AM 7 Jun 2026

Four Fans

Sun, 7 Jun 2026
10:00 AM
Early starts from 09:30
Time cut-offs apply
Distance
18km / 11.2mi
Climb
1200m / 3937ft
Safety information
AM Significant experience required Navigational skills required Local knowledge beneficial
Male record
1:48:42/1:47:42
Hugh Aggleton(AC)/Ben Mitchell(clockwise)
2013/2021
Female record
2:13:06/2:22:23
Helen Brown (AC and clockwise)
2017/2021
Minimum age
Over 18
Extra details
Clockwise route. Full kit and good navigational skills required. You will need sufficient fell running and navigational competency as a condition of entry.

The race includes 4 checkpoints which must be visited in the correct order:

Checkpoint 1 - Fan Fawr cairn (not the trig point) GR SN 969193
Checkpoint 2 - Fan Llia (true) summit which is almost entirely unmarked, GR SN 938186
Checkpoint 3 - Fan Nedd trig point, GR SN 913184
Checkpoint 4 - Fan Frynych trig point, GR SN 958228

Entry limit: Race limited to 50 places.

Early start: There will be an early start at 09:30 for those who are slower than average but have appropriate fell running experience.

Cut off: There will be a cut off at checkpoint 3 Fan Nedd at 120 minutes. Competitors will be compulsorily retired from the race if they do not make this time. You must retire if the marshal asks you to. So, please be sure you can achieve this (and then of course finish the remainder of the race safely). 

Toilets: There are no toilets at the race start but there are toilets a 10 minute walk away at the Pont ar Daf car park - please use these. Just cross the road and follow the path.

Race statistics

Between 2013-2024, the average finishing time was 2 hours 45 minutes. The average slowest finishing time was 3 hours 49 minutes. See detailed race information on the race page on fellrace.com. 

Location

Lay-by opposite Storey Arms, LD3 8NL on A470 between Merthyr and Brecon (GR 983203)

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Active travel

If you're able to cycle, walk or run to the start - fantastic. 

Public transport

Bus: The T4 bus stops right by the race start. Northbound it leaves Merthyr Tydfil at 08:06 (arr. 08:25) and 09:06 (arr. 09:25); Southbound it leaves Brecon 08:18 (arr. 08:35) and 09:18 (09:35).

Train: The nearest train station is Merthyr Tydfil.

Travel by car

Please car share! Using a car has a big climate and environmental impact, and parking is limited. There is a small car park at the start, but the area is popular so please arrive in plenty of time as you may need to park in one of the other car parks and walk to the start (e.g. at Pont ar Daf).

Safety information

The route is entirely unmarked with a significant amount of route choice across surprisingly remote terrain. Whilst there are paths, most of the climbs and descents are off-piste so self-reliance, good navigational and sound mountain judgement is required. There are a couple of river crossings so competitors must carefully choose a safe crossing point – occasionally rivers are in spate so please consider heading up stream. Similarly you will need to cross and re-cross a mountain road - take care. In good weather the course is relatively benign but in limited visibility good map and compass skills will be required. You may use GPS for route finding but please let the RO know on the day so that you may be recorded as ‘non-competitive’. Respect the natural environment and the landowners by staying clear of livestock, not climbing any wall or fence, (use the stiles). Failure to do so will result in disqualification. Please note the cut-off times at the checkpoints and if you doubt your abilities contact the RO before entering as all competitors will be vetted on the day. Bring full kit to the race (including waterproofs) as in previous years these have been required far too often.

General Area

Includes upland moorland / open fell, or more remote low-lying areas

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Height

Up to approx 2,500 ft (750m)

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Terrain

Mostly very rough tracks and/or off track with difficult underfoot sections (e.g. bogs, tussocks, boulders) or steep ascents/descents

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Exposure (drops) and hazards on or near route

Occasional moderate exposure and/or moderate terrain risk (see left)

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Navigation skills required

Expert: no waymarking, and runners must be confident in self navigating over very challenging routes and in zero visibility

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Mountain skills required

Competent: suitable only for skilled movers with increased problem solving and self-reliance required

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Escape routes

Some escape routes but a retiring or injured runner would face difficulty in some sections

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Season time and effect of weather

Conditions could be challenging and/or route may be prone to sudden weather changes; effect may be significant

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