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Race the Sun - Brecon Beacons

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A team of four beginning their decent from a mountain with panaramic views
Race The Sun Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) logo

Race The Sun Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons)

15 June 2024

Dawn to Dusk Triple Challenge

Race the Sun pits teams of two or four against the clock in a triathlon-style charity fundraising challenge competing in three disciplines, cycling, hiking and canoeing, racing the setting sun to be crowned champions.

Tackle this incredible team race whilst taking in the stunning views of rugged peaks and meandering streams in the globally renowned Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park.

Note that due to exceptional demand, two-person teams have SOLD OUT. If you had your heart set on taking part in this challenge, please consider finding some extra people to make up a four-person team (we have a waiting list of people looking to join a team if that helps), or contact us to join a waiting list should any places become available.

Alternatively, check out the five other events in our Race the Sun series instead.

Key Information

  • Date: Saturday 15 June 2024
  • Location: Bannau (Brecon), Wales
  • 2-person team: £99 registration fee + £950 fundraising (SOLD OUT)
  • 4-person team: £198 registration fee + £1,900 fundraising
team of four cyclists in a row

BIKE

Heading out of Bannau (Brecon) the stunning 36-mile ride is split into three sections, with plenty of climbs to keep you busy!

You'll start with a 15 mile ride along the Talybont Valley to the Pontsticill reservoir, after cycling the length of the reservoir to climb to the Torpantau Railway Station, a steep but short climb that is achievable for any cyclist.

From there teams will travel to either the canoe phase or the mountain phase before a 15-mile ride back to Bannau and the finish line!

A group of women reaching the top of Pen Y Fan

HIKE

After leaving your bikes with the event marshals, it's time to tackle the stunning 9.6 miles circular hike to the summit of Pen Y Fan, which at an altitude of 886m offers spectacular views of the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park.

Setting off from Taf Fechan Forest, the fully signed and supported route takes in the mountain tops of Corn Du, Pen Y Fan and Cribyn, before you begin your descent back to Taf Fechan Forest and your bike.

Two men in two-seater kayak on a lake

PADDLE

It's time to get on the water!

In either open-top canoes or kayaks your team will navigate a 2-mile journey around the breathtaking Pontsticill Reservoir.

All safety equipment is provided and you will be fully supported throughout, so no kayak or canoe experience is needed.

 

WHY JOIN #TEAMACTION?

Race the Sun serves up enough adventure to challenge those looking to lay down a fast time, as well as those who just want a fun, exhilarating day with friends and family.

It's truly a fundraising team challenge not to be missed, and every pound raised will support life-changing research across the UK to help save and change the lives of sick and vulnerable children. 

We will be with you every step of the way, helping you with training and fundraising tips to make sure you have an unforgettable day before the celebrations begin!

Loved the variety in the challenge, the people we met and Brecon Beacons. All for a wonderful cause to help children. Definitely will be returning next year and encourage all to give it a go - you won’t be disappointed!!

Race the Sun Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) finisher
Event awards and medals displayed on a table

Event includes

  • Safety briefing
  • Changeover stations with drinks and snacks
  • Team awards & finishers medal
  • Kayak or canoe equipment
  • Bike mechanics and first aiders
  • Marshals and signage
  • Timing tracker & GPX route files
  • BBQ and celebratory drink at the finish line

Race for a reason

Race for children like Sophia

An estimated one in every 2,500 babies, like Sophia, are born in the UK with cystic fibrosis. Caused by sticky mucus clogging their lungs and airways, children experience a range of symptoms including a persistent cough, shortness of breath and frequent chest infections. Medications or physiotherapy can help ease symptoms but sadly, there is no cure. Race the Sun for Action and help support research to help sick and vulnerable children like Sophia. 

Frequently asked questions

Pre-registration

What is Race the Sun?

Race the Sun is a team challenge fundraising event for teams of two or four people, with the aim of completing three disciplines (cycling, hiking, and canoeing/kayaking) in as fast a time as possible!

Where is Race the Sun?

The event HQ address is Brecon Leisure Centre, Penlan, Brecon LD3 9SR

What is the challenge route?

Everyone will start and finish at the event's central hub in Bannau (Brecon). From there you will cycle a 15-mile route along the Talybont Valley to the Pontsticill Reservoir where you will transition to satellite areas for either the hike or water phases.

Once you've completed your hike to the summit of Pen-y-Fan and a circular of the Pontsticill Reservoir you will cycle 15 miles back to the event hub in Bannau to cross the finish line! 

See the provisional route here.

Please note that the route is subject to change at any time, and without prior notice, although we will do our very best to communicate any changes in plenty of time.

How fit do I have to be?

Race the Sun is achievable by people with a reasonable fitness level who are prepared to train beforehand. The more you train, the more you’ll enjoy the challenge. It’s a great incentive to get fit and work a load of different muscles, whilst knowing you’re raising funds for an excellent cause at the same time. Check out our handy training plan to get your race ready.

What is the minimum age to take part?

Participants must be at least 18 years old and be in suitable physical condition to undertake the challenge as set out in the itinerary. 16-17-year-olds may also participate in challenges if accompanied on the challenge by their parent or guardian.

Is it a relay?

No, all team members must compete in each discipline. It’s a team event so you’re only as fast as your slowest team member, you need to stick together!

How long does it take to complete?

Some teams will complete the challenge in as little as five hours, while for some it may take the whole day. Some teams want to compete for the fastest time and others want to simply complete the course and enjoy the day – it’s really up to you!

Are there cut-off times?

The course is designed to be achievable in the time available and most teams will complete the full challenge. However, we do have cut-off times for your safety to ensure that the event finishes in daylight hours. These will be communicated closer to the event date and the marshals on the day will advise you if necessary.

Is there a registration entry fee?

Yes, it’s £99 for teams of two, and £198 for teams of four, plus the minimum fundraising amount. That’s less than £50 per person for an amazing day that you won’t forget in a hurry!!

When do entries close?

Registration closes at 17:00 on Monday 15 April, or sooner if places sell out first. The entire Race the Sun 2023 series sold out before the registration deadline, so be sure to secure your place early to avoid disappointment!

If the event is sold out, how can I get a place?

Race the Sun is growing in popularity, with the entire series in 2023 being sold out. With more choice on offer in 2024 there is bound to be a Race the Sun to suit you, but if the event you have your heart set on has sold out, we will open a waiting list and contact people if places become available.

The best advice is to register early to avoid disappointment!!

What if I don't have a team yet?

Don’t worry if you haven’t confirmed your whole team yet; you can register now to ensure that you don’t miss out, and then add teammates later via the online booking platform.

Is it possible to take part on my own?

No. Taking part as a team is what makes Race the Sun so special, and what stands it apart from other events. If you’re unable to make up a team then please contact us, and we may be able to match you with teams looking for members.

Is there a fundraising target?

Yes. Race the Sun is a fundraising event for children’s charity, Action Medical Research. Money raised will help fund groundbreaking medical research to save and change the lives of babies and children. Learn more about the work of Action Medical Research here.

The team fundraising target is £950 per team of two, and £1,900 per team of four. Teams need to raise 50% of the fundraising target two months before the event date to secure their place on the event. We ask teams to do this to ensure that the charity will not be out of pocket. The remaining fundraising needs to be with the charity 6 weeks after the event.

What if our team can’t reach the target?

Please get in touch with the Events Team if you have any concerns about reaching your target and we can talk through your options with you. We have lots of resources to help you reach your target and remember, the earlier you start the easier it is!

Please be aware that if you do not raise 50% of the fundraising target two months before the event then your team’s place may be at risk and you may not be able to take part.

Will Action help with fundraising?

Yes, it’s what we’re here for! Once you’ve signed up, we’ll be in regular contact with the team captain with fundraising ideas and advice, as well as materials and resources to get you started! You can also read through our comprehensive fundraising guide.

What bike do I need?

We recommend using a road bike or hybrid bike for this event.

As the route is on-road we would not recommend using a mountain bike. However, if you have trained on it and are confident you can complete the course you are more than welcome to use it. 

All participants must provide their own bike, which should be in good working condition. We recommend servicing your bike before the event. On-site bike mechanics will be available at registration on Friday evening, and throughout the event to help with mechanical issues encountered on the event.

Can I take part on an e-bike?

Yes, but please note in the interests of fairness that by using an e-bike the entire team will not be eligible for any of the ‘fastest team’ award categories.

Please also ensure to carry spare batteries, or other spares specific to e-bikes, as these may not be available from the bike mechanics.

Are canoes/kayaks provided?

Yes. We provide the canoe/kayak, paddles, and buoyancy aids, you’ll just need to wear suitable clothes and shoes that you don’t mind getting wet. Just in case!!

No previous experience is necessary, and fully qualified instructors will be on-hand to help and keep everyone safe.

What is included in the event?

  • Online safety briefing before the event
  • Breakfast, packed lunch, drinks and snacks available at Transition Stations/ Event Hub
  • Fully supported route with marshals and signage
  • Bike mechanics and first aiders
  • Timing tracker & GPX route files
  • Kayak/canoe equipment
  • Team awards & finishers medal
  • BBQ and celebratory drink at the finish line

What food and drink are included?

There will be pastries and fruit in the morning before the start for breakfast. Lunch, snacks and water refill points will be available at transition stations during your challenge and when you cross the finish line there will be a BBQ and drink waiting for you!

If you feel that you’ll need more than this, please bring it with you.

Will there be vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options?

Yes, please let us know your dietary requirements on your registration form.

Post-registration

Where can we stay?

Check out the tourist board website for a list of accommodation options.

Do I have to carry all my stuff?

In short, no. There will be transition points where you can leave your stuff for the next discipline, but finer details about what to pack will be communicated with teams closer to the event.

Can I take part in fancy dress?

Yes, absolutely! We have an award, especially for teams who go the extra mile… the Best Dressed Team Award. Race the Sun is all about having fun and raising money for charity! All we ask is that costumes should not pose a danger or be perceived to be found offensive to other participants or spectators. Action Medical Research reserve the right to remove any participants who are deemed to be dressed indecently or offensively, or wearing costumes which pose a danger to others.

When will I receive my race number?

At registration on the Friday evening. You will be given race numbers for your bike and your bag. We will give you a tracker and timer just before you cross the start line. Full details of what to expect at registration will be in your Event Guide which will be sent out closer to the event.  

I've registered but no longer able to take part, what can I do?

Please contact the Events Team if you are no longer able to take part in your event and we can discuss your options with you. This might include transferring to another event or deferring to next year.

Can I transfer my entry to someone else?

Yes. Contact the Events Team for further information.

Can I get a refund, transfer or defer my entry?

Please see our Withdrawals, Refunds, Transfers and Deferrals policy here.

Event day

Can friends and family come and watch?

Yes, and why not make a weekend of it! Supporters will be able to join you at the event HQ, and then track your progress live online. We’ll share the link with registered participants closer to the event.

Check out the tourist board for the area for inspiration of things to see and do before and after your event.

Does cycling take place on closed roads?

No. Please follow the highway code, and abide by the rules of the road, as well as being considerate to other road users. Take a look at this handy guide to cycling on the roads.

Post-event

Where can I find photos from the event?

Participant photography is not included in the event, but we do often have photographers roving around the course, as well as members of our staff and marshals capturing pictures and videos throughout the event. All images will be uploaded to this album after the event.

When will I receive my official time?

All Race the Sun events have live tracking, so you’ll receive your team's time immediately after crossing the line. We will also publish the results on a webpage which will be shared with participants after the event.

When do you need to receive my fundraising by?

Teams need to reach their fundraising target 6 weeks after the event.

race the sun series

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