Snowdonia Marathon

Not one for PB's but a great challenge, with a great atmosphere, outstanding views.

This is not a flat fast course.. set your expectations.. and you will love it.. the scenery is the best.. the atomsphere is great.. supports nicely placed around the course.. Its snowdon in October expect rain / hail and to be cold - so unless your competing for a price - run it - dont race it !.. The whole town of llamberis comes out to support the race.. all the B and B/hotels are full of runners.. i did this race with a group of runners from les croupiers running club in cardiff (search for our web page and you will find a review.. and many comments saying how much fun it was !).. The only word to the wise.. is it is hard.. and the last hill does'nt end till 24.5 miles.. so leave gas in the bank for the end.. i did berlin in 306 and did this one in 331..(not racing but a hard run).. but i enjoyed it as a result.. Also.. see runners world uk site.. it is almost top rated uk marathon.. and it sells out by end of Jan.. probably earlier for 2012 as it is 30th year.. and i'm entering for 2012 on Jan 1st !!

The start - buses took us to the start and off we went - in harsh weather improved by awe inspiring scenery. This was a thrilling rollercoaster of a marathon - I remember descending down a hill and seeing lakes and spectators beneath me. Then some uphills. Sure, Boston, NYC, London etc are famous marathons but if youve not done Snowdonia you cant say you've ran up and down a mountain in the last 4 miles. Dont let this put you off, its do-able and worth it. The support is not large in numbers but those that turn out make enough noise. One in Beddgelert offered me a cup of tea (in the horizontal rain and wind, I was very tempted!). I finished 10 minutes quicker than the Edinburgh Marathon (very flat, net downhill in fact) so dont let the hills put you off - think of them as playful undulations! The finish was brilliant - plenty of crowds braving the weather, chip timing, photographer, national TV, water, tea, coffee, food served by the local ladies. This marathon is not a major and has no ambitions to be. It is a PROPER marathon! Enter, it's one to do before you die!