PRESS RELEASE
Beast of the Blacks challenge sees 300 runners take on snow covered mountains above Crickhowell
Wintery weather made for testing conditions, but the sold-out event was a success, with both UK based and international runners from across Europe and the USA, gathering at Llandbedr Village Hall to take on the 11, 20, and 40-mile trail running challenge.
The winner of the 40-mile challenge was Andrei Adam, who completed the trail in just under seven hours, coming in at six hours 58 minutes. The fastest lady was Helen Pike who completed the course in eight hours and 24 minutes.
The winner of the 20-mile challenge was Sam Ellis who finished the course in three hours 14 minutes, with the first female, Livvy Jones, coming in at three hours 25 minutes.
The 11-mile challenge was won by Joe Killen who completed the course in one hour 39 minutes, with Bonnie van Wilgenburg, winning the female heat with a time of one hour and 51 minutes.
Crickhowell based Limitless Trails, founded by Ellen Wood and launched during the covid-19 pandemic, welcomes two and four-legged competitors to take on courses varying in distance and elevation. The events champion the National Park, National Resources Wales (NRW), National Trust, and the local area and community by promoting the stunning Welsh landscape and working with local businesses to showcase talent in the area.
Director of Limitless Trails Ellen said: “We started during the covid pandemic, and it’s been a huge challenge over the last couple of years. As well as putting on great events, showcasing our beautiful area, while helping local tourism has always been our aim, and I’m so proud to see this small company go from strength to strength. None of it would be possible without the help of family, friends, and our amazing volunteers. If you want to get involved, we can offer free event entry to volunteers that help at checkpoints.”
While some runners are focused on personal goals, others are competing to win. Each racer receives a medal, fully timed results, free photographs from the event, with first, second and third placers also taking home a beautiful Welsh slate trophy made by Crickhowell based business CutnEtch. As well as trophies for the ranking competitors, we recognise completing the course is an achievement in itself, and so we have a special inspiration award, and a dog award for canicross competitors too.
The event works with a number of local businesses including Newport based physio Danni, who is on hand at HQ to help with recovery, as well as Brecon based mobile barista Moon and Back Coffee, who provide much needed coffee and cake to competitors, spectators, and staff alike. You’ll also find West Wales based activewear company Be Your Happy Place, who set up a stall with their bright and bold workout clothes.
Just outside HQ you’ll find Ian from Pontyclun based We Are Timing, using the latest equipment to record the runners’ times, while our videographer Yaz Cooke captures those happy smiles on completion. Out on the course Cardiff photographer Andy Gale braves the elements to take some epic pictures of competitors, and volunteer medics from Cavra, the civil aid voluntary rescue association charity based in the Vale of Glamorgan, do a great job of keeping everyone safe.
The next event, the Beast of the Beacons, is back for its third year and will take place on Saturday April 8. The marked course will see runners start and end their race at Llangynidr Village Hall where drinks and snacks are provided. Spectators are welcome to enjoy the family-friendly atmosphere and support their racers from the checkpoints and at HQ. Businesses or volunteers wishing to get involved should email Ellen at ellen@limitlesstrails.co.uk.