Rasus y Bannau (The Beacon Races) are 3 epic, long distance running races starting and finishing in Brecon and following a circular route around the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park. There are 3 race distances to choose from:
100 k (63miles / 101km) with +5100m ascent
Ultra 45 (45miles / 72.5km) with +3500m ascent
Marathon (26 miles / 42km) with +2000m ascent
The Routes
All 3 routes start in Brecon town centre, with a direct ascent up the iconic North ridge of Cribyn. From here runners head east to Fan Y Big then follow a fast ridgeline traverse towards Carn Pica followed by fast descent down to Tal y Bont reservoir. After crossing over the old dam, both the Ultra routes head up to the summit of Tor Y Foil, whilst the marathon skirts around. The routes then converge with a short and runnable (if you have the legs) section up the Taff Trail towards Torpantu and CP2.
Shortly after here the marathon and ultra routes split again, with the marathon runners heading up the ‘gap’ road eventually summitting Pen Y Fan via Jacobs ladder then dropping down the North ridge to Brecon and the finish. The Ultra routes follow the ridge line up to Cefn Cul and Craig-Gwaun Taf, descending to Pont-ar-Daf, the Storey Arms and CP3.
Both ultra routes then follow the classic routes over Fan Fawr and Fan Llia to CP4 in the Blaen-Llia car park. Here the 100km and Ultra 45 races split with the Ultra 45 heading towards the stunning Graig Cerrig Gleisiad Nature reserve and the 100km runners heading further West towards the Black Mountain.
The 100km runners follow the Beacons Way footpath eventually topping out on Fan Brycheiniog on the Carmarthen Fan (the Black Mountain). Then the journey heads back east with a dramatic rollercoaster ride across mountain tops as the follow the South Wales Traverse line to CP5, Fan Gyhirych and Fan Nedd.
The 100km runners re-join the Ultra 45 route shortly after CP6 with a beautiful climb through the Graig Cerrig Gleisiad Nature reserve to the top of Fan Frynych, before following the Beacons Way back down to Storey Arms and CP7 (100km) / CP5 (45mile).
The final leg takes you up to the summit of Pen Y Fan and a fast enjoyable descent down the North ridge to Brecon and the finish.
Map and Gps
For an interactive map and gps file of the provisional route please go to the link at the bottom of the page.
To download the gps click on ‘actions’, then ‘export’ and follow the onscreen prompts.
Navigation
The route is marked at major junctions with running arrows and you must also be able to follow the published route using the gps trace. For a competent ultra runner the route is relatively simple to follow using gps alone and typically follows obvious lines, mountain trails and footpaths on well established paths and mountain trails. Whilst there will be safety teams and marshals around the course, ultimately it is the participants responsibility to follow the published route using a combination of the gps trace, map, compass and markers.
Checkpoints
There are 8 checkpoints for the Rasus y Bannau 100km, 5 CPs for the Ultra 45 and 2 for the Rasus y Bannau marathon. They will provide refreshments, water, energy drink, sweets, biscuits, crisps, sandwiches, noodles, soup and more substantial food. In addition there is a drop bag available for the runners on the 100km and Ultra 45 which will be available at CP4 Blaen Llia Forest (mile 30).
Checkpoint locations are provide on the FAQ page (Q17) and can also be seen on the interactive maps on mapometer (links at the bottom of the page). Details of what is provided at checkpoints will be published soon, but you can expect it to be similar to our other long distance events such as the Black Beacons and a guide is available on the blog here.
Time limits and start times
The Rasus y Bannau 100 km race starts at 0730 on Saturday mourning and has a 24 hour time limit (Sunday 0730).
The Rasus y Bannau Ultra 45 mile race starts at 0730 on Saturday mourning and has a 24 hour time limit (Sunday 0730).
The Rasus y Bannau Marathon starts at 0830 on Saturday mourning and has a generous 15 hour time limit (Saturday at 2330).
Registration, Start and Finish
The event registration, start and finish is in Brecon at Llanfaes Hall, 25 Church St, Brecon. LD3 8BY.
Parking is in one of the many pay and display car parks in Brecon town centre. Details of the best locations will be sent out in the pre-event emails.
Accommodation
There are numerous accommodation facilities in Brecon and the surrounding areas. These include bed & breakfasts, hotels, air b&Bs, bunkhouses and campsites. The following links take you to a list of the various accommodation types although a google search is by far the best way to organise accommodation suitable for your taste.
Campsites
Hotels
Accommodation
Compulsory Kit
There is a compulsory kit list that must be carried. This can be viewed here.
Experience
These are challenging mountain routes. To enter you must be in good fitness and be able to complete the distance you have registered for. You must also be able to follow the course using a suitable combination of the gps trace, signs and map. You must be able to look after yourself in a potentially hostile mountain environment and in extreme weather.
Timetable – including Start and Registration Times
Friday
1900-2200 Registration for all courses in Brecon.
Saturday
0600-0700 Registration in Brecon for the 100km and Ultra 45 mile runners only
0715 Race brief for the 100km and Ultra 45 mile runners
0730 Race start for 100km and Ultra 45 mile
0700-0800 Registration in Brecon for the marathon runners
0815 Race brief for the marathon runners
0830 Marathon starts
2330 Marathon course closes
Sunday
0730 All ultra distance courses close
Prices
There are 3 race distances available for competitors and you can select the appropriate options when you sign up online.
Rasus y Bannau 100km ultra (£99)
Rasus y Bannau ultra 45 mile race (£75)
Rasus y Bannau Marathon race (£50)
Event T-shirt (£15)
Event hoodie (£35)
What your entry fee includes
Checkpoints with refreshments
Finishers medal
Race buff
Emergency first aid cover and mountain safety teams
GPS file
Route marking
1 drop bag for the ultra 45 and 100km race at 30miles
Free race photography for downloads and bragging
GPS tracking and timing for all runners
