THE BIG ONE
600 of the world’s top runners ready to take on iconic mountain route in the ultimate race for glory
MORE than 600 runners are expected to line up for the start of the 42nd Jewson International Snowdon Race later this month.
The race is considered one of the greatest in the world of mountain running, and attracts some of the best runners in Europe.
Teams from Wales, England, Scotland, Ireland and Italy will once again go headto-head over the 10 arduous miles of the iconic mountain on July 15.
However, the event has grown over the last four decades and just completing the race – from Llanberis to the summit of Snowdon and back – is something thousands aspire to.
Evidence of the general popularity was seen when the 650 places available went online on March 1 and, within 24 hours, all but a few had gone.
Race organiser Stephen Edwards said: “The 2017 race is set to be our best ever!
“We have a new headline sponsor on board in the form of Jewson. The team at Jewson saw the opportunity to sponsor an iconic race as a great fit for a national company connecting with the local community.
“The buzz in Llanberis on Snowdon Race weekend is unbelievable, you have to be here to be able to understand that. This race means so much to the area and the people of Llanberis, they are proud of the race and what it portrays to the thousands of visitors that come here for the race and the weekend.
“Also new for 2017 as a sponsor are inov-8. As one of the leading global mountain-running footwear brands, they are a perfect fit with Snowdon.
“Another change this year will be the main race will start two hours earlier at noon.”
Charlotte Bird from Jewson UK added: “We’re always looking for ways to support the community in which we operate.
“Here in North Wales, we’re fortunate to have Snowdon – a nationally renowned landmark – right on our doorstep and it’s our backdrop whenever we’re out and about making deliveries and visiting customers on-site.
“We couldn’t pass up the chance to support the iconic 42nd Jewson International Snowdon Race that welcomes runners from across the world and UK to our local community.”
The race was first held in 1976, when Ken Jones put forward the idea to the village’s Carnival Committee. Just 86 runners took part in the first race. The men’s course record stands at 1:02:29, set by Kenny Stuart in 1985. The women’s record stands at 1:12:48, set by Carol Greenwood in 1993.