Organisers in awe of Snowdonia runners
THE 35th running of the Brooks Snowdonia Marathon Eryri saw Team Bath AC runner Daniel Jones return to Llanberis to take the men’s title in dominant fashion, while Northampton’s Hayley Munn produced a stunning performance to win the women’s race.
Jones recorded a finish time of 2:36:54, while Munn smashed the women’s course record in a superb 2:57:34 and came within a minute of June Cowper’s alltime female fastest mark.
After the race, an elated Jones said: “I am absolutely delighted. That was just as tough as 2016 when I finished second to Russell Bentley, but when you are in the lead the pain seems that much easier to deal with.
“It all went perfectly to plan and when I made my move at mile 14 I felt really strong.
“After that it was just about keeping going. It’s such a privilege to be now sat alongside such great runners as Russell as winner of this race.”
Female champion Munn said: “I knew I was close to the race record, but the goal was to try and get close to three hours, so I am delighted.
“The last few miles were agony on the descent though.”
The 2014 women’s champion, Eryri Harriers’ Andrea Rowlands, showed her strength and class as she also went under the 2016 mark with a brilliant 3:01:38, her fastest ever time for the race which secured her second place. Pictures: ROBERT PARRY-JONES
Race organiser Jayne Lloyd was, as ever, in awe of the performances and the support the race had once again received.
She said: “What an amazing event. I was so impressed with Hayley’s run, as that women’s race record is something special.
“Daniel also proved why he is such a good champion, coming back from second in 2016 to take the men’s title, brilliant.
“As ever though I am overwhelmed by the support and feedback from the running community and local people involved in this race.
“The effort people put in to make this race happen is incredible. The feed station teams out there made an extra special effort this year and once again the support on the route seems like it has been unbelievable.
“I take my hat off to the runners, they are just amazing!”
Men’s top three: 1st Daniel Jones (Team Bath AC) 2:36:54, 2nd Matt Hobbs (Pudsey and Bramley AC) 2:42:34, 3rd Paul Jones (Shrewsbury AC) 2:43:45.
Women’s top three: 1st Hayley Munn (Northampton RR) 2:57:25, 2nd Andrea Rowlands (Eryri Harriers) 3:01:38, 3rd Sarah Cumber (Halifax Harriers AC) 3:13:43.
Full results via the TDL Event Services website: tdleventservices.co.uk
Further info via the Brooks Snowdonia Marathon Eryri website www. snowdoniamarathon.co.uk, on Facebook and Twitter @ marathoneryri