Man dies in SAS endurance event in national park

A 68-year-old man has died while taking part in an endurance event used in SAS training.

Emergency services were called to Pen y Fan in the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, also know as the Brecon Beacons, on Saturday at 11:00 BST.

The man had been taking part in the 15-mile (24km) Fan Dance when concerns were raised for his welfare on south Wales' highest peak.

Dyfed-Powys Police is investigating, but said the death was not being treated as suspicious.

Race organisers Avalanche Endurance Events (AEE) said its thoughts were with the man's family and would not be commenting further.

The race is described as the world's oldest and most famous SAS selection test.

Since 2013, the event has been open to the wider public who may want to test themselves.

AEE say the race takes between three and seven hours to complete, depending on weather conditions.

On Saturday, temperatures near Brecon were about 20C.

In a statement, AEE said: "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."

Dyfed-Powys Police said: "We received a call following welfare concerns for a male on Pen y Fan at around 11am on Saturday 4 July.

"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."