Legend Triathlons are our ultimate long-distance races. Often referred to as '70.3', 'Middle Distance' or 'half ironman' distance, our Legend series deliver much more than just miles, they cover some of the most beautiful and challenging terrain that North Wales has to offer.
The Snowman Legend Triathlon is the second in the Adventure Championships series, and can be enjoyed on its own, or as part of the trio of North Wales Triathlons. Starting and finishing at the National Mountain Centre at Plas-y-Brenin, the race explores the stunning surroundings of Llynau Mymbyr lakes, the sweeping Snowdonia mountain roads and the awe-inspiring Ogwen Valley and Moel Siabod. The Snowman Legend Triathlon is undoubtedly the hardest race in the Always Aim High Events calendar; if you're looking for the ultimate challenge in the discipline of Triathlon, this is your event!
ROUTE
Begin with a swim in the freshwater of Llynnau Mymbyr under the watchful eye of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). Exit the water and cross the wooden footbridge for the first time into transition.
The Snowman Legend bike route is famous for being one of the best triathlon cycle routes in the World. It takes in most of North Wales' most iconic climbs and routes and is a challenge in its own right. Starting close to the base of Snowdon, flow down the Nant Gwynant Pass and towards Beddgelert. You will meet the Glaslyn River while you cycle alongside the whitewater rapids. Heading over to Maentwrog along the narrow, winding ascents and descents, you will then start your climb to Tan y Grisiau, Blaenau Ffestiniog and on up the Crimea pass. The equally steep descent flows down through Dolwyddelan and along the Lledr Valley to Betws Y Coed. Past Betws y Coed and onto Capel Curig. You pass just a hair's breadth from the finish point, but you must first head towards Llyn Ogwen and Bethesda, a town that grew around the slate quarry industry. After negotiating some quick winding bends down towards Bethesda you’ll turn left and start making your way back up the valley on the road known locally as the Roman road, a road which runs along the steep-sided glacial Nant Ffrancon valley. You’ll tackle a steep climb at the end before re-joining the main road at Llyn Ogwen once more. From here it’s a nice gentle open road all the way back to Plas y Brenin and transition. This is an exceptionally stunning route, dwarfed in its entirety by two of Snowdonia’s mountain ranges; the Carneddau and the Glyderau.
There is a reason that the Snowman Triathlon regularly gets called the toughest multi-terrain triathlon in the UK. That’s because to complete this race you must first summit a mountain - but not before you have run 12km out and back down the stunning Nant Ffrancon Valley with the formidable rocky ridge of Tryfan looking down on you. Don't let this relatively flat section lull you into a false sense of security, Moel Siabod, the highest peak in the Moelwynion mountain range is waiting for you. Legend athletes must ascend up beautiful, but gruelling rocky paths for 3.5km before reaching the summit at 872m above sea level. Here you will turn around and run back down again. To finish, you must turn right and run through the forest, then back along the fire road towards the lake. The finish line framing Wales' most famous peak, Yr Wyddfa, awaits.
AGE
In line with British Triathlon Federation rules you must be at least 18 years old to take part in this race.
REGISTRATION
Registration for the Legend Triathlon will take place on Saturday afternoon and also before the race on Sunday morning - we will confirm specific times in your Final Instructions, which will be available on the website and via email 10 days prior to the race.
Registration is usually located at Plas Y Brenin - LL24 0ET
WAVE START TIMES
The first wave usually starts at 07:00. Confirmed timings will be detailed in your Final Instructions which will be available on the website and via email 10 days prior to the race.
Waves are allocated using the estimated finish time on your entry.
You'll be able to find out which wave you're in by logging onto the Live Tracker app ahead of the race. Details of this will be emailed to you along with the Final Instructions.
TRANSITION
Transition opens early on the morning of the event and will close approximately 30 minutes before the first wave starts. You may not enter transition for any reason after the allocated time. Confirmed timings will be detailed in your Final Instructions which will be available on the website and via email 10 days prior to your race.
Transition will only be open for racking on the day of the event. It is not possible to leave your bike overnight.
Equipment left in Transition after it closes will be removed and its security cannot be guaranteed.
CUT OFF TIMES
In the interest of athlete safety and the safety of our volunteers on the course, there will be strict cut-off times in place.
You have a total of 1 hour and 10 minutes to complete your swim and exit transition.
You have a total of 4 hours and 50 minutes to complete your bike and exit transition.
You have a total of 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete the first 12km of the run, if you do not complete it in this time, you will not be allowed onto the mountain stage of the run. You have a total of 4 hours and 30 minutes to complete the full run.
Timings are subject to change. Confirmed timings will be detailed in your final instructions. These are emailed to athletes 10 days prior to the race, and they’ll also be available 10 days prior to the race on our website
COMPULSORY KIT
All competitors must carry the compulsory kit listed below on the run section of the race. 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.
Waterproof whole body cover - with taped seams and integrated, attached hood.
Suitable off-road running shoes - fell/trail shoes
Hat and Gloves (head and hand cover)
Whistle
Emergency food
Foil blanket
Drinking water
Mobile telephone
ADDITIONAL PERMITTED / ADVISORY KIT:
GPS device (watch with route downloaded)
Extra long-sleeved warm layer
Compass & map (If you know how to use them)
Poles (we permit people to use poles)
Suntan lotion
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 Legend Triathlon are (for both men and women):
INDIVIDUAL
Overall - Top 3
Vet 40 - Top 1
Vet 50 - Top 1
Vet 60 - Top 1
Vet 70 - Top 1
U23 - Top 1
TEAMS
1st Team
