News

19th April, 2012
 
30th Snowdonia Marathon Eryri 2012 News - National Trust offers 10 charity spots for 2012 race
 
Gruelling, yet voted the most enjoyable Marathon by runners, the Snowdonia and Llyn National Trust Property are proud to announce that we will be one of the Snowdonia Marathon Eryri's Main Supporters in its 30th year, in 2012.
 
The inaugural Snowdonia Marathon was held in 1982, conceived as a dramatic alternative to the numerous city and town races that were rapidly becoming so popular. The demanding and spectacular route, encircling Snowdon, - Wales' and England's highest peak, has given the event a unique place in the annual marathon calendar ever since.
 
In a 2011 poll by Runners World Magazine, the Snowdonia Marathon was voted the best Marathon in the UK for the second time. Somewhat ironic since it is also regarded as one of the most difficult! Its success has been credited to the beautiful scenery.
 
The 2012 race will be the 30th Snowdonia Marathon and the biggest so far, and as part of the celebrations, and the generosity of the Snowdonia Marathon Committee, the National Trust have an additional 10 places to offer to runners wishing to participate in the Race, to support our work in the area through the Snowdonia Appeal Fund, that maintains the footpaths, stone walls etc across Snowdonia for the enjoyment of the thousands of visitors that visit the area every year.
 
Last years Marathon Winner and National Trust Staff Member Rob Samuel, fully supports the race, and would urge anyone who feels up to the challenge to go for it:
 
"It's probably one of the most scenic Marathons in the UK. Although a tough event, the sense of achievement you get when you cross that finish line is fantastic, and is great to see the local community out and about on race day getting behind all of the runners. If you're up for a great challenge in 2012, go for it!"
 
With the Marathon entries already full, the National Trust have an additional 10 spaces on offer to those who wish to take part.
 
For more information on how to gain your place to run the Snowdonia Marathon this year, please contact Lea or Nia at the National Trust, via emailing nia.griffith@nationaltrust.org.uk, or lea.hughes@nationaltrust.org.uk or by telephoning 01766510120.
 
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News: 30.01.2012
 
2011 race wins ultimate UK accolade
 
No1 UK running magazine Runner's World has announced the 2011 UK Marathon of the Year as the Snowdonia Marathon Eryri.
 
The event which is classed as the UK's toughest was also considered the best from a stand point of experience by the readers of the magazine, beating off opposition from such races as the London Marathon.
 
Race co-ordinator Jayne Lloyd was extremely proud of the accolade, saying:
 
"This means a lot to us. It is nice to be recognised for such a prestigious award, especially when you consider that we were up against bigger city races. Our race is all about the runners and they obviously feel that the experience they get when they come to Llanberis is second to none.
 
"We are seen as one of the premier marathons in the UK now and awards like this really put us on the map, but most of all this is a recognition for all of the hard work that goes into the event, year in year out, from countless members of the organising team and army of volunteers on the race."
 
Local Councillor Trevor Edwards is a long term supporter of the race and was instrumental in the setting up Marathon Eryri cyf back in 2007 when the race's future was uncertain.
 
He states:
 
"Since then the race has gone from strength to strength, and is now invaluable to the economy of our community. We are proud to find ourselves hosts to the Best Marathon in Britain, but not at all surprised. To us this is the recognition of the work put in by local groups and volunteers come rain or shine, wind or hail!"
 
Entries for the 2012 Snowdonia Marathon Eryri event went live on the 1st of January, and with almost 1700 of the 2000 places already taken organisers are expecting to fill the race in record time. 2012 also sees a milestone in the events history with the 30th edition of this world-renowned event taking place on the 27th of October, and plans are being put together for a festival of celebrations over the weekend.
 
News 11/10/11 
 

News: 22.6.2011
Iconic marathon set for a festival of running
 
The Snowdonia Marathon Eryri has announced a record field of competitors once again in 2011 - as the event continues to grow and add to Llanberis' reputation as the unofficial outdoor capital of Wales. This year also sees new sponsors and local businesses being engaged once again, as the event delivers on its promise to put Wales, the local community and local economy foremost, preparing for over 2000 runners to descend on the Gwynedd area in less than three weeks time.
 
2011 will also see the return of the highly popular junior races which will take place in the village centre, finishing on the same high street location as the marathon. New sponsors have also been recruited with a new water sponsor for the event, as Waunfawr-based mineral water company Dwr Yr Wyddfa will be supplying over 7000 bottles of water to help keep the runners hydrated as they embark on the tough 26.2 mile route. 
 
Excited by developments, event organiser Jayne Lloyd explains:
 
"The day after the 2010 race we were fielding enquiries about the 2011 race. We are seen as one of the premier marathons in the UK now, and demand for places is getting higher every year. We don't really want to grow the event much further in terms of entry numbers so we are now looking at the experience and enjoyment factor of the event.
 
"We are really happy to be working with Dwr Yr Wyddfa - as it has always been a remit of the event to support local business and suppliers. This year we will have sports cap water bottles at every fuel station on the route, meaning less wastage and a better system for the runners.
 
"The marathon has grown to a stage now where we are constantly assessing what we do. So, it's not about doing more, but doing things we already do better, such as the tweaks to the route and the high street finish location in 2010, which proved very successful. We have a lot to shout about, we bring thousands of runners to the area generating huge amounts of income; the runners love the race, they love the area and the incredible welcome they get.
 
However, one of the most interesting new additions to the proceedings on the 29th of October will be the reappearance of the junior races, something which Lloyd is particularly pleased about:
 
"For me this is one of the most exciting aspects of this year's Snowdonia Marathon Eryri. We have worked hard to not only bring back the junior element to the marathon, but also ensure that the races start and finish in the same high street location that the marathon now occupies. The Gwynedd area, and particularly Llanberis, has a long heritage of producing world class young runners - Colin Jones and Alun Vaughan are just two who come to mind, and we consider it a duty of events like the marathon to help in the development of these youngsters  
 
It's also about putting something back in to the local community. It is them who cheer on our runners, who stand in the freezing cold wind and rain smiling and clapping them on. It is they who tolerate the inconvenience of our traffic management during the race and who give us the support we need to make this event work and we as organisers are very grateful."
 
Now in its 29th year the marathon, which is regarded as one of the toughest and most picturesque in the UK, continues to ensure it delivers in supporting the local community and environment not only physically but also financially and after donating £11,500 in 2011 the race has now donated over £50,000 to local causes since 2008. Beneficiaries have included National Trust, Snowdonia Society (who will be doing a big litter pick on the day after this year’s race), Ysgol Beddgelert, Ysgol Feithrin Beddgelert, Young Firefighters, North Wales Army Cadets, Ysgol Waunfawr, Ysgol Dolbadarn, Llanrug FC and Llanberis FC.
 
The 2011 race takes place on Saturday the 29th of October, with junior races starting at 11am. Full details of the marathon programme and entry forms for the junior events are online at the Snowdonia Marathon Eryri website, with entries also being accepted on the day. 
 
Those wishing to volunteer help for the race can contact Jayne Lloyd on 01286 677785.
Further event, sponsor and press information can be found at the Snowdonia Marathon / Marathon Eryri website www.snowdoniamarathon.com, on Facebook and Twitter @marathoneryri
For further press and media enquiries contact Matt Ward matt.ward@cyclevox.com +44 (0)7515 558670
 
 

 
The Snowdonia Marathon Committee this week showed it’s appreciation
of  the local community’s support by donating over £14,000 to local
groups and causes. The presentation took place at Craflwyn Hall just
outside Beddgelert and representatives from each group attended to
receive their cheques.

 

Marathon organiser Jayne Lloyd said ‘’It’s fantastic that we are in a
position to be able to do this. When we set up the new organising
committee in 2007, this is exactly what we hoped to be able to do with
the race. Without the help people like those here tonight, we couldn’t
even think of holding the race. None of this would have been possible
without the help that we have had over the years from First Hydro.
Their continuing support has meant that the race has gone from
strength to strength and we are very grateful”

 

The Marathon committee members are hoping to be able to continue to
put money back into the community on an annual basis. Groups to
benefit this year include The National Trust, Ysgol Dolbadarn, The Army
Cadet Force, Caernarfon, North Wales Young Fire Fighters, North Wales
Police Cadets, Llanberis Football Club, Waunfawr Community Centre,
The Snowdonia Society, Beddgelert in Bloom, Ysgol Beddgelert,
Beddgelert Community Hall, Clwb Beddgelert and Beddgelert Snooker
Club.

 




2008 Snowdonia Marathon Results - 26/10/08
Please click on this link to see the results for the 26th Snowdonia Marathon.

Congratulations to the Men's winner, Martin Cox, who finished in two hours, 44 minutes, 40 seconds. And the Women's winner, Alison Sedman, of Manchester, who finished in 3.14.55.


2008 Race Day Photos!
Click here to see this year's Race Day photos. They don't really do the weather justice! If you have any photos that you would like us to add just email us at info@snowdoniamarathon.co.uk but please try to keep them below 200kb - thanks!

Visit MarathonFoto to find your personal photo's.

Snowdonia Marathon goes Hi-Tech as well as Green
Another first, this year we have also pushed on the technology pedal! TDL Event services (our race timers) are launching their innovative GPS tracking system that will allow spectators, not just at the even but anywhere in the world, to watch the race online as it progresses live! The trackers will be carried by the event vehicles and 10 runners. The runners progress will also be shown at Electric Mountain and the Victoria Hotel on big screens. 
 


29th Snowdonia Marathon / Marathon Eryri, 2011 – Media release

Marathon donates to local community
 
The Snowdonia Marathon Eryri has once again donated to local community groups and schools in Eryri after one of the best ever events in the race's history last October. On Monday evening community groups, organisations and schools from the area gathered at the National Trust offices in Craflwyn, Beddgelert for a special presentation evening to recognise the valuable support that they provide to the event.
 
Now in its 29th year the marathon, which is regarded as one of the toughest and most picturesque in the UK, continues to ensure it delivers in supporting the local community and environment not only physically but also financially and after donating £11,500 in 2011 the race has now donated over £50,000 to local causes since 2008.
 
Race organiser Jayne Lloyd is at lengths to explain the remit of the event, and is clear where the race's priorities lie.

"To be honest with you, I think this is one of the best things about Marathon Eryri. We have a lot to shout about, we bring thousands of runners to the area generating huge amounts of income; the runners love the race, they love the area and the incredible welcome they get; we have impressive sustainable credentials, we have picked up an event and made it something truly unique and successful.

But, as I said, the best bit for me is being able to put something back in to the local community. It is them who cheer on our runners, who stand in the freezing cold wind and rain smiling and clapping them on. It is they who tolerate the inconvenience of our traffic management during the race and who give us the support we need to make this event work."

Speaking about the huge contribution the event makes to local causes, Jayne continues:

"Since 2008 we have given in excess of £50,000 to local causes. This money gets used in a variety of ways. We contributed towards the all weather pitch in Llanberis and helped towards the cost of Llanberis FC’s new shower block. Ysgol Dolbadarn built a climbing wall using our money, the National Trust have been able to fund volunteering conservation work throughout Snowdonia using funds donated by Marathon Eryri, the Snowdonia Society have been able to put money towards new green initiatives in the area and youth volunteering groups have been able to fund valuable experiences for their members.

How great to be able to do this. Our runners are often overwhelmed by the spirit of the race, in this way they can show their appreciation by giving us the opportunity to put something back."


Beneficiaries on the night included National Trust, Snowdonia Society (who will be doing a big litter pick on the day after this year’s race), Ysgol Beddgelert, Ysgol Feithrin Beddgelert, Young Firefighters, North Wales Army Cadets, Ysgol Waunfawr, Ysgol Dolbadarn, Llanrug FC, Llanberis FC

The 2011 race takes place on Saturday the 29th of October and those wishing to volunteer help for the race can contact Jayne Lloyd on 01286 677785.

Further event, sponsor and press information can be found at the Snowdonia Marathon / Marathon Eryri wesbite www.snowdoniamarathon.com, on Facebook and Twitter @marathoneryri

For further press and media enquiries contact Matt Ward matt.ward@cyclevox.com +44 (0)7515 558670



26.10.2010
FINAL UPDATE

Arrangements for runners 2010

Registration will take place in the Llanberis Community Centre from midday until midnight on Friday 29th October and again from 6am until 9am on the morning of Saturday 30th October. The Community Centre is situated by the lake, next to The Electric Mountain building and will be clearly signposted (postcode LL55 4UR).

Runners can park at any one of a number of Pay and Display car parks around the village. All are within easy walking distance of registration. Please be environmentally aware and try to share transport to the race wherever possible.

The race start is 5 minutes from registration at 10.30 am. Please note that the road closure will not come in to effect until 10:00 am so you are asked not to make your way to the start before then.

Please be aware that the weather at this time of year can be quite challenging and you are advised to carry some sort of body cover with you whilst running.

Your number must be clearly visible at all times during the race and you are reminded that failure to wear your timing chip will result in you being omitted from the results. I am also obliged to tell you that the wearing of headphones whilst racing could result in disqualification.

Race presentation will be held at around 3.00 pm in the Electric Mountain Building which is next door to the Community Centre. Please try to attend if you can, it is good to support those who have achieved so well.

If you are unable to attend but have won a prize, please try to pick it up before you leave as we will be unable to forward it to you.

Any information you may need concerning feed stations, race support etc. is available on our website www.snowdoniamarathon.com

Good Luck to you all!


DIWEDDARIAD TERFYNOL

Trefniadau ar gyfer rhedwyr 2010


Bydd cofrestru yn digwydd yn y Ganolfan Gymunedol Llanberis o 12 o’r gloch pnawn dydd Gwener tan 12 o’r gloch nos Wener 29 Hydref ac yna o 6am tan 9am ar Ddydd Sadwrn Hydref 30ain. Mae'r Ganolfan Gymunedol wedi'i lleoli ger y llyn, nesaf at yr adeilad Mynydd Gwefru a bydd yn cael ei arwyddo yn glir (cod post LL55 4UR).

Gall Rhedwyr barcio yn unrhyw un o nifer o feysydd parcio Talu ac Arddangos o gwmpas y pentref. Mae pob un ohonynt o fewn pellter cerdded hawdd o gofrestru. Dylech fod yn ymwybodol o'r amgylchedd ac yn ceisio rhannu cludiant i'r ras lle bo hynny'n bosibl. Mae'r ras yn cychwyn am 10.30, sef 5 munud o lleoliad cofrestru.

Sylwch na fydd y trefniant cau’r ffordd yn dod i rym tan 10:00. Peidiwch â mynd at y man cychwyn cyn hynny. Dylech fod yn ymwybodol y gall y tywydd ar yr adeg hon o'r flwyddyn fod yn eithaf heriol ac fe'ch cynghorir i gael rhyw fath o ddilledyn i’ch arbed tra'n rhedeg.

Rhaid bod eich rhif wedi ei arddangos yn glir bob amser drwy gydol y ras, a hoffem eich hatgoffa bod peidio gwisgo eich ‘chip’ amseru yn arwain at eich diarddel o'r canlyniadau.

Yr wyf hefyd yn gorfod eich hysbysu bod defnyddio clustffonau tra’n rhedeg yn gallu golygu eich diarddel o’r ras. Cynhelir digwyddiad gwobrwyo’r Ras tua 3.00 o’r gloch yn y Mynydd Gwefru sydd drws nesaf i'r Ganolfan Gymunedol.

Ceisiwch fod yn bresennol os oes modd, mae'n dda i gefnogi'r rhai hynny sydd wedi llwyddo mor dda. Os nad ydych yn gallu bod yn bresennol, ond wedi ennill gwobr, a fuasech yn ei godi cyn i chi adael gan na fyddwn yn gallu ei anfon ymlaen atoch.

Mae gwybodaeth ddefnyddiol am orsafoedd bwyd, cymorth a chefnogaeth cyn ac yn ystod y ras a mwy ar gael ar ein gwefan www.snowdoniamarathon.com

Pob lwc i chi gyd!



15.10.2010

Junior Races Take a Back Seat for 2010

The Snowdonia Marathon Race Committee have had to cancel the junior races for this year.

Race coordinator Jayne Lloyd said ‘’It is a great shame that we have had to do this. A fixture clash has meant that we will have neither the resources nor the local competitors to make this year’s junior races feasible.’’ She went on to say ‘’The new route for the senior race had meant that we were looking at changes in the route for juniors too so this at least gives us the chance to revisit the junior race courses for 2011.’’

The committee have confirmed that the junior races and the free pre-race training for local children will definitely return next year.

Jayne concluded ‘’Next year we would hope that the North Wales Cross Country League will check their fixtures calendar before scheduling their races. Runners from all over Britain have begun bringing their children with them to take part. It would be a shame for our local children to miss out on the opportunity to race against them.’’


_______________________________________________________


1.10.2010
New route for 2010 announced

New course for the Snowdonia Marathon should please competitors and the local community

Llanberis, Wales: With 4 weeks to go until the 2010 Snowdonia Marathon the organizing team have released details that will ensure the event is better than ever. After many years starting in Nant Peris the 2010 race will start just outside of the village of Llanberis, eliminating the need for bus and car transfers to the race start.

The new route will take in the ancient Nant Gwynant road after the runners reach Pen Y Gwryd, meaning a traffic-free run of three miles down the Gwynant. Additionally the race will now finish on Llanberis’ High Street, meaning a faster course for the competitors and a greater sense of inclusiveness for local business and the local community.

The main reason for the change is to make the race as safe as possible for the competitors”, says race organiser Jayne Lloyd. “Also it will be more enjoyable. The old road from PYG gives a different view of the course, one less often seen by visitors.The changes to the start and finish are meant to make things easier for the runners. Bringing the start closer to Llanberis eliminates the need for the buses and generally makes the logistics easier. Finishing on the High Street will enhance the atmosphere of the race too, the Snowdonia Marathon is a community event and this will allow us to celebrate that.”

Speaking about the benefits to competitors Lloyd continues, “Clearly it will be less complicated for them logistically. As far as the actual race goes, I think it will be quicker. The extra miles at the start are downhill and the finish is more direct. Runners lost impetuous on the loop around the back of the village on the old course.” Full details on the new route will be added to the Snowdonia Marathon Eryri website in early October.

The Snowdonia Marathon Eryri organisation is highly aware of all aspects that impact the event from competitor safety and satisfaction, to ensuring that sponsors and supporters of the event are also included in the their thoughts when changes are made to the event - and then there is the environmental impact.

The sponsorship aspect of the race is also stronger than ever in 2010 and on this Jayne states, “We see our sponsors as partners. There are a number of criteria that we attach when working with a proposed backer of the event and central to that is their ability to deliver on environmental issues.

Sustainability is also a big deal, especially for companies wanting to be part of 2012 - we are ahead of the game. We work with a lot of local concerns, help community projects and use local businesses where possible. Our T-shirts etc are super green and even our race refreshments are ethical. This costs much more but helps the race secure its own future – sustainability at its best.


With many of the Snowdonia Marathon sponsors renewing for a third year it is clear that these partners see value in their investment in the event, and Lloyd concludes. “First Hydro Company, Brooks, Buff, Suunto, Ransacker.co.uk, Dwyfor, Gwynedd County Council, the list goes on, and we are proud to work with these organisations. It’s vital to us that they understand why the race exists and how we see working with the local environment and numerous local organisations as central to out message. Of course it’s about running too, and coupling all of this with our brand sponsors works perfectly.

Race planning is on target too, with a full field of 2000 runners being reached in May! We really are looking forward to another fantastic event in 2010.”


2010 Sponsors roster


Brooks - 3rd year of support Brooks have now come on board as an official race sponsor and they will be increasing their support substantially this year. They are hoping to use the race to promote their new ‘green’ footwear. All prize-winners will receive products from Brooks exciting and innovative range of sportswear.

Buff - This will also be Buff’s third year as a sponsor. All prize winners will receive a fashion boost from our friends at Buff making them the best dressed runners on the road!

Cread Cyf - Dylunio Cread Cyf. creates unique designs and images to promote a products and services. For the past 5 years, they have provided the designs for the off-line marketing material, posters & race guide.

Dwyfor - Support from Dwyfor supplies ensures that all tea, coffee and food is Fair Trade so you can enjoy the refreshments after the race with an easy conscience.

First Hydro Company
- First Hydro has been a major supporter of the Snowdonia Marathon for a number of years. Without their support it would have been very difficult for us to establish Marathon Eryri Cyf. They contribute to a number of local events and the race is  grateful to them for their continued involvement in the event.

Gwynedd County Council
- Gwynedd Council have helped the race for many years in a number of ways. The support of the Events Commission was a great help in developing the race over the last few years. The Highways Department have been extremely supportive in efforts to establish a junior race and are also working alongside the Snowdonia Marathon to review the course details for 2010.

Marathon Foto – The Official race photographer. £1.00 from every picture purchased is donated to our charity.

Pete Bland - We are pleased to have the Support of Pete Bland Sports. They will be present over race weekend to supply all your running needs.

Ransacker.co.uk
- Ransacker have probably been our most influential new sponsors over the last three years. They have been the major force behind our new green initiatives and have encouraged us with new ideas and incentives to make the Snowdonia Marathon as ethical as possible.

Suunto - For the third consecutive year, Suunto will be providing race prizes The first man and woman will receive watches worth over £100.

Wonder Media
- These wonderful people have created our new website. What more can we say?

ZipVit - ZipVit are supporting us again this year. They are kindly providing all race energy products making sure our runners have all the fuel they need to make it to the finish line!





Marathon
Tribute to Community Support
Don't fear if you can't make the race you can watch it online by clicking on this link!

You will also be able to replay the race once its finished by visiting this website, if you want any further information about the system simply e-mail info@tdl.ltd.uk.


The 26th Snowdonia Race Program
It has taken a lot of long nights and coffee to compile our 26th Race Day program but here it is and we hope you like it. The 36 page program has been printed on recycled paper and we would be really grateful if you did not print the online program (save some trees and printers!). 

To download the Race Day program please click on this link.


2 for 1 Offer at Plas Newydd
Whilst visiting Snowdonia why not take the kids to Plas Newydd? There is a great adventure playground to explore and a fantastic garden. You could take a stroll through the woodland or pop in to the house and see the Rex Whistler exhibition. Then finish up with a warming cup of tea and a slice of homemade cake. It all makes a great day out. 

This voucher entitles one person to free entry, once only, to Plas Newydd when accompanied by a paying adult. This voucher is valid until the
29th of October 2008.

To claim your free 2 for 1 voucher just click on this link.


Get 10% off SIS products
Our Drinks Sponsor; Science in Sport are offering all participants of the Snowdonia Marathon 10% off their products between now (12/10/08) and the 25/12/08. All you need is visit their website by clicking on this link and then enter the following Promotion Code during check out: SNO258Y. Please note it is a capital o not a zero.

Race Entries are now closed
Unfortunately race entries for the 2008 Snowdonia Marathon are now closed. We received a record number of applicants and look forward to seeing you all on the 25th of October for a fantastic event.

Closing Date for Entries
The closing date for entries will be Friday the 15th of August 2008 at Midnight. Please register online before then or if you wish to enter via post make sure that we receive your entry before Thursday the 14th of August 2008.

Snowdonia Marathon Launch Press Release 08/07/2008: Uploads/Snowdonia Marathon 080708 (2).pdf