Marathon Eryri has been voted Best British Marathon twice. The demanding and spectacular route which encircles Yr Wyddfa – the highest peak in Wales – has served to makes this an iconic event in the running calendar.
In stunning autumnal weather conditions GB and Wales international Andy Davies and South Wales athlete Louise Flynn triumphed at the 40th edition of Marathon Eryri, with dominant performances to take the men’s and women’s crowns at this iconic marathon.
Dubbed at one of the UK’s toughest marathons, the last miles of this race are notoriously hard, as they head to the highest point of the race at mile 24, almost 380 metres above sea level and an ascent of over 200 metres in just 1 mile!
There were Three Matlock AC entrants Roy Austin , Martin Lea and Pete Bush. We joined almost 2400 other runners for a bright, clear and sunny start in Llanberis. The first few miles climbing to Pen y Pass were a great warm up climbing to 1,100ft then plunging downhill towards Beddgelert. Roy magically appeared by my side at mile 8 and we can together for 5 miles until on the long hill climbing out of Beddgelert Roy dropped me. From there the reasonably level, windy and very scenic route continued to Waunfawr where the course kicked up so steeply that most competitors started to walk. I used all my remaining energy to run up receiving lots of encouraging complements from those I passed.
The tarmac ended and a couple of miles of rocky and slippery grass track continued until the last mile plunged downhill to the finish, just what screaming tired legs needed!
Martin Lea finished in 4:15.06
Roy finished in 4.40.20 in 1146 place and Pete in 4.48.30 in 4.48.30 in 1282 place.
We found each other at the finish both very pleased with our race.
I then drove to Anglesey for a cold sea swim with friends, it definitely has helped my recovery! Would I do it again? Definitely 🤣
