Brecon Mountain Rescue Team have announced their iconic Black Dragon Challenge event to be held on Saturday, April 5 2025, with entries opening on Saturday, November 16 2024.

The popular annual event is a one-day hill challenge, with a choice of routes of varying difficulty – to raise much needed funds. Supported by the Newport Outdoor Group – ALL FUNDS raised go directly to Brecon Mountain Rescue.

The 2025 event is sponsored by LOWA Boots; Wigwam Holidays Builth Wells, and by Brecon Carreg – Brecon Mountain Rescue Team is extremely grateful for their support.

Taking in the high ridges of the challenging Black Mountains, the event starts and finishes in the village of Llangorse – offering three different route choices.

The most challenging (the “Endurance”) follows a 28-mile route reaching the highest points of the Black Mountains. The “Standard” route is 22 miles following a similar route – but excluding a descent to Grwyne Fawr. The Ridge Route is 16 miles and avoids the summits of Myndd Troed and Myndd Llangorse.

Less confident participants (including families) who want to walk without the extra pressure of navigation can also select the option of being led by Brecon Mountain Rescue Team members on the Ridge Route.

The Black Dragon Challenge Walk is a key part of the team’s annual fundraising activities.

Brecon Mountain Rescue Team is an 24/7, 365 days a year emergency service staffed by 48 volunteers and funded entirely by donations.

Their rescue services are free to those in need however, equipment, vehicles and maintaining a headquarters all cost money, and the team volunteers must raise sufficient funds to maintain this service. It costs approximately £65,000 each year to keep Brecon Mountain Rescue Team operational.

Dr Rob Powell, Team Leader of Brecon Mountain Rescue Team said: “We are thrilled to launch our 2025 Black Dragon Challenge. It is a fantastic event for anyone who loves being active outdoors, whilst raising funds for an essential local service.

“We are delighted to be able to offer a guided walk with our own team members, and hopefully encourage new people to give it a go! Unlike other similar challenges, our event is run by Mountain Rescue volunteers – so we are on hand to assist people should they need it.”

Brecon Mountain Rescue Team’s VIP Ambassador, Kate Humble is once again supporting this event, and will be completing the challenge herself. She commented: “This is an opportunity for people to challenge themselves, and enjoy the glorious environment of the Black Mountains, whilst also raising money for a wonderful and vital cause”.

For full details of the Challenge, and to enter, go to www.blackdragonchallenge.com.

(Well behaved dogs on leads may also participate!)

To find out more about how you can support Brecon Mountain Rescue Team, please visit www.breconmrt.co.uk To donate to the team, please visit: www.justgiving.com/breconmrt/donate