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The Marathon Eryri, also known as the Snowdonia Marathon, is a challenging road race that circles Snowdon, the highest peak in Wales, featuring over 2,700 feet of elevation gain.
Course Highlights
The Marathon Eryri course is legendary for its beauty and its difficulty, offering a complete circumnavigation of the Snowdon massif. Starting just outside the village of Llanberis on the A4086, runners immediately face a significant challenge as they climb toward the top of the Llanberis Pass. Reaching an elevation of 1,100 feet at Pen y Pass, participants are treated to views of the dramatic mountain landscape before a sharp descent leads them to the Pen y Gwryd junction. From here, the route follows the A498, passing scenic lakes and moving toward the picturesque village of Beddgelert.
The middle section of the race takes runners along the A4085 toward Waunfawr, providing a brief respite before the final, most daunting climb of the day. At approximately mile 22, the course turns upward for a rapid ascent to Bwlch y Groes, reaching an elevation of 1,200 feet. A short portion of this section is “unmetalled,” adding a trail-like element to this predominantly road-based race. Once the summit is conquered, a steep and technical descent brings runners back down into Llanberis, where a supportive crowd awaits to cheer them across the finish line on the village’s high street.
Race Details
The 42nd edition of the Marathon Eryri is scheduled for Saturday, October 24, 2026. The race maintains a traditional 10:30 AM start time, allowing the morning mist to clear from the Welsh valleys. Registration and the race headquarters are located at the former Electric Mountain Visitor Centre in Llanberis (Postcode: LL55 4TA), where runners can collect their race packs on Friday afternoon or early Saturday morning. Due to the event’s immense popularity, entry is typically managed via a ballot system, reflecting its status as a bucket-list event for marathoners across the globe.
Logistically, the race is well-supported with 12 feed stations strategically placed along the 26.2-mile route. These stations provide water, and several offer Mountain Fuel electrolytes and energy gels to help runners manage the significant elevation changes. The event is deeply committed to sustainability, encouraging carpooling and carbon offsetting through its “Green Initiative.” Competitors should be prepared for the unpredictable North Wales weather, which can vary from bright sunshine to heavy rain and wind within the space of a single race day.
Why Runners Love It
Since its inception in 1982, the Snowdonia Marathon has built a reputation as one of the most demanding road marathons in the United Kingdom, often referred to as “the UK’s toughest.” Runners are drawn to the race not only for the physical test it presents but for the sheer majesty of the Eryri National Park. The atmosphere in Llanberis is electric, with the entire community coming out to support the thousands of athletes who take on the challenge. The sense of camaraderie among participants is profound, born from the shared experience of tackling some of the steepest road gradients in competitive running.
Furthermore, the race has a rich history and unique traditions that set it apart. The winners are awarded the prestigious Michael Forte Challenge Trophy, a massive sterling silver cup with a fascinating history dating back to 1922. Every finisher receives a sense of accomplishment that few other marathons can match, along with a medal and the pride of having conquered the mountains of Wales. It is a race that prioritizes the runner’s experience and the natural environment, making it a perennial favorite that sells out year after year.
Ready to take on the challenge of the Eryri mountains? Visit the official website to find information on the next ballot and secure your place in this iconic event: Marathon Eryri Official Website.
At a Glance
- Location: Llanberis, Gwynedd — United Kingdom
- Next Date: 2026-10-24
- Distances: [‘Marathon’]
- Start Time: 10:30
Register & Learn More
Visit the official race website for entry details, course maps, and registration: https://www.marathoneryri.com/
The Marathon Eryri, also known as the Snowdonia Marathon, is a challenging road race that circles Snowdon, the highest peak in Wales, featuring over 2,700 feet of elevation gain.
Course Highlights
The Marathon Eryri course is legendary for its beauty and its difficulty, offering a complete circumnavigation of the Snowdon massif. Starting just outside the village of Llanberis on the A4086, runners immediately face a significant challenge as they climb toward the top of the Llanberis Pass. Reaching an elevation of 1,100 feet at Pen y Pass, participants are treated to views of the dramatic mountain landscape before a sharp descent leads them to the Pen y Gwryd junction. From here, the route follows the A498, passing scenic lakes and moving toward the picturesque village of Beddgelert.
The middle section of the race takes runners along the A4085 toward Waunfawr, providing a brief respite before the final, most daunting climb of the day. At approximately mile 22, the course turns upward for a rapid ascent to Bwlch y Groes, reaching an elevation of 1,200 feet. A short portion of this section is “unmetalled,” adding a trail-like element to this predominantly road-based race. Once the summit is conquered, a steep and technical descent brings runners back down into Llanberis, where a supportive crowd awaits to cheer them across the finish line on the village’s high street.
Race Details
The 42nd edition of the Marathon Eryri is scheduled for Saturday, October 24, 2026. The race maintains a traditional 10:30 AM start time, allowing the morning mist to clear from the Welsh valleys. Registration and the race headquarters are located at the former Electric Mountain Visitor Centre in Llanberis (Postcode: LL55 4TA), where runners can collect their race packs on Friday afternoon or early Saturday morning. Due to the event’s immense popularity, entry is typically managed via a ballot system, reflecting its status as a bucket-list event for marathoners across the globe.
Logistically, the race is well-supported with 12 feed stations strategically placed along the 26.2-mile route. These stations provide water, and several offer Mountain Fuel electrolytes and energy gels to help runners manage the significant elevation changes. The event is deeply committed to sustainability, encouraging carpooling and carbon offsetting through its “Green Initiative.” Competitors should be prepared for the unpredictable North Wales weather, which can vary from bright sunshine to heavy rain and wind within the space of a single race day.
Why Runners Love It
Since its inception in 1982, the Snowdonia Marathon has built a reputation as one of the most demanding road marathons in the United Kingdom, often referred to as “the UK’s toughest.” Runners are drawn to the race not only for the physical test it presents but for the sheer majesty of the Eryri National Park. The atmosphere in Llanberis is electric, with the entire community coming out to support the thousands of athletes who take on the challenge. The sense of camaraderie among participants is profound, born from the shared experience of tackling some of the steepest road gradients in competitive running.
Furthermore, the race has a rich history and unique traditions that set it apart. The winners are awarded the prestigious Michael Forte Challenge Trophy, a massive sterling silver cup with a fascinating history dating back to 1922. Every finisher receives a sense of accomplishment that few other marathons can match, along with a medal and the pride of having conquered the mountains of Wales. It is a race that prioritizes the runner’s experience and the natural environment, making it a perennial favorite that sells out year after year.
Ready to take on the challenge of the Eryri mountains? Visit the official website to find information on the next ballot and secure your place in this iconic event: Marathon Eryri Official Website.
At a Glance
- Location: Llanberis, Gwynedd — United Kingdom
- Next Date: 2026-10-24
- Distances: [‘Marathon’]
- Start Time: 10:30
Register & Learn More
Visit the official race website for entry details, course maps, and registration: https://www.marathoneryri.com/