Snowdon Marathon
OLIVER’S Army were out in force for the 25th Snowdon Marathon.
Stubbies Joan and Ray Oliver battled against horrendous conditions to take part in one of the toughest marathons in the calendar.
The inaugural Snowdonia Marathon was held in 1982 as a dramatic alternative to the numerous city and town races which were becoming so popular.
From the start at Nant Peris, some 300ft up, the route followed the A4086 and climbed to the top of the Llanberis Pass at 1,100ft. Runners then headed to Beddgelert and Waunfawr, which was followed by a rapid climb to about 1,200ft at Bwlch y Groes and then downhill to the finish in Llanberis.
“The weather was not at its best with driving rain strong winds and low cloud cover on this gruelling course,” explained Joan and Ray. “It was a bit like the weather down here for the Great South Run.
“The Snowdonia Marathon is a great race. The scenery on a clear day is spectacular as you run up the Llanberis pass and down the other side. It is one that certainly draws us back.”
Ray and Joan finished close together, with Ray just ducking under four hours with a time of 3hrs 59mins 35secs for 432nd overall and 46th in the Vet50 group.
Joan was third in the Vet50 age category after her time of 4:03.10 for 467th overall and 51st lady.
“We’re alive and slightly sore,” they said afterwards.
Cornishman Shaun Milford from Newquay Road Runners won the race in a time of 2:41.28. The first lady finisher was Debbie Walters from Birchfield Harriers in 3:13.18.