Beast of the Beacons 10, 20 and 40 Mile Trail Running Challenge

Saturday 12th April 2025

Distance 20 Miles/32.5 KM 40 Miles/65 KM

Distance

10 Miles/ 16 KM
20 Miles/32.5 KM
40 Miles/65 KM

Start Location Gilestone Farm

Start Location
Llangynidr Village Hall

Elevation 20 Mile: 3884 Feet 40 Mile: 7768 feet

Elevation

10 Mile : 2026 Ft
20 Mile: 4219 Ft
40 Mile: 8438 Ft

Finish Location Gilestone Farm

Finish Location
Llangynidr Village Hall

Cut Off Times 20 Miles: 8 Hours 40 Miles: 16 Hours

Cut Off Times

10 Miles : 8 Hrs 20 Miles: 8 Hrs
40 Miles: 16 Hrs

Marked Course

Marked Course

Back for its third year, and with a new distance option! 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 Llangynidr village hall, 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

20 MILES - 7.30AM REG - 9.15AM BRIEFING - START 9.30AM

10 MILES - 9.30AM REG - 10.15AM BRIEFING - START 10.30AM

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 within walking distance - no need to book - details will be emailed
Refreshments
Toilets
Expedition Events Coffee

Captain Browns Pizza
Full Medical Team

Clothing Stalls

Physio

Various pubs and cafes close to HQ

Kiddies Corner

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.

GPX Downloads

20 MILE GPX FILE DOWNLOAD (REVERSED FOR THE 40)

20 MILE GPX FILE DOWNLOAD (REVERSED FOR THE 40)

£55

20 Mile Trail Running Challenge

£75

40 Mile Ultra Challenge

£45

10 Mile Trail Running Challenge