Test your strength of mind traversing Pen y Fan and associated terrain before taking on Jacob's Ladder on the return leg. The Fan Dance is a 24-kilometre route march through the Brecon Beacons — the same ground used in UK Special Forces Selection.
The only organisation of its kind run and staffed by ex 22 SAS and other UK Special Forces. Our events are designed to give each participant an experience unrivalled by any other.
- Winter Fan Dance16 to 17 January 2027Pen y Fan, Brecon Beacons
- THE SAS FAN DANCE SUMMER SERIES 202719 to 20 June 2027Pen y Fan, Brecon Beacons
THE FAN DANCE ROUTE
The Fan Dance route is 24 kilometres, out and back over Pen y Fan, which stands at 2,907 feet (886m). The challenge begins as soon as the race does, with an immediate ascent of the mountain.
The route then descends on the other side of the peak and follows a pathed route to the halfway point, before turning around and reversing the route. The return leg is the tougher half, with the climb back up the Fan known as Jacob's Ladder.
The Fan Dance is fully marshalled, so no navigation is needed. Finishers receive a custom TSFE Fan Dance medal and certificate.
SIX WAYS TO TEST YOURSELF
The classic. Test your strength of mind traversing Pen y Fan and associated terrain before taking on Jacob's Ladder on the return leg. The route that started it all.
The Fan Dance with a twist — you will be given a 15-minute head start before the pack of 'Wolves' (DS) will be released and on your tail. Can you stay ahead?
Tackle the Fan Dance twice in one weekend. Join a select group who have conquered the challenge. Not for the faint-hearted — a true test of endurance.
Testing your senses as well as your endurance, take on the mighty Brecon Beacons in the dark. A similar brutal route in the same area under the cover of night.
The ultimate weekend package — two Original Fan Dances plus the Dark Trail. Complete all three to earn the unique Trinity medal stack. Our most demanding format.
Complete both the 24km Fan Dance and the Dark Trail within 24 hours. Day and night on the same legendary route — a relentless test of will.
Brecon, Powys LD3 8NL
Mid/South Wales border
11 miles / 18 minutes by road
toward Brecon
WHAT THEY SAY
THE FAN DANCE: YOUR QUESTIONS
What is the Fan Dance?
The Fan Dance is a 24-kilometre route march over Pen y Fan in the Brecon Beacons. It is the infamous SAS Selection test: it still forms the first major hurdle on UK Special Forces Selection today.
How long is the Fan Dance and how high does it climb?
The route is 24 kilometres. It goes over Pen y Fan, which stands at 2,907 feet (886 metres), and you climb it twice: once straight from the start and again on the way back, up the steep path known as Jacob's Ladder.
What is the Fan Dance route?
The challenge begins as soon as the race does, with an immediate ascent of Pen y Fan. The route then descends on the other side of the peak and follows a pathed route to the halfway point, where you turn around and reverse the route. The return leg is the tougher half, with the climb back up the Fan by Jacob's Ladder.
Where does the Fan Dance start and how do I get there?
The start point is Pont Ar Daf car park, Brecon, Powys LD3 8NL, in the Brecon Beacons National Park. By car, take the A470 north from the M4 toward Brecon. The nearest station is Merthyr Tydfil, 11 miles or about 18 minutes away by road, and the T4 bus runs between Cardiff and Newtown.
Do I need navigation skills for the Fan Dance?
No. The Fan Dance is fully marshalled, so no navigation is needed.
What are the Fan Dance categories, and do I have to carry weight?
You choose your category. Clean Fatigue is the open category, and Loadbearing is the weighted category. Both also have a Masters class for over 50s and a Grandmasters class for over 60s. You supply your own boots and rucksack or bergen, plus the kit to reach the weight for your category. Your joining instructions include the full mandatory kit list.
Who runs the Fan Dance?
The S.F. Experience is the only organisation of its kind run and staffed by ex 22 SAS and other UK Special Forces.
What are the six Fan Dance editions?
The Fan Dance is the original 24km route. Fan Dance Hunted gives you a head start before a hunter team of Directing Staff, the Wolves, is released behind you. Fan Dance Gemini is the Fan Dance on both Saturday and Sunday. Fan Dance Dark Trail is a 24km circular night march on a different route devised by the Directing Staff. Fan Dance Eclipse is the Fan Dance and the Dark Trail in one weekend. Fan Dance Trinity is all three: a Fan Dance on Saturday, the Dark Trail on Saturday night and a second Fan Dance on Sunday.
Is there a winter Fan Dance?
Yes. The Fan Dance runs as a summer series and a winter series each year. The upcoming dates and the booking links are on each edition's page and in the event calendar.
What do Fan Dance finishers receive?
Every finisher receives a custom TSFE Fan Dance medal and a certificate. First place prizes are given in each category for male and female participants and for team entries.