2022 Race Report

A great success for the Inaugural World's Steepest Street Run

The sun was shining for our first ever World's Steepest Street Run at the weekend, it was great to see so many turn out to support this very unique event!

With a 37.45% maximum gradient, Ffordd Pen Llech in Harlech shot to fame when it 'stole' the title of 'World's Steepest Street' from Baldwin Street in New Zealand. Yes, they then 'stole' it back again, but as they don't have a race up it, it was still the 'World's Steepest Street Run'!

Attracting all levels of runners from beginners to seasoned competitors, it was great to finally be able to deliver this very unique event that was supposed to take place in 2020.

The 6km route started at the foot of the castle at 5pm. As the participants went around the first corner, Ffordd Pen Llech (the steepest street) loomed in front of them rising over 50 metres along its 322-metre length. This first bend is the steepest part, which saw many of the athletes slow down to a walk. When they finally reached the top the runners were rewarded with a panoramic view of the Llyn Peninsula and all across Snowdonia.

The first finisher, Rhys Jones was soon on his way back down the hill and came in over the line in a very impressive 23 mins and 57 seconds. Second in the men's race was Rhys Harries at the time of 25:01, who then went on to come 3rd in the Harlech Duathlon the very next day! In third place was Matthew Evanson in a time of 25:05

The first female over the line was Sophie Pilkington of Red Rose Running Club in a time of 27:10. Taking second place was Gemma Kelly of Chester Triathlon Club in 29:45 and in third place was Margot Saher in 30:16.

Taking the win for the fastest male up the steepest street was Luke Roberston in astounding 2 mins and 19 seconds! The fastest female up the hill was the female winner of the event Sophie Pilkington in a time of 02:41.

Tim Lloyd, Director of Always Aim High Events, said: “ We were so happy to finally be able to run this new event after two years of deferrals due to Covid. Whilst the dispute between Baldwin Street in New Zeland and Ffordd Pen Y Llech since has since taken the title away from the road, there is no denying how steep the street is when you're running up it!

We'd like to say a huge thank you to the Harlech community for their support, it was great to see so many people out supporting the runners as they went by. As well as our amazing marshals and volunteers, without whom the race just wouldn’t be possible”.

Follow the link here to view all of the race photography from the event Mel Parry Event Photography.