A 68-year-old man has tragically died while competing in a gruelling endurance challenge on South Wales’ highest peak, Pen y Fan.
Emergency services were called to the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, previously known as the Brecon Beacons, at approximately 11am on Saturday.
The man was taking part in the Fan Dance, an event organised by Avalanche Endurance Events (AEE).
This demanding race, which mirrors a Special Forces selection process, requires participants to navigate a 15-mile (24km) course across and around the 2,907ft (886m) summit, carrying a 35lb (16kg) pack.
AEE states it welcomes individuals from “all walks of life” to participate.
A spokesman for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “Dyfed-Powys Police received a call following welfare concerns for a male on Pen y Fan, Brecon, at around 11am on Saturday July 4.
“Officers attended alongside Mountain Rescue and the Ambulance Service.
“Sadly, the 68-year-old man passed away.
“His next of kin are aware and his death is not being treated as suspicious.
“HM Coroner have been advised and officers will continue to assist them with their investigation.”
AEE founder Ken Jones said in a statement on Tuesday: “This message is to share news that AEE experienced a fatality during the Fan Dance Race Series event on Saturday July 4 2026.
“At this immediate time our focus and thoughts are with the family, therefore AEE nor I as the march director will issue any further press release until the family is in possession of the full timeline of events and approve any further messaging.
“Our team is working on this at the time of posting.
“I wish to express my thanks to the Air Ambulance Service, Brecon Mountain Rescue Team, and AEE’s Mountain Safety Team for their swift response and professionalism.
“Also, our thanks to those event patrons whose professional response also helped manage this challenging, significant event.”
