After 30 different incarnations of the much loved and competitive Snowdonia Marathon, its 31st version was an even bigger success than ever before the starting gun was even fired.
Runners from all over flocked to the iconic hills to take part in a fierce contest which saw nearly 2000 people laced up their jogging shoes and get stuck into the fray.
The overall winners were jubilant and their victories completely deserved as they crossed the finishing line. The most remarkable point of the event was that the male winner, Rob Samuel, has now completed his hat-trick of wins at the Snowdonia Marathon Eryri – a feat which surely puts him on the same level as Jeff Norman who posted one of the quickest times in marathon history in Britain.
Although it transpired that his victory was the slowest ever winning time, Mr. Samuel was delighted with his performance which is quite amazing considering he was struggling for contention before the grand event.
The last four miles over Bwlch y Groes are tough, no matter how good you feel, and coming off the descent I just put my head down and went as hard as I could into the High Street and, well, the feeling coming up the finishing straight with the crowd going mad was unforgettable,” he said.
In the women’s race, Bangor University student Sarah Caskey completed a superb run in 1st place in what was a photo finish. This kind of desire and competition highlights just what makes this event so fantastic and respected in the running community.
“I am so happy to win”, said Caskey, “This is an unbelievable event, and it’s a great feeling to win. I was in agony coming down the last descent, but I am just glad I was able to hang on.”
Equally as delighted about the event, race organiser Jayne Lloyd was beaming when she said, “What a great race! Our winners were of such a high calibre once again, cementing the event as one of Wales’ premier road races… We are really grateful to all involved and proud of this event, which seems to go from strength to strength every year!”
With such optimism and a great reception once again, there’s no doubt that 2014’s occasion will be even bigger and better.
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