The 2009 Snowdon Race, putting the 'i' into international
The Snowdon Race is an event steeped in history. Since its inception way back in 1976 the race has hosted such winners as Kenny Stuart, John Wild, Carole Greenwood and Fausto Bonzi – all living legends of fell and mountain running.
Kenny Stuart
One other significant aspect of the race’s history is its internationalism. Runners from all corners of the globe have competed in the race over the last three decades, however it is the international team competition that has set the race apart from many other British races. Not only is it a keen head-to-head for the Home nations, it has also played host to a kind of team championship of Europe at times, with teams from Poland, France, Germany and of course Italy regularly pitting themselves against the best that the British Isles has to offer.
Additionally with the World Mountain Running Trophy now becoming the World Mountain Running Championships and there now being a GB team only, the opportunity for home nation runners to gain an international vest has narrowed and as such the Snowdon race is one of the few occasions still left on the calendar which allow the four home nations the chance to field national squads.
The International Snowdon Race has some new direction at the helm for 2009 too, as past Welsh champion and race organiser Jayne Lloyd comes in to join the organising committee. As a local to the area Jayne has seen the race mutate and change over the last decade and feels that the emphasis on teams and internationalism needs to once more become central to the ethos of this historic race.
“The Snowdon race is unique not just because it was one of the first fell races but also because of its International history. Runners from all over the World know about this race and tell tales of how incredibly gruelling it can be. Tales are also told of our legendary hospitality and the great welcome runners receive from the local community. It is this combination that has made the race what it is today and it is this that we need to maintain above all else.
“We have concentrated this year on attracting some of the better known countries back to Wales. It wasn’t hard to persuade them! 2009 will see the return of the French and the Slovenians to the competition giving our own Home Countries a chance to prove themselves against the best of European competition”.
Jayne goes on to say:
“We have also brought back junior races on the day. These will be open to runners from around the World as well as our own home-grown talent. Amongst the Slovenian juniors will be a current national champion so let’s see if our youngsters can give him a run for his money!”
Another significant aspect of the race – and an underlining of its heritage and sporting significance in Wales – is the TV coverage that the event enjoys. S4C has been a loyal backer of the race since its initial live broadcast in 1987 when it dedicated 3 hours of live images, interviews and racing atmosphere as the wind and rain gripped ‘Yr Wyddfa’ that Saturday afternoon in July. The coverage embodied all that the race represents in one wonderful afternoon’s television.
The Welsh national TV channel has dedicated many hours of coverage to the race and this year continues its support with a highlights programme that, since the advent of digital technology, ironically takes even the TV coverage international.
2009 will no doubt be another significant milestone in the history of the Snowdon race. With new direction and renewed vigour for international competition the race could be on the cusp of a new era that sees the fell and mountain running world once more sitting up, taking note and taking aim for glory in the International Snowdon race.
For further race information please visit www.snowdonrace.com
Press and media enquiries should directed to Jayne Lloyd on 07786 223763 or by emailing Jayne at [email protected]
