Beast of the Beacons 10, 20 and 40 Mile Trail Running Challenge
Saturday 18th April 2026
Distance
10 Miles/ 16 KM
20 Miles/32.5 KM
40 Miles/65 KM
Start Location
Gilestone Farm
Elevation
10 Mile : 2026 Ft
20 Mile: 4219 Ft
40 Mile: 8438 Ft
Finish Location
Gilestone Farm
Cut Off Times
10 Miles : 8 Hrs 20 Miles: 8 Hrs
40 Miles: 16 Hrs
Marked Course
The Beast of the Beacons 10, 20 & 40 is an exciting challenge set amongst some of the most spectacular, harsh but stimulating trails within the majestic Brecon Beacons National Park. Attracting runners from the elite to the beginner you will not be disappointed by this event. The event will be marked with the added support of marshals. A generous cut off time of 5 hours for the 10 mile, 8 hours for the 20 mile route and 16 hours for the 40 mile route will ensure that you can tame the beast. The 40 Mile course is a second lap of the route, reversed so you can catch any scenes you may have missed the first time around!
Starting from Gilestone Farm, Talybont on Usk, Brecon - set deep in the heart of the National Park, you will follow trails exploring forests, mountains, rivers, reservoirs and mud! You will be overwhelmed by the outstanding views that will follow you around this beautiful route. Red kites will be your companions beside an abundance of wildlife. The route offers everything that the trail runner expects. Harsh climbs, rocky paths to soft forest trails, mud, rivers and maybe the odd surprise. It's not unheard of to still encounter snow on this event, which will add to the charm and challenge!
This is a canicross friendly event. Dogs must be at least 12 months of age, fit to run and kept on the lead at all times. Owners take full responsibility for their dogs both at headquarters and around the route. Unfortunately, due to the added benefit of having a bit of extra ‘pull’ from your four-legged friend, we cannot allocate trophies to any canicross participants.
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
PLEASE BRING FULL KIT TO REG - WITH PHOTO ID
FRIDAY NIGHT REG 5PM - 8PM
40 MILES - 6.30AM REG - 7.45AM BRIEFING - START 8AM (TBC)
20 MILES - 7.30AM REG - 9.15AM BRIEFING - START 9.30AM (TBC)
10 MILES - 9.30AM REG - 10.15AM BRIEFING - START 10.30AM (TBC)
START TIMES WILL BE CONFIRMED VIA EMAIL - SUNDAY BEFORE THE EVENT
The Beast of the Beacons has a generous cut off time of 8 hours for the 10 & 20 mile route and 16 hours for the 40 Mile route. We want to encourage new trail runners to join this fantastic, supportive community as well as offering a challenging course for the seasoned trail runners. Whether you sprint or dance round this course, we guarantee you’ll have a phenomenal day!
Please note that this is a running, not a walking event.
What to expect?
Facilities
Camping field on site - details will be emailed
Refreshments - on-site catering (BBQ and beer) both Friday and Saturday evenings
Toilets
Coffee Van
Full Medical Team
Physio
Various pubs and cafes close to HQ
What You Get
Bespoke medal
Prizes - 1st 2nd & 3rd Handcrafted Welsh Slate trophy, designed in Wales - totally unique to us
1st Male & Female Vet over 50 & 60
Canicross Trophy
Parking tickets will go into a ballot - winning ticket will receive a free entry to our next event
Best review advertising Limitless Trails on Race Check will win a free entry to ANY event - Tag @limitlesstrails on Instagram
THREE refuel zones - full support from our amazing staff - refreshments and food - first aid
Full gallery of pictures
Online results
Refreshments, homemade cake, snacks, sandwiches and much more will be available to feast on after the event. All dietary requirements will be tailored for.
MANDATORY KIT
Waterproof Jacket and trousers
Race vest/pack
Base layer Top - Must be either synthetic or merino wool, we suggest spare socks
Capacity to carry 1 litre of fluid
Emergency Food for the duration
Map or gpx file downloaded
Fully Charged Mobile Phone (EXTRA POWER BANK FOR 40MILES )
Hat & gloves
Appropriate footwear (trail shoes)
First aid kit - essential items
Foil blanket
Reusable Cup
Head torch & whistle + spare batteries
No participant will be allowed to participate without the full kit. A full kit check will be undertaken at registration and spontaneous checks will be carried out on the event. There will be NO changes to the mandatory kit lists due to weather - the mountains are unpredictable.
Please note that we are a cup free event - please remember to bring your reusable cup.
CAMPING
There will be a camping field with toilets on site at HQ for basic camping. No need to book, we’ll share details on the pre-race email.
Additionally, Gilestone Farm offers bespoke accommodation including stunning safari tents and luxury lodges. Visit their website for more details and to book directly with Charles (time is of the essence, and be sure to mention us):
https://www.gilestone.co.uk
For an option closer to Abergavenny and Crickhowell, look no further than our friends at Pyscodlyn Camping and Caravan site. Booking essential:
https://pyscodlyn.sb.anytimebooking.eu/place_booking/#forward
POST-RACE RECOVERY SAUNA AND ICE BATH!
To soothe those aching limbs and speed up your recovery, why not consider our friends at Cwmdu Contrast Fire and Ice? Check out their website to book this great experience in a wonderful natural setting, right on our doorstep:
https://cwmdu-contrast.square.site/
GPX Downloads
20 MILE GPX FILE DOWNLOAD (REVERSED FOR THE 40)
GPX Downloads
£60
20 Mile Trail Running Challenge
£80
40 Mile Ultra Challenge
£48
10 Mile Trail Running Challenge