XTERRA Snowdonia Trail Marathon, Ultra, Half Marathon & 10k
From Always Aim High Events
Event summary
Whether you're an experienced trail runner or just starting out, the XTERRA Snowdonia event caters to all fitness levels with its 10k and Half Marathon options. The routes take you through iconic locations like Rhyd Ddu, Beddgelert, and Pen y Pass, ensuring a memorable experience filled with natural beauty and adventure. Mark your calendars for this must-do event and be part of an unforgettable day celebrating the spirit of outdoor racing!
XTERRA Snowdonia Trail Marathon, Ultra, Half Marathon & 10k
This event has taken place
Congratulations to everyone who took part. We're waiting on information about the next edition of this event.
Did you race? Let the community know how you got on and leave a review.
Previous editions
Add your review
Reviews
4.83 reviews
Reviewing the 2024 edition · 2 years ago
But its brilliantly organized by a very friendly and supporting team I would recommend it if you are up for a challenging day.
Reviewing the 2022 edition · 4 years ago
Looking forward to returning next year.
Reviewing the 2022 edition · 4 years ago
Races
-
10k
Entries closed£32.99
-
Half Marathon
Entries closed£43.99
-
Marathon
Entries closed£54.99
-
Ultra
Entries closed£89.99
Event information
Music, commentary, shopping, food, secure bag drop and toilets
FAMILY FRIENDLY VIBES
Family finishes and plenty to see and do
ON COURSE SUPPORT
Friendly marshals, signage, energy stations and support vehicles
UNIQUE FINISHER MEMENTOS!
Beautifully designed to reflect our event locations and local history.
SPECTACULAR SCENERY
Unbeatable views across Snowdonia
PROFESSIONAL TIMING
Chip timing, live tracker and online results
TRAIN
Direct services (including Virgin Trains from London to Bangor) take you to the popular North Wales coastal destinations from most parts of Britain. Make inland connections via the Conwy Valley Line which runs through the Snowdonia National Park to Betws-y-Coed and Blaenau Ffestiniog. Services from the Midlands through Shrewsbury and Machynlleth link up with the Cambrian Line.
The closest station to Llanberis is Bangor, which is just under 10 miles away. A taxi from here will cost approximately £20 The number 85 bus or the Sherpa S2 bus will take you from the station and cost between £3-£5. It is possible to cycle.
National Rail
03457 48 49 50
Transport For Wales
0333 3211 202
CAR
There’s quick, straightforward access from the North West along the M56 and A55. Motorway links with the Midlands are good too, and the same roads – the M6, M5 and M1 – also bring Snowdonia within easy reach of the South of England.
SEA
Irish Ferries and Stena Line operate regular and high-speed services to Holyhead from Dublin.
Irish Ferries
08717 300 400
Stena Line
08447 707 070
AIR
Transfers from the international gateways of Manchester, Liverpool and Birmingham take less than two hours.
Manchester Airport
08712 710711
Liverpool John Lennon Airport
08715 218484
Birmingham Airport
0871 2220072
WHERE TO STAY
Llanberis and the surrounding areas offer a wide range of hotels, bed and breakfast, campsites and hostels.
We recommend the Royal Victoria Hotel which is a large hotel located in Llanberis and within easy walking distance of all the race action.
Also in Llanberis is the gorgeous Padarn Hotel. the hotel is situated 100m from Lake Padarn and a 5-minute walk from the event start line.
You can find out more recommendations for places to eat and drink around the area on our Responsible Travel page.
Click on the links below to find details of additional accommodation available in and around Llanberis. Sleeping in vans or cars overnight is not allowed in Llanberis car parks.
Llanberis Information
Wales Directory
Visit Snowdonia
Air BnB
Campsites
YHA
Please book your accommodation early as all hotels will be booked well in advance of the race weekend.
Please mention the Snowdonia Trail Marathon when booking your stay.
If your bib is not being posted you will need to collect it from registration. Registration will take place on Saturday afternoon and before the race on Sunday morning. We will confirm specific times in your Final Instructions.
Registration is usually located on the event field in Llanberis situated next to the Community Centre - LL55 4UR
*Dates and timings subject to change.
**Location subject to change.
This beautiful 10k has something for all runners. The first 5.5k has a mixture of road, track and trail and takes in the beautiful lower slopes of Snowdon. It then passes across the valley dipping into the beautiful woodlands around Dolbadarn Castle before taking on the gruelling Zig Zags that take you to the top of Vivian Quarry. Once here it's down hill on stunning forest trails all the way to the finish line.
AGE
You must be at least 17 years old to take part in this race.
START
The 10k usually starts at 09:30 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.
FEED STATIONS
Water and High 5 energy drink and gels will be available at 2 miles/3.2km and 4 miles/ 6.4km
PRIZES
We hold a prize giving ceremony after the racing, approximate timings will be detailed in the Final Instructions however it is a good idea to listen out for information on any updates that come in over the tannoy. Sometimes the ceremony may be delayed and we wouldn't want you to miss out. We don't send out prizes after the event, so make sure you attend the ceremony and receive your big Welsh cheer!
Prize Categories for the Snowdonia Trail 10k are (for both men and women)
Open: Top 5*
V40: Top 3
V50: Top 2
V60: 1st runner
V70: 1st runner
All prizes must be collected on the day.
* If any runner places in Open and Vet then a drop down system will occur.
This is one tough Half Marathon with over 1192m of ascent most of which is up Wales’ highest peak. The hills start almost immediately as you climb up through Llanberis and then Maesgwm, also known as Telegraph Valley. Turning left onto the Snowdon Ranger Path you have a further steep climb up before crossing the railway, reaching the Finger Stone and starting your descent down the Llanberis Path. The views are incredible all the way to Anglesey, but don’t get complacent you haven’t finished yet. Once back down at the road in Llanberis you are diverted through the woods past Dolbadarn Castle with the sting in the tail being the final climb up the infamous Zig Zag path and into the quarries. Reaching the top of Vivian Quarry you’ll be able to see the event village and the finish line down below and better yet, its pretty much all down hill to the finish from here.
AGE
You must be at least 17 years old to take part in this race.
START
The Half Marathon usually starts at 09:00 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.
CUT OFF
In the interest of athlete safety and the safety of our volunteers on the course, there will be strict cut-off times in place.
Cut-off: 14:30 - Mile 11 - Zig Zags roundabout feed station
FEED STATIONS
Water and High 5 energy drink and gels will be available at 2 and 11 miles.
There will be an emergency water station at mile 7 (Clogwyn Station).
There will be limited supply here so please only take water if absolutely necessary. We are unable to re-fill water containers at this point.
PRIZES
We hold a prize giving ceremony after the racing, approximate timings will be detailed in the Final Instructions however it is a good idea to listen out for information on any updates that come in over the tannoy. Sometimes the ceremony may be delayed and we wouldn't want you to miss out. We don't send out prizes after the event, so make sure you attend the ceremony and receive your big Welsh cheer!
Prize Categories for the Snowdonia Trail Half Marathon are (for both men and women)
Open: Top 5*
V40: Top 3
V50: Top 2
V60: 1st runner
V70: 1st runner
All prizes must be collected on the day.
* If any runner places in Open and Vet then a drop down system will occur.
COMPULSORY KIT
All competitors must carry the compulsory kit listed below. This kit is for your safety due to the often unpredictable and quickly changing mountain conditions and isolated nature of the route.
Spot checks will be in place and anybody found without the required kit will not be allowed to race.
Wind proof full body cover - windproof jacket windproof trousers with full lengths arms and legs
Suitable off road running shoes - fell/trail shoes
Hat and gloves (head and hand cover)
Whistle
Emergency food
Bumbag/race vest
Foil blanket
Spare water
Suntan lotion
ADDITIONAL / ADVISORY KIT:
GPS device (watch with route downloaded)
Mobile telephone
Extra long sleeved warm layer
Compass & map (If you know how to use them)
Poles (we permit people to use poles)
Probably the biggest trail marathon in the UK, the Snowdonia Trail Marathon is a challenge in every sense of the word. Ascending 1,685 metres over 27 miles of iconic and spectacular trails, this epic race will circumnavigate and eventually climb Wales' highest peak - Snowdon. The incredible route explores the trails, gorgeous panoramic views and tough climbs that make Snowdonia National Park such a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts. Visiting Rhyd Ddu, Beddgelert, Nant Gwynant, Pen y Pass and Snowdon (via the PyG Track to the Finger Stone) to then descend to the Finish Line via the Llanberis Path, there surely can't be a more striking trail marathon route in the UK!
AGE
You must be at least 18 years old to take part in this race.
START
The Marathon usually starts at 08:30 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.
CUT OFF
There will be staged cut-offs across the race to ensure the safety and well-being of volunteers and competitors.
11:20 - Mile 11.5 - Cut off at Beddgelert (average 4mph)
14:00 - Mile 19.6 - Cut off at Pen y Pass (average 2.3mph)
18:00 - Mile 27.4 - Finish line cut off (average 1.95mph)
FEED STATIONS
There are 5 aid stations on the Marathon route, plus an emergency water station.
Water and High 5 energy drink and gels will be available at 2, 6, 11, 15 and 19 miles.
At 11 miles (Beddgelert) and 19 miles (Pen y Pass), there will also be fruit, crisps and sweets.
There will be an emergency water station at mile 23 (Clogwyn Station). Due to the difficulty of supplying water containers high on Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), there will be limited supply here. Please ensure that you have filled your water bottles at the Pen y Pass aid station, and only take water at this station if absolutely necessary. We are unable to re-fill water containers at this point.
PRIZES
We hold a prize giving ceremony after the racing, approximate timings will be detailed in the Final Instructions however it is a good idea to listen out for any updates that come in over the tannoy. Sometimes the ceremony may be delayed and we wouldn't want you to miss out. We don't send out prizes after the event, so make sure you attend the ceremony and receive your big Welsh cheer!
Prize Categories for the Snowdonia Trail Marathon are (for both men and women)
Open: Top 5*
V40: Top 3
V50: Top 2
V60: 1st runner
V70: 1st runner
All prizes must be collected on the day.
* If any runner places in Open and Vet then a drop down system will occur.
COMPULSORY KIT
All competitors must carry the compulsory kit listed below. This kit is for your safety due to the often unpredictable and quickly changing mountain conditions and isolated nature of the route.
Spot checks will be in place and anybody found without the required kit will not be allowed to race.
Wind proof full body cover - windproof jacket windproof trousers with full lengths arms and legs
Suitable off road running shoes - fell/trail shoes
Hat and Gloves (head and hand cover)
Whistle
Emergency food
Bumbag/race vest
Foil blanket
Spare water
Suntan lotion
ADDITIONAL / ADVISORY KIT:
GPS device (watch with route downloaded)
Mobile telephone
Extra long sleeved warm layer
Compass & map (If you know how to use them)
Poles (we permit people to use poles)
Organiser's description
The incredible routes explore the trails, gorgeous panoramic views and tough climbs that make Snowdonia National Park such a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts. Visiting Rhyd Ddu, Beddgelert, Nant Gwynant, Pen y Pass and Snowdon, there surely can't be a more striking trail marathon route in the UK!
The Ultra Marathon and Marathon have also been recognised as UTMB indexed races. The Ultra will earn finishers 3 ITRA points and the Marathon 2 ITRA points.
Location
Llanberis, United Kingdom
XTERRA Snowdonia Trail Marathon, Ultra, Half Marathon & 10k
Always Aim High Events
At Always Aim High we are extremely proud about delivering the UK's ultimate triathlon, cycling, running and swimming challenges in the most beautiful and iconic locations that we can find. From epic mountain, coastal and city triathlons, to breathtaking cycle sportives which cover the length and bredth of Snowdonia, there's something for everyone at Always Aim High Events!
On Find a Race