2023 Race Report
New course record at the Yr Wyddfa24
After a hugely successful first event last year, the Black Diamond Yr Wyddfa | Snowdon24 event returned for its second year and what an epic 24 hours it was! Ascending up and down the Llanberis path each lap covered 10 miles of distance and 948m of ascent.
After a gruelling 24 hours, we celebrated the 140 solo competitors and 18 teams who pushed boundaries and completed the challenge!
Conditions varied throughout the day but the weather was mostly kind with some calm conditions on the hill. Starting at the earlier time of 10am this year, the runners set off for their first lap with some fast times, with team Hogia'r Wyddfa24 coming back in first in a rapid 1:37:17.
The solo athletes had a specific ‘chill out zone’ which was set up with tables, chairs, hot water and food and where they could rest and refuel between laps. There was also a ‘silent’ respite area away event village where they could pitch tents and retire to get some sleep.
Throughout the night the event village was lit and runners went out with head torches to continue to clock up ascents. Mountain Leaders were in place along the route throughout the 24 hours to support and encourage our athletes. As dawn broke nearly everyone was out for the ‘sunrise lap’ with some stunning images coming in from the course.
In the team of 5 a new record was set with 13 laps completed by last year's second place Team Hogia’r Wyddfa 24, they came into the finish line to a spectacular welcome with less than 5 minutes left on the clock! They also completed the fastest lap in the entire event on their lap 2 in an outstanding 1:31:55. The team are made of up local men who were raising money for the children's cancer charity Gafael Llaw.
Another local team, this time all ladies from the Eryri Harriers, Merched y Mynydd, took the title for team of 4 completing 11 laps in 22.24.58
Team Summit Mentality was back again for 2023 and once again took the win for the team of 3. As they were last year, they were raising awareness for the charity Sport in Mind, the UK's leading mental health sports charity, completing 8 laps in 23:40:23.
It was Team Matt & Cain who won the winning pair event completing an amazing 9 laps in 20:53:53
In the solos, it was a battle between Rob Lang and Sergejs Malins in the male race with Rob taking the win completing an incredible 8 laps in 22:11:16. Emma Page took the win for the ladies' race completing 7 laps in a time of 21:24:29.
Director Tim Lloyd said: ‘It is really incredible to watch the athletes take part in this event, the sheer determination and grit to keep going throughout the night is incredible and seeing the joy as they cross that finishing line on their last lap is something to behold.
It really is the ultimate challenge, I hope they are all proud of their achievements whether they completed one lap or thirteen. A lot of runners were raising money for charity and it was a pleasure to read out some of their stories as they crossed the line.
Once again the feedback after the race has been phenomenal with so many comments on the support shown at the race; we have to thank our amazing team, mountain leaders and volunteers, without whom we just couldn't put on these fantastic events.
Lastly, a big thanks to sponsors Black Diamond who provided some great prizes, the Llanberis football club for the use of their facilities, Gwynedd Council for their continued support and of course the local community in Llanberis and all the spectators.
Full race results for the Black Diamond Yr Wyddfa |Snowdon24.
Race photography was provided by Mel Parry Event Images.
Selected Yr Wyddfa 24
Male Solo
- Rob Lang 8 Laps 22:11:16.
Female Solo
- Emma Page 7 laps 21:24:29.
Team of 5
- Hogia'r Wyddfa24 -23:55:36
Team of 4
- Merched y Mynydd 11 laps 22.24.58
Team of 3
- Summit Mentality 8 laps 23:40:23
Male Pair
- Matt & Cain 9 laps 20:53:53
Mixed Pair
- Team Mike & Sophie 9 laps 23:33:37