Where is the race venue?
Race HQ for all three races is at the village community hall:
Henderson Hall, Talybont-on-Usk, LD3 7YQ
When is the race?
The race is on Saturday 7th November 2026.
When do entries go live?
Entries are live on 1st December 2025.
What is the minimum age?
Competitors for the half marathon route must be at least 17 years of age on the date of the event Competitors for the marathon and ultra routes must be at least 18 years of age on the date of the event
What distances and elevations are involved?
Beacons Ultra: approximately 50 miles and 2,258m / 7,408 feet total elevation Beacons Marathon: approximately 26.3 miles and 1,319m / 4,327 feet total elevation Beacons Half Marathon: approximatey 13.1 miles and 543m / 1,781 feet total elevation
What are the maximum number of competitors?
Beacons Ultra: 150 athletes Beacons Marathon: 150 athletes Beacons Half Marathon: 250 athletes
What are the start times and cut offs?
Beacons Ultra: 0730 start. You must have started your second lap by 1530 (8 hours), and finish the second lap by 2330 (16 hours) Beacons Marathon: 0830 start. You must be finished by 1830 (10 hours) Beacons Half Marathon: 0930 start. There are no cut offs but realistically you should be able to finish by 1430 (5 hours)
What are the courses like?
The event takes place in the heart of the Brecon Beacons starting and finishing in the delightful village of Talybont-on-Usk. All three routes offer a variety of terrain that will test competitors, strengths and wekanesses. Flat land specialists will love the canal bits, forest tracks and sections of road, whereas the mountain goats will thrive on the climbs up and over Tor Y Foel and Pen Y Fan. And then, of course, there are all the inbetween bits!! From the start at Race HQ you follow the picturesque Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal toward Llangyndir. The tow path to Llangynidr is probably the flattest 3 miles you will find in Wales! The route then splits from the canal at the canal locks and heads up the Beacons way for about a mile before detouring off to take in the much appreciated and understimated trek up and over Tor y Foel before descending down into Talybont forest to Checkpoint 1.
The Beacons Ultra: from Checkpoint 1 the Ultra route turns left and picks up the old coal route where originally the tramway and later on the railway brought coal from ‘over the other side’ to be loaded on to the barges for dispatch to Newport. A steady climb continues towards Torpantau before dropping slightly and entering the Taf Fechan Forest. The forest trail then starts to change into open hill and follows what the locals call the ‘Gap Road’ up to the track crossroads joining Fan Y Big and Cribyn at Windy Gap. The first lap of the Ultra involves a trip up and down Cribyn and Pen Y Fan from the 'Gap' whereas the second lap does not. The highest point of the route is Pen Y Fan, at 886m meters above sea level.
After all that height gain there is quite a bit of descending along one of the Brecon Beacons ‘classic’ routes, which includes Checkpoint 2 at Cwmcynwyn and the infamous Gulley Of Doom, down to the canal at Pencelli and back to Race HQ at Talybont-on-Usk where you can rest/restock before departing for your 2nd loop (note the cutoff for starting the 2nd loop is 1530).
The Beacons Marathon: from Checkpoint 1 the Marathon route turns left and picks up the old coal route where originally the tramway and later on the railway brought coal from ‘over the other side’ to be loaded on to the barges for dispatch to Newport. A steady climb continues towards Torpantau before dropping slightly and entering the Taf Fechan Forest. The forest trail then starts to change into open hill and follows what the locals call the ‘Gap Road’ up to the track crossroads joining Fan Y Big and Cribyn at Windy Gap.
The Marathon route also involves a trip up and down Cribyn and Pen Y Fan from the 'Gap'. The highest point of the route is Pen Y Fan, at 886m meters above sea level.
After all that height gain there is quite a bit of descending along one of the Brecon Beacons ‘classic’ routes, which includes Checkpoint 2 at Cwmcynwyn and the infamous Gulley Of Doom, down to the canal at Pencelli and back to Race HQ at Talybont-on-Usk for a 'sprint' finish. The generous cut off for the Marathon route is 10 hours, so you will need to be finished by 1830.
The Beacons Half Marathon: from Checkpoint 1 the Half Marathon route turns right picking up the old coal route where originally the tramway and later on the railway brought coal from ‘over the other side’ to be loaded on to the barges for dispatch to Newport. A steady descent towards the reservoir damn and then a slight climb up into the forest before temporarily picking up the Taff Trail, crossing the Caerfanell river before making its way over various farmers fields to the canal and back to Race HQ at Talybont-On-Usk
How much does the race cost?
Beacons Ultra: Early Bird: £70. Standard entry: £80
Beacons Marathon: Early Bird: £53. Standard entry: £60
Beacons Half: Early Bird: £35. Standard entry: £40
Medal is included.
How do I enter?
To enter the race visit the ‘How To Enter’ section on the website and follow instructions. Entry to the race is online only.
Online entry is being managed by SiEntries. You can sign up HERE
Maps and Navigation
All routes will be marked. However, part of the compulsory kit list is a paper copy of the route (printed off the website is fine). This is just for reference or in the case that signage is removed by the public.
Where are the Checkpoints?
START (Ultra / Marathon / Half Marathon) Henderson Hall – Race HQ
Grid Ref: SO 11268 22883
What 3 Words: ///proper.summer.hawks
CHECKPOINT 1 (Ultra / Marathon / Half Marathon) Fire Road
Grid Ref: SO 09174 17224
What 3 Words: ///testing.unloads.short
Nutrition/Hydration: Water + Snacks
No access for crew/spectators
Distance (miles): Half: 7.4 / Marathon: 7.4 / Ultra: 7.4
CHECKPOINT 1a (Ultra / Marathon) Pen y Fan
Grid Ref: SO 01211 21579
What 3 Words: ///pinches.ticked.tenure
Nutrition/Hydration: n/a
Distance (miles): Marathon: 15.9 / Ultra: 15.9
CHECKPOINT 2 (Ultra / Marathon) Cwmcynwyn
Grid Ref: SO 03797 23724
What 3 Words: ///blotchy.insiders.emperor
Nutrition/Hydration: Water + Snacks
No access for crew/spectators
Distance (miles): Marathon: 16.7 / Ultra: 22.3
CHECKPOINT 3 (Ultra) Henderson Hall – Race HQ
Grid Ref: SO 11268 22883
What 3 Words: ///proper.summer.hawks
Distance (miles): Ultra: 26.3
FINISH (Marathon / Half Marathon) Henderson Hall – Race HQ
Grid Ref: SO 11268 22883
What 3 Words: ///proper.summer.hawks
Distance (miles): Half: 13.1 / Marathon: 26.3
CHECKPOINT 4 (Ultra) Fire Road
Grid Ref: SO 09174 17224
What 3 Words: ///testing.unloads.short
Nutrition/Hydration: Water + Snacks
No access for crew/spectators
Distance (miles): Ultra: 33.4
CHECKPOINT 5 (ULTRA) Cwmcynwyn
Grid Ref: SO 03797 23724
What 3 Words: ///blotchy.insiders.emperor
Nutrition/Hydration: Water + Snacks
No access for crew/spectators
Distance (miles): Ultra: 42.9
FINISH (Ultra) Henderson Hall – Race HQ
Grid Ref: SO 11268 22883
What 3 Words: ///proper.summer.hawks
Distance (miles): Ultra: 49.7
How does the registration process work?
Registration will be available before the race at Henderson Hall, Talybont-on-Usk on Saturday 7th November 2026 only. There will be no registration the night before. Full details will be provided in the Athlete Guide, which will be emailed to you two weeks before the event. We do not send out race numbers or timing chips in the post.
Is there a kit list?
Below is a list of the required kit for the race. Ultra and marathon athletes MUST have all the required items on the list and MUST be as described. There will be NO EXCEPTIONS. The organisers’ decision is final. Half Marathon runners only require the items marked with an asterisk, but are welcome to also carry the extra kit if they so wish.
We will be carrying out kit spot checks at the start/finish and the checkpoints. Any runner found to not be carrying all the compulsory kit will be disqualified, this is for your own safety and also ensures fairness as all entrants are carrying the same kit.
The level of protection of these items is at your discretion and this depends on your experience, budget and the prevailing circumstances and conditions expected on race day. Remember you might have to stop through injury or to help another athlete, but also temperatures can drop rapidly.
- Rucksack/Race Vest - suitable for carrying the items on the compulsory kit list (!)
- Fully charged mobile phone – with emergency numbers saved
- Means of hydration - ability to carry an absolute minimum of 1 litre of fluid
- Cup/Mug/Bottle - no cups will be provided at checkpoints
- Waterproof jacket
- Hat
- Gloves
- Basic first aid kit (for example: dressings, plasters, micropore tape, blister kit, paracetamol, ibuprofen, personal medication etc.)
- Map (covering full route) - Ideally OS map but printed sections off the website will suffice
- Waterproof trousers
- Enough food for between checkpoints (no shops on route!)
- Fleece (or similar warm upper body layer)
- Survival/space blanket/bag
- Head/chest torch and spare batteries, or a spare head torch if using a rechargeable one
- Compass
- Whistle Ultra and Marathon runners: all the above items need to be carried Half Marathon runners: only the items in bold need to be carried
Are there prizes?
Yes. There will be prizes for race winners. Full details of prizes will be announced closer to race day.
What is the cancellation policy?
If for any reason you are unable to attend the race, there will not be a refund or deferal option, however, there is an option to transfer it to another competitor via SiEntries or Find a Race. The cut off for deferrals and transfers is 28 days prior to the start of the event. The final date to be eligible for a transfer is Saturday 10th October 2026 (see full Terms & Conditions below).
Can spectators watch the race?
Supporters can only officially support athletes at the Race HQ, Henderson Hall. Checkpoint 1/4 is on Natural Resources Wales land and is not accesible by the public. Checkpoint 2/5 is on a practically inaccessible single track road. Therefore there is no access to these checkpoints, however if you wish to have someone meet you to supply food and/or water on any other part of the route you’re welcome to. We suggest that friends and family that would like to see athletes along the route do so at - Llangynidr, Torpantau/Taf fechan Forest, Llanfrynach, or Pencelli, all of which have good road access and parking.
Is parking available?
There is parking availabe at the Talybont Cattle Market Car Park. There will be signage and marshals there from 0545 on race morning to help you park. There is a £5 fee payable on the gate which goes to the local community. Please help us by having the correct fee.
Is camping available?
There is limited availability at the Henderson Hall Race HQ car park for cars/campervans on Friday night (£10 per van). Alternatively, there are several campsites locally in Talybont-on-Usk, including The Alltimate View campsite, Brecon
All campervans which are parked at the Hall on Friday night must be moved to the main event car park by 0600 on Saturday morning (£5). This is located at the Cattle Market, Station Road, Talybont-on-Usk, LD3 7JE (8 minutes’ walk to race HQ).
The camping at the Henderson Hall car park is strictly on a pre-booked basis (e-mail andy@andalievents.com to book your space).
Are there toilets available?
There are two community toilets attached at the Henderson Hall, male, female and disabled toilets within the Henderson Hall and a number of portaloo toilets within the Henderson Hall grounds. There are also toilets at Checkpoint 2/5 but none at Checkpoint 1/4
Are there showers available?
There are two community showers (£1 fee) attached at Henderson Hall – Race HQ, you will be advised if these will be available on race day. There are also two communal shower rooms (one male and the other female) within the Henderson Hall.
Weather
You will be advised of the latest weather forecast at registration, please ensure you have suitable clothing for all weather conditions. The race has taken place in everything from sparkling sunshine through to minus 8 degrees, with obligatory rain and mist thrown in to remind the athletes that they are running in Wales in all its glory. Please also familiarise yourself with the weather conditions prior to the weekend.
Are dogs allowed?
Although we love dogs, the Henderson Hall and adjoining field has a strict 'no dog' policy. Spectators' dogs are allowed in the car park and any footpaths but not in the Hall or on the grass areas. Also some of the landowners' permits are subject to a 'no dog' policy. Please respect their decision.
How will we access post race results and photographs?
Each athlete will recieve an email Sunday evening with links to the official results and photography.
What are the Beacons Ultra Terms and Conditions?
ASSUMPTION OF RISK FOR ALL PARTICIPANTS
In registering for and participating in this event, you assume full and complete risk and responsibility for any discomfort, illness, injury, or accident which may occur while you are preparing for the event, during the event, while you are on the premises of the event, or while you are traveling to or from the event. You understand that participating in the event may be hazardous, and that you should not enter and participate unless you are medically able and properly trained.
If you are unsure, you should consult your doctor before participating in the event. It is your responsibility to check and to ensure that you are at all times medically and physically fit to participate in the activities related to the event. You acknowledge and agree that the event may be held over public roads, waterways/public waterways and facilities open to the public during the event and upon which hazards are to be expected. On open roads you must follow
the Highway Code and/or the directions of any official. You also acknowledge and agree that participation in the event may carry with it certain inherent risks and dangers that cannot be eliminated completely ranging from risk of minor discomfort to catastrophic injuries including permanent disability and death. You must be at least 18 years old on the date of the event to enter the Beacons Trail Marathon.
EVENT PHOTOGRAPHY TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR ALL PARTICIPANTS
You hereby irrevocably grant Andali Events Ltd permission to record your voice and photograph you in conjunction with the Event. Please note that as our events take place in public spaces and on the highways, images from the events (including your image) may be collected during events by media agencies and members of the public that the event does not control and has not authorised. Therefore, the collection of images by these third parties is outside our control and you must speak to those agencies directly if you have concerns.
You understand and agree that the term "photograph" as used herein encompasses both still photographs and video recordings. You further grant Andali Events permission to use your photograph, voice, and likeness taken in conjunction with the Event, in any form, including edited versions, in or over any medium including without limitation streaming audio and/or video over the internet, broadcast, cable, satellite transmissions, and media that are unknown at this time, worldwide for any legitimate purpose including, without limitation, any commercial
purpose, without compensation to you.
You further waive any right of inspection of any such recordings and photographs. You understand that any such recordings and photographs recorded by Andali Events shall become the sole property of Andali Events.
REFUSAL OF ENTRY
Andali Events reserves the right to refuse any participant entry to an event at the time of registration.
REFUNDS, DEFERALS AND TRANSFERS
If for any reason you are unable to attend the race, there will not be a refund option or an option to defer your entry, however you are welcome to transfer your entry to another competitor via SiEntries, the cut off for transfers is 28 days prior to the start of the event (Sat 10th October 2026)
CANCELLATION AND AMENDMENT POLICY
The Participant acknowledges and accepts that circumstances concerning the Event may change from time to time for reasons outside of the Organiser’s reasonable control or otherwise, without the Organiser incurring any liability and without any rights to withdrawal being accrued by the Participant save as expressly set out in these terms and conditions.
The Organiser may need to cancel the Event due to circumstances beyond the reasonable control of the Organiser including, without limitation, (i) acts of God, flood, drought, earthquake or other natural disaster; (ii) epidemic or pandemic; (iii) terrorist attack, civil war, civil commotion or riots, war, threat of or preparation for war, armed conflict, imposition of sanctions, embargo, or breaking off of diplomatic relations, or threats thereof; (iv) nuclear, chemical or biological contamination or sonic boom; (v) any law or any action taken by a government, public authority or governing body, including without limitation imposing any advice or restriction against events or gatherings; (vi) collapse of buildings, fire, explosion or accident; (vii) any labour or trade dispute, strikes, industrial action or lockouts; (viii) non-performance by suppliers or subcontractors (including any venue); and/or (ix) interruption or failure of utility service.
In the event of cancellation due to the previously stated factors in the above paragraph, the Participant will be offered a full refund, less non-refundable expenses incurred by the Organiser, or deferral to the following year.
Communication to all affected participants can be expected within 7 days of the cancellation announcement.
The Organiser reserves the right to change the date of the Event. In the event of such change of
date of the Event, and if the Participant is unable to attend on the revised date, they have 14 days to inform the Organiser in writing from when the change in date is announced to receive a refund of their entry fee (excluding the 6% online booking fee).
The Organiser reserves the right to alter the start time of the Event. In the event of a change of start time the Participant will be notified of the revised start time with as much notice as reasonably practicable. The Participant acknowledges that if the Event will have an earlier start time, it is the Participant’s responsibility to ensure that they arrive at the time allocated to them.
No refund in full or in part shall be made for any change in start time for the Event provided the Event takes place on the specified date of the Event.
The Organiser reserves the right to amend the Event format, including changing the course and the distance, at its sole discretion. If the Event format, course or distance, is changed the Participant will not be entitled to any refund and there shall be no further liability whatsoever arising from such change of format, course or distance.
The Organiser has the right to remove, from the Event, those participants who do not meet the applicable required cut-off times, No refunds will be paid to Participants in these cases. The relevant cut-off times, if applicable, will be made clear in pre event literature on the event website, or forwarded to the participant by email.
PRIZES AND MERCHANDISE
All prizes must be collected on the day at the event prize giving.
T-shirts and other event “goodies” must be collected on the day from registration. Uncollected merchandise may be given to marshals to thank them for volunteering their time.
If you have any further queries please email us: andy@andalievents.com or use the link below.
All other queries