Snowdonia MarathonHere's how RW members rated this race in the past (450 votes). 2009 race reviewed by: Richard Walsh 4
 | | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 80% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In full: fuel stations were organised brilliantly this year.there was easily enough energy drinks and bars to prevent all runners hitting the wall too badly.only minor crit would be the long queues for buses at start but appart from that brill.the fre-massage at end is very welcoming!
Date of review: October 27, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: Robert Kett 3
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 40% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: amazing course, but didnt like queing for 40mins for the bus to the start in wind and rain
In full: this was my 1st marathon so i was quite nervous,and was not happy waiting for the bus to the start for 40mins in wind and rain.once under way tho the whole race was amazing.the scenery, support through the villages and from marshalls was top class.will now always want to come and do this one again but really want to try a flat course to beat my 1st marathon pb of 3h 17m 23s.
Date of review: October 27, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: Arjay
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 40% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: Stunning scenery and great support along the route
In full: This is certainly the most scenic road marathon I've done. The views down the valley between 4 and 6 miles take your breath away.
It's pretty tough in places, especially the long hill at 21-23, but there are long down hills as well. The amount of support was surprising and the marshalls did a great job - thanks.
Perhaps I missed something, but why nor start on the road up from Llanberis (which was closed anyway) and hence get rid of the need for buses? Then you could also get rid of the rather annoying loop in Llanberis at the end.
But this was a fantastic race - the first of my three marathons last weekend and it was certainly worth the effort of getting up to North Wales.
Thanks to everyone who made it such an enjoyable experience.
Date of review: October 27, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: Jacktomomax
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 100% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 100% |
In short: Fantastic the buzz from finishing
Date of review: October 27, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: david goodwin 3
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 20% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 40% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 40% |
In short: poor finish area
In full: a fantastic challenge and experience-one to
test your physical and mental strength.
in places a bit hazardous with cars getting
far too near to the runners,dangerous.
the views and landscapes were truly
outstanding and will be back to try and see
them on a clear day.
in my view the finish area was poor and had
to ask a fellow runner where to get my race
momento from-why not hand them to the runners
when they cross the finish line ? a mate of
mine did not get one since he could not be
bothered to queue for one-not good.
also, the bus system is a waste of time.
if you are running 26 mile walking one is
not going to kill you is it. since there is
no shelter at the start area you would still
get wet either in the bus queue or standing
around at the start or am I missing
something here ?
as a result those who walked it had to wait
around for another 20 minutes in the rain
absolutely hopeless.
see you next year I hope.
Date of review: October 27, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: Duane Daugherty 3
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Maybe | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: Glorious scenery, even with the wind and rain. Excellent spectators, marshalls and people manning the drinks stations. The finish area could have been a bit better organised.
Date of review: October 27, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: andy the deestrider
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 20% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 80% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In short: best 4hrs 12 of me whole life. would i do it again?bit of a silly question realy.
Date of review: October 27, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: Steve Grace 2
| | Overall score | | 60% | | Would you do it again? | | No | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 20% | | Atmosphere | | 60% | | Organisation | | 20% | | Value | | 60% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 40% |
In short: Great location, spoiled by poor organisation
In full: First the good points:
There is no doubt that this race is set in the most glorious of countryside - you can only hope that the weather is good enough to appreciate it.
I was surprised at how good the support was along the course. Lots of people clapping, cheering and handing out sweets. An enormous thank you to the person at the top of the final climb handing out cups of tea!
Now the bad points:
The overall organisation was very poor. On the day the weather was dreadful, v heavy rain and strong winds. This forecast had been in place since mid week before, so you would think the organiser would have been up to speed.
The start was about 1 mile uphill and there were supposed to be be buses laid on to take you there. However, there was some problem with the buses turning around and it meant that everyone had to stand in the storm for about 45mins+ either waiting for a bus, or waiting at the start for everyone else. This meant i started the marathon completely sodden and shivering.
I don't understand why we couldn't start in Llanberis as an extra dogleg had to be added on the end to make up the distance.
The end was equally chaotic. There seemed to be no organisation whatsoever at the end so v tired runners were crossing the line not knowing what to do next or where to go. Friends and family were gathering right next to the finish so it was chaotic. This meant wandering around for ages trying to work out what to do.
When i finally found the drinks, it turned out they were in the community centre which had suffered a power cut in the morning and was in complete darkness. I appreciate that this couldn't have been helped, but someone should have been explaining to all finishers what had happened and what to do. Maybe the drinks area should have been put outside?
Overall, they should have lengthened the finish area, organised the blankets, chip cutting, coaster prize, and drinks into one long line, with family/friends allowed in after that.
I understand that the organisers want to donate as much money as possible to local causes, but this race felt like it was done on the cheep and there's a danger of putting people off next time.
Date of review: October 26, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: Hiraeth
| | Overall score | | 80% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 40% | | Atmosphere | | 80% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 60% |
In full: This was my first marathon. I really enjoyed it, and the support all the way around was really good. The final climb after Waunfawr was a bit challenging to say the least although the downhill into Llanberis was great fun. Would definitely do it again. Roll on 2010....
Date of review: October 26, 2009
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2009 race reviewed by: jason d
| | Overall score | | 100% | | Would you do it again? | | Yes | | | | Details: | | Scenery | | 100% | | PB potential | | 20% | | Atmosphere | | 100% | | Organisation | | 60% | | Value | | 80% | | Beginner-friendliness | | 80% |
In short: hard as nails, but fantastic fun!!!!
In full: A great race! a few minor hiccups with the buses in the morning, but nothing too bad ( especially as i waited inside the hall until the last bus!! Full of admiration and gratitude to the marshalls and supporters! The locally produced slate coaster was a nice touch. Understand that the certificates are posted out after the event.
Date of review: October 26, 2009
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