40K of Ogwen Skyrunning

Trail Running | Ogwen | Yr Helgi Du 2025

Ogwen | Yr Helgi Du 2025 Trail Running 40K

New for 2025, the 40K Ogwen Yr Helgi Du is a certified International Skyrunning Federation course that covers some of the most impressive and challenging terrain in Eryri.

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Route Maps
Route Description
Prices
Important Information

Dates

02 Aug 2025

Location

Plas y Brenin, Capel Curig

Distances

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Routes

Run - 40km

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Route Description

The UK's newest Skyrunning event, the 40K race starts and finishes at Plas y Brenin, the National Outdoor Centre; the route begins with a few fast, flat miles along the old Roman Road.

This acts as an approach to the technical running, which begins with a scenic traverse of Tryfan's Heather Terrace and onto the Glyderau, passing the iconic Castell y Gwynt, along the rocky summit ridge. Dipping down the scree to Llyn y Cwn, you'll climb back up Y Garn (947m), with epic views along the Ogwen Valley, before a descent back to Ogwen Cottage and along the valley base to 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 grade 1 scrambling. This section is not technically demanding but a decent level of running fitness will be required.

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). From the summit of Llewelyn, there is an out-and-back section to Yr Elen (962m). The tracks are all quite runnable until you descend off the South-East of Llewelyn; which includes a short section of grade 1 scrambling. 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 fast, flowing and mainly on grass tracks. A few more miles on the old Roman Road 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.

Pricing

Tier 1 Price

Ends: 08/09/2024

£69.99

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Tier 2 Price

Ends: 02/02/2025

£74.99

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Tier 3 Price

Ends: 27/07/2025

£77.99

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Tier 4 Price

Ends: 31/07/2025

£80.99

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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

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 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 1l, minimum 500ml filled at start)
A GPS device with the route downloaded (This can be a watch, phone or similar), or map & compass with route marked.

ADDITIONAL PERMITTED / ADVISORY KIT:

Running/hiking poles (we permit people to use poles)
Suntan lotion, depending on 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.

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 3 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.

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