Brecon to Cardiff Ultra Playbook

43 miles

Distance · 70km

~1,200m

Total ascent

14 hours

Cutoff

Brecon → Cardiff

Point-to-point

Why this course needs its own plan

One climb, then a very different second half

Most UK ultras spread the terrain evenly. Brecon to Cardiff front-loads its only real climb, then hands you nearly 30 miles of progressively flatter, harder-underfoot running — a pacing puzzle that generic ultra advice doesn’t cover.

Schematic only, not to scale: the canal towpath start at Brecon, the Torpantau climb, the indoor checkpoint at Merthyr around halfway, then the run-in to Cardiff.

01

A point-to-point with real logistics to plan

Coach transfers, a halfway drop bag, a 14-hour cutoff and a likely finish after dark in February. Get the logistics wrong and you’re stressed before the start line.

02

Built by a certified ultra coach

Written by a UESCA-certified ultrarunning coach, using the organiser’s own course notes — not generic advice adapted from a different race.

03

A training shape you can use today

A 16-week framework you can follow as-is or use to sanity-check a plan you’re already running.

What’s inside

✓

Course breakdown

A segment-by-segment course breakdown, from the Brecon canal towpath to the Torpantau climb to the tarmac run-in at Cardiff.

✓

Pacing strategy

A pacing strategy built specifically around the course’s climb-then-flat shape, not generic ultra pacing advice.

✓

Checkpoints and fuelling

Checkpoint and fuelling guidance, including how to use the indoor halfway checkpoint at Merthyr properly.

✓

Conditions and kit

A conditions and kit section covering the realistic risk of a February finish after dark.

✓

16-week training framework

A 16-week training framework: base, hill & strength, terrain-specific, race rehearsal, and taper.

✓

Race-week logistics

A race-week logistics checklist for the coach transfer, drop bag, and start-line prep.

A 16-week framework, five phases

Follow it as-is, or use it to sanity-check a plan you’re already running.

Phase 1

Base

Phase 2

Hill & strength

Phase 3

Terrain-specific

Phase 4

Race rehearsal

Phase 5

Taper

Written by Coach Steve

PFM Coaching — UESCA-Certified Running & Ultrarunning Coach, UKA Coach in Running Fitness, based in Bridgend, South Wales.

Want a plan built around your own start line?

This framework gets you the shape of a build. A free consultation gets you a plan timed to your own fitness and your Brecon to Cardiff entry.

Book a Free Consultation

The Brecon to Cardiff Ultra Playbook

Get the free playbook