DISTANCE
100 MILES
ELEVATION
6143M
LOCATION
BRECON BEACONS
PLACES
250
CUT-OFF TIME
40 HOURS
ENTRY FEE
£189
beacons-event-icon.png

BEACONS WAY ULTRA 100 MILES

BY APPLICATION ONLY > Saturday 27th July 2024

The Race Across Bannau Brycheiniog, the Brecon Beacons National Park! 100 Miles starting from the ruins of Abergavenny Castle and following the Beacons Way National Trail with 10 Checkpoints spanning the trail. A classic race, taking on the highest mountains in South Wales including Pen-y-Fan (886m) and the Carmarthen Fans!

With 6143m of Ascent (20100 ft) over 100 miles, Live Online GPS Tracking via GB Race Tracker, breathtaking views and amazing support from the #GBUltras team, the event also attains UTMB Performance Index points and ITRA Points! Optional transport back to the Start Venue after the event.

Ready for the challenge?

The Race Across Bannau Brycheiniog is NOW By Application Only, ensuring only those with suitable experience are on the start line of the 100 mile or 105 km. APPLY TODAY to Secure your place today on the Beacons Way Ultra 100 Miles for only £189. 

Follow the Beacons Way Ultra page & join the GB Ultras Community Group.

Course Records

Mens PB – Ryan Lewis (GBR) 23 Hours 31 Minutes (2021)

Ladies PB – Elizabeth Gatherer (GBR) 30 Hours 34 Minutes 30 Seconds (2023)

UTMB-Qualifier-100M.png
Days
Hours
Minutes

Are You Ready To

Take on the Mountains? Traverse the Brecon Beacons National Park? Tested to the Maximum to earn your 100 mile belt buckle? Step into the unknown and the wilds of Bannau Brycheiniog?

Gold, Silver or Bronze?

Top 100 finishers earn a Gold ‘Beacons Way Ultra 100’ Buckle, 101-200 finishers earn a Silver 100 Mile Buckle and 201+ finishers earn the Bronze 100 Mile Buckle. There are additional prizes for the Top 3 Male and Top 3 Female finishers!

beacons-ultra-100-buckles-2023.png

Click Below To Watch The Live Online Tracking

All The Beacons Way Ultra 100 Mile Information

We want you to have the most amazing time at the Beacons Way Ultra 100 Mile! All the information you need to participate in this event is below.

Start Venue

Abergavenny Castle, Castle Street, Abergavenny, NP7 5EE

Friday 26th July 2024

17:30 – 21:00 – Race Registration at Abergavenny Castle Event HQ

Saturday 27th July 2024

04:15 – 05:45 – Registration – GB Race Tracker & Bib No Collection

06:00 – Race Start

Finish Venue

Llangadog Village Hall, Dyrfal Road (A4069), Llangadog, SA19 9BW

BY APPLICATION ONLY!  Each participant must apply to take part in the race to ensure they have suitable experience to take on the Race Across Bannau Brycheiniog.

At least 20 years old + at the time of the race (Rule T3 (141) S5 UKA Trail Running).

In good health. The ability to navigate is required and expected.

Each participant must have completed at least a 50 mile distance event prior to the event.
This can be for an event not yet taken place but that will be completed prior to the onset of Beacons Way Ultra 100 mile

Mandatory Kit

Waterproof trousers (NOW PART OF THE MANDATORY KIT),
Hardcopy Ordnance Survey Explorer OL12 & OL13 (Brecon Beacons) or Harvey Maps XT25/XT40 (Please note increased detail on OS Explorer)
Waterproof coat with sealed seams, i.e. Goretex – Min 10,000mm — Recommended 20,000mm.
Base Plate Compass
Base layer long sleeved (Separate from Start Kit in a dry bag).
Water bottle or bladder -min 1 litre capacity,
Fully charged mobile phone,
Thermal Survival Bag or Bivi,
Headtorch – Min 75 Lumens,
Emergency Rations – Min 500 Calories,
Whistle,
Backup Light source – Min 25 Lumens (Not your phone),
GPS Tracker (property of GB Race Tracker – given at Race Registration),

Please be aware GB Ultras Races Now Cupless! You can buy a GB Ultras reusable cup CLICK HERE to visit the shop.

The list is compulsory. Your kit will be checked at Registration and could also be subject to random checks at any time during the event and also at the finish. You risk disqualification or time penalties if you do not have all kit with you at all times.
 

Please Note:

  • Full map only will pass kit checks not cut down, photocopies or illustrations.
  • Compass must be a compass NOT one on your phone or watch.
  • Long sleeve top as base layer 
  • Failure to have any of the kit on race day could lead you to be disqualified and pulled from the race at any point.
  • Additional items of kit may be added based on ‘expected’ weather forecast conditions – full wet weather kit. If necessary, we will advise you by social media in the days leading up to the event what additional items may be required.

Beacons Way Ultra 100 Mile Ultramarathon has 10 Checkpoints en route with the principle aim of maintaining the highest level of support possible across the Brecon Beacons National Park.

Cut-off times per checkpoint are implemented by GB Ultras, at their discretion, to ensure the safe and proper running of the event and include the length of time taken to complete sections of the Beacons Way route.

There is a 40 hour cut off time for the event. The locations of the Checkpoints are:

Cut off times and Checkpoints:

Checkpoint 1 – 7 Miles
Outside of The Skirrid Mountain Inn, Llanvihangel Crucorney, Abergavenny, NP7 8DH. WATER ONLY.
Coordinates: SO32550 20630.
Cut Off at CP1 : 08.48 AM Saturday

Checkpoint 2 – 13 Miles
Llanthony Treats Campsite, Honddu Cottage, Llanthony, NP7 7NN.
Coordinates: SO28804 27759.
Cut Off at CP2 : 11.12 AM Saturday

Checkpoint 3 – 26 Miles
Crickhowell Village Hall, 4 Church Lane, Crickhowell, NP8 1BB.
Coordinates: SO21664 18393.
Cut Off at CP3 : 16:24 PM Sat —- NO SUPPORT CREWS AT CP3 (No Parking)

Checkpoint 4 – 36 Miles
Bwlch Village Hall, Bwlch, LD3 7HJ.
Coordinates: SO14615 22337.
Cut Off at CP4 : 20:24 PM Sat.

Checkpoint 5 – 45 Miles
Talybont. Blaen y Glyn Uchaf car park, Talybont-on-Usk, Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 2UT/LD3 7YT.
Coordinates: SO05610 17560.
Cut Off at CP5 : 00:00 AM Sun.

Checkpoint 6 – 52 Miles
Storey Arms/Pont ar Daf car park, Brecon, LD3 8NL.
Coordinates: SN98270 20280.
Cut Off at CP6 : 02:44 AM Sun.

Checkpoint 7 – 59 Miles
Sarn Helen car park, Blaen Ilia, Ystradfellte, Aberdare, CF44 9JD/CF44 9JG.
Coordinates: SN92730 16435.
Cut Off at CP7 : 05:36 AM Sun.

Checkpoint 8 – 65 Miles
Penwyllt car park – South Wales Caving Club, A4067, Tase-Uchaf, SA9 1GQ
https://what3words.com/exacts.constants.again
Cut Off at CP8 : 09:12 AM Sun

Checkpoint 9 – 78 Miles
Neuadd Llanddeusant Village Hall, Llanddeusant, Llangadog, SA19 9YB.
Coordinates: SN76050 24870.
Cut Off at CP9 : 13:12 PM Sun.

Checkpoint 10 – 87 Miles
Mountain View, Mountain Road Car Park, A4069, Llangadog, SA19 9PA.
Coordinates: SN73260 18827.
Cut Off at CP10 : 16:48 PM Sun.

Finish – 102 Miles
Llangadog Community Centre, Dyrfal Road (A4069), Llangadog, SA19 9BW.
Coordinates: SN70625 28210.
Cut Off at 22:00 PM Sun.

If you see a runner experiencing difficulties please inform Checkpoint Marshals. Each runner should have RACE HQ mobile numbers stored in their phone (shared in the Race Instructions email in the weeks prior to the event).

It is the role of the entrant to be self-sufficient. Should an incident occur, our team will endeavour to reach any participant in difficulty as quickly as possible, with Event staff stationed in hard to reach locations. Phones must be used only in an emergency to conserve battery power should the need arise.

Participants who lose time helping another fallen participant, can claim this time back, subject to RD discretion and under the proviso of completing within RD agreed conditions. Please note any extended time will be ‘within’ the cut-offs of the event, due to event staffing, medical cover and venue hire.

GB Race Tracker provide the Live Online GPS Tracking for the event with updates on participant positions approximately every 2 minutes (subject to signal). On the front of each tracker is an SOS button which when pressed immediately alerts the Race Director & Race HQ that urgent help is required who can then act accordingly.

In the event of a Medical Emergency please call Race HQ first.

Runners can utilise a Dropbag facility to transport a change of kit/supplies to two points during the race and also an adiditonal dropbag which will head to the Finish line venue.

This dropbag should be handed in at Race Registration Abergavenny Castle, be labelled (labels available at Race HQ) and should be small/medium in size (i.e. not a suitcase). They will be transported to dedicated checkpoints, CP5 (Talybont) and CP9 (Llanddeusant).  These should be different dropbags.  Please do not leave valuables.

Support crews are more than welcome to pick up dropbag’s providing prior authorisation is given by the runner (at Race Registration) and early collection by the runner is fine too.  Please note dropbags at checkpoints at different locations during the race will only make their way to the finish venue when the checkpoint in question closes.

Optional coach travel back to Abergavenny Castle is available at a cost of £27.99 per person.
Coach departs Llangadog Community Centre to Abergavenny (Approx 22:00 pm Sunday).

Runners can rest at the finish venue while awaiting coach transport.

Please plan ahead & book early to avoid disappointment.  Option available during the Sign Up procedure.  Please note 2023 seats were at capacity 7 weeks prior to the race.

Beacons Way Ultra-Marathon Admission Waiver

Each ultra runner agrees and understands the full nature of an Ultra-Marathon. That an Ultra-Marathon involves running throughout the day and well into the night at times with limited rest over challenging terrain with inherent risks of changing weather conditions. Each ultra runner understands that it is their responsibility to adequately train for the event, and monitor their own health throughout and are ultimately responsible for their own safety. Criteria ensures that a runners safety depends on their own skills and abilities and these have been gained from other events placing them in good stead to take on the mental and physical challenges of Beacons Way Ultra 100.

Each ultra runner understands these are there responsibilities not those of GB Ultras.

Please read these terms and conditions carefully and make sure that you understand them, before placing an entry on our site. By submitting your entry form, you agree to be bound by these terms and conditions (“the Terms”), and by submitting, you declare that you hereby, for yourself, your heirs and executors, administrators, successors, and assigns, declare that:-

1. I hereby agree to comply with the Conditions of Entry and all event rules and regulations as set down by GB Ultras Ltd (“the Event Organisers”) a company registered in England and Wales under company number 09397186. These conditions include the length of time taken to complete sections of the course which may be implemented by the Event Organisers, at their discretion, to ensure safe and proper running of the event.
2. I agree that the decision of the Race Referee will be final in all circumstances and no discussion will be entered into.
3. I agree to conduct myself in a sporting, professional and cautious manner during my participation in the event and understand that I may be disqualified if I do not do so.
4. I understand participation in this Event is physically strenuous and demanding and am fully aware of the nature of the event and all associated medical and physical risks involved. I further certify that I am physically capable of competing in this Event and I will only compete if I am fit enough to do so.
5. I will be immediately disqualified from the Event if I am found to have intentionally shortened the route to the race, and found to be deliberately littering the course.
6. If I have any medical condition(s), including allergies, which the Event Organisers or Event medical advisors might need to be aware of, I have provided details of this on my entry form, and will also provide written details of this on the rear of my pin-on numbers prior to my participation in the Event. I agree to display my number at all times during the Event.
7. I acknowledge that my pin-on number is personal to me and it is non-transferable under any circumstances.
8. I understand and agree that I participate in this Event entirely at my own risk, that I must rely on my own ability in dealing with all hazards, and that I must conduct myself in a manner that is safe for myself and all others throughout the duration of this Event.
9. I agree to retire immediately from the event if ordered to do so by the Event Organisers, any government official or member of the emergency services.
10. I accept full liability for any medical expenses incurred as a result of training for and/or participating in the Event
11. I accept that the Event Organisers, sponsors, race officials, medical advisers and any person involved in the organisation of this Event are not liable for any injury or illness or resultant death that I may suffer as a result of my participation in the Event, whether prior to, during or subsequent to the Event. I enter the race entirely at my own risk. I renounce any rights and claims for damages that I may have against the Event Organisers, sponsors, race officials, medical advisers and any person involved in the organisation of this Event together with their officers, directors, shareholders, successors and assigns, (collectively, “Releasees”) and release them from all liability to the Participant and his/her personal representatives, assigns, heirs, executors, and successors for loss(es), damage(s) and claims therefor on account of injury to Participant or his/her property or the resultant death of Participant, whether caused by the active or passive negligence of the Releasees or otherwise, in connection with Participants involvement in the Event (“Losses”), and further covenants not to sue any of the aforementioned parties for such Losses.
12. Whilst the Event Organisers take every care with the staging of the Event, I accept that I must make all reasonable precautions for the safeguarding of my person and of my property during my participation in this Event. I further acknowledge that personal accident and personal items insurance is my responsibility.
13. I understand that at registration, I must produce photographic identification.
14. I am aware that when running, the function of the marshals is only to indicate direction and that I must decide if the movement is safe.
15. I accept that, in relation to my participation in this Event, I am required to obey instructions from marshals and relevant signage before, during and after the Event.
16. The Event Organisers introduce cut off times for completion of sections of the course as they see fit. These will be made clear prior to the race. Competitors may be instructed to withdraw from the Event in accordance with the imposed cut off times.
17. I accept that the Event Organisers reserve the right to amend the event format or cancel the Event due to health and safety reasons, including storm, rain, inclement weather, winds or any other act of god conditions. I accept that my Entry fee shall be non-refundable in this circumstance as costs have already been incurred.
18. I accept that the Event Organisers will do their utmost to provide me with a finish time following my completion of the Event, however they will not be held responsible for any computer result anomalies.
19. I will be 20 years old or over on the day of the Event (Rule T3 (141) S5 UKA Trail Running).
20. I have read, understood and accept the GB Ultras Ltd Withdrawal Policy.
21. I understand that confirmed entry to this event is dependent on a fully and accurately completed online Entry Form; and receipt of payment to cover my Entry fee at least 10 working days (2 weeks) in advance of the event. If either of these conditions is not fulfilled then my entry will not be valid nor accepted, and I will not be eligible to take part in the Event.
22. Through my completion and submission of the online Entry Form, I am committing to paying for my Event entry via the means as instructed on the GB Ultras Ltd website.
23. I irrevocably consent to my appearance in any media format, in relation to the publicity of this Event, and in future publicity and advertising of GB Ultras Ltd; provided that such use does not imply my direct endorsement of any official sponsor or suppliers of the Event.
24. All decisions and rulings by the Event Organisers, its employees and its agents are considered final.
25. The Event Organisers reserve the right to vary these conditions by giving notice to in writing in any official event material or correspondence prior to the Event.
26. A person who is not party to these Terms shall not have any rights under or in connection with them under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999.

27. We will not be liable or responsible for any failure to perform, or delay in performance of, any of our obligations under the Terms that is caused by events outside our reasonable control.

A Force Majeure Event includes any act, event, non-happening, omission or accident beyond our reasonable control and includes in particular (without limitation) the following: strikes, lock-outs or other industrial action; civil commotion, riot, invasion, terrorist attack or threat of terrorist attack, war (whether declared or not) or threat or preparation for war; fire, explosion, storm, flood, earthquake, subsidence, epidemic or other natural disaster; impossibility of the use of railways, shipping, aircraft, motor transport or other means of public or private transport; impossibility of the use of public or private telecommunications networks; the acts, decrees, legislation, regulations or restrictions of any government; and pandemic or epidemic.

28. You agree that we may publish your Personal Information as part of the results of the Event and may pass such information to the governing body or any affiliated organisation for the purpose of insurance, licences or for publishing results either for the event alone or combined with or compared to other events. Results may include (but not be limited to) name, any club affiliation, race times, occupation and age category. You consent that your details maybe passed onto GB Race Tracker Ltd and Race Tracker AS to ensure the smooth and accurate running of the Tracking software. Your details may also be passed onto 3rd parties via Live tracking so that your family and friends and the general public can follow every entrants position during the Race.

29. Should a GPS Tracker be damaged, lost or stolen then the entrant agrees to cover the cost of the tracker which is £150 + VAT per GPS tracker.

30. Upon withdrawal or completion of the Race, the runner agrees to return the GPS tracker to the Race Organiser. If a GPS tracker is not returned to a dedicated Race Marshal at Race HQ then the runner will be charged £150 + VAT.

31. I have read, understood and accept the GB Ultras Ltd Withdrawal Policy.

Before the race

Due to the nature of the event, costs are incurred as soon as a participant signs up, no refunds are possible in this event.

We allow deferrals to the following years race or transfer of your place to another runner subject to the timescales below. Transfers to another runner are also subject to the replacement runner meeting the qualifying criteria for the event (please see the Qualifying Criteria section).
 

Deferrals

Any deferrals to the following years Race must be requested by emailing the event team at events@gbultras.com no later than 8 weeks prior to the event subject to payment of an administration fee. No deferral requests will be permitted after this time. Click here to pay the Admin Fee.

Please note that a deferral is permitted for 1 year only (unless due to pregnancy – please see GB Ultras Pregnancy Deferral Policy below).

Pregnancy Deferral

  1. Women who have entered a GB Ultras event and are, or become, pregnant prior to race day can defer entry for up to two years.
  2. Women who fall pregnant again during the deferral period may request another deferral for up to an additional two years.
  3. Partners are also able to defer for one year if the birth is imminent.
  4. To defer please email events@gbultras.com with the medical certificate/medical confirmation of the pregnancy/birth.
  5. All other rules and requirements for race entry will apply.

Transfers to another runner

Transfers are possible up until 3 weeks before the Race day providing qualifying criteria is met (see Qualifying Criteria section) and payment of an administration fee. No transfer requests will be permitted after this time. Click here to pay the Admin Fee.

The replacement runner must complete the Application Form which will be reviewed and if accepted, we will confirm this to the you and the replacement runner.  Please note that applications are not guaranteed to be accepted as the runner must demonstrate a required level of competency to take part in the event.

Once the administration fee has been paid, please email the event team at events@gbultras.com with the following details of the replacement runner who will be applying for your place. 

During the race

Please inform a GB Ultras Race Marshal at one of the Checkpoint’s or Race HQ.  This will ensure all participants who are registered and pull out of the race are accounted for, allowing for the accurate and safe running of the event.  If a participant withdraws at a Checkpoint they must hand over their Race Number & GPS Tracker to the Event team to signal their retirement.  Marshals’ will inform the race organiser and each of the remaining Checkpoints can update their event documentation.

Upon withdrawal from the race, it is the responsibility of the individual to get themselves home (or to the event finish if required to collect their dropbag). Given the size of the Start line, we would recommend having your own Support Crew in case withdrawal during the event is needed.

Where possible, runners withdrawing from the race maybe able to be transported by GB Ultras event support from a checkpoint back to Race HQ however this cannot be guaranteed.  Priority will be given to runners still participating in the race.

Where it is possible to transport a runner to the finish, this will only be available after a checkpoint closes and therefore may involve a significant wait.  In addition, as event teams are deployed to multiple checkpoint locations, transport to the finish may involve intermediate stops on route for further (potential lengthy) periods of time to the finish.

GB Ultras also reserve the right to pull any participant out of the race on health grounds.

Become a valued member of the Beacons Way Ultra 100 Mile team supporting runners at checkpoints during the race!  Experience the event from the other side and make a difference! 

Race Marshal roles are designated prior to the event with different roles to suit the individual and event costs can also be waived for the same event in the following year providing criteria of a minimum 6 hours volunteering (50 Mile) or minimum of 12 hours volunteering (100 Mile) is met.

Food & Refreshments are also available at Checkpoints throughout the event for the Event team along with a tech tee shirt (subject to availability). 

All of the runners are exceptionally grateful of your fundamental part in their race experience. 

To APPLY to become an event marshal with GB Ultras for any of our events at please complete and submit your details on the Volunteer form on our website https://www.GBUltras.com/volunteer/ 

Play Video

Beacons Way Ultra 100 Mile Race Brief

Play Video

Beacons Way Ultra 100 Mile Mandatory Kit

The Beacons Way Ultra 100 Route

The Race Across Brecon Beacons!

The route follows the Official trail of the Brecon Beacons National Park, the Beacons Way. Participants start at Abergavenny Castle, and make their way through the hidden gems of the National Park, the Black Mountains taking in the Skirrid, the Holy Mountain, before weaving their way to the ruins of Llanthony Abbey.  Participants must then prepare to take on the central Beacons including the highest mountain in South Wales, Pen-y-Fan, followed by the Carmarthen Fans.  A beautiful, wild and hidden range of mountains.

Please note the GPX’s below are guides only and low level routes due to severe weather may impact the distance of the race!

Part Of The 100 Mile Grand Slam

The Beacons Way Ultra 100 is part of the Grand Slam. Take on 4 of our 100 Mile Ultra Marathons for the Grand Slam Medal & get in to the Hall of Fame

Training Runs

All ‘entrants’ are invited to join the Team on training runs covering key sections of the Beacons Way Ultra 100 Mile route prior to Race day. You can attend as many as you like, one day or both days of any given training weekend with the aim of learning the route and increasing confidence come Race day. You’ll also have the chance to meet other runners taking on the Race.  Training runs will have a small charge of £19.99 for 1 day or £34.99 for both days for attendance. Included is –

  • Fully guided recce run
  • Mandatory kit advice
  • Exclusive group messenger chat for recce and race prep
  • Limited edition buff
  • Meet the team
  • Gain trail experience and knowledge

Pace wise we’ll be going at a nice gentle pace ensuring all runners stay as a group with brief stops approximately every mile. Generally our training runs have high attendance and for safety reasons we’ll be imposing a limit depending on feedback and Covid-19 restrictions.

Weather conditions can change very quickly in the mountains so we recommend runners refer to the Mandatory kit section and carry sufficient food/water for the duration of each of the runs.  No overnight accommodation is included. However, runners may be interested to learn that there are a number of campsites’ spanning the trail and these would be a good choice for training run overnight stops.

Section covered & distance

Covering miles 46-68 of the Beacons Way Ultra 100 route

Starting point

8:00am Talybont. Blaen y Glyn Uchaf car park, Talybont-on-Usk, CF48 2UT

Finish point

Penwyllt car park – South Wales Caving Club, A4067, Tase-Uchaf, SA9 1GQ. Car Sharing: Required.

Section covered & distance

Covering 20 miles of the Beacons Way 100 Ultra

Starting point

8:00am Penwyllt car park – South Wales Caving Club, A4067, Tase-Uchaf, SA9 1GQ.

Finish point

Mountain View car park, Mountain Road Car Park, A4069, Llangadog, SA19 9PA. Car Sharing: Required.

Share the Beacons Way Ultra 100 Miles page

Similar Events

So you like 10 Mile Ultra Events, so do we! Below you’ll find similar 100 Mile Ultras 

Chester Ultra 100 Mile

13/04/2024
8th Edition | 100 Miles | 32 Hours | 1509m Elevation | 200 Places

£189
Ultra Scotland 100 Mile

08/06/2024
4th Edition | 106 Miles | 38 Hours | 4907m Elevation | 200 Places

£189
Yr Wyddfa Snowdon Ultra 100 Mile

14/09/2024
6th Edition | 100 Miles | 42 Hours | 5788m Elevation | 150 Places | By Application

£189