Tyn Lon Volvo International Snowdon Race 2012 02/07/2012

The Snowdon Race on Saturday July 21st is less than three weeks away. Race organiser, Stephen Edwards, describes the event as a community; one that has always ensured that participants, spectators and families leave the village of Llanberis, where the event is based, with a feeling that they have been part of more than 'just a race’.

This feeling of togetherness he believes has in part been responsible for the close associations that have developed with the Italian town of Morbegno and the Trofeo Vanoni mountain race.

Since its inception in 1976, the organisers have endeavored to make the Snowdon Race a festival of events based around the Llanberis carnival. A place where racers, friends and family can relax and soak-up the atmosphere.

This year's race is set to be one of the best ever, with some of the strongest home nation and Irish teams preparing to pit battle on the famous mountain, in an effort to put their names alongside former winners that include Kenny Stuart, Angela Mudge, Marco de Gasperi, Tim Davies and Colin Jones.

It will once again feature in the ISF (International Skyrunning Federation) calendar, part of the Skyrunner® World Series, offering national and international competitors the chance to gain valuable ranking points.

The race will be started by special guests Neil Williams and Barry Baynham of Tyn Lon Volvo, who will sound the race siren at precisely 2 p.m. as over 600 runners set off for the highest summit in England and Wales.

The race committee has worked tirelessly to ensure that the event will captivate the imaginations of everyone attending the Snowdon Race. Stephen Edwards, from Llanberis, also responsible for overseeing the activities outside of the race itself, said:

“With the race returning to the third weekend in July, there is a sense of the race coming home in 2012. Of course the race is also a week ahead of the start of the 2012 Olympics, so essentially it's kick-starting sporting celebrations in the region."

"The festival starts on Thursday evening with 100 local youngsters taking part in races, Friday sees a football match between Llanberis and Llanfairpwll and the day after the race a recovery run around Llyn Padarn is planned."

"There is so much to see and do, outside of the actual racing this year and as far as the race goes we feel that the elite runner line-up is as good as any in the last 20 years. Andi Jones is back for a crack at a remarkable 6th title while the Scots once again have a very strong team in the shape of Murray Strain (second in 2011), 2010 winner Robbie Simpson and Commonwealth bronze medalist Joe Symonds. The Welsh team is also very interesting, especially with the inclusion of local lad, Alun Vaughan, who is back in the red vest of Wales."

"We are also very pleased to have TV presenter and running personality Lowri Morgan on the start line. Lowri is a very strong runner on the longer-distances and will be competing in her first Snowdon Race."

“We are very lucky for the race to have a strong committee of volunteers, and we've worked very hard to offer much more to the public rather than just a race for an hour. We want it to be a family day out with a good atmosphere and a European 'carnival feel’ to the occasion. My aim for the race to be back as a major international event is on target and we are slowly seeing recognition on a global scale once again."

“Cwmni Da will be filming the race once again this year, with highlights to be to be broadcast on S4C. There is so much to see and do for all of the family, it’s going to be a great day, not only for Llanberis and the Snowdon Race, but also for the whole Gwynedd region.”

The field is open from 9 a.m., with the International Race starting at 2 p.m.

A programme of junior events will cement the family feel of the 2012 event. At 11 a.m. an Olympic themed super heroes race will take place over 1km for 4 to 8 year olds, who will run with their parents. Starting just after the main race at 2.10 p.m., races for U10, U12, U14, U16 and U18 year olds will take place, varying in length all the way to a 6.4km race for the under 18’s, to the Halfway Bridge and back to the finish in Padarn Park.

If you are interested in becoming part of the International Snowdon Race / Ras yr Wyddfa team you can contact Stephen Edwards on 07867 976 183 or by emailing post@creadcyf.co.uk

Photo: Last year's race winner, Andi Jones, reaching the summit of Yr Wyddfa in 41:21, on his way to crossing the finishing line in a time of 1:05:57. ©Ray Wood

Topic: Snowdon Race, Ras Yr Wyddfa, Mountain Running.

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