RACE REPORT: 2017 SCOTT SNOWDONIA TRAIL MARATHON

Sunday 23rd July saw nearly 2,000 runners descend on Llanberis to take part in a sun soaked and truly international SCOTT Snowdonia Trail Marathon.

Runners from over forty countries, travelling from as far as Brazil, Uganda, New Zealand and Canada, came to take on the marathon, half marathon and 10km routes of one of the toughest trail races in Europe.

The international flavour even extended to the weather. For the first time in its young, three year history, the race was bathed in glorious sunshine - adding a very different, and challenging factor to an already mighty race.

Marathon runners took on route which passed through Rhyd Ddu and Beddgelert before ascending Snowdon via Pen y Pass and the PyG track. From here, runners greeted the half marathon competitors who ascended the mountain via the Rhyd Ddu path and descended into the Llanberis following the Snowdon Mountain Railway, to the finish line on Llanberis community field. 10km runners skirted the Llanberis path before taking on a challenging run through Padarn Country Park and the Dinorwig Quarry - a seriously challenging shorter race.

A spokesman for Always Aim High Events, organisers of the SCOTT Snowdonia Trail Marathon said: “The 2017 edition of the Snowdonia Trail Marathon was by far the biggest race in its three year history, and now already ranks as one of the largest and most challenging trail races in Europe. 2,000 runners have experienced Snowdonia National Park in all its glory today - the weather really showcased what makes this area of the world so special - people are already booking accommodation for next year!”

“With over forty countries represented this year, it’s one of the few events in the country that can legitimately be labelled an international race.”

“We’d like to thank our race partners, Gwynedd County Council and all the locals and event marshals that made the race such an incredible experience.”

Entries for the 2018 SCOTT Snowdonia Trail Marathon open on Wednesday 26 July and runners are urged to enter as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Joining the three race distances in 2018 is a brand new Ultra marathon! The mighty 60km route will take in an extra 3,000 feet of ascent, making for a total of over 7,000 feet! The route will encompass the same climbs as the marathon route, but include an extended route around Moel Hebog and a final section through Dinorwig Quarry. Entries for this Ultra challenge will open on Wednesday.

Visit alwaysaimhighevents.com now to find out all the information about the 2018 SCOTT Snowdonia Trail Marathon, as well as links to timings courtesy of TDL Event Services and event photography from Sport Pictures Cymru and Mel Parry Event Photography.

Selected Race Results

SCOTT Snowdonia Trail Marathon

Men

1st Callum Rowlinson Sale Harriers 03:51:42

2nd Steve Franklin 03:54:26

3rd Donald McPartlin Garscube Harriers 03:56:43

Women

1st Jo Meek 04:10:36

2nd Andrea Rowlands Eryri Harriers 04:22:24

3rd Nia Albiston Eryri Harriers 04:40:49

SCOTT Snowdonia Trail Half Marathon

Men

1st Elliot Cox Buckley RC 01:52:57

2nd Jez Brown Buckley RC 01:53:19

3rd Martin Cliffe Eryri Harriers 01:54:19

Women

1st Emma Clayton Leeds City AC 02:15:44

2nd Amanda Wright-Smith Birchfield Harriers 02:18:52

3rd Rhian Probert Mynydd Du Mountain Runners 02:23:03

SCOTT Snowdonia Trail 10k

Men

1st Sam Roberts East Sutherland AC 00:41:49

2nd Jonathan Tyler Betsi Runaways 00:46:39

3rd James Carr 00:49:54

Women

1st Katie Lloyd 00:57:03

2nd Hannah Jones Betsi Runaways 00:58:19

3rd Alice Tetley-Paul Alnwick Harriers 00:58:17