squidge2406

10:08 25-09-18

Brutal is a fair description of GB Ultras Snowdon race. I ran the 50 mile version (which measured in at 55 miles on my watch) as my first mountain race and whilst I knew it would be the toughest event I'd done, so far, it surpassed even that expectation.

Starting and finishing at Betws-y-Coed the race showcases the best (or worst) of the Snowdonia National Park. You know you are in for a ride when summiting Snowdon is the easiest part of the race. The scenery is breathtaking but there is nothing flat about it, when you are not ascending or descending, you will probably find yourself in a swamp. To call it a run is not really doing it justice, yes there is some running but there is also plenty of bouldering as you climb almost sheer mountain faces and a fair bit of hiking, if, like me, you are a mid-pack plodder, who will be spending some time in the dark. Going into the race I estimated 18hrs to complete it and finished in 19hrs 20 (with the extra 5 miles) and I'm not ashamed to admit that the last 15 miles were walked in with my friend and a few other runners we collected along the way.

This race is tough but GB Ultras have put on a great event and you are well looked after throughout. In the 50 mile version there is a checkpoint every 8 miles or so and the volunteers are all amazing. They can't do enough for you, are friendly and positive and there is plenty of food and drink on offer. In addition the general atmosphere is great, this is an event where you will need to rely on your fellow man from time to time. All the other runners were very supportive, helping with directions and teaming up to get through some of the more difficult moments.

Although the race is not advertised as a self-navigation event this years race was massively hampered by the storms and not all of the course was clearly marked as a result. This is not a criticism of the organisers but if you are thinking of entering then I would suggest either having the gps route downloaded or being confident with a map and compass as you can't guarantee good weather.

I would absolutely recommend the race, however, if you are thinking of entering then my one piece of advice is that you need to train and take this seriously if not it will chew you up and spit you out very quickly. My whole year was built around getting this done and from my home in London I spent several weekends in Yorkshire, Wales and Scotland getting as much experience and vertical gain into my legs as I could and I needed every moment of it to get me to the finish line.

This was the first year GB Ultra have run this event so I'm sure there will be improvements made, they were learning as much as we were and whilst i can safely say I will never do the 50 again, maybe, just maybe, I'll be back to do the 100 one year :)

Richard