Black Cattle Ultra Gwartheg Duon
44 mile and 33 mile ultras
Saturday 29 August 2026
https://www.ridgerunners.co.uk/blackcattleultra
Why the name?
The race starts in the Heart of the Black Mountains - and the local cattle are called Welsh Blacks. We want to celebrate both the outstanding beauty of the area - and the local hardy breeds that cope with the Welsh Mountain Weather. The calves are so cuddleable, you'll want to take one home!
The Race
Our simple aim is to put on the best races there are. These are just some of the comments from our first event
"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!”
We genuinely believe this is one of the best Ultras out there - from the amazingly varied route - mountain fells with ancient forts, to pretty woodlands with hidden fairy tale castles - to the sustainable ethos of local slate awards and locally crafted unique finishers mementos - there is so much, that the whole is just spot on - all supported by local runners passionate about their sport - with indoors loos and food stations on route.
This really is the experience you are looking for.
The routes
44 mile/71k ultra
What better way to start a race than at the beautiful Llanthony Priory, nestled in the Heart of the Black Mountains. You'll spend the day travelling back to Cardiff passing the fairy tale Castell Coch near the finish. Over mountains, wooded vales and picturesque villages, this is one amazing route. It's not easy, yet very rewarding - and something you will definitely want to come back for.
33 mile/53k ultra
This is not the “easy” option. Starting 11 miles into the 44 mile route, in the pretty town of Abergavenny, you will first meet the Blorenge - a very big climb to start the day. Wandering through the historic towns of Pontypool and Risca, before seeing our Machen Races venue. Finally, a traverse along the Cefn Onn ridge back to Cardiff via the iconic Castell Coch. Just like the 44 mile option, a glorious mountain ultra along an amazing route which will no doubt have you wanting to come back for more.
Runners at race HQ
Runners at race HQ
1/8
Race details
Date: Saturday 29th August
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: £90
33 miles: £80
Start line transport
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.
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
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Also check out other
Sports events in Abergavenny,
Arts events in Abergavenny,
Photography events in Abergavenny.
