@ Pen y Fan

The forecast is mixed, with a good chance of rain, high winds on the high ground, and severely reduced visibility on the hill. Or it might be a sunny spell, but we all must plan for the worst. Therefore we will be requiring full kit at Pen y Fan, that is:

• Bumbag or rucksack
• Full windproof body cover (i.e. jacket and long trousers)
• Compass
• Map of the route (can be picked up at registration)
• Whistle

For the up-to-date mountain weather forecast see http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/mountain-forecasts/brecon-beacons#?tab=mountainWeather

Runners without the required kit will be disqualified.

@ Fan y Big

The same applies - we will be requiring full kit as shown above. Fan y Big is a longer race, without drink stations, so we would also recommend carrying fluids and emergency food.

Runners without the required kit will be disqualified.

Parking and getting to the races

@ Pen y Fan

Cwm Llwch is accessed by tiny confusing lanes - please allow plenty of time to find your way, and bring a map.  There is always pressure on parking spaces, so please share transport where possible. You can find relevant information and maps on the race page.

When you arrive, please try to park in the area on the left of the track. Overflow parking will be available further up the track, beyond the large boulder that says "no vehicles beyond this point"(!) but the ground is softer.

@ Fan y Big

Please don't park in Llanfrynach village - this annoys the locals and makes thing hard for us. Please find the race parking field (it is free).

Registration

@ Pen y Fan

It is a good 15 minutes walk from registration to the start. Please register by 11.00.

@ Fan y Big

In the Village Hall, 3 minutes walk from the parking field, which is also where the race starts. Please register by 10.15.

Any questions? Contact us using this page on the web site, or on 01874 622000 / 07984 807186, or post on our Facebook page.

Good luck!

Crispin, Naomi and Mark

The Buttermere Sailbeck race is about the same length as the Fan y Big Horseshoe, which also crosses the area where Carol Matthews died in a relay race in 1991; but the same could happen in almost any race that crosses high ground when conditions are poor. So this has made us re-examine our plans for the Brecon Fans races. The key lesson is to be absolutely certain whether there are still any runners out on the course, i.e. that every race number that crossed the start line also crosses the finish line, or is otherwise accounted for.

We'll try to make the races as safe as possible without becoming too bureaucratic. But runners also need to play their part - be well prepared for the race (in fitness and knowledge of the route), carry the right kit, report to marshals if anything is wrong, read and listen to race instructions. Oh, and please don't cross the finish line more than once while having a warm-down!

Our thoughts go out to Brian Befield and his family, but also to the organisers of the race, who must be going through a difficult time.