Carries Rasus Y Bannau 75k Trail Race - 2nd May 2026

Carrie came to ESTR for some structure and guidance after a race last year didn't go to plan. Since joining the group, she has gone from strength to strength - nothing phases this woman! In her element in the toughest conditions you can imagine- storming up hills and climbs like no tomorrow! Read below to find out how her latest race went in preparation for her going back to the Lakeland 100 in the summer for redemption.

I was looking for a 50-ish mile race for around my 50th birthday time and in an area where I hadn't been before.

This race came up as a new race only in its 2nd year running which caught my eye so my entry was put in and arrangements made for a week's holiday in the Brecon Beacons.

In addition, I needed a big race as a 'pick me up' after my 100 miler DNF last year and to prepare myself for the same 100 miler again this summer. I turned to ESTR for some help to build up my strength and prepare myself to be a better and stronger runner for future ultras especially seeing I was hitting the big 50!

I was excited to see how my recent training with ESTR over the last six months would pay off. I had learnt to give focus to my HR efforts which is something I never did before and also learnt how to better fuel myself as I have had a history of "bonking" in recent years due to failing miserably at fuelling.

In the run up to the race, there had been recent reports of wildfires in the Brecon Beacons and one of these was affecting the area where the race was due to be held. Thirty six hours before the race, an email was received advising of a possible route diversion or at worse, cancellation (!) if the fires could not be put under control. Thankfully, 12 hours later, it was announced that the race was going ahead after receiving approval from the National Trust and the police. Phew, I thought, although I thought I might have got away with it! :o)

Race day arrived, a lovely calm morning, I wandered down to the registration which was only 100 yards from the cottage we were staying in. I registered, got my kit checked which was all good. I started to get myself ready and kitted up ahead of the race briefing. I double checked my poles and noticed one of them was jammed, argh! The button that locks the pole in place had wedged itself inside the pole and I couldn't get it back out. Panic started to set in a little, thinking I would have to do without. I remembered there was a stall downstairs selling running gear so I thought, let's try them and see if they can help, I had nothing to lose. Thankfully, one of the gents had a tool kit in his van so off he went with my pole and thankfully came back with a fixed pole, panic averted, phew! I couldn't thank him enough. Race briefing had already started by this point and less than 10 mins later, we were off for a "day out".

The first big climb was Cribyn after running on some quiet country lanes and tracks. That was steep! But I was in my element. I got to the top then we had a lovely ridge run passing by some wild horses before descending to Talybont Reservoir where the first checkpoint was. We cracked on up Tor Y Foel which was another big steep climb which was followed by running through some beautiful countryside and forests before climbing again, heading towards Corn Du.

Next, we had a big descent coming up to Pont Ar Daf car park (at 26 miles) but my right leg/shin started to hurt for some reason, a new niggle, so I had to use my poles to help me descend down the hill and quite bit of time was lost there. I got to the bottom, borrowed some tape for my leg hoping it might help. I cracked on towards Fan Fawr, this section was more fell and bog-like whereas the first section was more trails and forest tracks. I found I had no issues whatsoever climbing and on the flat, only when I was descending which was very frustrating!

I cracked on over Fan Lila then down to Blaen Lila car park where we had a drop bag checkpoint. Thankfully, I had some KT tape in my bag so I taped up my leg properly over a pot noodle which went down a treat considering I hadn't had much solid food up to that point. By now, it had been raining for about an hour or so. The rain was forecasted to continue into the night. I left the checkpoint and cracked onto the last checkpoint which was a couple of hours away. I kept plugging away but started to feel abit cold with the rain and felt quite wet too. We had to carry spare leggings and 2 base layers as part of our compulsory kit so I had a plan to put both the spare baselayers on at the next checkpoint before the final climb up Pen Y Fan. That went to plan over a quick cup of tea, put my waterproof jacket back on and set off again with a lump of chocolate and a couple lumps of cheese. I felt a lot warmer and raring to go for the last hit.

I was really hoping for a stunning sunset on Pen Y Fan but it wasn't to be as it continued to rain with very little visibility. On a positive note, I find the summit comes quicker when you can't see it! :o) I gave out a little cheer once I reached the summit of Pen Y Fan. I had been running alone for about 3 hours by this point. I was kinda dreading the steep descent off Pen Y Fan due to the issue with my right leg so I treaded carefully using my poles, eventually catching up with a couple of runners as the steep descent eased off the further down I went. I felt suprisingly fresh considering, just the blasted leg was letting me down. The steepness of the descent eased off further still so I was able to pick up the pace and leg it towards the finish line. It was a good couple of miles on quiet country lanes but I felt reasonably good and made it to the finish before darkness fell.

It was a cracker of a day with fantastic views before the rain came in and a stunner of a route. Big thanks to ESTR for helping me feel as good as I did when I finished. Bring on the big one in the summer!

Thanks to Carrie for the insight into the race, her true grit shining through whilst also being sensible and respecting her injury through the race with a positive attitude. A stellar performance after a significant amount of personal turmoil throughout the buildup too. Well done, Carrie we are so proud!

FYI - Carrie came 3rd Female and 7th Overall - woohoo!