2024 Race Report
More Impressive Achievements at Yr Wyddfa24
The Black Diamond Yr Wyddfa | Snowdon24 event returned for its third 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.
The race grew again for 2024, with 180 solo competitors toughing it out over the 24 hours, alongside 34 teams, nearly double 2023's number, making the team competition much more competitive this year!
Conditions varied throughout the day but the weather was mostly kind with calm conditions on the hill. Starting at 10am, the runners set off for their first lap with some fast times, with team Team Billy Goat's Gruff coming back in first in a rapid 1:26:39.
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.
In the team of 5 Tîm Hogia'r Wyddfa improved their prevoius record of 13 laps completed, they crossing the finish line with less than 7 minutes left on the clock, nearly two minutes quicker than last year!
Another local team, this time all ladies from the Eryri Harriers, Merched y Mynydd, retained their title for team of 4, completing 11 laps in 23:41:21
Team Summit Mentality was back again for 2024 and 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, but we're pleased to say that they received their long-standing goal of reaching 10 laps this year, in 23:33:24.
The pair competition saw an impressive 10 laps this year too, with Team Ross finishing this feat in 22:40:24 to win the Mixed category. In the Open Pair competition, Team Beanpole Bolters achieved 9 laps in 23:26:00.
In the Female solo race, Becky Atkinson's first lap put her ahead in the race, which she was able to maintain, despite strong performances from the chasing pack, finishing her 8 laps in 20:28:16. Weronika Ceglowska's consistent laps saw her take 2nd place, with 7 laps in 21:01:08, while tactical choices saw Nikki Sommers overtake Elsie Mcclenaghan during the night to claim third place with 7 laps in 21:34:57.
The Open solo race saw some stiff competition and surprises. Adrian Niski etched himself out a significant lead, completing 6 laps in an impressive 11:24:21, before retiring. This opened up the competition again and saw the Open category produce four athletes reaching 9 laps, a first for the competition. James Leavesley was the ultimate winner, completing his laps in 21:23:03, just over 28 minutes faster than Pawel Cymbalista, and 65 minutes ahead of Tim Woodier, who took third place.
Director Tim Lloyd said: ‘It is 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 is the ultimate challenge, I hope everyone who takes part is 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 were on hand to support the event & provided the 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.
Race photography by Mel Parry Event Images.
Selected Yr Wyddfa 24 Results
Solo winner Female - Becky Atkinson 8 laps in 20:28:16
Solo winner Open - James Leavesley 9 laps in 21:23:03
Pair winner Mixed - Team Ross 10 laps in 22:40:24
Pair winner Open - Team Beanpole bolters 9 laps in 23:26:00
Team of 3 winner- Team Summit Mentality 10 laps in 23:33:24
Team of 4 winner - Team Merched Y Mynydd 11 laps in 23:41:21
Team of 5 winner - Team Hogia'r Wyddfa 24 13 laps in 23:53:34
Full Results can be found below