HAYUM 30, the Hay-on-Wye Ultra Marathon, is a trail race around the north-easternmost tip of Bannau Brycheiniog, the Brecon Beacons National Park. The base for our adventure is Hay-on-Wye, or Y Gelli Gandryll in Welsh, a place celebrated around the world as the “Town of Books”.
With the castle and winding streets full of book and antique shops, there’s plenty to find in this characterful border town. As the town prepares for the literary festival later in May, we will be exploring famous trails such as the Wye Valley Walk and Offa’s Dyke Path, with the views giving us plenty of excuses to stop, catch our breath and wonder why the hills looked smaller from the bookshop.
Those who don’t fancy the full HAYUM 30 route can chose the HAYUM HALF. All the fun, half the distance, give or take!
Start Location
Hay-on-Wye, Powys, Wales
Finish Location
Hay-on-Wye, Powys, Wales
Start Time
0800 Saturday 3rd April 2027
Elevation Profile
4,825ft
Checkpoints
Two fully stocked aid stations Midpoint water station & drop bag point
We use plotaroute.com for supplying our maps as this means we can provide last minute updates that are readily available and allow you to download them in the best format for your navigation device.
Note: plotaroute.com does have pop-ups. Pegasus Ultra Running will never charge you for downloading or accessing our route files
HAY-ON-WYE & Bannau Brycheiniog
HAYUM 30 is a “figure-of-eight” looped course through the landscape surrounding Hay-on-Wye in the north-easternmost tip of Bannau Brycheiniog, the Brecon Beacons National Park.
From Hay, the route climbs up and over the panoramic Hay Bluff (Welsh name Penybegwn), the highest point on the route (677m), before we loop back towards Hay along the delightfully named Digedi Dingle.
We leave Hay again and head out for the northern loop of the course, which forms the HAYUM HALF route. Perhaps the northern loop could be described as more sedate, with undulating hills and wonderful views towards Hay Bluff and along the Wye Valley. It is still a worthwhile undertaking and your legs and lungs will feel the work out!
The northern loop follows part of the Wye Valley Walk trail, crosses historic Llowes Common, and climbs to the summit of The Begwns (415m). The route descends to the village of Clyro before we join the Offa’s Dyke Path national trail back to the town and the finish line.
With a total ascent of 4,820 feet, this route is as challenging as it is beautiful, showcasing rolling hills, remote woodland, and beautiful views of the historic county of Radnorshire, Bannau Brycheiniog, the Black Mountains and Lord Hereford’s Knob.
POINTS OF INTEREST
Hay-on-Wye is known as the “Town of Books” and is a world-famous tourist destination.
The former owner of Hay Castle, bookseller Richard Booth, declared himself King of Hay in 1977 and appointed his horse as prime minister. As you pass, spare a thought for a town that took its love of books all the way to independence – and gave a horse a surprisingly good career opportunity.
Hay-on-Wye lies on the Welsh side of the Welsh/English Border but the Royal Mail insists on using the English county name of Herefordshire on Hay postal addresses.
The Roundabout enclosure on The Begwyns was planted to celebrate Queen Victoria’s diamond jubilee.
Clyro is home to Baskerville Hall which inspired the Sherlock Holmes story “Hound of the Baskervilles”.
In 2024 a mysterious, 10-foot-tall metal monolith was found at the summit of Hay Bluff.
The mountain Twmpa has an Anglicised name that some people find mildly amusing.
MANDATORY Kit
Running shoes or hiking boots (trail shoes recommended).
Waterproof jacket.
Water bottle or similar (1-litre minimum).
Mobile phone (fully charged).
GPX route downloaded to a device (GPS, phone or watch).
Head torch or similar light source.
Survival bag.
A reusable cup – suitable for hot and cold drinks.
Backpack, race vest or similar to carry all other mandatory equipment.
More details are provided in the race manual.
Included with your Entry
No cut-off times.
A glorious finisher’s medal.
Pre- and post-race care.
Race manual packed with information (and a few rules!).
Three checkpoints – two fully-stocked aid stations and a midpoint water stop.
Access to drop bags at midpoint.
Professional medical cover.
Amazing support from “The Teulu”, the Pegasus & Stable Adventures volunteer family.
Fancy volunteering?
Want to experience an event from the eyes of “The Teulu”, the Pegasus & Stable Adventures volunteer family? Drop us an email to info@pegasusultrarunning.com and we’ll be sure to get in touch.
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