Builth Wells is the birthplace of the MTB Marathon Series and the back garden of event organiser (and Builth native) John Lloyd. It has been the focal point of the series offering a well established trail network, which due to the strong local cycling community keeps growing and constantly changing to keep this small town in central Wales at the top of the UK mountain biking destination list. If you haven’t been make sure you join the fun and see how one of the longest running mountain bike event series started out.  

The EXPOSURE LIGHTS BIG NIGHT OUT: The innovative EXPOSURE LIGHTS BIG NIGHT OUT (ELBNO), the largest mass start night marathon will once again open the 2013 season of the SCHWALBE MTB Marathon Series. On the 13th April just before darkness sets in, up to 300 riders will make their way out to the hills surrounding Builth Wells and will tackle not just the physical and mental strain of mountain bike marathons but also the element of darkness to spice things up a little bit.  

The ELBNO, introduced to the MTB Marathon Series in 2004 has since found lots of fans amongst the marathon and 24 hour riders. Since the start of ‘marathon night riding’ more and more riders have given this rather different and unique event a try to test themselves and their equipment against the elements. The ELBNO follows the same principle as the standard marathons. 

The route for 2013 starts at the Royal Welsh Showground beginning with a 7km stretch on the road you hit the trails, After a not too technical climb you get to the tricky and challenging sheep path single-tracks across the hill. The route crosses both Llanbedr and Aberedw Hills, taking in the very best single-track descents to give you a fantastic night riding experience. Half way round you’ll find the feed station serving hot and cold drinks, bananas and cake! The second half of the ride just gets better and better, more single-track climbs and descents taking you back to Builth and a well deserved cuppa. 

Your safety is always important to us, especially at night. Good lights (front & back – there are road sections too) are compulsory and they must be fully charged. We strongly recommend that you have experience in night riding and endurance riding - with burn time in between two to four hours, please make sure you are prepared for that.  

If you are thinking of doing the double (night marathon on Saturday evening and day marathon on Sunday) then don’t worry about doing the same course twice. The majority if not the entire ELBNO course will be night marathon specific so that you can get an action packed riding weekend showing you the best trails the area has to offer.

Start time:

ELBNO (night marathon) will start at approx. 7.30pm on Saturday the 13th April at Royal Welsh Showground. 

Distance:

The ELBNO will have only one distance to choose from – approx 44km. 

Registration opens:

Saturday from 12.00pm – 8.00pm.
Sunday from 7.00am – 9.00am

Entry fee:

£30 or reduced price of £50 if you take part in the discounted ‘weekend ticket’. The ‘weekend ticket’ includes entry tom the MTB Marathon and ELBNO over the same event weekend / for the same person.   
  
Tea, coffee and cake will be served at the finish line in the marquee as well as at the feed station. 

EXPOSURE LIGHT BIG NIGHT OUT specific info: 

The event is limited to 300 people so please make sure you enter soon. EXPOSURE LIGHTS, our ELBNO sponsors will be on-site with a selection of their newest lights and light accessories. So go over and visit their stall when you get to the event village. 

The guys will also have their charging station on site for everyone who needs a quick top up for their lights. Please be aware though that the charging station is only for top ups and that everybody should make sure that they come with their lights fully charged. The EXPOSURE crew will have some Exposure Lights for sale at their stand in case you are looking for a new light. There is a list of mandatory items, which should be taken on the ride. 


This list compliments our usual recommendations for any of the events of the SCHWALBE MTB Marathon series: 
• Waterproof jacket
• Tools and inner tubes
• Energy food and drink
• Space / foil blanket
• Backup light
• Sufficient lights for off road night riding 
• Red LED rear light - burn time in between three to five hours (depending on your abilities and how long you expect to be out there)

For more information, visit the event page or go straight to the entry page to secure your entry. 

MTB Marathon – Builth Wells 14th April 2013:

Following the ELBNO on the evening of the 13th April 2013 the Sunday MTB Marathon is the daytime alternative or the extra ride for the real ‘hard core’ riders out there. The route will cover three different course lengths so that every rider can find the right course for the first event of the season:  
Middle marathon – approx. 70km course
Half marathon - approx. 55km course
Mini marathon - approx. 28km course

For 2013 John Lloyd has chosen a route to surpass all routes! With his knowledge and experience he has chosen 3 courses designed to suit all abilities. Taking you up through Fforest Fields, Little Hill, Red Hill and Glascwm Hill,then returning via Llanbedr and Aberedw Hill. This route will show you the best of the single-track to be ridden in the area. Technical climbs and long sweeping descents will leave you tired but exhilarated, with over half the route being on single and dual tracks into the wilds of unspoilt Radnorshire, with its stunning views, this is a ride not to be missed.

Start time:

The MTB Marathon will start at approx 10.30am on Sunday the 14th April at Royal Welsh Showground. 

Registration opens:

Saturday from 12.00pm – 8.00pm
Sunday from 7.00am – 10.00am

Entry fee:

£35, £30 (for Mini Marathon) or £20 (for Mini Marathon if you are under 16 years old) or reduced price of £50 if you take part in the discounted ‘weekend ticket’. The ‘weekend ticket’ includes entry tom the MTB Marathon and ELBNO over the same event weekend / for the same person.

We have also added a family ticket to the events for 2013. Kids (12-15 years old) ride for free if they are accompanied by a paying adult (one child per adult). The family ticket is available for the MINI and HALF marathons.

For a full list of entry fees, visit the entry page. 

Campground:

Camping will be available (included in the entry fee) from Friday night through to Monday morning Royal Welsh Showground. It will be signposted from Friday afternoon onwards.  

Don’t forget our event photographer Jon Brooke will be at the event taking photographs of you all! The photos will be up on www.rightplacerighttime.co.uk to view and purchase a few days after each event.

To enter the event(s), visit the entry page.

For information about local services and accommodation, visit the local info page.

EVENTS | BUILTH WELLS 13th-14th APRIL 2013