Ogwen25 | Yr Helgi Du 2026 | Always Aim High Events

25K of Skyline Racing in Ogwen

Routes

Run - 25km

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Route Description

Starting and finishing at Plas y Brenin the route begins with a few fast and flat miles along the Eryri Slate Trail.

This acts as an approach to the technical running, which begins with a lung busting ascent of Pen yr Ole Wen (978m). This ascent has approximately 700m of elevation gain over 2 miles, and includes a short section of easy scrambling. This section is not technically demanding but a decent level of running fitness will be required. Do not underestimate the Pen yr Ole Wen climb or the majesty of the views across to Tryfan (subject to weather!!)

The next 3 miles of the route are a series of glorious ascents and descents across the skyline of Carneddau Fach (960m), Dafydd (1044m) and Llewelyn (1064m). The tracks are all quite runnable until you descend off the South-East of Llewelyn This requires some careful scrambling down. It’s a short section and is again, technically pretty straight forward. This leads to the final ascent, the wonderful Pen yr Helgi Ddu. The final push to the top involves more easy scrambling and you are rewarded with views of the Glyderau, including Tryfan, and Cwm Llugwy.

The descent is made for downhillers. It is a fast, flowing and mainly on grass tracks. A few more miles on the Slate Trail and you’ll be back at Plas y Brenin with a huge smile on your face. You’ll know you’ve had a tough but rewarding day in the hills.

Important Information

Whats Included

Spectacular scenery - views across Anglesey and Eryri
Professional timing - chip timing, online results & sms text result
Fully signed and marshalled route
Mountain Leader support
Access to event village - music, commentary, food vendors and shopping
Locally sourced slate finisher coaster
Finish line food
Event memento worth £12.50
Drink stations (Water, High5 & High5 gels)
Secure bag drop
ITRA & UTMB Index points contribution

Age

You must be at least 18 years old to take part in this race.

Registration

Your bib (race number) will need to be collected from registration on the morning of the race, where there will also be a kit check to ensure you have the required Mandatory Kit. Registration can be found within the Plas y Brenin building. You will be able to find the event Final Instructions on the website 10 days prior to the race.

*There will be an information desk in this location for any inquiries.

Mandatory Kit

All competitors in the 25k race must carry the compulsory kit listed below. This kit is for your safety due to the often unpredictable and quickly changing mountain conditions in Wales and the isolated nature of the route.

Kit checks will take place at registration and anybody found without the required kit will not be allowed to race.

Waterproof jacket - with taped seams and integrated attached hood
Waterproof trousers - with taped seams
Suitable off-road running shoes - fell/trail shoes
Hat/buff and gloves (head and hand cover)
Spare dry long-sleeve layer
Whistle
Sufficient nutrition for the race plus an emergency 500 calories
Foil blanket/emergency shelter
Fully charged mobile telephone in a waterproof case (or waterproof phone)
Drinking water (ability to carry 1ltr, minimum 500ml filled at start)
Reusable race cup or bottle
A GPS device with the route downloaded (This can be a watch, phone or similar), or a map & compass with the route marked.

ADDITIONAL PERMITTED / ADVISORY KIT:

Running/hiking poles (we permit people to use poles)
Suntan lotion, depending on the conditions
Headtorch
Basic first aid kit

Start Time

The 25k usually starts at 08:30 though this is subject to change. The race start time will be confirmed in your Final Instructions which are available to view on the website 10 days prior to the race.

Feed Stations

There are 2 aid stations on the 25K route. Water, HIGH5 energy drinks and gels will be available at 4.5k and 20.5k.

Please note that our races are cupless, meaning you must provide a reusable race cup or bottle to fill at feed stations. Race cups are available at the event shop in the event village, at heavily discounted prices.

Cut Off Times

In the interest of athlete safety and the safety of our volunteers on the course there is a cut-off at the summit of Pen yr Ole Wen, 9.6km into the course. You must reach this point in 2 hours 30 minutes to be allowed to continue the. A confirmation of cut off times will be detailed in your Final Instructions which will be available on the website 10 days prior to the race.

Prizes

We hold a prize-giving ceremony after the race, approximate timings will be detailed in the Final Instructions however it is a good idea to listen out for any updates that come in over the tannoy. Sometimes the ceremony may be delayed and we wouldn't want you to miss out. We don't send out prizes after the event, so make sure you attend the ceremony and receive your big Welsh cheer!

Prize Categories for the Ogwen25 | Yr Helgi Du are (for both open & female categories)

Overall: Top 3*

Senior: 1st runner

V40: 1st runner

V50: 1st runner

V60: 1st runner

V70: 1st runner

V80: 1st runner

All prizes must be collected on the day.

* If any runner places in Overall and Vet then a drop-down system will occur.