John Thorpe reports
Saturday Morning saw one MAC venture to Llanberis (Wales) to run the ERYRI Marathon.
The route follows the A4086 and climbs to the top of the Llanberis Pass (Pen y Pass 1.100ft). Dropping down to the Pen Y Cwyryd junction, the race then follows the old road along to the campsite until it joins the A498.
This 2km section is farm track, downhill, then the surface returns to the tarmac. There is a short, sharp uphill back up to the main road at the campsite. The route then continues to the Beddgelert (200ft) and then continues along the A4085 to Waunfawr. From here it is a rapid climb to about 1,200ft at Bwlch y Groes this climb at 22 miles in goes on for 2 miles and really makes you find some inner strength before a 2 mile down hill finish on roughish trail which I managed to claw back 40+ places enjoying being back on the Fells.
Winner was Marshall Smith in 2:31:19
1st Lady Alaw Evans 2:58:03
421st John Thorpe 3:56:38
There were 2228 participants in this Marvellous but Brutal Marathon climbing nearly 2500ft over the distance
