Luke Beresford reports:
The classic Snowdon Race, now in it’s 48th year took place on Saturday 15th July from the town of Llanberis, Wales. Considered as one of the greatest in the world of mountain running attracting some of the best racers in Europe. The classic up & down route to the summit following the Llanberis path is just under 10 miles.
Four Matlock runners took part with Dan Haworth representing England and Alasdair Campbell representing Scotland respectively, whilst myself and Geoff Cooper were mere mortals and amateurs in comparison but proud to wear the sky blue vest.
Pre race evening whilst the elite internationals were warm & dry at the Victoria hotel in Llanberis, myself & Geoffers were camping in the Nant Peris Valley being blastered by 50 mph gusts and persisting heavy rain in the shadow of the mighty Yr Wyddfa. A quick mountain blessing drink in the Vaynol Arms with a couple of Dizzy Blondes in hope that the mountain gods of Snowdon would protect us on the journey up & down the mountain helped ease tension.
The blasting gusts proved to much for my tent and by midnight I had retreated to the car, meanwhile Geoff’s sturdy German tent held up strong and Geoffers drifted into deep sleep dreaming of being 1st Ambulance service man to win the Snowdon Race.
As race morning arrived the rain & wind had slightly eased and optimism was in the air and a quick brew of Yorkshire Tea and dash over to Bangor Parkrun helped lift spirits and warm up the legs. By midday 500 runners were ascending on the town of Llanberis with over 50 Elite International runners from Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Italy and of course England.
The persisting Rain and Wind left no choice for the race organiser Stephen Edwards to shorten the course to below Clogwyn Bridge first and then Alt Moses secondly as race marshals & officials deemed it unsafe. By 2pm eventually the race was underway and despite the grim weather conditions all went smoothly and all MACs ran great races, with Dan mixing it right at the front of the pack placing 4th place in 39.58, Alasdair finished superbly in 12th place 41.45, myself in 41st in 46.58, and Geoff Trooper Cooper 308th in 1.06.12.
Winner of the race was Italian Isacco Costa in 38.58 and first female Holly Page of Scotland in 46.00. 465 runners completed the race, with 3 DNFs. Dan was also part of the winning England team and picked up some nice shiny medals for his efforts.
Post race meal was held at the Victoria Hotel and all runners alike mix together and recall there adventure on the mountain with Chicken Tikka Curry & Veggie Balti Curry and a pint of Wainwrights for good measure. A Great Day All Round!!
