MARATHON ERYRI DROPS ENGLISH VERSION OF NAME
A popular marathon – with a good claim to be among the UK’s toughest – has announced that it is dropping its English name from the title and will be now known by its Welsh language name only,
Marathon Eryri was previously also known also by its English name (Snowdonia Marathon) but since the National Park authority decided to use only its Welsh name the event organisers have decided to follow suit.
Last year, the authority voted to refer to the National Park and Wales’ tallest mountain by their Welsh names - Eryri and Yr Wyddfa.
Their English language names, Snowdonia and Snowdon, have now been dropped from official use.
The Marathon was first * contested in 1982 and has since seen its popularity increase exponentially.
The race begins in Llanberis, passing over Pen-y-Pass, through Beddgelert and Waunfawr before finishing back in Llanberis.
Race co-ordinator Jayne Lloyd said: “It seemed a no-brainer really to drop the Snowdonia. We always referred to ourselves as Marathon Eryri locally.”
In a bilingual post on their Facebook page, Marathon Eryri said: “Newsflash! It’s bye bye Snowdonia Marathon and hello Marathon Eryri.
“Following the recent decision to refer to our National Park only by its Welsh name, we will now only be known by our Welsh name.
“Our website can now be found at www.marathoneryri.com.
“All email enquiries need to go to info@marathoneryri.com.
“Same awesome race, same fantastic views, same incredible participants, new authentic name. Caru Cymru.”
There was plenty of debate about the decision online.
Brian Moran said: “It’s a Welsh event and people come here for a Welsh experience.
“Can’t really argue with that
can you?
“Great decision.”
Becky Weaver said: “Love this change, no idea how to pronounce it but fantastic to see Wales promoting the language like this.”
However Tim Coote said: “Is that a wise branding decision? Your choice, we’ll see.”