Confront the raw, majestic beauty of the Welsh Marches at the Beast of the Blacks on Saturday, 14th March 2026, a trail challenge offering three distinct distances to tame the iconic Black Mountains. Choose your quest: the accessible 10-mile introduction, the substantial 20-mile loop, or the ultimate 40-mile ultra that reverses the course for a second, revealing lap of this stunning landscape. Starting from historic Longtown, you will climb directly onto ancient ridges, traversing forest trails, mountain tops, and river valleys under the watchful gaze of red kites. This event is notably canicross-friendly, welcoming runners and their canine companions to share the adventure across the rugged terrain.
With generous cut-offs, fully stocked checkpoints, and a deeply supportive atmosphere, the race balances a formidable natural challenge with warm Welsh hospitality. Every participant's journey is celebrated, whether you are navigating the steep technical descents of the ultra or enjoying the panoramic views on the shorter loops. Finishers are rewarded with a bespoke medal and the profound satisfaction of having tested their spirit against some of the UK's most stimulating and unforgettable trails. Prepare for a day where every mile feels earned, every climb builds character, and every summit view serves as a breathtaking reward for your determination.
| Metric | Beast of the Blacks Details |
|---|---|
| Event Date | March 14, 2026 (Saturday) |
| Race Distances | 40 Miles (Ultra), 20 Miles, 10 Miles |
| Start Location | Longtown, Herefordshire/Monmouthshire Border |
| Terrain Type | Ancient ridges, forest trails, river valleys |
| Dog Friendly | Yes (Canicross welcome) |
| Demographic Data | Regional Statistics (Wales & Borders) |
|---|---|
| Welsh Language Speakers | Approx. 17.8% of the Welsh population |
| Median Age (Wales) | 42 Years |
| Religion (Wales) | Christian: ~43.6% | No Religion: ~46.5% | Other: ~9.9% |
| Ethnicity (Wales) | White: 93.8% | Asian: 2.9% | Mixed: 1.6% | Black: 0.9% |
Mar 14, 2026
Distance — 65K
Type — Running
08:00
£80.00
Mar 14, 2026
Distance — 32.5K
Type — Running
09:00
£60.00
Mar 14, 2026
Distance — 17K
Type — Running
10:00
£48.00
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for March in Crickhowell.
Learn more about the host city, Crickhowell.
Crickhowell is a small town in Powys, Wales. The town has a population of around 2,100 people (2011).
Read more launchWatch highlights and course previews from previous years.
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