My Event Ratings

Overall score		100%
Would you do it again?		Yes
Details:
Scenery		100%
PB potential		60%
Atmosphere		100%
Organisation		80%
Value		100%
Beginner-friendliness		80%

In short: It's so good i'm back for my 17th attempt
In full: For somebody who has a guaranteed entry to the London marathon every year but does not want to do that race ever again i would rather do what for me is possibly the finest marathon on the Uk calender.

My first Snowdonia Marathon was way back in 1995 and so far ive run four different courses for this stunning race.

I even ran 8 miles of the cancelled 2002 event and this year 2011 will see me do my 17th consecutive Snowdon.

The reason i like it is because you have no idea what the weather will be like.

Three years ago it rained so hard that it was dancing off the road at Nant Peris but it kept you cool during the race and anyway i was dressed accordingly and loved every moment of it.

Marathons are challenging enough but when they go through some of the finest scenery anywhere in Britain and have a few little hills spread around the course to make things interesting it makes for a very interesting event.

Next year is the races 30th anniversary and only one competitor Iorwerth Roberts has done every race from its begining in 1982.

This will be number 17 for me with my usual number 108, well its the only number ive ever worn for the race and its almost my own personal property by now.

I am really looking forward to this years event and with the new course introduced last year it is slightly easier than the previous course but 26.2miles is never easy anyway.

Just remember entries go online on January 1st next year and with it being the 30th book early to avoid disappointment.
Date of review: September 1, 2011

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Overall score		100%
Would you do it again?		Yes
Details:
Scenery		100%
PB potential		60%
Atmosphere		100%
Organisation		80%
Value		80%
Beginner-friendliness		80%

In short: Incredibly well organised race a credit to the organisers.
In full: Ive run a fair number of 10k races over the years but this one was special with lovely weather and a challenging but beautifull course.

Ive never seen so many marshalls for a 10k race before there was one vertually on every corner who all gave encouragement.

Music at the start and finish and an instant readout of my finishing time and position in the race made the organisation of this seaside 10k something to behold.

I will certainly return to do this race as it represented excellent value for money.
Date of review: February 15, 2010

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Overall score		100%
Would you do it again?		Yes
Details:
Scenery		100%
PB potential		60%
Atmosphere		60%
Organisation		80%
Value		80%
Beginner-friendliness		80%

In short: Certainly a 20 you have to train for
In full: Before i moved to North Wales in 1999 i had run this superb 20 miler for six consecutive years and was lucky with the weather every time but i have been a spectator in 2004 when the weather was far from friendly.

Unlike some 20 mile races ive run Rhayader is one you must train well for because as with the Snowdon Marathon there are hills along the course just where you donot want them.
The long hill from 3 miles to nearly 5 is early enough to cause few problems.The rest of the course from there to 13miles is undulating and fast and flat.

The gentle hill just after 13 through that pine covered forest is a nuisance as it will slow you down.
From 13.5 right up to 18 is fast and flat and this is where your training and Pb will be won and lost.The hill at 18 is fairly short but if your endurance training is lacking it will certainly get you here.

From 18.2 to home is fast and quick.

Most of the course is pretty quick especially after 6 miles and donot believe those who say its not a Pb course because it can be fast if you have trained well but of the dozen or so different 20ies ive run its Rhayader where i have always come to grief because of lack of conditioning.

I will certainly have another go in 2009 even if it does mean a round trip of 212miles.

I look back at Rhayader when i did it over ten years ago with great memories.There are few races i would travel this far too do,Rhayaer is one i would travel any distance for because its a great course with stunning scenery.

If you have never done it its a must do.
Date of review: November 9, 2008

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Overall score		100%
Would you do it again?		Yes
Details:
Scenery		100%
PB potential		40%
Atmosphere		100%
Organisation		80%
Value		100%
Beginner-friendliness		80%

In short: Incredible weather makes this incredible Marathon more challenging.
In full: This was my thirteenth consecutive Snowdon with number 108 once again.

I have had this number from 1995 and every year since.

Running with a cold didnot help and being soaked from start to finish was far from ideal but i got round in a slow 4.48 but atleast that lovely little slate coaster will go alongside the others.

Iorwerth Roberts my best friend thankfully completed the course in just over five hours to make it 25 Snowdons.He has completed every one apart from 2002 which was cancelled.

Last night i rang him up to see how he had got on and in all the Snowdons hes done (all of them)those were the poorest running he can ever remember so those of you who completed the race THIS YEAR WAS THE TOUGHEST ITS EVER BEEN and thats official by somebody who should know.

Will i be there next year YOU BET and wearing no108 again.

Give the race a go it cant get any harder or can it.
Date of review: October 26, 2008

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