The Snowdonia Marathon

The 25th Snowdonia Marathon (supported by the National Trust) will be held on Saturday October 27 2007.

This year in a major change for the silver anniversary of this notorious and challenging, but spectacular Marathon, the race is being organised by a local community group with support from the National Trust and the main sponsors First Hydro Ltd.

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.

The race starts at Nant Peris (300ft) on the A4086 and then climbs to the top of the Llanberis Pass (Pen y Pass 1,100ft).

It follows the A498 to Beddgelert (200ft) and there continues along the A4085 to Waunfawr. From here it is a rapid climb to about 1,200ft at Bwlch y Groes (a short length is unmetalled) and then downhill to the finish in Llanberis.

Every year since 1982, the winner of the Snowdonia Marathon has been presented with the Michael Forte Challenge Trophy. The story of how it was given to the National Trust, to be used on this special occasion, is a very interesting one. Visit the website to find out more...

Elfyn Jones, the Marathon's organiser and Property Manager for the National Trust in North Snowdonia says:

'The scenery is spectacular all the way around the route. Many runners are keenly aware of the need to look after the environment and this is one unusual way in which they can help. So much money is spent by the National Trust's Snowdonia Appeal on repairing footpaths on the mountains and restoring dry stone walls. But because the trick is for it to appear as if nothing has been done people aren’t very aware of the work.'

To enter visit the site (www.nationaltrust.org.uk) or phone the number provided above.