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2024 Race Report

The Inaugural Ogwen25K | Yr Helgi Du Event

We were thrilled to be back at Plas y Brenin this weekend for our first-ever Ogwen25K | Yr Helgi Du event. The weather was perfect, with clear blue skies greeting the runners as they set off at 8:30 AM.

The race began promptly, with over 180 participants crossing the start line. They faced a challenging ascent of Pen yr Ole Wen (978m), which boasts approximately 700m of elevation gain over 2 miles and includes a short section of scrambling.

In the men's race, Alex Homei, Joao Normand, and Arthur Marshal led the pack, crossing the 4.2K checkpoint first. By the 20K mark, Jack Craig had joined the leaders, closely pursuing Arthur Marshal for third place. The route featured a series of stunning ascents and descents across the skyline of Carneddau Fach (960m), Dafydd (1044m), and Llewelyn (1064m), culminating in the final climb up the magnificent Pen yr Helgi Ddu. The last push to the summit involved more scrambling, rewarding the runners with breathtaking views of the Glyderau, including Tryfan and Cwm Llugwy.

On the descent, Alex and Joao battled fiercely for the win, with Alex eventually extending his lead to finish back at Plas y Brenin in an impressive 2:25:25. Joao Normand took second place with a time of 2:31:55, and Jack Craig secured third place, finishing in 2:34:26.

In the women's race, fresh from their podium finishes at our XTERRA Snowdonia Trail Marathon event just weeks before, twin sisters Sanne and Tinka Vinks led the race. They were joined in the leading pack by Bethan Logan of the Mynydd Du runners, who crossed the first 4.2K checkpoint less than 10 seconds behind the sisters. By the 20K mark, Bethan had taken the lead and maintained it, crossing the finish line in 2:46:58 to win the women's race. Sanne finished second in 2:47:31, with her sister Tinka of the Eryri Harriers taking third place in 2:53:26.

The 10K race set off half an hour later at 9:00 AM, with 60 runners following the same initial route as the 25K race. Their course was an out-and-back along the Roman road, a scenic trail showcasing the Glyderau and Carneddau landscape.

In the men's 10K race, John Atherstone reached the halfway point first, with Grant Hudson a minute and a half behind. John held onto his lead, winning in 45:45, with Grant Hudson taking second place just 7 seconds later at 45:52. Chris Berrington of GOG Triathlon claimed third place in his first-ever podium finish, sporting the new GOG Triathlon 10th Anniversary t-shirt.

In the women's 10K race, Anna Atherstone led from the turnaround point, finishing back at Plas y Brenin in a remarkable 53:30. Jessica Storry took second place with a time of 54:32, and Janelle Dexter-Lowe came in third at 57:49.

Tim Lloyd, Director of Always Aim High Events, "We have received incredible feedback after the race. The route is absolutely stunning, and today’s perfect weather made it even better. We can’t wait to be back next year and build on this already impressive event. A big thank you to everyone who joined us for this inaugural race.

"He continued, ""Our Marshals, Mountain Leaders, and staff have been phenomenal, working tirelessly to provide hydration, fuel, and constant support to the athletes. Their dedication is truly appreciated.".

Race photography was beautifully captured by Sport pictures Cymru