This Friday (28^th June) see the biggest-ever (since it started 2015) Inov8 Snowdon Twilight race taking place on the famous slopes of Wales’ highest peak.

With the popularity of the International Snowdon Race / Ras-yr-Wyddfa growing year on year, the Twilight is the perfect warm-up for runners who might be looking to test their fitness just three weeks ahead of the iconic Snowdon International.

The Twilight is also a firm favourite with uphill-only exponents, as the race starts from Llanberis and finishes on the 1085m summit. The evening event means that runners can be treated to a wonderful sunset (weather permitting!) as they make their way off the mountain.

Amongst those running are GB internationals and top athletes from across the Home Nations and Ireland, as a record-entry of almost 200 runners to the start line at 7pm.

In the men’s race the form men look to be 2016 Twilight winner Dave Archer and Matlock AC team-mate Alex Pilcher, after top 10 showings at the recent European Uphill Trial in Cumbria.

Local-man Russell Bentley, will be fine-tuning his climbing ahead of Snowdon, where he will once again represent Wales. The Eryri Harrier has been running very strongly in recent weeks.

Winner of the recent Salomon Trail Marathon Wales half marathon Dan Connolly is bang in-form and will be one to watch, as will former local resident and Salford man Callum Rawlinson, on a mountain he knows very well.

Add in Stephen Pyke, Michael Cayton and a host of local runners, and the men’s race should be highly-competitive.

If the men’s race is competitive, it’s a stellar women’s line-up that could be the highlight of the evening’s racing.

GB internationals Hatti Archer and 2015 World Mountain Running Championships bronze medallist Emma Clayton along with former Snowdon International winner and Irish international Sarah McCormack will start favourites.

Archer gained GB selection for the up-coming European Championships after finishing runner-up in the recent UK trial on Skiddaw in the Lake District. McCormack was also super-strong at the event, finishing just 30 seconds back on Archer

Throw in former Twilight winners Beth Hanson and Sarah Willholt, young Eryri runner Annabelle McQueen and Scottish international Miranda Grant, and women’s race should be a great battle.

Thank you very much to Inov8, Snowdon Railway, Staff at the Summit Cafe, Community Centre, Marshals, Volunteers and also Aberglaslyn Mountain Resuce and the community of Llanberis.

Full race details via the Inov8 Snowdon Twilight race page

ENDS

A new sponsor and World Cup racing as organisers anticipate “best ever” International Snowdon Race

Llanberis, Wales – With a new headline sponsor and over 650 runners, the 44th Castell Howell – International Snowdon Race 2019 / 44ain Castell Howell Ras Ryngwladol yr Wyddfa promises to be one of the highlights of the sporting year in Wales.

Anticipation for this year’s event is once again high, with some of the UK’s top athletes taking part. World-class runners from Wales, USA, Kenya, Japan, France, England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Ireland and Italy will once again go head-to-head and rub shoulders with club runners over the 10 arduous miles of this famous mountain in the heart of the Snowdonia National Park.

2019 sees the race become a round of the World Mountain Running Association World Cup series. Round 4 of this year’s World Cup hits Llanberis this July and on the calendar are 7 exciting and unique races, in 7 different countries, with over 140km of mountain racing tracks, 9300m+ of elevation and a total prize pool of approximately 56,000 euro across all of the races which includes the overall World Cup competition ranking.

The Snowdon international is considered as one of the greatest in the world of mountain running, attracts some of the best racers in Europe and has grown over the last four decades to be one on the bucket-list of mere mortals across the world, as just completing the race from Llanberis to the summit of Snowdon and back is something thousands aspire to, but only hundreds achieve.

Evidence of the general popularity has once again been visible as the 650 places available online went on sale on the 1st of March. Within 24 hours all but a few had been snapped up and race organiser Stephen Edwards was able to close entries and begin the 2019 race preparations.

Stephen is keen to point out that the event is much more than just a race, with major sponsors, attractions and a sense of festival which almost brings Llanberis to a stand-still on its traditional third-weekend of July race date:

“The 2019 race is set to be out best ever! We have a new headline sponsor on board for this year in the form of Castell Howell and we are really excited to have Round 4 of the World Cup coming to Llanberis!

 “The team at Castell Howell saw the opportunity to sponsor an iconic race as a great fit for a Welsh company connecting with the local community. 

 Castell Howell Sales Director Kathryn Jones states:

“We’re extremely proud of our rural roots and supporting the communities in which we operate is one of our core values. Here in North Wales, we’re fortunate to have Snowdon – a nationally-renowned landmark – right on our doorstep and it’s our backdrop when we’re out and about making daily deliveries and visiting customers on-site. We relish the opportunity to support the iconic 44th Castell Howell International Snowdon Race, that welcomes runners from across Wales, the UK and the world.”

Stephen Edwards continues:

“We were offered the opportunity to host a round of the World Cup this year and naturally were very pleased to make it happen. This should raise the profile of the event still further on the global stage via the WMRA’s media reach and will bring an element of world-class quality to the athletes competing.

 “From a media perspective we have the usual TV highlights package on S4C the Sunday after the race and will be using Facebook Live to broadcast the finish of the race. We as a voluntary organisation also put hours of work into organising the community aspect to this international event. Local business gets involved every year and thousands of spectators turn out to see the runners, so it really is a win-win situation for everyone involved.

“The buzz in this little village come Snowdon Race weekend is unbelievable, you have to be here to be able to understand that. This race means so much to the area and the people of Llanberis, they are proud of the race and what it portrays to the thousands of visitors that come here for the race and the weekend. To think what it has become all those years after that very first humble race back in 1976 – it’s incredible really.”

“Equally we really couldn’t put the race on without the continued support of sponsors Inov8, Clif Bar, Snowdon Mountain Railway, the Royal Victoria Hotel, S4C (televised again), Welsh Athletics, DJ Fruit, Steel Scaffolding, Sports Pictures Cymru and all of the Snowdon Race committee and Llanberis community. That is what makes this race so magical – it’s an international event, with a local feel, and long may that continue. I would also like to say a huge thank you to Events Department at Gwynedd Council for supporting the race once again this year especially as it’s part of the World Cup.”

Also taking place this summer is the Inov-8 Snowdon Twilight / Gwylnos yr Wyddfa, organised by the same Snowdon Race team. The uphill-only race takes place on Friday the 28th of June, with over 150 runners expected to tackle the Snowdon slopes starting at 7pm. Entries to this race are now open via the Snowdon Race website.

ENDS

Magnini continues strong Italian tradition as Conway romps to women’s win at Snowdon 2017

Llanberis, Wales – The highest mountain peak in Wales and England once again provided high drama on Saturday, as over 600 runners from across the world toed the line for the 42nd running of the Jewson International Snowdon Race.

Grey skies and low visibility on the mountain added to the spice for the runners as they embarked on the challenging 10-mile race, which can be traced back to 1976 when a small group of competitors ran from the centre of the village of Llanberis to the 1085 metre summit and back.

With many international teams and athletes making the trip to Wales, the continental flavour was in abundance as ever as runners from Wales, Italy, England, Northern Ireland, Rep of Ireland, Scotland and much of Europe, lined-up with the home country athletes. And as the races culminated some 80 minutes later, it was Italy’s Davide Magnini and Salomon UK and Ambleside athlete Annie Conway who emerged victorious in the men’s and women’s events.

20-year old Magnini follows in the footsteps of fellow Italian greats such as Fausto Bonzi, Martin May and Marco DeGasperi, who have won this classic race. Conway, the World Long Distance Mountain Running Champion in 2016, adds her name to the roll call of women’s winners which features the greats of the sport including Carole Greenwood, Angela Mudge and Mary Wilkinson.

Once again the Llanberis community came out in style as hundreds lined the field and streets to see off the 600+ runners as they headed out in light rain at the new start time of 12pm. Race starters for the event were three-time winner Joan Glass along with husband Dennis.

As the race unfolded and the runners made their way up to the tarmac road and turned on to the mountain path there was a small group forming, including Magnini, team mate Hannes Perkman, and England athletes Chris Farrell and Chris Arthur. However, as the race unfolded and they passed the iconic milestones of Hebron, Allt Moses, Clogwyn and Bwlch Glas it was the brilliance and dominance of Magnini that began to show the way.

GB athlete Annie Conway’s was in an early battle in the women’s event with Welsh youngster Bronwen Jenkinson, who after failing to finish in 2016 was back to lay that ghost to rest and have a strong race. Conway was the only athlete in the leading women not to be wearing an international vest, and as she headed onto the mountain path it was apparent that she was intent on running hard as she caught early leader Jenkinson around 1.6 miles into the race. Behind a battle was developing between Jenkinson, England’s Katie White and Scot Louise Mercer.

As the men neared the summit Magnini emerged from the mist to hit the peak and halfway turn around point in 42:47, some 30 seconds clear of Farrell. Italian Perkman followed in third, with eventual third-placer Tom Adams back in 8th and ready for a super plummet back to Llanberis. England’s Chris Arthur hit the summit in 4th place, but was to suffer a serious fall just before the halfway stage on the descent, ending his race.

Now, all minds were focussed on the bottom of the mountain, and Magnini looked ever more comfortable as he danced his way around the wet rocks and walkers – though this was the young Italian’s first visit to Wales he now looked like a seasoned Snowdon runner!

Conway continued her strong ascent as she summited in a swift 50:53, very fast considering the conditions. Behind Katie White was second to the top, with Jenkinson in third. Hot on their heels was super-descender Mercer hunting them down and looking for a podium spot.

Back in the men’s race Magnini continued to dominate and was extending his lead all the way down the mountain, not to be denied. As he skipped onto the quad-sapping tarmac plummet to the finish line he rounded the final corner looking composed, as he claimed his first win of this classic race in an excellent 1:06:43, in some of the worst conditions on the mountain in recent years.

Behind, Farrell (1:07:43) kept things in order, running an excellent race for yet another second place finish, adding to his 2016 runner-up spot. Adams made it two on the podium for the England team, as his excellent descent pushed him into third in 1:09:15.

Speaking immediately after crossing the line Magnini said, “I am very happy, it was a hard race for sure. I was thinking of the record to the summit, but when I went under the railway (Clogwyn) the wind was just pushing me back!

“Wales is a lovely country and I hope to come back one day and experience more of the mountains in the area.”

In the team race England packed well with Farrell and Adams being backed up by Chris Holdsworth in fourth, to easily win the prize.

Meanwhile, in the women’s race Conway majestically raced back into Llanberis, with a late tumble on the latter slopes of the mountain not doing anything to puncture her progress to the win and the International Snowdon Race womens winner’s crown in a time of 1:20:16.

The race behind was exciting as Scottish athlete Mercer passed both Jenkinson and White to claim a brilliant second place (1:22:27). Behind, White (1:23:00) claimed the last podium spot, with Jenkinson claiming a gallant fourth for the Welsh team.

“It was a bit tricky on the descent”, commented Conway, “and I took a tumble just before the tarmac, it was like slow motion, but I just got up and carried on! I’m really pleased, this is one of the classics and to win Snowdon means a lot”.

In the team race Mercer was backed up brilliantly by Miranda Grant and Jill Spencer to lead the Scots women to the win.

The day had also seen over 200 junior runners take part in a range of races for under-10 to under-18 athletes. Many of the future winners of the main race have come from these races and the event was fantastically administered by the Cyngor Gwynedd Council team headed-up by Alun Jones from the Sport for Life / Chwaraeon am Oes programme.

Speaking after the event, race organiser Stephen Edwards was once again delighted by the day’s events:

“Today was a challenge in starting the race that two hours earlier, and this year the weather was against us a little, especially on the higher part of the mountain where the visibility was very poor. But the marshalls and volunteers, including the rescue teams on the mountain did a great job as ever.

“It’s great to see the Italian runners supporting the event once again, and Davide was a great champion, a true star of the future I think! Also, Annie Conway, what a run, a world champion and now Snowdon winner.

“I’d like to thank all of the sponsors, especially Charlotte, Dylan, Jason and the team at Jewson for their generous support as headline sponsor this year. Also inov-8, another new sponsor in 2017 for their kind sponsorship of the prizes for all of our winners. Thanks also to the Snowdonia National Park Authority, Cyngor Gwynedd Council and finally, as ever, I would like to express our heartfelt thanks to all for the volunteers, supporters and of course the Llanberis community for once again making this a day to remember.”

42nd Jewson International Snowdon Race 2017 – Results

Men’s Top 3
1. Davide Magnini (Italy) 1:06:43
2. Chris Farrell (England) 1:07:47
3. Tom Adams (England) 1:09:15

Team: England

Women’s Top 3
1. Annie Conway(Salomon / Ambleside) 1:20:16
2. Louise Mercer (Scotland) 1:22:27
3. Katie White (England) 1:23:00

Team: Scotland

Full Snowdon Race race results are online at the TDL Events Services website here

Race images via Sport Pictures Cymru can be viewed here

Race highlights are online via S4C’s Clic service for 30 days here

ENDS

Llanberis, Wales – With just 10 days to go until the 2017 42nd Jewson International Snowdon Race / Ras-yr-Wyddfa, anticipation of this famous mountain race is high, as over 600 runners get ready to take on one of the toughest mountain races in the UK.

This year also sees a new headline sponsor in the race in the form of Jewson, with support from leading mountain running brand inov8.

In another change, the traditional 2pm start is replaced with an earlier 12noon start, however there is no change to the usual race location of Cae’r Ddol in Llanberis. This year the race will be started by Llanberis and Snowdon Race legends Joan and Dennis Glass.

Other features of the day will be the traditional junior races starting 5 minutes after the main race at 12.05pm on the Saturday, along with the Thursday evening local junior races, which will see over 150 youngsters taking part. The junior races will once again be support by Dr.Zigs.

Rounding off the day will be a post-race evening of chat and inspiration from race record holder Kenny Stuart, Snowdon regular and former rival John Wild and author Steve Chilton at the Electric Mountain, starting at 3:30pm. Free, donations to Snowdonia Giving.

Registration for the main race opens at 4pm on Friday July 14th, closing at 8.30pm with the race day registration running from 8.30am until 11.30am on the 15th of July.

Anticipation of the 2017 event is once again high, with some of the UK’s top athletes taking part. Teams from Wales, England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and Italy will once again go head-to-head over the 10 challenging miles of this famous mountain in the heart of the Snowdonia National Park.

The race is considered as one of the greatest in the world of mountain running, and attracts some of the best racers in Europe. However, the event has grown over the last four decades to be one on the bucket-list of mere mortals across the world, as just completing the race from Llanberis to the summit of Snowdon and back is something thousands aspire to, but only hundreds achieve.

Evidence of the general popularity has once again been visible as the 650 places available online went on sale on the 1st of March. Within 3 days all but a few had gone.

Wearing their international vests with perhaps the most pride will be the Welsh runners. With a super 9th place in 2016 and leading Welsh runner last year Russell Bentley once again pulls on the red vest for the race. Local man Gareth Hughes has been in sparkling form in 2017, and along with Matthew Roberts has represented Great Britain on the mountains this year – both will look for strong performances in Llanberis. Season Welsh international Richard Roberts makes up a strong looking Welsh quartet and is team captain for the race.

However, the team to beat this year will once again be the English. After a storming win 2016 Chris Smith sits the 2017 event out, but any of the England team of Chris Farrell, Chris Arthur, Tom Adams and Chris Holdsworth are capable of repeating Smith’s feat, such is the strength of their squad. After a great second place in 2016, it is perhaps Farrell who is in the hot-seat for the title this year.

Italy have a strong history in the event, and the twinning of the Trofeo Vanoni race in October still presents a strong Welsh / Italian link. In 2017 Nadir Cavagna, Davide Magnini and Hannes Perkmann will represent the azzuri men, with Arianna Oregon the sole female Italian representative.

Ireland have a rich history of success at the event and race regular and 2016 8th placer James Kevan leads a strong Irish quartet including Brian Furey, Greg Byrne and Killian Mooney. Northern Ireland will be represented by David Hicks, top-20 finisher in 2016 William McKee, Gavin Mulholland and Timothy Johnston.

Scotland will also once again be adding their quality to the international flavour of the event, after some great podium finishes for their men and women during the last decade. Following a great 9th place finish in 2016 James Espie heads-up the Scottish challenge and is joined by James Waldie, Robert Simpson and Douglas Tullie.

Irish women have dominated the race in recent years. After Sarah Mulligan’s historic win in 2013, successive wins in 2014 and 2015 for Sarah McCormack, and then another win for Mulligan last year meant that the famous green vest had broken the tape for the last 4 years. However, surprisingly, no Irish women will travel to the race in 2017, leaving the door open for another nation to step in a take the ladies crown.

Perhaps favourite will be Heidi Dent. The English woman was a close runner-up in 2016 and will look to go one better in 2017 and follow in the footsteps of such Snowdon greats as Mary Wilkinson and Pippa Maddams. Dent is joined in the English team by Helen Glover, Sharon Taylor and Caitlin Rice

Diane Wilson, Megan Wilson, Ciara Largy and Shileen O’Kane will be representing Northern Ireland, and the Scottish trio of Miranda Grant, Louise Mercer and Jill Stephen will look to challenge for team medals, with local runner Grant hoping to excel in that Scottish vest after some great results in Snowdonia this year.

Finally, Wales’ women’s team has a very strong look to it with all runners hailing from North Wales. GB junior international Bronwen Jenkinson is joined by seasoned mountain runners Andrea Rowlands and Sarah Ridgway, with Sarah fresh from a very strong run in the recent V3K. Porthmadog runner Sian Lloyd Williams makes up the four women who will look to challenge in the team event.

In the open race Snowdon evergreens Ian Holmes and Rob Hope will battle it out with those in the international vests, alongside England regular Gary Priestley who represents his club Horwich this year.

Race organiser Stephen Edwards is keen to point out that the event is much more than just a race, with major sponsors, attractions and a sense of festival which almost brings Llanberis to a stand-still on its traditional third-weekend of July race date:

“We are really pleased to welcome new headline sponsor Jewson to the race this year and the support from them has been fantastic. We are also excited to have inov8 involved and as always very grateful to all of our sponsors. It goes without saying that we couldnt put on the race without the hundreds of volunteers and marshals on the event too, who turn out year-in-year-out to help at the race. I’m also looking forward to seeing Joan and Dennis Glass setting the runners off at 12pm – they have done so much for the race and the sport over the years.

“The buzz in this little village come Snowdon Race weekend is unbelievable, you have to be here to be able to understand that. This race means so much to the area and the people of Llanberis, they are proud of the race and what it portrays to the thousands of visitors that come here for the race and the weekend. To think what it has become all those years after that very first humble race back in 1976 – its incredible really.

“The racing should be fantastic once again, with another very strong field. From a media perspective we have a TV highlights package on S4C the Sunday after the race at 9pm and will be using Facebook Live to broadcast the finish of the race.”

For further race information visit www.snowdonrace.co.uk

ENDS

2016 runner-up Chris Farrell from England on the early slopes of Snowdon © Sport Pictures Cymru

Press and media enquiries (including hi res image requests) should directed to Matt Ward on 07515 558670 or by emailing matt@runcomm.co.uk

Llanberis, Wales – With a new headline sponsor and over 650 runners, 42nd Jewson International Snowdon Race 2017 / 42ain Jewson Ras Ryngwladol yr Wyddfa promises to be one of the highlights of the sporting year in Wales.

Anticipation of the 2017 event is once again high, with some of the UK’s top athletes taking part. Teams from Wales, England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Ireland and Italy will once again go head-to-head over the 10 arduous miles of this famous mountain in the heart of the Snowdonia National Park.

The race is considered as one of the greatest in the world of mountain running, and attracts some of the best racers in Europe. However, the event has grown over the last four decades to be one on the bucket-list of mere mortals across the world, as just completing the race from Llanberis to the summit of Snowdon and back is something thousands aspire to, but only hundreds achieve.

Evidence of the general popularity has once again been visible as the 650 places available online went on sale on the 1st of March. Within 24 hours all but a few had gone and race organiser Stephen Edwards was able to close entries and begin the 2017 race preparations.

Stephen is keen to point out that the event is much more than just a race, with major sponsors, attractions and a sense of festival which almost brings Llanberis to a stand-still on its traditional third-weekend of July race date:

“The 2017 race is set to be out best ever! We have a new headline sponsor on board for this year in the form of Jewson. The team at Jewson saw the opportunity to sponsor an iconic race as a great fit for a national company connecting with the local community.

“The buzz in this little village come Snowdon Race weekend is unbelievable, you have to be here to be able to understand that. This race means so much to the area and the people of Llanberis, they are proud of the race and what it portrays to the thousands of visitors that come here for the race and the weekend. To think what it has become all those years after that very first humble race back in 1976 – its incredible really.”

Charlotte Bird from Jewson UK states:

“We’re always looking for ways to support the community in which we operate. Here in North Wales, we’re fortunate to have Snowdon – a nationally-renowned landmark – right on our doorstep and it’s our backdrop whenever we’re out and about making deliveries and visiting customers on-site. We couldn’t pass up the chance to support the iconic 42nd Jewson International Snowdon Race that welcomes runners from across the world and UK to our local community.

Edwards continues:

“Also new for 2017 as a sponsor are inov-8. As one of the leading global mountain running footwear brands, they are a perfect fit with Snowdon. They will have a strong presence on race day and be sponsoring this year’s t-shirts as well as providing prizes for the race. This partnership has been made possible with the help of Pete Bland Sports, another of our long-term sponsors who will once again be present on race day this year.

“Equally we really couldn’t put the race on without the continued support of the likes of Clif Bar, Snowdon Mountain Railway, First Hydro, the Royal Victoria Hotel, S4C (televised again), the Snowdonia National Park Authority, Welsh Athletics, DJ Fruit, Sports Pictures Cymru and all of the Snowdon Race committee and Llanberis community, and I suppose that’s what makes this race so magical – it’s an international event, with a local feel, and long may that continue!”

Also taking place this summer is the inov-8 Snowdon Twilight / Gwylnos yr Wyddfa, organised by the same Snowdon Race team. The uphill-only race takes place on Friday the 9th of June, with over 150 runners expected to tackle the Snowdon slopes starting at 7pm. Entries to this race are now open via the Snowdon Race website.

ENDS

Press and media enquiries (including hi res image requests) should directed to Matt Ward on 07515 558670 or by emailing matt@runcomm.co.uk

Matt Ward
PR, Ras Ryngwladol yr Wyddfa / International Snowdon Race
+44(0)7515 558670

Llanberis, Wales – Despite some of the worst weather conditions on the highest mountain peak in England and Wales for a number of years, the 2016 41st Elim Peugeot International Snowdon Race / Ras Rynglwadol yr Wyddfa produced a race filled with drama, seeing a familiar face holding the women’s trophy and new name on the men’s.

With many international teams and athletes making the trip to Wales, the continental flavour was in abundance as ever as runners from Italy, Ireland and much of Europe, lined-up with the home country athletes. And as the race culminated some 80 minutes later, it was Italy’s Chris Smith and Ireland’s Sarah Mulligan who emerged victorious in the men’s and women’s races.

Once again the Llanberis community came out in style as hundreds lined the streets to see off the 650 runners as they headed out in light rain at the traditional 2pm start time. As the race unfolded and the runners made their way past the iconic milestones of Hebron, Allt Moses, Clogwyn and Bwlch Glas it was the brilliance and dominance of Smith and the grit and determination of Mulligan that was the most impressive.

The day had started with the now traditional Snowdon Super Cup / Cwpan yr Wyddfa – this its fourth year. Starting at 10.30am and featuring some of UK’s top mountain running talent in both the men’s and women’s races the Super Cup is a simple format – from the race field to the summit and the Hafod Eryri cafe, as fast as possible. The event was once again kindly sponsored by the Snowdonia National Park.

Amongst the runners lining up were 2015 winner, Max Nicholls, Irish international Brian MacMahon and Scottish international Louise Mercer.

It was evident that Salomon athlete Nicholls was in no mood to hang about as he pushed on from the outset. The 20-year old started to pull clear around 2 miles into the 5-mile event and didn’t really look back from here, passing the halfway house point with a 45-second lead on MacMahon in a very swift 18:06. Behind recent Twighlight race winner Dave Archer was in third. The women’s race was also proving to be a race dominated by a youngster as Edinburgh University Hare and Hound runner Mercer passed halfway in 22:40, over 45 seconds clear of Hannah Jarvis.

This is how it stayed through Allt Moses and Allt Goch to the summit, with Nicholls and Mercer maintaining their dominance to the finish line in thick mist and rain. Nicholls’ time of 42:40 almost a minute quicker than his winning time of 2015.

MacMahon (43:01) finished a strong second, with Hallamshire runner Archer making up the podium in 44:53. In the women’s race Mercer was a clear winner, in 52:25, over 90-seconds clear of Jarvis (54:00), with French athlete Julia Combe (54:41) in third.

The Super Cup was, however, a mere hors d’oeuvre for the main course that is the Snowdon International, as 60 international and elite runners lead the masses up this mountain which has been graced by the footsteps of some of the world’s greatest mountain runners since its inception in 1976. It was perhaps apt therefore that the person behind that first race, Harvey Lloyd, was joined on the start line as the official co-starter along with Sylvia Disley the wife of the former race president, the late John Disley CBE.

Internationals from across Europe, including 2004 runner-up Julien Rancon from France, packed onto the start line and headed out of Llanberis at a furious pace and it was clear that the rain wasn’t going to deter the runners’ traditional lung-busting gallop over the opening flat 800 metres.

As the runners wound their way out of the village and onto the early slopes the men’s and women’s contenders showed well to the fore. None more so than England and GB international Chris Smith. Living in London 39-year old Smith spends much of his week training on the flatlands of the South-East, however most of his racing miles are in the hills and mountains and only recently he was part of the bronze medal winning GB team at the European Mountain Running Championships in Arco, Italy.

Chasing Smith were Italians Luca Cagnati and Nicola Pedergana, Frenchman Rancon and England’s Chris Farell, Rob Hope and 2015 third-placer Ben Mounsey. As the race passed halfway Smith was piling on the agony for the chasers, passing almost minute clear of Rancon. It was going to take a mammoth effort to haul back Thames Valley Harrier Smith as the race took in the steep, unrelenting slopes of Allt Moses and Allt Goch on their way to the summit.

Ireland’s Sarah Mulligan had been only the first Irish woman to win the race in 2013 and as she headed onto the mountain path it was apparent that she was also intent on continuing the legacy of Irish winners in the women’s event over the last four years, establishing a good early lead. Behind it was young Cumbrian Heidi Dent in the English vest chasing, along with Lou Roberts and Katie Walshaw. Mulligan, with her trade-mark short steps passed the Half Way house station with a lead of a minute on Dent as the rain and visibility became steadily worse.

As the men neared the summit Smith emerged from the mist to hit the peak and halfway turn around point in a superb 41:28, some 90 seconds clear of the chasing group of Pedergana, Rancon and Farell. All minds were focussed on the bottom of the mountain now, and Smith looked ever more comfortable as he danced his way around the wet rocks and walkers. If his descending ability was anything like his formidable climbing ability he would simply need to keep focussed now to claim the Snowdon crown.

Following a terrific ascent of the mountain Sarah Mulligan was also safe in the knowledge that a steady descent into Llanberis would also secure her another race win. Her summit time of 50:39 was super-fast, and her lead of 1 minute and 36 seconds was surely too much for England’s Dent to overhaul. However, admitting after the race that she was nervous coming down the mountain it was clear the race was not over as Mulligan turned for home. With every step of the 5 miles leading back down the mountain fell running specialist Dent was gaining on the Irishwoman.

Back in the men’s race Smith was not to be denied, as he stormed back past the halfway and Hedron stations and onto the quad-sapping tarmac plummet to the finish line with a clear lead, rounding the corner into the finish line with a big grin and fist-pump as he claimed his first win of this classic race in a fast 1:05:48. Behind a fast-finishing Farell (1:07:14) made it a 1-2 for the England team, as Italian Cagnati claimed a close third in 1:07:17.

Speaking immediately after crossing the line a delighted Smith said, “I have been wanting to run this race for years. It’s every bit as exciting and tough as it looks on the TV and I am really pleased to win it!”

In the team race England packed well with Smith and Farell being backed up by Rob Hope in sixth and Mounsey seventh, to easily win the prize.

Meanwhile, as the men gathered their thoughts the battle was still on in the women’s race as Mulligan was being chased by Dent and her lead had been slashed to less than 30 seconds as they entered the last 2 miles of the race. However, the line came too quickly for the Englishwoman as Mulligan held her nerve to claim yet another Snowdon win in 1:20:52 as she added the title to her win of three years previous. A relieved Mulligan said afterwards:

“I was really nervous coming down and it was very tricky on the rocks with all of the rain and mud. I took a couple of tumbles and I knew that they would be catching me behind. My legs had gone as we came onto the tarmac too, but I am delighted to hang on for the win.”

Dent (1:22:11) closed to within 19 seconds by the finish line, showing that she has the class to be a future winner of the race. Scot Stephanie Proven (1:23:54) also produced a demon descent to claim a brilliant third place.

In the team race Dent led the English women to the win along with Lou Roberts in 4th place with Julie Briscoe finishing 10th.

Speaking after the event race organiser Stephen Edwards was once again delighted by the day’s events:

“Another great race I have to say. The weather was against us, but this is Llanberis and we have come to expect anything on race day. The runners all coped with it very well I have to admit, and Chris Smith and Sarah Mulligan were very worthy champions.

“I’d like to thank all of the sponsors, especially Ian and the team at Elim Peugeot for their generous support, Salomon for their kind sponsorship of the runner t-shirts and the prizes for all of our winners, the Snowdonia National Park Authority, Cyngor Gwynedd Council and finally, as ever, I would like to express our heartfelt thanks to all for the volunteers, supporters and of course the Llanberis community for once again making this a day to remember.”

41st Elim Peugeot International Snowdon Race 2016 / Ras Rynglwadol yr Wyddfa 2016 – Race Results

Men’s Top 3
1. Chris Smith (England) 1:05:48
2. Chris Farell (England) 1:07:14
3. Luca Cagnati (Italy) 1:07:17

Team: England

Women’s Top 3
1. Sarah Mulligan (Ireland) 1:20:52
2. Heidi Dent (England) 1:21:11
3. Stephanie Provan (Scotland) 1:23:54

Team: England

2016 Snowdon Super Cup / Cwpan yr Wyddfa 2016

Men’s Top 3
1. Max Nicholls (Salomon UK) 42:40
2. Brian MacMahon (Ireland) 43:01
3. Dave Archer (Hallamshire Harriers) 44:53

Women’s Top 3
1. Louise Mercer (Edinburgh University) 52:25
2. Hannah Jarvis (Dorking Mole Valley AC) 54:00
3. Julia Combe (France) 54:41

Full Snowdon Race race results are online at the TDL Events Services website here.

Full Super Cup race results are online at the TDL Events Services website here.

Race images via Sport Pictures Cymru can be viewed here.

Race highlights are online via S4C’s Clic service for 30 days here.

Llanberis, Wales – With a new headline sponsor and over 650 runners, the 41st Elim Peugeot International Snowdon Race / Ras-yr-Wyddfa race promises to be one of the highlights of the sporting year in Wales. After a parade of former winners and a High Street start of the race in 2015, this year see the race return to it’s usual race start and finish of Parc Padarn on the 16th of July.

Anticipation of the 2016 event is once again high, with some of the UK’s top athletes taking part. Teams from Wales, England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Ireland and Italy will once again go head-to-head over the 10 arduous miles of this famous mountain in the heart of the Snowdonia National Park.

The race is considered as one of the greatest in the world of mountain running, and attracts some of the best racers in Europe. However, the event has grown over the last four decades to be one on the bucket-list of mere mortals across the world, as just completing the race from Llanberis to the summit of Snowdon and back is something thousands aspire to, but only hundreds achieve.

The race will be precluded once again this year by the Snowdon Super Cup / Cwpan yr Wyddfa – an invitational, uphill-only, race to the summit of Snowdon, starting at 10.30am on race day and once again this year featuring some top GB athletes in the men’s and women’s races.

Evidence of the general popularity has once again been visible as the 650 places available online went on sale on the 1st of March. Within 3 days all but a few had gone and race organiser Stephen Edwards was able to close entries and begin the 2016 race preparations. Stephen comments:

“As ever, we have been inundated with entries, and even since the closing date I have had numerous requests for entries for the race, even though the event is full. Little could the organisers of that inaugural race in 1976 have realised what this event would become some 40 years later. Snowdon is now recognised as the UK’s busiest mountain and that is part of the attraction for those runners who get that ‘Tour de France feeling’ as they ascend the crowds of people cheering on the slopes come race day.

“The racing should be fantastic once again, with one of the strongest fields for a few years. From a media perspective we have a TV highlights package on S4C the Sunday after the race at 6pm and will be using Facebook Live to broadcast the finish of the race.”

The men’s event looks to be wide open once again this year.

After a historic three wins in 2002, 2003 and 2005 Wales’ Tim Davies returns to the race in 2016 and heads-up a strong Welsh team that comprises seasoned international Matthew Roberts who is in fine form in 2016. After finishing 8th last year Russell Bentley gets his first Welsh vest at the race and local runner Gareth Hughes win his second cap after his debut for Wales in 2015.

After a superb battle on the mountain last year England’s third-place finisher in 2015 Ben Mounsey returns to see if he can make it to the top spot in 2016. The English team look a strong proposition as Mounsey is joined by GB international Chris Smith, Snowdon regular Rob Hope and Chris Farrell.

Following Emanuele Manzi’s famous victory in 2015 Italy will once again provide stiff opposition as debutants Marco Leoni, Luca Cognate, Gianpietro Bottà and 2016 Italian VK champion Nicola Pedergnana line-up in the men’s race.

Ireland have a rich history of success at the race and race regular Brian MacMahon leads a strong Irish quartet including James Kevan, Brian Furey and Andrew Annett. Northern Ireland will be represented by William McKee, Shane Donnelly, David Hicks and Zak Hanna.

Scotland will also once again be adding their quality to the international flavour of the event, after some great podium finishes for their men and women during the last decade. Following a super 6th place finish in 2015 Sam Hesling heads-up the Scottish challenge and is joined by Kyle Greig, who also represented the Scots in 2015 at the race. Duncan Coombs and James Espie with their first international men’s vests along with Stephanie Proven in the women’s race. The Deeside runner is joined by Georgia Tindley and seasoned Scottish international Charlotte Morgan, who will look to improve on her third place from 2014.

Irish women have dominated the race for the last 3 years. After Sarah Mulligan’s historic win in 2013, successive wins in 2014 and 2015 for Sarah McCormack continued the trend and the 29-year old returns again this year to try and make it a hat-trick of race wins. Bethany Murray makes up the Irish women’s team.

The Irish contenders will be chased by England’s 2015 Snowdon runner-up Lindsey Brindle who will be lining up to see if she can go one better. The English team are also bolstered by Lou Roberts, who is in fine form after winning the recent Twilight race on the mountain, with 24-year old Heidi Dent completing the English trio.

Finally, Wales’ women’s team has a fresh look to it with North Wales runners Bronwen Jenkinson and Sian Williams joining 2015 5th placer Katie Beecher as they look to challenge in the team race. Shileen O’Kane, Hazel McLaughlin and Paulette Thompson will be representing Northern Ireland.

The Super Cup race will once again include some of the UK’s top mountain running talent. 2015 Super Cup winner Max Nicholls returns in the men’s race and will be up against some of the UK’s best mountain runners who will be using the race as a warm-up for the upcoming British Trials ahead of the World Mountain Running Championships in Italy this August. 3rd-placer in 2015 Martin Cox returns, along with GB internationals Tom Adams and Jacob Adkin.

In the women’s race recently crowned World Long Distance Mountain Running Champion Annie Conway is a prospective starter in the Super Cup. The Cumbrian athlete will also be using the event as preparation for those World Trials in late July.

Stephen Edwards is keen to point out that the event is much more than just a race, with major sponsors, attractions and a sense of festival which almost brings Llanberis to a stand-still on its traditional third-weekend of July race date:

“We as a voluntary organisation also put hours of work into organising the commnity aspect to this international event. Local business gets involved every year and thousands of spectators turn out to see the runners how. This year we will have the Hwyl i Bawb kids races on the morning of the race at 11am and the traditional junior mountain races also starting straight after the main race at 2pm.

“The buzz in this little village come Snowdon Race weekend is unbelievable, you have to be here to be able to understand that. This race means so much to the area and the people of Llanberis, they are proud of the race and what it portrays to the thousands of visitors that come here for the race and the weekend. To think what it has become all those years after that very first humble race back in 1976 – its incredible really.”

Edwards is also excited to welcome new headline sponsors Elim Peugeot. The north Wales car dealerships replace Tyn Lon Volvo who had backed the event for the previous 3 years.

Colin Smart from Elim Peugeot Llangefni states:

“Elim Peugeot have always served as a local dealership, we pride ourselves on supporting local people and events. Now in our 50th year of business locally originally starting in Llanrug just down the road to the International Snowdon Race. We are very proud to be the headline sponsor of the 41st International Snowdon Race, one of the greatest in the world of mountain running, and deemed to be one of Europe’s toughest endurance challenges, that hosts world class runners from around the World.

“Elim Peugeot have been working closely with the race committee to fulfil our role in supporting this event and many other charitable events across Wales throughout the year.

“We are extremely grateful to all who have participated in fundraising for such worthy causes over the last year and we look forward to helping this event and others grow from strength to strength in the future. Come and say hello, and see our current product range in Llanberis on race day. We wish all runners the best of luck.”