Beacons Way Ultra 100km
The Beacons Way Ultra is a 100 km (62 miles) self-navigation ultramarathon across Bannau Brycheiniog, the Brecon Beacons National Park. The route follows the official Beacons Way trail and includes approximately 3178 m of ascent. The event has 250 places, a 24 hour overall cut-off and an entry fee of £119.
Entry is by application and the race requires prior experience. Each entrant must have completed at least a 50 mile ultramarathon, have experience running in mountainous terrain, be competent with map and compass navigation and be at least 20 years old. No pacers or support runners are permitted.
The race has six checkpoints with refreshments and medical or first aid cover at each location. Checkpoints provide water, electrolytes, snacks and, at indoor venues, hot food and hot drinks. Strict checkpoint cut-off times are enforced and all participants must record at each checkpoint.
Mandatory kit must be carried at all times and will be checked at registration and during the event. Key required items include a hardcopy map, a compass, a headtorch (minimum 75 lumens) plus a backup light (minimum 25 lumens), a GPS tracker, a fully charged mobile phone, emergency rations of at least 500 calories, a thermal survival bag, waterproof coat and trousers, gloves and a water container of at least 1 litre. Dropbag service, optional coach return to the start and limited parking at the start are available under the event terms.
The event awards UTMB Performance Index and ITRA points and is a Western States 2027 qualifying race for runners who complete within 21 hours. Finishers receive tiered medals and prizes are awarded to the top finishers. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
Route Information
The route follows the Official trail of the Brecon Beacons National Park, the Beacons Way. The 100km starts nearby to Talybont and takes in the incredible Pen-y-Fan and the Carmarthen Fans. The ability to navigate is expected during this event and runners must therefore have map reading skills. Please note the GPX’s below are guides only and low level routes due to severe weather may impact the distance of the race!
DOWNLOAD GPX – High Level GPX (Race Route) and Low Level GPX (Severe Weather) on the map above. Select the map choice on the top and the GPX becomes available.
Qualifying Criteria
- Completed at least a 50 mile ultramarathon.
- Experience running in mountainous terrain.
- Competent with map and compass navigation.
- At least 20 years old.
Awards and Qualifications
- UTMB Performance Index points
- ITRA Points
- Western States 2027 Qualifying Race (completion within 21 hours)
- Tiered medals for finishers (Gold, Silver, Bronze)
- Prizes for top finishers
Event Details
- Distance: 100 km (62 miles)
- Elevation: 3178m
- Start Location: Near Talybont, Brecon Beacons National Park
- Cut-off Time: 24 hours
- Entry Fee: £119
- Places: 250