Photo of the leading Eryri men including the winning 1,2 and 3. Centre is Steve Jones, winning v60 and an amazing 13th overall.

Lucky once again with the weather ! The preceding evening and night was extremely wet and windy so it was great to wake up and see clear blue skies and a favourable forecast. This year was the 40th anniversary of what is one of the most popular fell races in Wales . The nature of the course and its long history help contribute to its wide appeal - This year no exception with 250 pre-entered.

223 runners were set off by local town mayor Dafydd Borland and within 2 ½ hours , they were all back . One of the most “efficient” races in recent years ! Conditions were , apparently, surprisingly good underfoot given the recent wet weather. Local runner Math Roberts was unchallenged from the start , Despite his various deviations from the route ( in perfect visibility !!). He took the win by a couple of minutes from fellow Eryri members Martin Cliffe and Dylan Jones.

Similarly , in the ladies race, former winner Andrea Rowlands was five minutes clear of the others at the finish .

The VET categories are always both fiercely contested and inspirational , this year was no exception. Special mention for recent Vet 60 Steve Jones who came 13th overall ( one to watch in Brit Champs 2015) and Vet 50 Russell Owen – consistently good performance year on year – 15th in 1:21

The Aim for me every year is to continue to provide a value- for- money event with as much “profit” as possible going to local charities. This year we have been extremely lucky once again to be supported by : Haglofs UK ( prizes ), Pen Town Council, Capelulo Village Hall, X-Ray Mins , Conwy Brewery . Every runner received a bottle of finishers Ales and a hand made commemorative mug from Bentham Pottery.

Huge thanks to our loyal band of helpers & marshalls – simply couldn’t run an event like this without them !

Special mention to the group of “Chefs” running from Saddleworth runners & led by Mark Brakespear . He rang me early in the year with this idea and so I felt totally happy that this was not a bunch of fun-runners who were going to cause concern by taking on the event dressed as chefs ( and chasing a lobster !!!!) . But, they planned every detail and had support in the shape of a hotdog stall erected at the finish providing “free food” .... but with donations to our race charity . SO, thanks to them . I wouldn’t be keen to see lots of groups doing this in the future but these guys really did nail it & have everything covered !

Very much look forward to seeing everyone again in 2015 and ... don’t forget that its always been pre-entry !       Chris Near       Race Organiser