Beast of the Blacks Trail Running Challenge
The Beast of the Blacks is a marked trail running event based in Crickhowell, Powys, with route options through the Black Mountains. The event offers three distances and uses marshals and marked trails. GPX files are provided for the 10 mile and 20 mile routes; the 40 mile follows the 20 mile route in reverse.
Distances
- 10 Miles / 16.9 KM
- 20 Miles / 32.5 KM
- 40 Miles / 65 KM
Cut off times are set for each distance: 10 miles 5 hours, 20 miles 8 hours and 40 miles 16 hours. Checkpoints are described as well stocked and catering for dietary requirements including vegan options; typical items include fruit, snacks, electrolytes and water. The route description includes forest trails, mountain tops, river crossings, ancient churches and local wildlife such as red kites.
Canicross is permitted; dogs must be at least 12 months old, fit to run, kept on a lead at all times and remain the owner’s responsibility. Organisers state that trophies will not be allocated to canicross participants.
Facilities
Facilities listed include refreshments, toilets, paid parking, onsite stalls and a full medical team. Mandatory kit requirements are enforced and checked; listed essentials include waterproof jacket and trousers, race vest or pack, capacity for 1 litre of fluid, map or GPX file, fully charged mobile phone with power pack (40 mile only), first aid items, foil blanket, head torch and whistle, appropriate trail footwear and a reusable cup. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
Checkpoints
Our checkpoints are well stocked so you’ll be well fuelled throughout the day. We cater for all dietary requirements including vegan. At our checkpoints, you can expect to be met with nuts, bananas, sweeties, biscuits, crisps, electrolytes, coke, squash, water and if you’re very lucky, some homemade cake!
Start Times
START TIMES WILL BE CONFIRMED VIA EMAIL - SUNDAY BEFORE THE EVENT
- 40 MILER - 7AM REG - 7.45AM BRIEFING - 8AM START
- 20 MILER - 8AM REG -8.45AM BRIEFING - 9AM START
- 10 MILER - 9AM REG - 9.45AM BRIEFING - 10AM START
Facilities
- Camping (TBC)
- 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
- STALLS
- VOUCHERS
What You Get
- Bespoke medal
- Prizes - 1st 2nd & 3rd
- Handcrafted trophy, designed in Wales - totally unique to us
- 1st Male & Female Vet over 50
- Canicross trophy