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Email to a friendSteve ran the Snowdonia Marathon on Saturday 25th October 2008 and it was Marathon Number 458 in his world record challenge. The Snowdonia Marathon, now in its 26th year, was voted "Best UK Marathon" in 2007 and can attract over 1500 competitors. Steve ran with Bib number 459 for Bourton Roadrunners.
This years event was run in terrible weather conditions and the organisers said " huge congratulations to all those that took part in the race. We are extremely proud of the runners, supporters and staff that braved the horrendous weather conditions to produce a memorable event"
After the race Steve sent in this report "This was always going to be the real test for my ongoing injury, not just because it was only 6 days after running the Leicester Marathon, but also the nature of the course. Although its not quite as demanding as Langdale, I would still put it in the top 3 of the toughest UK road marathons. However, despite the tough course and horrendous weather conditions, I completed my 458th marathon in a time of 3:34:54 for 133rd place out of 1166 starters. The weather conditions really were atrocious, the worst I've ever known in a marathon with gale force winds and driving rain making running quite dangerous in parts. Not surprisingly, quite a few failed to finish and there were a few minor injuries from runners being blown over!
As at Leicester, my plan was to run at 8 min mile pace and treat this marathon as a long training run as I knew the steep climbs and descents would certainly aggravate my injury if I ran any harder. So having passed through halfway in 1:44, a sub 3:30 looked very possible, however I lost valuable minutes in the last steep climb at 21 miles and subsequent steep descent into Llanberis which ultimately cost me the sub 3:30. Looking at the results though, I'm quite pleased to finish in the top 12% of the field considering the injury situation and of course the nature of the course in those conditions. Its definitely not one I will look back on to say I enjoyed but it certainly was an experience!"
The inaugural Snowdonia Marathon was held in 1982 and conceived as a dramatic alternative to the numerous city and town races. The demanding and spectacular route, encircling Snowdon, Wales' and Englands highest peak, has given this event an unique place in the annual marathon calendar ever since.
The race starts in Nant Peris and follows the A4086 to the top of the Llanberis Pass (Pen y Pass 1100 ft). It then follows the A498 to Beddgelert and then the A4085 to Waunfawr. From here it is a rapid climb to about 1200 ft at Bwlch y Groes and then downhill to the finish in Llanberis.
The event is run by Marathon Eryri, a non-profit making company and all proceeds from the race will be ploughed straight back into local community causes.
Source: Steve Edwards and Snowdonia Marathon
www.snowdoniamarathon.com
Bourton Roadrunners:www.bourtonroadrunners.co.uk
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