The Roman Run
The Tydfilians Roman Run takes place in September and is a mixed surface 16 mile race that roughly follows the route of the ancient Roman road from Brecon to Merthyr Tydfil.
As it's a point to point race, parking is provided at the finish area at Cyfarthfa Park in Merthyr Tydfil and then you are taken by bus to Brecon for registration etc. at a local community hall. The start line is just outside on a residential road.
Support at the start is usually pretty good as you run through the streets of Brecon before heading out onto some undulating country lanes for around 3 miles. After the lanes, the route takes you onto a grassy inclne which leads you into the Brecon Beacons proper, and beginning of the 3 mile climb up to the Windy Gap. The photo at the top of this page is the view from Windy Gap back towards Brecon to give you an idea of the elevation gain involved.
I should point out that this is a tough race with about 780 metres of climbing crammed into 16miles. All the serious climbing is in the 1st half of the race with just one short nasty hill 2.5 miles from the end.
The Windy Gap is the highest point of the course and where you’ll find a waterstation and mountain rescue if you need any 1st aid.
The next section is a few miles of stony descent which can be a bit tricky if you don’t concentrate, and after that you have around 5 miles of road though woodlands and past reservoirs and small villages.
Around 13.5 miles you get to the final nasty climb known locally as Sanatorium Hill. It’s short but very steep and is quite a shock if you’re not expecting it. Thankfully, there’s a water station at the top, so you can fuel-up for a good finish.
The last 2 miles take you on an urban adventure through the famous (infamous?) Gurnos Estate. The 1st year I ran this race a marshall shouted to me “Turn left after the burn-out car!”. There are a few good downhill sections here, but they’re on open roads so beware of traffic.
The organisers have included one final twist to make sure you have a grimace on your face for your finishing photos by putting the finish line at the top of the hill in Cyfarthfa Park. Its not steep or long, but at this point you really dont need it! You can see from the photo below that I’m in a world of hurt just 10 metres from the line when I would normally have my arms in the air celebrating the finish.
This is a great race, which is very well marshalled and organised. However, weather conditions can make it an enjoyable race or 16 miles of horrific torment. You’re racing through the Brecon Beacon mountain range which is very exposed and wind and rain can whip up into a storm without any warning. It’s a tough race, so make sure you train and prepare for it appropriately.
