49th Royal Victoria Hotel Ras Rhyngwladol Yr Wyddfa // International Snowdon Race 2026 – Race Report

Llanberis, Wales – After weeks of hot and sunny weather in the area, cooler, overcast conditions welcomed over 450 runners to the 49^th running of the Royal Victoria Hotel  Ras Rhyngwladol Yr Wyddfa International Snowdon Race 2026, as Italy once again repeated their history-making efforts of 2025 by taking the title in the form of men’s winner Massimiliano Berti, along with a clean sweep of the men’s podium.

The women’s race proved to be wonderful spectacle as Scottish international Emily McNicol ran a controlled race from the front to secure the win, following in the footsteps of compatriots Angela Mudge, Holy Page and Cationa MacDonald on the role call of winners from Scotland.

As is traditional at Snowdon strong teams from Wales, England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and Italy come together for what is renowned as one of the classic European races on the calendar, with international athletes once again producing some incredible racing.

Though the weather was grey in the Llanberis village, reports from the summit spoke of sunny conditions and warmth, as Yr Wyddfa provided an inversion of clouds as the runner made their way up this famous mountain, rolling out at the traditional 2pm start time.

The pace up front in the men’s race was being set by Italians Tiziano Moia long with Berti, as they hit the mountain proper following the fast tarmac start, and it was clear that there could be something special on the cards as they hit the Halfway House mark in a sub-20minute time of 19:49.

In the women’s event McNicol wasn’t hanging around as she blasted up to the halfway point. In close attendance was 2022 winner, Hannah Russell wearing the vest of England, Eve Pannone who was running in the open race this year, was in third with Welsh athlete Eden O’Dea once again have a great race on home soil.

As the leading runners approached the turn round point of the race and the 1085m summit, Moia and Berti had a commanding lead in the men’s race, showing impressive climbing skills, cresting in 40:45, for one of the fastest ascents in recent years.

In the women’s race McNicol and Russell were establishing a commanding lead over the competition, with the Scottish athlete hitting the summit in 49:27, beginning her descent with a lead of just 14 seconds over Russell. Eden O’Dea summitted in third position. Italy’s Luna Giovanetti was making her move in 6^th, and ready to show her descending skills as they made the charge back to Llanberis.

The positions at the head of the race were by now becoming clear as young Italian athlete Berti led Moia, as they hurtled back to Llanberis. These two were now in full command as and the blue vests of Italy looked set to take all three podium spots, with Giulio Simonetti having moved into third place with just over 2 miles to go.

As the race progressed it was clear that Berti was on for something special time-wise, pulling away from Moia with every stride, rounding the final bend he was greeted by a huge crowd at Cae’r Ddol, having time to smile and raise the finish line ribbon to take a fantastic win in 1:04:13, the fastest time since 2019 – adding his name to the illustrious role call and becoming the latest in a long line of Italian winners.

Moia finished a jubilant second in 1:05:47, with the charging Simonetti (1:07:14) completing the podium, as three Italian athletes took the clean sweep. English athlete Ed Corden finished a strong 4^th, with open division runner Max Walker completing the top 5. Italy’s perfect score meant an obvious win in men’s team prize.

In the women’s race Emily McNicol was producing a super performance, making the technical slopes of Yr Wyddfa look easy, and entering the finish straight knowing that she had the win in the bag, crossing the line to take the women’s title in a very swift 1:16:56.

Hannah Russell kept McNicol in her sights for as long as she possibly could, racing to a brilliant second-place in 1:17:38.

Italy’s Giovanetti produced another Italian descending master-class, to move from 6^th to third (1:18:18) with the fastest female descent time of the day in 26:05. The super-consistent Pannone finished an excellent fourth and Wales’ Eden O’Dea improved greatly on her 2025 performance to finish 5^th. As with the men, Italy’s women were triumphant in the team race taking 3^rd, 6^th and 7^th.

Results

Men’s Top 3
1. Massimiliano Berti (Italy) 1:04:13
2. Tiziano Moia (Italy) 1:05:47
3. Giulio Simonetti (Italy) 1:07:14

Team: Italy

Women’s Top 3
1. Emily McNicol (Scotland) 1:16:56

2. Hannah Russelli (England) 1:17:38
3. Luna Giovanetti (Italy) 1:18:18

Team: Italy

Race Preview

Llanberis, Wales – With less than 2 weeks to go until the 49th edition of the International Snowdon Race / Ras Rhyngwladol yr Wyddfa, sponsored by the Royal Victoria Hotel on Saturday 18^th July, another historical race awaits on Wales’ highest mountain.

Though this is the 49^th edition of the race, 2026 marks 50 years since that inaugural race, which has a rich history and has grown to be one of the greatest in the world of mountain running. (missed 2020, 2021 due to covid)

This year’s race entries are full, with 500 general places taken. An additional 50 international runners will also toe the line in Cae Ddol, as mountain runners from across Europe will travel to Llanberis, for one of the greatest sporting events on the Welsh calendar, which can trace it’s beginnings back to July 1976.

Women’s Preview

This year’s women’s race looks set to be highly competitive race, with six returning champions, alongside a number of athletes who have podiumed in the last 10 years.

2018 winner Bronwen Jenkinson returns to Llanberis in the red vest of Wales. Now resident in the Lake District, Bronwen has made her way back into the sport after a number of years away from running and will receive a warm welcome from the local support. Eden O’Dea also returns for Wales after a strong 8^th place run in 2025.

2022 women’s winner Hannah Russell runs for the English team, alongside the 2023 winner from Scotland, Holly Page. England are also bolstered by the 2025 English Fell Champion Sara Willhoit, who finished second in the race in 2022.

2024 9^th placer Catriona MacDonald runs for the Scottish team, having also won the race all the way back in 2010.

Italy’s Andrea Schweigkofler leads the charge for the women in the azzuri blue, after winning a number of SkyRaces in 2025.

The Republic of Ireland team has some new faces in their line-up when it comes to this race, with youngster Rebecca Magee leading the trio making the trip to Llanberis. And Northern Ireland will once again have experienced Snowdon International representative Naomi McCurry in their line-up.

English athlete Eve Pannone takes part in the Open race, after finishing second in 2024 and third in 2025 in the vest of England, and will certainly be mixing it with the international athletes on race day.

Men’s Preview

As ever the Welsh team will be looking to perform well on home soil and are led by youngsters Keiran Wynne-Cattanach and Cai Dafydd, who finished 2^nd and 3^rd at the Welsh trial race on Cader Idris in May. A name that is well known to many is GB international marathon runner Josh Griffiths, who will be wearing the red of Wales on Yr Wyddfa for the first time.

The English team will be strong as ever and look to take back the team prize that they conceded to the Italian team last year. They are led by 2025 4^th placer Dan Haworth. John Battrick who finished 10^th in 2025 also lines up in the vest of England.

Italy have a strong history of success at the event, having taken five individual men’s titles in the last eight editions of the race. They convincingly won the team race in 2025, and took a clean sweep of the podium positions. and will return to try and retain that team prize and challenge for the individual victory with Luca Merli, Tiziano Moia, Giulio Simonetti and Massimiliano Berti taking to the start line.

Scotland is another nation that has tasted Snowdon success over the last few years with Andrew Douglas winning in 2019 and Ross Gollan in 2022. This year the Scots have an interesting line-up of youth and experience which includes Kieran Cooper and Finlay Todd.

The Republic of Ireland have a rich history of success at the event with Tim Conway amongst those lining up in the emerald green in 2025. He is backed up by Michael Patterson and Rudy Mayne in the Irish vests.

Completing the international teams are Northern Ireland, with 8^th-placer in 2025 Tom Crudgington, looking to move up the rankings as he returns to Llanberis in 2026.

On the Open side for the men Grant Cunliffe will be racing in the club vest of Rossendale, after finishing 3^rd in the vest of England in 2024.

One runner will once again make history in 2026. Eryri Harrier Malcolm Jones from Tremadog ran in the very first race in 1976 and has managed to complete every race since Therefore, Malcolm will be running his 49^thSnowdon Race this year and makes history as the only person to have competed at every event.

The race organisation are as ever very grateful to Cyngor Gwynedd Council and Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri National Park for their support. Aberglaslyn Search and Rescue Team will also be on the mountain keeping the runners safe throughout the race.

The race will be televised with a one-hour highlights programme on terrestrial TV via S4C, and also be available on the BBC iPlayer, with the programme produced by North Wales-based production company Cwmni Da.

Other features of the day will be the traditional junior races starting ten minutes after the main race at 2.10pm on the Saturday for 10-18 years, once again supported by the Eryri National Park and will be organised by the Byw’n Iach, Cyngor Gwynedd team.

Registration for junior races will take place from 9.30am-1.30pm at the Llanberis community centre.

Race organiser Stephen Edwards takes charge of his 16^th event in 2026, and states:

“We are delighted to be partnering up with The Royal Victoria Hotel as our headline partner for 2026. The Vic as it’s know locally, has been the home to the race since 1976, when they also sponsored the race. We’re also really pleased to be partnering with NNormal and Pete Bland Sports, and of course the wonderful support that we get from Snowdon Mountain Railway, The buzz in Llanberis come race weekend is unbelievable, you really do have to be here to be able to understand that. This race means so much to the area and the people of Llanberis, especially for myself me as a local lad. I’ve been organising the race since 2009 and have been on the committee helping my dad since I was 12-years old.

“My heart-felt thanks go to the Snowdon Race committee and Llanberis community who are incredibly hard-working and supportive to me as race organiser. People have stated that they thought the race was organised by a commercial event company, but actually it’s just a team of volunteers. Let us all in the village and communities be proud for what we have here, including the voluntary organisation.

“I’ll be organising my final race in 2027, when it will be the 50th race and full of celebration, with past runners coming back to Llanberis along with a week of events in the village. To think what it has become all those years after that very first humble race back in 1976 is incredible really, and all thanks to Ken Jones’ vision, and I am extremely proud to be able to carry on taking the iconic event and taking it the next level.

“We feel that the race is still the best and most iconic, mountain race or event in Llanberis. And that’s what makes this race so magical – it’s an international event, with a local feel, and long may that continue.”

For further information visit https://www.snowdonrace.co.uk

ENDS

49th Royal Victoria Hotel International Snowdon Race Ras Rhyngwladol yr Wyddfa 2026

Historic local hotel becomes headline sponsor at iconic mountain race

Llanberis, Wales – The 49th edition of the International Snowdon Race / Ras Rhyngwladol yr Wyddfa will see the event partnering up with the iconic Royal Victoria Hotel in 2026, cementing a relationship that dates back to the beginnings of the race in 1976.

Mountain runners from across Europe have stayed at The Vic, as it is locally known, since those early days of a handful of runners making their way up and down Wales’ highest peak. Today almost 600 runners line-up each year for one of the greatest sporting events on the Welsh calendar.

Ann Owen is General Manager at The Royal Victoria Hotel, and states,

“We are delighted to be the headline sponsor of Ras Yr Wyddfa in 2026, marking another exciting chapter in a long-standing relationship between the race and the hotel. Since the race’s inception in 1976, the hotel has shared a close connection with this iconic mountain event, and we are proud to be strengthening that partnership in the year ahead.

An international flavour can be expected across the weekend as runners from Wales, England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Italy and the Republic of Ireland go head-to-head for the race victory and rub shoulders with club runners and those just hoping to complete the 10 arduous miles of this famous mountain in the heart of the Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri National Park.

Ann continues, “As the home of the Snowdon Race, the hotel has long been at the heart of the event’s atmosphere and tradition. Over the years we have welcomed countless runners, supporters, organisers and spectators through our doors, and the race has become an important part of our history and identity. Being headline sponsor for 2026 is therefore both a privilege and a natural continuation of that shared heritage.”

Race organiser Stephen Edwards, since 2009, takes charge of his 16^th event in 2026, and adds:

“We are delighted to be partnering up with Ann and the team at The Royal Victoria Hotel. As a young boy I ran the race and can always remember that buzz in the village, and seeing the crowds gathered outside The Vic as I ran into the village. I aslo remember when I was 13years old onwards helping my dad on the committee, the meeting was always in the Vic, excuse for a pint and a laugh and when the agenda of the meeting was written on the back of a beer matt. Happy days!!!! Many athletes from international countries, runners from afar and locals alike will be once again staying at Vic on the Friday and Saturday nights, so the atmosphere will be fantastic across the weekend.

“The headline partnership is very important to the race, as it needs to reflect shared interests. As a resident in Llanberis everyone knows the hotel, and what it brings to the village, with many local people being employed there too – the relationship between the race and the hotel runs deep, and we hope it will do so for many years to come”.

The race will once again be televised on terrestrial TV via S4C and also be available on the BBC iPlayer, with the programme produced by North Wales-based production company Cwmni Da.

Other features of the day will be the traditional junior races starting ten minutes after the main race at 2.10pm on the Saturday for 10-18 years, once again supported by the Eryri National Park and will be organised by the Byw Iach, Cyngor Gwynedd team.

For further information on this year’s race visit https://www.snowdonrace.co.uk

ENDS              

Race Report

Llanberis, Wales – Warm and sunny conditions welcomed over 450 runners to the 48^th the running of Ras Rhyngwladol Yr Wyddfa International Snowdon Race 2025 as Italy made history in the men’s race by taking the title in the form of men’s winner Luca Magri and by taking a clean sweep of the men’s podium. The women’s race proved to be equally exciting and England provided a worthy champion in Nancy Scott, an athlete making her debut at this iconic mountain race.

As is traditional at Snowdon strong teams from Wales, England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and Italy come together for what is renowned as one of the classic European races on the calendar, and the weather would do nothing to deter the international athletes from producing some incredible racing.

Both Scott and Magri came into the race amongst the favourites and quickly established leads as the race made its way out of Llanberis.

The pace up front in the men’s race was being set by Magri, along with compatriots Michael Galassi and Roberto Giacomotti, with England athletes Felix McGrath and Lawrence McCourt in close attendance as they passed the Halfway House mark in 20:26.

In the women’s event Scott wasn’t hanging around as she blasted up to the halfway point. Behind open category runner, and former winner, Hannah Russell and England’s Eve Pannone were chasing, with Welsh athlete Eden O’Dea running a strong race in 6th.

As the leading runners approached the turn round point of the race and the 1085m summit, Magri and Galassi had a commanding lead in the men’s race, showing impressive climbing skills cresting in 42:57, with Galassi following just 2 seconds later.

In the women’s race Nancy Scott was establishing a commanding lead, looking in control as she hit the summit in 51:55 and began her descent with a lead of over 2 minutes. Such are O’Dea’s climbing skills she had cruised through the field to hit the summit in second position.  Further back Pannone was in a solid third, with 2024 3^rd-placer Beatrice Bianchi way back in 10^th beginning her charge.

The positions at the head of the race were by now becoming clear as Magri led Galassi who led Giacomotti and the blue vests of Italy set to take all three podium spots. Behind McGrath and McCourt was still pushing hard in 4^th and 5^th respectively.

But as the race progressed back to the finish in Llanberis it was Magri who was away and clear and rounding the final bend he was greeted by a huge crowd at Cae’r Ddol, having time to smile and raise the finish line ribbon to take a fantastic win in 1:06:11, adding his name to the illustrious role call and becoming the latest in a long line of Italian winners.

Galassi finished a jubilant second in 1:06:58, with the charging Giacomotti (1:07:39) at the line, as three Italian athletes took the clean sweep. McGrath finished 4^th making big progress on his 9^th-place finish of 2024, with England team-mate McCourt completing the top 5.

Italy’s perfect score meant an obvious win in men’s team prize.

In the women’s race Scott was producing a super performance, making the technical slopes of Yr Wyddfa look easy, passing male runner after male runner, and entered the finish straight with big smile, knowing that she had the win in the bag, crossing the line to take the women’s title in 1:20:31. She now joins the likes of Mary Wilkinson, Hannah Russell and Carol Greenwood as English champions of this famous race.

Bianchi produced another descending master-class to move from 10^th to second (1:21:58) with a descent time of 25:16 – the 4^th fastest descent of any athlete in the race. Pannone finished an excellent third in 1:22:13, adding to her runner-up spot of 2024.

Italy’s Anna Hofer finished in 4^th position with open runner Hannah Russell finishing 5^th in the vest of Helm Hill.

As with the men, Italy’s women were triumphant in the team race taking 2^nd, 4^th and 7^th.

48th Castell Howell International Snowdon Race Ras Rhyngwladol Yr Wyddfa 2025 – Results – https://www.tdleventservices.co.uk/en/results-embed.php?event=4140

Men’s Top 3

1. Luca Margi (Italy) 1:06:11
   2. Michael Galassi (Italy) 1:06:58
   3. Roberto Giacomotti (Italy) 1:07:39

Team: Italy

Women’s Top 3

1. Nancy Scott (England) 1:20:31
2. Beatrice Bianchi (Italy) 1:21:58
3. Eve Pannone (England) 1:22:13

Team: Italy

ENDS

One of Europe’s toughest endurance running challenges is back for 2025, with a 1,000 metre climb up Yr Wyddfa, an elite list of international participants – and One Good Thing.

OGT, manufacturers of the world’s first oat nutrition bars with an edible beeswax-based coating, are supplying the Ras Yr Wyddfa with 600 bars for the pre-race warm-up. The innovative bars eliminate the need for a traditional plastic wrapper, and can be eaten straight from a running vest pocket when needed – delivering a balanced hit of fast and slow-release carbohydrates and natural, oat-based energy. Participants will even be able to rinse the completely waterproof bars under a water bottle before they lock in and chomp down.

For Daniel Bedford, CEO and co-founder of the business, the race up Yr Wyddfa/Snowdon is a key example of the kind of events that OGT is keen to support, celebrate and supply.

“When you remove plastic wrappers altogether, you create a rough-and-ready product which can be carried easily, eaten straight away, and which convenient and completely faff-free. Our growing audience of active, outdoorsy people value our product for its tasty convenience and rugged simplicity – allowing runners to fuel and then forget it, with no waste.”

“Our partnership with the Ras Wyddfa gives us a really fantastic opportunity to get in front of more members of the running community, and help the organisers to run a sustainable race – protecting the beautiful landscape of Gwynedd and Llanberis from litter.”

“This event is one of the greatest in the world of mountain running, and it’s a privilege to be a part of race day.”

OGT’s unique product is manufactured with completely novel technologies developed in-house to provide active communities with a way to get plastic out of people and the planet. As Daniel puts it with a tongue-twister challenge for participants: “Run Ras Yr Wyddfa wrapper-free!” 

Race Preview – 2025 SCOTT Sports Snowdon Twilight Gwylnos yr Wyddfa

Llanberis, Wales

The FINAL SCOTT Sports Snowdon Twilight Gwylnos yr Wyddfa race will take place on Friday 27^h of June in 2025, will approx 70 runenrs and a few on the night, running the uphill-only race which takes runners from the foot of Llanberis to the 3560ft summit of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon).

In 2023 saw leading running and cycle brand SCOTT Sports come in as apparel and footwear sponsor with a 3-year deal which sees them as the headline partner at the Twilight

“A fantastic relationship with Michelle and the team for the last three years for this race and the Ras yr Wyddfa in July”

Race organiser Stephen Edwards is excited at the prospect of what is to come once again for this classic uphill race, which is fast-becoming a firm target amongst the mountain running community across the UK, and a ideal training run/ race conditions, stating:

“I can’t quite believe that we started this race in 2014! Of course we had a break over the pandemic but last year was such a great race and I’m also so pleased to have SCOTT Sports joining us once again this year across Ras yr Wyddfa and the Twilight races. They have some of best premium running products on the mountain and trail running market and their UK team really do support us, they really are a perfect fit with our race.

START List of all runners can be found on the website https://www.snowdonrace.co.uk

“We are once again expecting strong demand for entries. The only thing once again this year I hope will not be against us will be the Wyddfa weather. Forecast is not good. So we could be not running to the Summit on Friday for the Final Gwylnos / Twilight Race. Saftey comes first, with forecast of 50-60mph winds on the summit. The section between ¾ point and the Summit is the most open place on the mountain. We will not hesitate to lower the summit down to clogwyn, but we’ll see, cross fingers”

The 2025 SCOTT Sports Snowdon Twilight Gwylnos yr Wyddfa race will be timed by TDL Events Services, results link can be found by visiting https://www.snowdonrace.co.uk

“On behalf of us all at Ras yr Wyddfa, we would like to thank all that has supported the Gwylnos/ Twilight Race over the years, especially Scott Sports,Royal Victoria Hotel, Aberglaslyn MRT, Purple Moose Brewery, Snowdon Railway and all marshals. The twilight Race will come back for 2027 the 50^th anniversaty celebrations, and we hope to hold the race on the Friday night before the iconic Ras yr Wyddfa in July 2027 – Diolch ichi gyd”

ENDS

Llanberis, Wales – Challenging weather conditions at 47^th the running of Ras Rhyngwladol Yr Wyddfa International Snowdon Race 2024 only added to the drama, as Scotland’s Naomi Lang and England’s Joe Steward triumphed at this iconic mountain race.

Next year will 2025 be the 48th race, but organisers will be celbrating it as 50th Anniversary birthday in 2027 as it will be 50th Race

Heavy rain greeted the runners on the start line once again this year, but with lighter winds on the mountain compared to 2023 (when the race was shortened due wind gusts in excess of 90 miles per hour recorded on the summit of Yr Wyddfa) the runners would be visiting the summit.

As is traditional at Snowdon strong teams from Wales, England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and Italy come together for what is renowned as one of the classic European races on the calendar, and the weather would do nothing to deter the international athletes from producing some incredible racing.

Both Steward and Lang came into the race amongst the favourites, having both represented Great Britain at the recent European Championships in Annecy, France, with Steward taking the gold medal in the uphill only race and Lang coming home first Brit and 5^th overall in the women’s up and downhill race.

The pace up front was fast as the runners headed out of Llanberis at 2pm, with Steward, Italy’s Lorenzo Cagnati and Scot Jacob Adkin well to the fore as they climbed on the mountain proper around one mile into the race.

In the women’s event Italian Vivien Bonzi wasn’t hanging around as she blasted up the first climb and forced the pace up and through the Halfway House station. Behind Naomi Lang and England’s Eve Pannone were running together.

As the leading runners approached the turn round point of the race and the 1085m summit, Steward had a commanding lead in the men’s race, showing impressive climbing skills as he crested in 41:28, with Cagnati following 75 seconds later. Behind Adkin summited 3^rd in 43:13.

In the women’s race Lang had by now passed a slowing Bonzi and was establishing a commanding lead in the women’s event, looking in control as she hit the summit in 50:48 and began her descent. Further back Pannone was in a solid third, with 2023 4^th placer Beatrice Bianchi beginning her charge.

The positions at the head of the race were by now becoming clear as Steward led Cagnati who led Adkin, but it was Englishman Grant Cunliffe who was perhaps having the best descent of the race as he was eating up the ground behind, and as they came off the mountain below Hebron and onto the steep tarmac descent he had passed Adkin and was now sat in third, chasing Cagnati to the line.

Up ahead Joe Steward was away and gone and rounding the final bend he was greeted by a huge crowd at Cae’r Ddol, having time to smile and raise the finish line ribbon to take a fantastic win in 1:05:48, adding his name to the illustrious role call and becoming the latest in a long line of English winners.

Italy’s Cagnati finished a jubilant second in 1:08:13, almost being caught by the charging Cunliffe at the line, who had produced one of the fastest Snowdon descents in recent times to take third in 1:08:22.

Italy packed well with 5^th and 7^th to take the men’s team prize.

In the women’s race Lang was producing a stellar performance, making the technical slopes of Allt Moses look easy. Italy’s Bonzi wasn’t enjoying the steep descent so much and by the halfway point on the way down had been passed by both Pannone and compatriot Bianchi. But Lang continued to plummet into Llanberis, passing male runner after male runner, and entered the finish straight with big smile, knowing that she had the win in the bag, crossing the line to take the women’s title in a super-fast 1:15:48. She now joins 2023 winner Holly Page, mountain legend Angela Mudge and young Catriona Buchanan as Scottish female champions of this famous race.

Pannone finished an excellent runner-up in 1:18:28, just holding off Bianchi, who completed the women’s podium with a super-strong run to take third in 1:18:32.

As with the men, Italy’s women were triumphant in the team race taking 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th.

47th Race – Castell Howell International Snowdon Race Ras Rhyngwladol Yr Wyddfa 2024 – Results (49th year)

Men’s Top 3

1. Joe Steward (England) 1:05:41
   2. Lorenzo Cagnati (Italy) 1:08:13
   3. Grant Cunliffe (England) 1:08:22

Team: Italy

Women’s Top 3

1. Naomi Lang (Scotland) 1:15:48
2. Eve Pannone (England) 1:18:28
3. Beatrice Bianchi (Italy) 1:18:32

Team: Italy

ENDS

47th Castell Howell International Snowdon Race 2024 – Race Preview

Llanberis, Wales – With just over a week to go until the 47th International Snowdon Race / Ras Ryngwladol yr Wyddfa sponsored by Castell Howell on Saturday 20^th July, mountain runners from across Europe are getting ready to descend on Llanberis, Wales, for one of the greatest sporting events on the Welsh calendar which can trace it beginnings back to 1976.

Now in its 49^th year the Snowdon International is considered one of the greatest in the world of mountain running, and anticipation for this year’s event is once again high, with some of the UK’s top athletes taking part from Wales, England, Scotland, Northern Ireland.

That international flavour can be expected across the weekend as runners from Italy and the Republic of Ireland will once again pose threats for the race victory, as all go head-to-head and rub shoulders with club runners and those just hoping to complete the 10 arduous miles of this famous mountain in the heart of the Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri National Park.

Men’s Preview

As ever the Welsh team will be looking to perform well on home soil. Gavin Roberts, Tom Wood, Gareth Hughes and Rhys Jones make up the quartet, with Jones also making his debut in the red vest of Wales.

The English team will be super-strong and are led by possible pre-race favourite Joe Steward, fresh from being crowned the European Mountain Running Champion in June. Grant Cunliffe, Ben Sharrock and Jack Wright complete the English team.

Italy have a strong history of success at the event, and will be looking to make it four wins in the last six editions of the race, after the wins by Davide Magnini (2017) Alberto Vender (2018) and Isaacco Costa in 2023. Matteo Rossi, Lorenzo Cagnatti and Elia Mattio travel Wales this year to see if they can add their names to the list of Italian mountain running legends to win this race.

Scotland is another nation that has tasted Snowdon success over the last few years with Andrew Douglas winning in 2019 and Ross Gollan in 2022. This year the Scots are led by Jacob Adkin, GB international and runner-up behind Joe Steward in those recent European Championships. Euan Brown, Keiran Cooper and Robin Downie make up the Scottish foursome.

The Republic of Ireland have a rich history of success at the event, with Zak Hanna taking 4^th in 2019, and he returns in 2024. Zak is backed up by Aaron McGrady and Matthew McConnell in the emerald vests.

Completing the international teams are Northern Ireland, with Tom Crudgington, Ashley Crutchley, Keith Johnston and Joshua McAtee making the journey to Wales.

Women’s Preview

With pre-race favourite Sarah McCormack from the Republic of Ireland a late withdrawal from this year’s race, the battle for top honours in the women’s race will be wide-open in 2024. The Irish women will be represented by Aoife Courtney and Jo Hickman-Dunne.

After a brilliant 5^th place at those European championships Scotland’s Naomi Lang makes the trip to Wales in great form. She will be joined by Catriona MacDonald, Jill Stephen and Ella Peters meaning that the Scots women will be strong in the team race too.

Italy’s Beatrice Bianchi placed 3^rd in 2023 and will look to climb that podium in 2024 as she returns in great recent form. She is joined by Vivien Bonzi and Luna Giovanetti in the famous Azzuri colours.

Wales once again have a strong team with the in-form Elliw Haf Roberts running in Welsh colours after her recent win at the Cader Idris race, the Welsh team selection event. Elliw is joined by Lucy Williamson, Katrina Entwistle and Bethan Logan from the Mynydd Du club.

The is no doubt that the English women’s team will once again be challenging for the top spot of the podium. 2023 runner-up Phillipa Williams returns to Llanberis to see if she can take the title and add her name to the illustrious list of English women winners such as race record holder Carole Greenwood and 3-time winner Mary Wilkinson. Phillipa will be joined in the England colours by Antonia Fan, Alexandra Whitaker and Eve Pannone

Representing Northern Ireland will be seasoned international and multiple finisher at Snowdon Diane Wilson, as she will be joined by Tanya Cumming, Catriona Edington and Naomi McCurry in Llanberis

Away from the elite side of the race one runner will once again make history once again in 2024. Malcolm Jones from Tremadog ran in the very first race in 1976 and has managed to complete every race since, a simply incredible achievement. Therefore, Malcolm will be running his 47^th Snowdon Race this year and makes history as the only person to have competed at every event in the last 49 years.

The race will once again be televised on terrestrial TV via S4C and also be available on the BBC iPlayer, with the highlights programme produced by North Wales-based production company Cwmni Da.

Other features of the day will be the traditional junior races starting ten minutes after the main race at 2.10pm on the Saturday for 10-18 years, once again supported by the Eryri National Park and will be organised by the Byw Iach, Cyngor Gwynedd team.

Registration for these races will take place from 9.30am-1.30pm at the Llanberis community centre.

Race organiser Stephen Edwards takes charge of his 14^th (16 years) event in 2024, and states:

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

“From a media perspective we have the usual TV highlights package on S4C 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 and local businesses who are so important to us get involved every year, also thousands of spectators turn out to see the runners, so it really is a win-win situation for everyone involved.

“Equally we really couldn’t put the race on without the continued support of sponsors Castell Howell, SCOTT Sports, Pete Bland Sports, Snowdon Mountain Railway, the Royal Victoria Hotel, S4C, Cwmni Da, Welsh Athletics, Oren, Bragdy Mws Piws Purple Moose Brewery, Always Aim High Events, Sports Pictures Cymru and the Events Department at Cyngor Gwynedd Council.

“Aberglaslyn Search and Rescue Team will be across the mountain keeping our runners safe and I’m very grateful for the full support of the team at Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri National Park too.

“Finally, my heart-felt thanks go to the Snowdon Race committee and Llanberis community who are incredibly hard-working and supportive to me as race organiser. And that’s what makes this race so magical – it’s an international event, with a local feel, and long may that continue.”

For further information visit https://www.snowdonrace.co.uk

ENDS                  

SCOTT Sports Ras Gwylnos Yr Wyddfa / Snowdon Twilight Race 2024

The SCOTT Sports Ras Gwylnos Yr Wyddfa / Snowdon Twilight race once again graced the famous slopes of Wales’ highest peak, Yr Wyddfa, on Friday evening and produced some stellar performances from runners who had travelled the length and breadth of the UK to take part.

As the sister-event of the International Snowdon Race / Ras-yr-Wyddfa, 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 in July.

With 68 starters setting off from Gwesty Victoria Hotel at 6.00pm for the 10^th anniversary of this 5-mile uphill only race, running conditions were just about perfect on the lower slopes with a hint of early summer evening sunshine and little wind, though temperatures at the summit were to prove to be chilly.

The early leaders included SCOTT athlete Lee Gratton, local Welsh athlete Rhys Jones – who was testing his legs ahead of Ras yr Wyddfa in a few weeks, where he will represent Wales – and Cumbrian runner George Foster.

In the women’s race Irish mountain legend Sarah McCormack was back on the mountain which has seen her taste success on multiple occasions in the international race, and Sarah was already challenging for the overall positions as she ascended out of Llanberis and on to the mountain proper on the Hebron ascent.

As the runners neared the super-steep climb of Allt Moses, it was apparent that HOKA athlete Foster had taken control of the race, powering up towards the summit finish, with Gratton in second and Hebog’s Jones comfortable in third.

By now McCormack was sitting in 4^th place overall and looked on target to smash the women’s course record. Behind Mercia athlete Mel Price was sitting in second, with Mynydd Du runner Rhian Probert in third.

As the summit finish beckoned Foster now looked almost comfortable as the mist descended and he crested the steps to touch the summit in 43.35, with Gratton coming home second and Jones completing the podium.

Irish great McCormack continued to fly up the mountain in the last 400m and became the first female to break the magical 50-minute barrier in the Twilight race, winning in 49.19, an incredible performance and good enough for a brilliant 4^th place overall. Price and Probert completed the women’s top 3.

SCOTT Sports Ras Gwylnos Yr Wyddfa / Snowdon Twilight Race 2024

Male

1. George Foster 43.41
2. Lee Gratton 45.56
3. Rhys Jones 46.32

Female

1. Sarah McCormack 49.19
2. Mel Price 59.35
3. Rhian Probert 1.00.45

Full Race Results from TDL Events Services can be found at

https://www.tdleventservices.co.uk/en/results-embed.php?event=4030

SportpicturesCymru images from the Ras Gwylnos Yr Wyddfa Snowdon Twilight Race can be seen here  https://sportpicturescymru.photohawk.com/galleries/ras-gwylnos-yr-wyddfa-snowdon-twilight

Speaking after the race event organiser Stephen Edwards said:

“I’d like to thank all of the sponsors and supporters of the Gwylnos Twilight Race once again this year, the racing was really exciting once again. A huge thanks goe our headline partners SCOTT Sports and of course to the many volunteers and mountain rescue personnel who were out on the mountain this evening – diolch pawb, thanks all.”

SCOTT Sports

Snowdon Mountain Railway

The Legacy Royal Victoria Hotel

Sport Pictures Cymru

TDL Event Services

Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri

Visit North Wales

Cyngor Eryri Mynyddoedd a Môr

Cyngor Gwynedd Council

Moose Brewery

ENDS