The ERYRI 25K is inspired by Eryri (pronounced Eh-ruh-ree) / Snowdonia itself: the ‘land of the eagles’, that once soared freely, high above the snow-capped peaks of this mythical land…
When asked to write a race report on our recent adventure to the ERYRI 25km race (not our first attempt at this effort) the first thing I thought was where do I start. I suppose on reflection it is always going to be the why and to be honest I think I can speak on behalf of the other Phill and I I’m saying that that is always going to be an easy answer – to see if we can.
These adventures have always been about two things and two things only 1) spending time with a great friend and 2) taking on a challenge being unsure if able to
Complete ……. Is this possible …… let’s find out.
The race itself is a 25km circular route starting and finishing in Llanberis wales, taking in two primary peaks (Snowdon at c.1100m and Bwlch Maesgwm at c.600m). With a race saying coined as savage beyond reason you can imagine the adventure that lays in front of ya in this one but my goodness it is class. Ascents, descents, ridge lines and plenty of scrambling all of the joys for those that like to take themselves on to the trails and off trail.
Speaking personally this was my third attempt at this effort this year. As someone who suffers with constant doubt and that I am not good enough feeing, having had two previous finishes at this race, I had not been proud of my two efforts in 2023 and 2024. Tbh also any excuse for a lads weekend away I was always going to be sign me up. So everything above is why I went back for a third attempt in 2025. The funny thing is the first time in the long time in an effort like this I had felt chuffed. The difference this year was that I felt strong the whole way through and I was running into llanberis with a big smile on my face excited to share with my buddy experiences had and proud of the effort I had just had.
I purposely left this race report very short and nondescript as the experience of this race is magical, I would say unbelievable but it really does take seeing to believe it so I am going to leave for those intrigued enough to investigate the mystery and beauty that falls within this extremely
Hard effort in my opinion. My one bit of advice for this race would be don’t go into this blind this is hard and once you fell like
You have a desire to see what this takes that is when you sign up. Signing up in another way will cause a lot of hard work and suffering.
Speaking on behalf of the other Phill and I the comments we always hear/get asked coming back from these efforts is …. I could never do that, that is so hard, why do you do that/how do you that. Someone I admire deeply once said to me limits are a blocker enforced by oneself. It simple comes down to two things a great experience (I feel very fortunately that I have a fantastic buddy that I can share these with) and not being afraid to try. I will sign of with one of my favourite quotes
“I do not know where the cap in my potential lays so I just keep on running and that is why I run”
– Philip McCarron & Phillip Hayes