MacDonald wins thrilling Snowdonia Marathon
Julian MacDonald
The Snowdonia Marathon, now in its 27th year, yesterday showed why it can still be considered one of the very best marathons in the UK. With the entry limit (2000) reached in August demand for this scenic, challenging and wild marathon continues unabated…
In weather not quite as biblical as 2008 yesterday’s men’s race was only decided in the final few miles. After a thrilling race in strong winds and intermittent heavy rain Julian MacDonald sprinted in ahead of local man Gwyn Owen (Eryri Harriers) and Paul Lewis, with barely one minute covering the first three finishers. Former winner Mark Roberts was fourth.
In fact Owen had the Chester Tri man in his sights as the race hit 22 miles, however the wet and muddy descent into Llanberis between mile 23 and 24 saw the Eryri man fall on three occasions, leaving MacDonald clear to take his first Snowdonia Marathon title in 2:46:59.
Shan Roberts
In the women’s race there were no such dramas for Shan Roberts. The Ingli runner won comfortably in 3:17:03 from Andrea Rowlands who ran a fantastic race for a runner’s up spot and a time of 3:18:32. Robyn Oldham completed the women’s 1-2-3.
Race images can be found at the fell running pictures site courtesy of Al Tye, results online now over at TDL Events
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Reactions so far
Dave Gillian Oct 28, 07:15 AM
What a superb race! My first Marathon Eryri and I’m sure not my last. It lived up to its billing of toughest in Europe and in atrocious conditions (sub-biblical maybe!!!) I was just glad to make it round in one piece!
Congratulations to everyone, especially on those brilliant winning times!