Ogwen40 | Yr Helgi Du 2026 | Always Aim High Events

40K of Ogwen Skyrunning

Routes

Run - 40km

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Route Description

The Ogwen 40km is the flagship race of the weekend and a true test of Skyrunning in Eryri. Starting and finishing at Plas y Brenin, the National Outdoor Centre, this route combines runnable trails with exposed ridgelines, steep ascents, scrambles, and thrilling descents across some of Wales’ most iconic mountains.

The opening miles along the old Roman Road provide a fast and flat warm-up, but they are only the prelude to what lies ahead. Soon, you’ll begin a scree climb onto the Glyderau ridge, weaving through the rocky towers of Castell y Gwynt. Here, the route becomes technical, with uneven footing and exposed ridgelines demanding focus and agility.

Dropping down scree to Llyn y Cwn, the course climbs once more to Y Garn (947m), where you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views over the Ogwen Valley before a steep, quad-punishing descent to Ogwen Cottage. A brief respite along the valley base sets you up for one of the race’s defining moments: the ascent of Pen yr Ole Wen (978m). This brutal climb gains around 700m of elevation in just 2 miles and includes a section of Grade 1 scrambling. It’s not technically difficult, but runners must be confident using hands for balance and movement on rock. This section is as demanding as it is spectacular, with unforgettable views across to Tryfan.

From Pen yr Ole Wen, the course traverses the Carneddau skyline, a glorious series of summits: Carnedd Fach (960m), Carnedd Dafydd (1044m), and Carnedd Llewelyn (1064m). The ridgeline is mostly runnable, though exposed in places, before an out-and-back to Yr Elen (962m) adds both distance and drama.

The descent from Llewelyn’s south-east shoulder includes another section of Grade 1 scrambling. Though short, it requires steady footwork and a cool head, especially in poor conditions. After this, the route climbs once more to the iconic Pen yr Helgi Ddu. The final push to its summit features more easy scrambling before runners are rewarded with views of the Glyderau, Tryfan, and Cwm Llugwy.

From here, the hard work is behind you and the fun begins: a fast, flowing grassy descent, tailor-made for downhill specialists. A few final miles on the old Roman Road bring you back to Plas y Brenin, where you’ll finish knowing you’ve completed one of the UK’s toughest — and most rewarding — mountain races.

Pricing

Tier 1 Price

Ends: 31/08/2025

£74.99

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Tier 2 Price

Ends: 31/12/2025

£79.99

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Tier 3 Price

Ends: 05/04/2026

£82.99

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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
Official International Skyrunning Federation-certified route & points
ITRA & UTMB Indexing Points Contribution

Prerequisites

Participants should have experience and knowledge of running in mountainous environments, as well as the ability to make good progress over rough and uneven terrain. The average finish time is 8 hours for the 40k.

The terrain includes short sections of scrambling (up to grade 1) that may require the use of both hands and feet for ascent and descent. Participants must be comfortable on such terrain. Participants must be able to follow a way-marked course and also be competent in using a map, compass, or GPS for navigation.

Participants must be in good health, have undertaken appropriate training and be confident in their ability to complete the race safely. Although Mountain Leaders oversee the course, participants should be able to look after their own needs on the course, and will carry the mandatory kit listed below.

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 & 40k 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 an 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
Emergency Thermal Survival Bag/emergency shelter
Fully charged mobile telephone in a waterproof case (or waterproof phone)
Drinking water (ability to carry 1.5L, minimum 1L filled, leaving the start and each aid station)
Reusable race cup suitable for hot food & spoon/spork
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 40k usually starts at 08:00 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 3 aid stations on the 40K route. Water, HIGH5 energy drinks and gels will be available at 4.5k, 17.3k and 35.5k. The 17.3k aid station will have a hot food/drink option.

Please note that our races are cupless, meaning you must provide a reusable water bottle or race cup to fill at the feed stations. This includes something that can hold hot food/drink and a spoon or spork for the Ogwen Cottage feed station.

Cut Off Times

In the interest of athlete safety and the safety of our volunteers on the course, there is a cut-off at Ogwen Cottage, 17km into the course. You must reach this point in 5 hours to be allowed to continue. An additional cut-off exists at the summit junction at Llewelyn; if you do not reach this point by 3 pm, you will not be allowed to complete the out-and-back section to Yr Elen. You will still be allowed to continue to the finish, where a short-course result will be issued.

Confirmation of cut-off times will be detailed in your Final Instructions, which will be available on the website 10 days before 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 Ogwen40 | 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.