Hundreds take on the Thousands:
THE Welsh 1000m Peaks race took place on June 1 and the weather was kind to the organisers and competitors after the high winds, rain and low cloud on the Friday, which returned on the Sunday!
However, there was enough cloud to make the navigation interesting, many marshals reported great views later in the day.
There were 110 fell runners and 109 challenge competitors took to the hills, the long courses starting at Aber on the coast and the short courses starting at Ogwen.
Founded in 1971, the long course starts at the sea and after crossing the windswept wilderness of the Carneddau and the rocky moonscape of the Glyderau, it finishes on Yr Wyddfa/Snowdon, highest mountain in Wales.
Mountain athletes have, for decades, informally competed against each other whilst endeavouring to do the 15 3,000ft mountains in Snowdonia.
The long course route up the Gribin is interesting and adds variety for the competitors.
Each mountain range has its own character: the bleak wilderness of the Carneddau, the rock scramble up the Glyders and the people and prepared paths on Snowdon both finishing on the summit of Snowdon provides a uniqueness not found in many fell races.
Competitors returning to the event centre variously commented on the toughness of the race, the best race ever, the flapjack, the crowds on the Pyg track and the summit and the helpful marshals.
Among the comments included: “Thank you again and know the memory will live on long after the toe nails have grown back” and “It was brilliantly organised, and all the marshal stations were friendly and helpful. The route was tough - as a road runner I underestimated how tough it would be. I’ll be back next year!”
The race would not take place without the helpers from the Gorphwysfa Club, Eryri, the many other volunteers and the cooperation of the landowners over whose land the race traverses.
The organisers were keen to thank sponsor Engie of Llanberis.
One of the finish marshals said: “Every so often rents in the cloud appeared offering startlingly brilliant views across to the sea.
“The competitors were gracious as always. Some were able to thank us for marshalling as they finished. Others needed a while to recover, returning to say how much they appreciated our efforts.
“Everyone asked to do so, happily complied with a kit check.
“Six hours on the top of Snowdon, plus the walk up and down the Pyg track makes a long day for the summit team but it is wonderful to be part of such an iconic event.’
Results: Long fell race: Neal Hockley (Eryri Harriers): 4.13.10. Tessa Strain (Hunters Bog Trotters) set a new female record of 04.23.38.
Short fell face: Peter Ryder (Aberdare Valley AAC): 01:51:40; Long challenge: Ben Ryle 05:34:28; Short challenge: Andy Creber (Mynydd Du): 2:22:13.
For full results, go to: www.welsh1000m.org