Midnight Mountain Marathon
1st June 2024
Brecon Beacons
The Midnight Mountain Marathon is no ordinary marathon.
Set in the breathtaking Brecon Beacons, the course takes you through forests, over streams, past waterfalls and up mountains. The difference between this and any other mountain marathon, is that you start at 5.30PM and have to finish before the midnight cut off.
The Midnight Mountain Marathon uses part of the 'Fan Dance,' an infamous run taken on by potential members of British Special Forces as part of their selection process. This includes an ascent of Pen y Fan (2,907ft / 886m), the highest peak in South Wales.
Pick your distance
Enjoy the Half…
13 miles - Trails, hills and great views all guaranteed.
Step up to the Full…
26 miles through stunning scenery and up some brutal climbs.
Add a pack…
The half or full but with the added fun of a 35 / 25lb pack.
Course information
Get ready to climb…
With over 2,907 feet of elevation on the full course, you will definitely need to get your hill training in for this event. And be prepared for the infamous Jacab’s Ladder.
Need more Brutal?
The Brutal Bergen option involves completing the full or half course with a pack (men - 35lbs / women - 25lbs).
Course record
The course record currently stands at an blistering 03:17:26 set by Thomas Payn in 2015.
Facebook group
This is for anyone taking part in the Midnight Mountain Marathon half, full and Bergen events for kit and training advice...
FAQs:
What time is registration on Saturday?
Registration is open from 14:00 till 16:45
Where is registration/briefing on Saturday?
Registration/briefing is held in the event HQ, Henderson Hall in Talybont-on-Usk LD3 7YQ
Where can I park?
Event parking is here and included in your entry fee. You must use this parking and not the local roads. Please note: The parking is no longer at the campsite.
What time is the safety briefing?
17:00 for all races except 15:45 for the full Brutal Bergen.
Where does the race start?
The race starts and finishes at the event HQ.
What time do the races start?
The half, full and Brutal Bergen half races start at 17:30
The Brutal Bergen full starts at 16:00
What does the Brutal Bergen involve?
The Brutal Bergen option involves completing the full or half course with a pack (men - 35lbs / women - 25lbs) The full will start at 16:00 (the briefing will be 15 minutes before you set off) and the half will start with the other events at 17:30
Packs must 35lbs for men and 25lbs for women. You can make up the weight any way you want to, but wrapping the items with a towel or sleeping bag is advised. Training with the pack you intend to complete the event with is also recommended. You pack will be weighed before and after the race.
Why have the event fees increased?
As this race is based in the mountains, the level of medic cover and communication devices must be higher than you would have at a standard event. The venue hire and parking are also substantial, and we do also like to provide t-shirts and medals, which have also increased over the last few years! Given the above, we hope you understand why we increased the entry fees.
What will be available at the aid stations?
Bananas, cake, jelly babies, crisps, water, electrolyte and coke etc.
Where are the aid stations?
At miles 7.5 and 19.
What are the rules?
No littering. You must wear your high viz and glow stick at sundown. You must carry the compulsory items on the kit list. PLEASE SEE THE CUT OFFS BELOW
What happens if I need to pull out?
Make your way to the next CP and you will be taken back to race HQ.
What happens when I finish?
A medal and hot soup awaits you!
Due to the number of entrants and a care for the environment, Brutal Events are trying to do our bit by cutting down on waste. Brutal events will NOT be supplying any plastic cups at the aid stations, so no cup means no drink. By having a collapsable cup ensures that you can have refreshments at the aid stations.
As above, Brutal Events are trying to reduce single-use plastic. Glow Sticks are easily replaced with a red tail light and again, better for the environment.
Entry fees:
The price now includes the mandatory £5 parking fee. This is part of the agreement with the village hall and the community. Parking location is here
MMM - £62
MMM Brutal Bergen - £62
MMM Half - £40
MMM Half Brutal Bergen - £40
The entry fees have been increased for 2024, please see above for more clarification on this.
Cut offs:
Half cut off
You need to have finished the half by midnight
Full cut off
You need to have finished the full by midnight
If you reach the last aid / medic point (mile 19) AFTER 11:00pm you will be taken to the finish in the sweep vehicle.
Full MMM
26 miles
Half MMM
13 miles - no mountain section
Course preview.
This film from 2015 finisher Adam Hopkins, gives you a great insight of the course.
Kit list:
(Please note: you do NOT need the kit if you are doing the half)
• Issued map and waterproof map case (or bag)
• Whistle
• Compass
• Waterproof top
• Long trousers or tights
• Hat and gloves
• Chocolate bar or similar
• Head torch with spare batteries
• More than 400ml of water or other drink
• A light weight piece of warm clothing
• A fully charged working mobile phone with the HQ number programmed into it (you will be given this phone number at the safety briefing)
• A high visibility vest - NOT high visibility strips or similar. The vest CAN go on your rucksack
• Your ICE (In Case of an Emergency) contact and contact number, your name and your mobile number and medical information that medics or rescue staff should be aware of
• Collapsible Cup* - NEW FOR 2022! Available to buy at the event for £5 or from brutalbranded.com
• Red tail-light to be switched on at dusk (a rear bike light is fine)
• Blister kit
A very well organised and well put together event.
By far the hardest thing I've done since my Royal Marine training.
- S Ramsay