Fan y Big y Pen y Fan y Big Race
A special route for 2025, combining the Fan y Big and Pen y Fan race routes into one, with 18.75 miles and over 6000 feet of ascent.
If you would like to enter or watch the race, this should tell you everything you need to know. If you have any more questions, please contact us.
Date & Time
Saturday 5th July 2025
Start 11.00 (note earlier start than usual due to special course). Please note there will be no provision for earlier starters.
Distance
30.4 kilometres or 18.75 miles
Ascent
1834 metres or 6017 feet
WFRA classification
"AL". Experience required; local knowledge advantageous; navigational skills required. Note there are cut-off times at checkpoints - see below - please ensure you can achieve these cut-off times if you want to enter this race.
WFRA race assessment matrix.
Risk Assessment.
Location
Llanfrynach, near Brecon. Location in Bing Maps.
Race start and finish are in the same place, and parking is along the North side of the field.
Parking
In the race field. To maintain our good relationship with the local community, please do not park in the village.
Charges (designed to encourage car sharing, and passed on to the farmer):
£0 per car with 3 or more runners.
£1 per car with 2 runners.
£2 per car with only one runner.
CASH ONLY!
Registration
Registration is in the Village Hall.
Pre-entered runners collect wristband 09:30-10:45 (note earlier start than usual due to special course).
Entry fee
£18 online in advance (higher than usual due to extra costs)
Sorry no entry on the day.
Junior races
These are on the same day at the Pen y Fan Race location Cwm Llwch! find out more
How to enter
Enter online via Fabian 4 Entry closes 21.00 Friday 4th July.
Entries limited to 150.
In line with WFRA Safety Guidelines, we will refuse entry at any time (before or after registration) to any competitors who, in our opinion, do not have the appropriate kit/ equipment, experience or navigational skills required to complete the race safely and in a reasonable time.
Championship Status
tbc.
Kit requirement
Full windproof body cover, map, compass & whistle. Please make sure you have all items with you or prepare to be disqualified and embarrassed! Please read our safety guidelines.
No dogs.
The use of music/sound equipment that restricts hearing, and the playing of music audible to others, is prohibited.
Code of conduct
Competitors are required to abide by the WFRA Code of Conduct
Age limit
Over 18 on race day
Records
New route, so there are no records.
Prize categories
M: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 1st V40, 1st V50, 1st V60, 1st V70
F: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 1st V40, 1st V50, 1st V60, 1st V70
Special prizes
1st Male club team (3 runners)
1st Female club team (3 runners)
1st Local (strict rules apply, but we are not sure what they are - please be prepared to shout loudly about your proximal habitation)
Organizers
Crispin Flower & Naomi Law
Race route
There are seven checkpoints on the route, as follows:
- Fan y Big summit SO 036 205
- Cribyn summit
- Pen y Fan summit (1)
- Cwm Llwch car park
- Pen y Fan summit (2)
- Fan y Big summit SO 036 205
- Finish (race field)
Route map
description in prep
GPX: Fan_y_Big_y_Pen_y_Fan_y_Big_Race.gpx
See interactive map below.
Cut-off times
2 hours at the checkpoint 1 - competitors not making this cut-off will be retired from the race and will return to the start by the descent route.
3 hours at Cwm Llwch car park - competitors not making this cut-off will be retired from the race and will return to the start by road (lifts may be available).
6 hours for the whole race - we will close the finish at 17:00pm.
Route