Snowdonia Marathon

Run, Run, Run!

 

Last weekend was a pretty tiring one for us here at the Oakeley Arms. It was the 30th Snowdonia Marathon on Saturday (27th October), and just watching those runners run by was enough to make us gasp for breath and reach for the bar.

 

2012 was a record year for the event, which was first held in 1982. Over 2,200 runners turned up to compete in this year's race, which is known as one of the toughest and most demanding marathons in the country thanks to it's challenging route around Snowdonia.

 

The Snowdonia Marathon starts at Llanberis before climbing up to the top of Pen-y-Pass. It then drops to Pen-y-Gwryd and snakes it's way through Nant Gwynant to Beddgelert. The final section climbs steadily out of the village towards Rhyd Ddu, on to Waunfawr before a final uphill push to Bwlch y Groes and the finish line in Llanberis.

 

Some of the stunning scenery that the marathon course passes through

Image by Mike Peel on wiki.commons

 

 

Rob Samuel was this year's winner in the men's category (in an amazing finish time of two hours and 35 minutes), and Emil Gelder was the winner of the women's race. There was a reflective side to some parts of the race though as many competitors wore pink race numbers and t-shirts, in honour of the missing Machynlleth girl April Jones.

 

The Snowdonia Marathon was last year voted as the best marathon in Britain, and over the years has ensured thousands of pounds of donations for local charitable causes. If this year's race has inspired you to give it a go next year, then you best get running! You've got a year to train for the 2013 event; on your marks, get set; GO! And what better excuse than to enjoy a fabulous Oakeley fry up before you start (full of real Welsh energy) and a well-worthy session at the bar when you're done!

 

Find out more information about the race and updates at www.snowdoniamarathon.co.uk

 

Time to dig out your trainers?

Image by lusi on sxc.hu