The Snowdonia Marathon voted the best marathon in the UK twice and recognised as the toughest marathon in the UK. So, who would attempt the 26.2 miles and 1,700 feet of climbing? Well, over 1800 runners, including 5 runners from St Helens Sutton Athletic Club.
On Saturday the 24th of October Greg Carns, Sonya Moynihan, Mark Liptrot, Gary Oldham, Ian Roberts and Andy Wilson attempted the gruelling race in the cold wind and rain of North Wales.
The first half of the race is straight into the hills from Llanberis up through the infamous Pen Y Pass and down off road through the valley to Beddgelert. Then 13 more miles back on the roads – straight into the next hill to Pont Cae Gors. Finally, after 21 miles the last hill and what a hill! As Ian said “mountain goats would look at it and say, nah we’ll get the bus”. The steep downhill back to Llanberis offers little comfort to tired legs. The heavy rain made the grassy surface like ice. “It wouldn’t be a Vets day out without a visit to the first aid tent and Ian duly obliged after taking a flyer on the treacherous final descent” commented Mark.
An amazing finish by Andy, 3’05” coming 42nd and 11th in his age group. Then, followed by Greg at 3’30”, Mark in at 3’40”, Gary in at 3’58” and Ian at 4’05”. Sonya came in at 4’14” slower than last year’s 3’55” but still 18th in her age group. A great day out on an epic course!
Remember “great oak trees from little acorns grow” if you’re new to runing why not start small with a 5K like parkrun every Saturday at 9 am in Victoria Park.
Report from Gary Oldham