Crosswell Ras Beca

Where:	Crosswell, Crymych, Pembrokeshire off the B4239 Haverfordwest Road
When:	Saturday mid to late August (formerly Bank Holiday Weekend)
Time:	Racing from 1.30 with Beca's Race around 2.30

Ras Beca is an annual running race which commemorates events in Welsh history. The Rebecca Riots were a series of uprisings in Wales from 1839 – 1843, in protest at poor living conditions and unfair taxation; the impoverished rioters were mainly agricultural workers, many of whom disguised themselves in female apparel and who called themselves Merched Beca (Rebecca’s Daughters), using quotes referencing the Biblical Rebekah as a rallying cry. The quote included “be thou the mother of thousands of millions, and let thy seed possess the gate of those which hate them” as the rioters often destroyed toll gates, tangible symbols of repression. Rioting ended after toll duties were regulated and some rents were reduced, and the rioters actions inspired future forms of protest in Wales. The commemorative 5 mile race in the Preseli mountains has taken place annually since 1977 and the course record is 32 minutes; the winner has the honour of destroying a white painted “toll gate” at the end of the race, armed with an axe and wearing a shawl.

Helpful Hints

In 2024 it should be on Saturday August 17th. It was usually on August Bank Holiday Saturday in the past but occasionally on an alternative date due to other commitments- and now seems to have shifted a little earlier in the month. The event is very well organised, and there is ample free parking which is well signposted for miles around.

There are junior classes for different age groups as well as the main race. Spectators are welcome for a modest fee of £2 a head while racers are charged £8 for adults and £3 for juniors.

Click here for the event page: https://preselibeast.com/races/ras-beca-race/?fbclid=IwAR3yqW_i2NvUaZw5GlWkwqtIL7YE2jDWziqezEw2AQXaEtfFhEWJ1mFCCvg

and here: https://www.fellrunner.org.uk/races/bdf18508-541e-48a3-97a6-9c81ba4a1933