The Brecon to Cardiff Xtreme, is the mountain running version of our classic Brecon to Cardiff ultramarathon which is now in its 13th year. The B2C Xtreme is a 75 kilometer, linear race over 11 major peaks between Brecon and Cardiff. This is a tough winter ultra marathon with approximately 2800 meters of ascent and is only suitable for those with excellent winter mountain running skills, experience and fitness. The event sold out in 2024 and places are limited.

The Taff Xtreme Marathon is the second half of the Ultra course, starting at Merthyr and taking in the Valleys overlooking the Taff River. It is a tough winter Marathon with approximately 1300 meters of ascent and is perfect for anyone looking for a new winter trail or to prepare for a later season event.

The Route

Starting at the canal basin in Brecon the Xtreme heads through the old town then straight to the top of Pen Y Fan - the highest peak in South Britain. This is followed by steep climbs up Crybin and Fan Y Big, before a fast descent down the Roman road takes you to lower Neuadd reservoir. Another short but steep climb reaches the Twyn Mwyalchod trig point, and is followed by a long descent towards Pontsticilli Reservoir and CP2. From here the Xtreme and classic B2C routes briefly converge with some faster forestry running over more rolling hills, before gaining the half way checkpoint in Merthyr.

Now clear of the national park, the classic B2C course rolls gently downhill to the finish, but the Xtreme still has approximately half the elevation to conquer! This is the point that the Marathon runners join the course. there is a short climb over Twyn Gwersylfa in the Gethin woodlands, followed by a fast decent and crossing of the Cynon Valley. The route then joins the waymarked Glamorgan Way trail with a climb up towards Carn y Pigwn in the stunning St Gwynno and Llanwonno forestry complex. After the rolling decent of Pen y Foel, the route converges again with the Brecon to Cardiff classic runners and a short section along the banks of the river Taff takes you to the checkpoint in the world famous Honky Tronk café in Pontypridd! Here you can stock up on food, Welsh hospitality and Tom Jones songs before heading out into the last section of the course. With the end nearly in sight, the Xtreme runners head up and over Cefn Eglwysilan and Mynedd Meio before the fast drop down into the finish and the wonderful welcome at the Coleg Y Cymoedd.

The event base provides event parking, café, large indoor area for registration, the finish line, toilets, changing rooms and showers. It is easily accessible off the A470 and one junction off the M4. There are many hotels, guest houses, cafes and restaurants in the local area. In addition there are excellent bus and rail links to and from Cardiff.

What is included?

Car parking at the event base

Electronic timing

Live GPS Tracking and map for friends and family to follow from Open Tracking

Open Tracking live mapping at race finish

Checkpoints well stocked with refreshments

Half way drop bag transport (at the Merthyr CP Xtreme runners only)

Finishers medal (strictly for finishers only)

Emergency First Aid and First Responder cover

Free event photos

Bus transport from Cardiff to Brecon on Sunday morning for the B2C Xtreme runners.

Optional bus transport for the Taff Xtreme marathon runners from Cardiff to Merthyr (£10)

Welsh weather!

Description supplied by the event organiser.