 HEIGHT GAIN = 6724 FT
CANI CROSS FRIENDLY
Trail Facilities
Local campsite tbc
Refreshments
Sports Therapy
Full Medical Team
Expedition Events Coffee
Toilets
Kiddies Corner
Captain Browns Pizza
HOT FOOD FOR ALL THE ULTRA ENTRIES
ALL DISTANCES ARE SELF NAVIGATION - TRACKING WILL BE IN PLACE - SOME ESSENTIAL SIGNS ON THE ROUTE
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 50 & 26 only
1 Litre for the half & 10k
Emergency Food for the duration
Map or gpx file downloaded
Fully Charged Mobile Phone + POWER BANK for the 50/32 & 26 only
Hat & gloves
Appropriate footwear (trail shoes)
First aid kit - essential items
Foil blanket
Reusable Cup
Head torch & whistle + spare batteries
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.
CAMPING
We have a field with toilets within walking distance of HQ for basic camping. No need to book, we’ll share details on the pre-race email.
Anyone looking for a bit more luxury may want to consider our friends at Pyscodlyn Camping and Caravan site very close to Abergavenny and Crickhowell. Booking essential:
https://pyscodlyn.sb.anytimebooking.eu/place_booking/#forward
For an alternative, rustic farm camp close to Crickhowell, and right below Table Mountain, consider Ty Mawr Camping Field in Llanbedr, Powys. Call Donna on 01873 810606.
POST-RACE RECOVERY SAUNA AND ICE BATH!
To soothe those aching limbs and speed up your recovery, why not consider our friends at Cwmdu Contrast Fire and Ice? Check out their website to book this great experience in a wonderful natural setting, right on our doorstep:
https://cwmdu-contrast.square.site/
RACE GPX FILES
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50 ULTRA
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MARATHON
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HALF MARATHON
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32 M Ultra
£100
50 Mile Ultra Marathon
£55
Half Marathon
£70
Marathon