Saturday 19 September 2020

Brecon Beacons National Park

25KM or 50KM Routes

Your Guide to TrekFest 2020!

Join us for our ultimate UK trekking challenge – TrekFest! The aim of this epic trek across the Brecon Beacons in South Wales is simple – complete your chosen distance whilst making the miles count. You can do it for yourself or in support of the charity of your choice!

Suitable for beginner trekkers and expert trail runners alike, taking on TrekFest is by no means a walk in the park – it’s tough and will test you both physically and mentally, pushing your boundaries like never before. With the right training and preparation however, it is definitely achievable – as thousands of trekkers over the years will testify. Our incredible TrekFest conquerors tell us it’s truly life-changing and proves that anything is possible, and the sense of achievement you’ll feel as you cross that finish line is truly indescribable! Whether you’re a solo trekker or getting your friends, family or colleagues together as a team, the TrekFest crew will be supporting you every step of the way.

We take care of all the details – route marking, marshalled and fully stocked checkpoints, medical support, food and refreshments along the route – allowing you to focus on the challenge ahead and keep putting one foot in front of the other until you cross the finish line. If you are signing up as a team, members can register on either route and can fundraise for the team’s chosen charity or their own individual choice.

Navigation

The Routes

Trekking through the Brecon Beacons National Park in South Wales, you’ll discover breathtaking landscapes, stunning hills and tranquil reservoirs along the way. You’ll also reach the summit of the Brecon Beacons’ highest peak, Pen Y Fan (886m) on both the 25km and 50km routes, where you’ll witness beautiful views stretching as far as the eye can see. This distinctive flat-topped peak won’t just be the highlight of your adventure – it’s also the highest point in South Wales!

25KM Route

15.5 miles approx.

We leave the TrekFest Village and enjoy walking on quiet country roads. After approximately 9km and our first checkpoint we start our ascent up to Pen y Fan – from the checkpoint we climb up towards Corn Du and as we make our twisting ascent from the valley bottom we experience views of Llyn Cwm Llwch below and pass by the Tommy Jones Obelisk. Upon reaching Corn Du ridge we head towards the summit of Pen Y Fan where at the summit we can enjoy the amazing views before beginning our descent. We will start steeply before heading along the ridge of Cefn Cwm Llwch, and steadily down to our second checkpoint. From the checkpoint our final stretch follows country roads on sections of the Three Rivers Ride path back to the TrekFest Village.

50KM Route

31 miles approx.

We leave the TrekFest Village and enjoy walking on quiet country roads. After approximately 9km and our first checkpoint we start our ascent up to Pen y Fan – from the checkpoint we climb up towards Corn Du and as we make our twisting ascent from the valley bottom we experience views of Llyn Cwm Llwch below and pass by the Tommy Jones Obelisk. Upon reaching Corn Du ridge we head towards the summit of Pen Y Fan where at the summit we can enjoy the amazing views before beginning our descent. We head to Fan y Big, one of the four highest peaks in the Brecon Beacons before descending steadily to our well needed food stop! Following the food stop we make our way through the Taf Fechan Forest and enjoy the Taff Trail along the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal. We walk along the canal until we reach the finish stopping off brifly in Talybont-on-Usk at our final checkpoint.

 

What's Included?

As soon as you register for TrekFest you’ll be on a fully supported journey to the finish line. We’ll be there for you before, during and after the challenge, ensuring you’re left with memories to last a lifetime. Organising endurance challenge events is our thing so if you have any questions or concerns just get in touch – we’re here to help.

I’ve just completed TrekFest in the Brecon Beacons with Global Adventure Challenges and had a fantastic time. Really impressed with the organisation, plenty of pre-event information and a great friendly team to keep you motivated on the day. I would thoroughly recommend TrekFest and look forward to doing more GAC events in the future. Thanks to all involved for a really fab weekend!
Debbie

TrekFest - The Beacons 2017 Conqueror

Before

  • Clothing and equipment lists
  • Training guide
  • Route information
  • Fundraising tips and tricks
  • 15% discount at Cotswold Outdoors
  • Exclusive access to the TrekFest Facebook community
  • Exclusive access to the Participant Area on TrekFest website

During

  • Fully signposted route
  • Medical support
  • Route guides
  • Marshalled checkpoints with water, fruit and snacks
  • Halfway hot meal (for 50km route only)
  • Timing chips
  • Marshals and sweep walkers along the route
  • Unbeatable support from the TrekFest crew

After

  • Finisher’s medal and t-shirt – wear them with pride!
  • Hot meal at the finish line
  • Post-trek massage – soothe away those aches and pains
  • Hot showers
  • Celebratory drink as you cross the finish line unwind in our post-trek chill out zone
  • An incredible sense of achievement!

The Countdown Begins!

Day(s)

:

Hour(s)

:

Minute(s)

:

Second(s)

The TrekFest Village

The starting point for our 25KM and 50KM routes, the TrekFest Village is where you’ll find everything you need over the weekend – toilets, showers, food and drink, plus camping and car parking! Join us for a delicious BBQ and a drink at the TrekFest Bar on the Friday evening before the event or enjoy a celebratory drink once you have crossed the finish line. Bring your friends and family along for support and make a weekend of it!

Making a Difference

Since TrekFest launched in 2013, thousands of individuals have taken on the challenge – helping to raise over £2 million for charities nationwide. Whichever payment option you choose, we encourage you to help make 2020 our best fundraising year yet and make every step count for a cause you’re passionate about!

The Hall of Fame

Think you have what it takes to make the TrekFest Hall of Fame? Walk, jog or even run and see if you can beat the clock – in 2019 40% of our 50km trekkers completed the challenge in under 12 hours, will you join them? Or will you join the 15% of 25km trekkers who conquered the route in under 6 hours?

Who We Are

We’re experts when it comes to organising charity challenge events all over the world. Since the year 2000 we’ve taken thousands of individuals on adventures worldwide, helping them to fulfil their dreams and ambitions whilst raising millions of pounds for UK registered charities. We’re based in Chester, and we operate in more than 30 destinations across the globe. Working with the very best local ground operators, we offer challenges that take you off the tourist trail to discover true culture and adventure.

We don’t use volunteers on our events – throughout the weekend you’ll be supported by paid and experienced professionals. Our TrekFest crew is made up of Global Adventure Challenges staff and experienced mountain leaders who will marshal our participants and work with first aid services to ensure your continued safety throughout the challenge. We aim to inspire, support and excite – so if taking on TrekFest has ignited your passion for adventure, check out our worldwide challenges at globaladventurechallenges.com!

Trek in Style

Official TrekFest merchandise will be available for you to purchase online when you register – so you can take on TrekFest in style or just grab the perfect souvenir of your achievement. Order a TrekFest technical t-shirt or snap up a TrekFest neck gaiter and protect yourself against whatever weather the day brings!

Corporate Teams

Not only will TrekFest build a sense of team spirit between your employees, but it will also give you the opportunity to support  your chosen charity of the year and aid your Corporate Social Responsibility goals. Join us for a weekend adventure – whatever your objective, we can help you achieve it!

If you’re planning to join us for TrekFest as a corporate team, here’s just a few of the benefits we can offer depending on the size of your group:

• Group discounts for teams of over 20 people
• Company invoices to streamline the registration process
• Corporate team registration system
• Fast-track check in
• Access to our corporate camping area with dedicated facilities
• Checkpoint sponsorship with branded banners

For further information on the benefits available for corporate teams, call 01244 676 454 or email info@trekfest.org.uk.

Just wanted to say on behalf of myself and my colleagues a big thank you for such a wonderful and well- organised event. Yes, we all have blisters in places we never knew existed, but all have commented on the level of organisation being top class and the checkpoint facilities and food being top quality.
ISG PLC Team

Payment Options and Costs

.

The sooner you register, the more you save – plus the sooner you can start training and fundraising! Early birds get a discount on their registration fee so it pays to sign up sooner rather than later. Just click the button below to secure your space!

I think this company are great! I just completed TrekFest The Beacons – all the info and guidance pre-event was excellent and the planning that went through to the day was fantastic! Helpful, friendly and highly enthusiastic staff helped keep morale up at all times! Thank you for a fantastic weekend.
Kelly

TrekFest - The Beacons 2017 Conqueror

Payment Option A

Minimum Sponsorship

You pay the registration fee when booking your place on the challenge, and then agree to raise the minimum amount of sponsorship for a charity of your choice. Your charity will then pay the additional challenge balance on your behalf. 80% of your minimum sponsorship must be received by your chosen charity 6 weeks before the challenge. The remaining 20% of your sponsorship must be sent to your charity no later than 4 weeks prior to the challenge.

 

25KM
50KM
Early Bird 3 Registration Fee

1 March – 31 May 2020

£65
£75
Standard Registration Fee

01 June 2020 Onwards

£75
£85
PLUS

Minimum Sponsorship

£130
£220

 

Payment Option B

Self-Funding

You pay the registration fee when booking your place and then agree to pay the additional challenge balance no later than 6 weeks before the challenge. With this option you don’t have to commit to raising a set amount of sponsorship however we’d still encourage you to support a charity of your choice and raise as much as you possibly can!

 

25KM
50KM
Early Bird 3 Registration Fee

1 March – 31 May 2020

£65
£75
Standard Registration Fee

01 June 2020 Onwards

£75
£85
PLUS

Challenge Balance

£65
£110

 

Payment Option C

Discounted Full Payment

You pay the total discounted cost of the challenge in full when you book your place on the challenge. Again although there is no minimum sponsorship requirement, we’d still encourage you to raise funds for a charity of your choice!

 

25KM
50KM
Early Bird 3 Registration Fee

1 March – 31 May 2020

£115
£170
Standard Registration Fee

1 June 2020 onwards

£120
£180

 

Frequently Asked Questions

All the details on TrekFest 2020!

Event Details

Where is the TrekFest Village?

The TrekFest Village is located at: Brecon Showground, Canal Bank, Brecon, Powys, LD3 7PL.

Is parking available at the TrekFest Village?

Parking is available free of charge for the weekend.

What time does registration open?

Registration will be open in the evening of Friday 18 September from 5pm – 10pm and on the morning of Saturday 19 September from 7:15am – 8:15am (for 25KM trekkers only). Please note if you are taking part in the 50km route registration is available on Friday evening only.

I have entered a team for the event can we register separately on the day?

Yes – there is no problem if team members are arriving separately as everyone is required to register on an individual basis on the day of the event.

What time does the event start?

Start time for the 50km route will be 7:00am on Saturday 19 September. The 25km route will start at 9:00am on Saturday 19 September. Staggered starts will be implemented to ease congestion at the start of the challenge with groups of approximately 150 walkers setting off at 5-minute intervals.

Will I be allocated a wave start time?

Wave start times are not allocated and all trekkers must attend the pre-event briefing 15 minutes before the start time for their route. Subject to final participant numbers we aim to get all participants over the start line within a 20-minute window of the planned start time.

During the Challenge

What support is there on the event?

The TrekFest event crew will be supporting and encouraging you throughout the challenge. Our event crew are enthusiastic and caring and love the outdoors! There will be an experienced team of Event Managers heading up the event crew which will be made up of qualified mountain leaders who will marshal the route including sweep walkers who follow behind the last walker. There are also checkpoint teams including first aiders and a team of crew looking after the TrekFest Village.

Will I have to walk in the dark?

25km participants will not be required to walk in the dark however participants on the 50km route are likely to trek their final steps from checkpoint 3 to the finish in the dark dependent on the speed that you complete the challenge. A head torch is marked as mandatory on the kit list for 50km participants.

Am I allowed to walk alone?

For safety reasons walking alone is not allowed during the trek. With this in mind if you enter a checkpoint on your own you will be asked to wait until another participant is ready to leave so that you can walk with them. In the event that you are last into a checkpoint then you will be able to walk with our sweep walking team who will be supporting the back of the group.

Will the route be marked or am I required to use a map?

The route will be marked with fluorescent arrows so there is no need to be able to read a map to take part in the event. A route guide which contains a map and emergency procedures is provided for you to use as reference.

What happens if I get lost?

If you do happen to get lost then don’t panic! Our Event Control number is provided on the back of the route guide and in your participant armband so you can call the event management team who will be able to direct you back onto the route or send a member of our team to assist you.

 

What snacks and drinks are available at checkpoints?

At each checkpoint there will be a selection of snacks available such as flapjacks, crisps, fruit, Haribo and other sweet treats. If you are taking part in the 50km route lunch will be available at checkpoint 2 and a hot drink at checkpoint 3. Water and cordial are available at each checkpoint to fill up your water bottles.

Will roads be closed during the event?

There will be no closed roads during the event. Where possible routes are planned to avoid walking on roads however in some instances this is unachievable. We ask that all trekkers remain vigilant and follow the advice given in the briefing information provided on the day of the challenge.

 

Event Village & Camping

 

What camping facilities are available?

There will be showers and toilets available near the camping area and food is available on site from our catering provider. Water points are located around the site however if water’s not your thing you can always head to the TrekFest bar on Friday evening!

Do I need to book camping?

There is no requirement to pre-book camping as we will allocate enough space in the TrekFest Village camping area to accommodate everyone.

Can friends and family camp at the TrekFest Village?

Friends and family are welcome to camp at the TrekFest Village, the charge is £10 per person for the weekend.

What is the cost of camping?

Camping for participants is included as part of the challenge cost.

Please note we can only take cash payments at the TrekFest Village.

Can I bring my campervan or caravan?

Campervans are welcome at the TrekFest Village however they are not permitted into the camping area. Unfortunately due to access at the site caravans are not permitted.

 

Can my friends and family come to the event village?

Friends and family are welcome to join you at the TrekFest Village to cheer you over the line. They are also able to stay in the camping area during the weekend subject to the fees above. Food is available to purchase from our catering provider throughout the weekend.

What food is available at the TrekFest Village?

On Friday evening a BBQ will be available, the cost of this is approximately £12 payable directly to our caterers There will be plenty of BBQ meats, salads and cake for you to enjoy. Breakfast is also available for you to purchase on Saturday morning the cost is approximately £4 for a breakfast bap and is payable directly to our caterers.

Please note we can only take cash payments at the TrekFest Village.

Is there food available on Sunday morning?

Breakfast is available to purchase on Sunday morning from our caterer.

Kit & Training

What kit should I bring?

A detailed kit list will be provided when you register. Please ensure that you bring with you all of the items marked as mandatory on the kit list.

Do I really need everything on the kit list?

Yes you do! The kit you carry forms part of our safety procedures during the event and all items listed have been specified with your welfare in mind.

Am I allowed to wear trainers?

We highly recommend that unless you intend to run the route that you wear trekking boots which support the ankle. At a minimum we would expect that trekkers wear appropriate shoes designed for trekking. Failure to wear appropriate footwear may result in you not being allowed to participate.

What happens if I don’t bring all of the mandatory items on the kit list?

Anyone who is deemed to be inappropriately equipped for the challenge will not be permitted to take part under any circumstances. Random kit checks will take place during registration and prior to the start of the event.

Can I fill up my water bottle or hydration pack at the TrekFest Village?

Yes there are water points situated around the site at the TrekFest Village.

How much training do I need to do before the event?

How long is a piece of string! This really depends on your current fitness and experience of completing this type of event. All participants should be aiming to achieve an average walking speed of 4 km per hour during training. A large percentage of training walks should be undertaken on hilly terrain.

Is there a training guide that can help me with my preparation?

A comprehensive training guide will be provided when you register.

Payment Options

I want to register as Payment Option A – when will my minimum sponsorship amount be due to the charity?

50% of your minimum sponsorship amount must be received by your nominated charity no later than 6 weeks prior to the event. The remaining amount is due to them no later than 4 weeks post event.

I want to register as Payment Option B – when will I need to pay my challenge balance?

The challenge balance is due no later than 4 weeks prior to the event. You will receive an invoice at around 6 weeks prior to notify you that payment is due.

Post-Event
Where can I find my results?

Results will be uploaded in the week following the event.

Will I get a medal and t-shirt if I don’t complete the entire TrekFest route?

Our policy is to recognise the achievements of everyone who takes part whether they have managed to walk 10km or 50km. Everyone who takes part has their own personal challenges to overcome and most will be raising money for worthwhile causes. At GAC, we know participants of TrekFest are doing something positive and this deserves a medal in its own right!

Reviews

See what our TrekFest Conquerors had to say about their experience!

Register for TrekFest

Secure your space on our ultimate UK trekking challenge!

Still Have Questions?

If you need to know more before you take the plunge and sign up, don’t hesitate to get in touch!