Black Cattle Ultra Gwartheg Duon
The Black Cattle Ultra offers two point-to-point trail ultramarathon options along the Cambrian Way from the Black Mountains area into Cardiff. The event runs over rugged upland and woodland terrain and finishes at Cardiff Harlequins RFC, Diamond Ground, Forest Farm Road, Whitchurch, Cardiff CF14 7JN.
Distances:
- 44 mile (71K) from Llanthony Priory to Cardiff
- 33 mile (53K) from Abergavenny to Cardiff
Both courses are unmarked and require self-navigation using Cambrian Way waymarkers; runners join the Taff Trail for the final miles into the finish. GPX files of the routes are provided. The event is point to point and an optional coach transfer from Cardiff to the start is available at extra cost.
Support infrastructure includes live tracking devices, a professional medical team, a professional photographer, timing services, and indoor aid stations (three for the 44 mile course, two for the 33 mile course). Indoor aid locations include Abergavenny Community Centre, Pontypool Pontymoil Church, and Machen, with additional water points approximately every six miles. There is a kit check at registration and entry requires the kit specified on the organiser's list.
Entries are charged per distance. The event provides locally sourced finisher mementos and awards for overall and veteran placings. Both courses have final cut-offs at the finish venue; competitors should allow an average pace of about 2.6 mph. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
Race details
Date: Saturday 29th August
44 mile ultra start: 7:00am
Registration opens: 6:00am (at Llanthony Priory)
Registration closes: 6:45am
33 mile ultra start: 9:00am
Registration opens: 08:00am (at Abergavenny)
Registration closes: 8:45am
There will be a kit check at registration – no kit, no entry. Full kit list information can be found here.
The venue for the finish line and race HQ is:
Cardiff Harlequins RFC
Diamond Ground
Forest Farm Road
Whitchurch
Cardiff
CF14 7JN
Costs
44 miles - £90
33 miles - £80
Start line transport
As these are point to point races, we have arranged for transport to get you to the start line at either Llanthony Priory or Abergavenny.
This is an option at additional cost for entrants - though you are welcome to make your own arrangements. This allows competitors to leave their vehicles at the finish line/race HQ for when they complete the race.
Navigation
Both courses will require self-navigation. The course will not be marked.
