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The BlackCattle Ultra August 14th 2027

 A 44 or 33 mile adventure traversing the Cambrian Way!

Join us on a stunning 44 or 33 mile journey along the Cambrian Way through South Wales, starting in either Llanthony or Abergavenny, climbing some of the most memorable peaks of the area along the way to Cardiff. You’ll be rewarded with some gnarly climbs, breathtaking views, quiet woodland paths, purple heather covered moors and even a fairytale castle near the end; a hugely satisfying adventure. You’ll be back for more…

 The Cambrian Way

 Established in 1968, the Cambrian Way is a high level walking route through some of the most wild and beautiful areas of Wales, following rights of way and running from Cardiff all the way to Conwy in the north. Our ultra route follows the path from Llanthony Abbey in Monmouthshire all the way to Cardiff, ending at Cardiff Harlequins HQ in Radyr.

 If you love running in peaceful solitude and you love your scenery to be wild and rugged, but you also like to feel fully supported with live tracking and three indoor aid stations (plus additional water stops every 6 miles) this is the event for you!

 Points of interest along the way:

 Llanthony Abbey

Garn Wen

Twyn y Gaer

Pen-y-Fal (Sugarloaf)

Blorens

Mynydd y Garn Fawr

Twr Ffoledd (Folly Tower)

Twmbarlwm

Mynydd Machen

Cefn On

Fforest Fawr

Castell Coch

44 mile - 71K Ultra

The race starts at the beautiful Llanthony Priory.

 33 mile - 53K Ultra

This is not the “easy” option. The race starts 11 miles into the 44 mile route, in the pretty town of Abergavenny.

 Why the name?

 The race starts in the heart of the Black Mountains - and the local cattle are called Welsh Blacks. We are celebrating both the outstanding beauty of the area - and the local hardy breeds that cope with the Welsh mountain weather. The calves are so cwtchable, you'll want to take one home!

  What you get:

Professionally run event with

Professional medical team

Professional photographer

Tracking devices - so your friends and family can 'dot watch' your progress

Professional timing service

Three indoor aid stations with warm food (two for the 33 mile route)

Further water aid stations

The same high quality experience as our other races

Support for female entries through SheRaces charter compliance

Locally sourced finisher’s memento (to reduce our environmental impact)

Awards for 1st, 2nd, 3rd male and female, as well as 1st veteran male and female

Coach transfer from Cardiff to the start (optional extra)

Race details

 Date: Saturday August 14th 2027

44 mile ultra start: 7:00am

Registration opens: 6:00am (at Llanthony Priory) 

Registration closes: 6:45am

 33 mile ultra start: 9:00am

Registration opens: 08:00am (at Abergavenny)

Registration closes: 8:45am

 There will be a kit check at registration – no kit, no entry. Full kit list information can be found here.

 The venue for the finish line and race HQ is:

Cardiff Harlequins RFC, Diamond Ground, Forest Farm Road. Whitchurch. Cardiff
CF14 7JN

 Costs

44 miles - £95

33 miles - £85

 Start line transport (optional extra)

As these are point to point races, we have arranged for transport to get you to the start line at either Llanthony Priory or Abergavenny.

 This is an option at additional cost for entrants - though you are welcome to make your own arrangements. This allows competitors to leave their vehicles at the finish line/race HQ for when they complete the race. 

T-shirt (optional extra)

 Navigation

Both courses will require self-navigation. The course will not be marked, but you'll be able to follow the Cambrian Way markers all the way to Tongwynlais, Cardiff where you will switch to the Taff Trail for the last few miles to the finish line. Look out for the distinctive Cambrian Way markers!

 GPX files of the route are available here

 Aid stations and refreshments

There will be three indoor aid stations for the 44 mile race, and two indoor stations for the 33 mile race.

The indoor stations will be at

Abergavenny Community Centre - 11 miles (start for 33 mile race)

Pontypool Pontymoil Church - 23 miles (12 miles for 33 mile race)

Machen - 34 miles (23 miles for 33 mile race)

There will be further water points along the route approximately every 6 miles. Further details and confirmation will be provided nearer race date.

 Kit

No kit = no race. The race is a serious undertaking in mountainous areas. Kit list can be found here

Cut-offs

Both courses will close at midnight at the the Harlequins ground. This allows a pace of 2.6mph which is similar to most popular ultras such as Lakeland 100.

 Abergavenny cut-off: 11:30 (11 miles)

Pontypool cut-off: 15:30 (23 miles)

Machen cut-off: 20:00 (34 miles)

Race finish: 24:00 (44 miles)

 Facilities

There are changing rooms and showers at the venue.

 There will be flushable toilets at all the indoor aid stations

 Travel

There is ample parking at the finish line/race HQ.

 Some Quotes from last years competitors

​"The kindness shown by everyone at the aid stations was just wonderful.  Aid stations were well stocked which was so helpful"

                "everything you could want from a trail race (and more!)”

                                                                                “a spectacular event on Saturday! I couldn't have enjoyed it any more!”

 Who We are

A not-for-profit trail running events company, supported and run by volunteers from local running clubs, with an emphasis on environmental responsibility and inclusivity. Our guiding principle: Everyone should feel welcome in the countryside and trail running.

 

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View the Event Disclaimer / Terms and Conditions.

View the Event Cancellation / Refund Policy.

This event offers the option to purchase XCover, so that participants may be able to get a refund if they are unable to attend due to unforeseen circumstances.

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