What an event for the 2,700 who had registered including the Quartet from Massey. But what weather-nothing abnormal up here mind you in my 28 years of running this. There was rain, more rain, winds in all directions-usually into your face so the going was tough. In fact the start area looked like a plastic bag shop with everyone wearing the plastic hoodie wraps that we were given at registration.
Then the off at 1030 and the 4.5 mile uphill slog up the Llanberis Pass on closed roads. That was a toughie for everyone but at least it was downhill and flat to the half way point at Beddgelert although 2 miles were off road on very dodgy rough and wet tracks and trails.
Then the fun started with a 2 mile hill to 15-and yes it was still raining. Flattish on road to 21 at Waunfawr then all hell started as it was all uphill and very steep to 23 then it went crazy for 2 miles. It was just stones, boulders, streams, mud, grass, huge puddles (lakes really) then vertically down on mud and grass to 25 when the track became a road and back into Llanberis for the huge welcoming finish.
They gave me number 28th to mark my 28th Snowdon so a nice touch there I thought.
Many dropped out or were pulled out at the 18 mile mark where you had to be in 4 hours-I made it easily with 8 mins to spare!
Robina and I met up with Andy and Steve and their wives later on for well deserved drinks. But Jason who ran a blinder went back for IIllmington on Sunday. Well done Jase.
So next week’s half in the Chiltern Hills should be a stroll in the park for me and for Steve and Andy’s 30 mile Ultra.
Massey results:
Jason Douglas 4.07
Steve Damms 5.22
Andy Cutting 5.22
Dave Phillips 5.59
Race report by Dave Phillips.