Snowdon marathon 2008
27/10/2008 by Ivan.
The Snowdon Marathon is always regarded as a little on the tough side, as you have to climb 3 separate hills, with a total climb of 2400′. This year however nature threw the worst weather of the races 26 year history at it. The rain had begun before the runners arrived at the start, a desolate patch of gravel in the middle of nowhere. There was very little natural shelter from the biting wind that blew down the Llanberis Pass. The race started with very few discarding their jackets and bin liners. The actual running gave the runners a chance to generate some internal heat after the chilling from waiting at the start. The ascent of the Pass climbs some 800′ in 4 miles. Never easy and a chore with the wind and rain in your face. Over the top and a long descent and flat run to almost halfway at Beddgelert. The Nant Gwynant valley leading to Beddgelert was also funnelling wind and rain into the runners faces. A short climb out of the village left the long, gently undulating or flat run, past Llyn Cwellyn and on to Waunfawr, a village that precedes the final and hardest climb up over the ridge and into Llanberis. Waunfawr comes at about 21 miles and the runners now ascend into strengthening winds and horizontal rain to pass thro’ a depressing abandoned slate quarry and across a short stretch of grass before the plunge into Llanberis. A cruel loop around the back of the town and the final welcome short stretch of road and into the finish. One large marquee had blown down so the runners all crammed into the Community Hall for foil blankets, tea, coffee and something to eat. A slate coaster and tee shirt for what had been a gruelling event. Many dropped out or were pulled out by first aid. None from Chepstow Harriers tho’. Our girls were truly magnificent. No thought of throwing in the towel just a grim determination to get to the finish. The final times so far are……………………..
Mark English Male M40+ 03:36:41 - 03:35:57
Paul Lidgett Male M40+ 03:41:23- 03:40:40
Andrew Blackmore Male M40+ 04:00:26 - 03:59:45
Michael Smith Male M50+ 04:16:47 - 04:14:25
Claire Gibson Female FSEN 04:48:57 - 04:46:40
Suzie Shepherd Female FSEN 04:52:31- 04:50:12.
Gill Ellis Female F45+ 05:18:13 - 05:15:53. Roberta Havers Female FSEN 05:25:42 - 05:23:24.
Beverly Meek-Welsh Female F45+ 05:34:47 - 05:32:26 (actually Tash Williams ! )
