Ogwen | Yr Helgi Du Skyline

A 25K skyline race covering Eryri (Snowdonia)'s second highest mountain, over the ridgeline of the Carneddau, before descending back to the Ogwen valley and the finish line at Plas y Brenin, the National Mountain Centre.

The 10k course sticks to the Ogwen valley floor, yet still offers majestic views through this beautiful part of the Eryri National Park.

Spectacular scenery - views across Anglesey and Eryri
Professional timing - chip timing, online results & sms text result
Fully signed and marshalled route
Mountain Leader support
Access to event village - music, commentary, food vendors and shopping
Locally sourced slate finisher coaster
Finish line food
Event memento worth £12.50
Drink stations (Water, High5 & High5 gels)
Secure bag drop

Starting and finishing at Plas y Brenin the route begins with a few fast and flat miles along the Eryri Slate Trail.

This acts as an approach to the technical running, which begins with a lung busting ascent of Pen yr Ole Wen (978m). This ascent has approximately 700m of elevation gain over 2 miles, and includes a short section of easy scrambling. This section is not technically demanding but a decent level of running fitness will be required. Do not underestimate the Pen yr Ole Wen climb or the majesty of the views across to Tryfan (subject to weather!!)

The next 3 miles of the route are a series of glorious ascents and descents across the skyline of Carneddau Fach (960m), Dafydd (1044m) and Llewelyn (1064m). The tracks are all quite runnable until you descend off the South-East of Llewelyn This requires some careful scrambling down. It’s a short section and is again, technically pretty straight forward. This leads to the final ascent, the wonderful Pen yr Helgi Ddu. The final push to the top involves more easy scrambling and you are rewarded with views of the Glyderau, including Tryfan, and Cwm Llugwy.

The descent is made for downhillers. It is a fast, flowing and mainly on grass tracks. A few more miles on the Slate Trail and you’ll be back at Plas y Brenin with a huge smile on your face. You’ll know you’ve had a tough but rewarding day in the good stuff.

The 25k usually starts at 08:30 though this is subject to change. The race start time will be confirmed in your Final Instructions

• You must be at least 18 years old to take part in this race.
• In the interest of athlete safety and the safety of our volunteers on the course there will be strict cut off times in place. A confirmation of specific cut off times will be detailed in your Final Instructions

Your bib (race number) will need to be collected from registration on the morning of the race, where there will also be a kit check to ensure you have the required Mandatory Kit. Registration can be found within the Plas y Brenin building. You will be able to find the event Final Instructions on the website 10 days prior to the race.

*There will be an information desk in this location for any inquiries.

All competitors in the 25k race must carry the compulsory kit listed below. This kit is for your safety due to the often unpredictable and quickly changing mountain conditions in Wales and isolated nature of the route.

Kit checks will take place at registration and anybody found without the required kit will not be allowed to race.

Waterproof jacket - with taped seams and integrated, attached hood
Waterproof trousers - with taped seams
Suitable off-road running shoes - fell/trail shoes
Hat/buff and gloves (head and hand cover)
Spare dry long-sleeve layer
Whistle
Sufficient nutrition for the race plus an emergency 500 calories
Foil blanket/emergency shelter
Fully charged mobile telephone in a waterproof case (or waterproof phone)
Drinking water (ability to carry 1l, minimum 500ml filled at start)
A GPS device with the route downloaded (This can be a watch, phone or similar), or map & compass with route marked.
ADDITIONAL PERMITTED / ADVISORY KIT:

Running/hiking poles (we permit people to use poles)
Suntan lotion, depending on conditions
Headtorch
Basic first aid kit

The Ogwen 10 is the perfect opportunity to be able to be part of the event and enjoy some stunning mountain vistas. The out and back, fast and flat route, follows the historic Slate Trail through the Valley with both the Glyderau and Carneddau dominating the landscape.

It’s a perfect introduction to trail running and could serve well as a lovely double day if combined with the Snowman Swims or even help you to stay loose for the Triathlon/Duathlon.

• You must be at least 15 years old to take part in this race

All those who enter a fortnight before the event date will receive their bib (race number) through the post. If you’re one of these people, there is no need to register in person before the event. Your Final Instructions will be emailed to you 10 days before the event, and they will also be available on the website.

If you have entered within a fortnight of the event start date, your bib (race number) will need to be collected on the morning of the race. Bib collection will open 1 hour prior to your race start and can be found near the start line at the Antelope Inn (LL57 2HZ) car park*, on the Bangor side of the bridge. You will be able to find the Final Instructions on the website 10 days prior to the race.

*There will be an information desk in this location for any inquiries.

• The 10k usually starts at 09:40 though this is subject to change. The race start time will be confirmed in your Final Instructions which are available to view on the website 10 days prior to the race. The race starts on the Bangor side of the Menai Suspension Bridge, LL57 2HZ.
• In the interest of athlete safety and the safety of our volunteers on the course there will be strict cut off times in place. A confirmation of specific cut off times will be detailed in your Final Instructions