International Snowdon Race – July 20, 2024

History of International Snowdon Race

The International Snowdon Race was first held on July 19, 1976, after a native of Llanberis, Ken Jones, proposed the idea to the village’s Carnival Committee. In the first race, 86 runners participated. It was won by Dave Francis from Bristol, England, with a time of 1:12:05. The woman in first place was Bridget Hogge from Wales, who completed the course in one hour, 40 minutes, and 15 seconds. In 2010, almost 500 runners competed, and among the countries represented were Scotland, Italy, and Kenya. Now there are also Snowdon races for juniors, first incorporated in 2009.

In the International Snowdon Race, the runners have to make the five-mile climb up the Llanberis Path and return down. Snowdon is the highest mountain in Wales, at an elevation of 3,560 feet above sea level. It’s also the highest point in the British Isles outside the Scottish Highlands. Located in Snowdonia National Park, Gwynedd, Snowdon is said to be the busiest mountain in the United Kingdom and the third most visited attraction in Wales. Besides, Snowdon is designated as a national nature reserve for its rare flora and fauna.

Snowdon houses several plants that are rarely found elsewhere in the United Kingdom. One of those is Gagea serotina, which is also found in the Alps and North America. It is said to have been first discovered in Wales by Edward Lhuyd. Initially known as mountain spiderwort, it is now known as the Snowdon lily in the United Kingdom. In Snowdon, birds that can be spotted are merlin, osprey, peregrine falcon, raven, red-billed chough, and red kite. Goats, otters, and polecats have been seen near or on Snowdon, while pine martens have not been seen for years.