Events in Betws-y-Coed and the surrounding areas…

Race the Train takes place alongside as far as practicable the route taken by the Talyllyn Railway on its journey to Abergynolwyn and back. In order to do this all courses use a mixture of public roads, lanes, un-metalled roads, tracks, agricultural land, and rough grazing pastures. The terrain varies all the time and can be very wet & muddy in places, the routes also ascend and descend quite steep terrain and runs on narrow footpaths with little chance of overtaking. Often the Train, or for many runners the track, is just over the fence and in many places if you coincide with the train your family friends, if they are on the train, will be able to shout encouragement to you. A lot of the course is across private land only open for the race so pre & post race inspection of the courses is not possible. All courses are marshalled, well signed, and provided with refreshment / water points along the way. There are members of the Red Cross, Qualified Nursing Staff, & Medical cover over the course. Raynet (Amateur Radio) co-ordinates services should any problems arise. In the afternoon for the main race we normally also have an Ambulance on standby. Remember it is your legal duty to assist any runner with serious problems. You will see that all the races are designated as having approximate distances. This is because we have to alter the course slightly almost every year often in the last few days before the race to accommodate local conditions. These variations are often only slight but invalidate any official measurements of the courses. Usually they tend to balance out and the distance remains virtually the same.

www.racethetrain.com/ (advanced booking required)

Sunday 22nd August 2021 ONE OF THE UK’s TOUGHEST HALF MARATHON Entry now open A scenic but tough Half Marathon set in the beautiful Snowdonia National Park, North Wales. Starting and finishing in the village of Llanrwst which played host to the World Trail Running Championships in 2013. The park is a region of haunting beauty and grandeur, of wild rocky mountains, hidden valleys, cascading rivers, still glacial lakes and deep forests.

https://www.runwales.com/events/snowdonia-half-marathon/ (advanced booking required)

Welcome to the iconic Jones o Gymru Anglesey Half Marathon - THE most beautiful half marathon in the UK. The route is undulating yet quick (CR is 67:23) but most of all it is incredibly stunning. Starting on the iconic Menai Suspension Bridge and running in front of the gorgeous Snowdonia backdrop this race is truly one of a kind. The race provides the perfect pre-London and Manchester marathon preparation. Alternatively, it is a beautiful undulating course with stunning scenery - perfect for an early season PB. The entry fee includes, electronic chip timing, event family entertainment, a unique free commemorative race T-shirt, a bespoke finishers medal, refreshments at the race finish line and loads more. If the half marathon sounds too much, simply come along and soak up the atmosphere, there will be heaps to see and do, including children and junior races.  All of the races will start by running across the Menai Suspension Bridge. 10km race also now available: see website for details.

https://alwaysaimhighevents.com/events/anglesey-half-marathon-and-10k-2021 BOOK ONLINE (advanced booking required)

The inaugural Snowdonia Marathon was held in 1982, and was conceived as a dramatic alternative to the numerous city and town races becoming so popular. The demanding and spectacular route, encircling Snowdon, Wales’ and England’s highest peak, has given the event a unique place in the annual marathon calendar ever since. Route and Profile Race start time is 10.30am from just outside Llanberis. The route follows the A4086 and climbs to the top of the Llanberis Pass (Pen y Pass 1.100ft). Dropping down to the Pen Y Cwyryd junction, the race then follows the old road along to the campsite until it joins the A498. This 2km section is farm track, downhill, then the surface returns to the tarmac. There is a short, sharp uphill back up to the main road at the campsite. The route then continues to the Beddgelert (200ft) and then continues along the A4085 to Waunfawr. From here it is a rapid climb to about 1,200ft at Bwlch y Groes (a short length is unmetalled) and then downhill to the finish in Llanberis.

www.snowdoniamarathon.co.uk (advanced booking required)

Walking festival centred in the village of Betws Y Coed taking in the best of the National Park. Walks for all ages and abilities.

Contact: Tracey and Stiwart Breese 07525 625375 [email protected] https://www.breeseadventures.co.uk BOOK ONLINE (advanced booking required)

Voted in the top 5 most scenic Half Marathons in the UK by Readers of Runners World”, This GREAT Half Marathon now in its11th year and “already being regarded as a classic” The start & finish is on the quayside in front of the 700+ year old Conwy Castle. 2016 Saw over 3,000 runners take part, many PB’s were achieved. The route runs along the road adjacent to the Conwy River as it proceeds towards Deganwy beach and the West Shore Llandudno, from there it goes along church Walks towards Llandudno Pier, then around the Great Orme taking in views of the Isle of Anglesey, Puffin Island and the surrounding North Wales coastline, then back to Conwy and the finish line.

Contact: Run Wales 07981 082261 [email protected] https://www.runwales.com/events/conwy-half-marathon/ BOOK ONLINE

Entrance fee: From £30 (advanced booking required)

Betws-y-Coed Trail Challenge was established in 2013 by not-for-profit community group Betws Ymlaen. Our aim is to stage an event that is challenging and enjoyable for the competitors and that showcases the stunning lakes and forests around Betws-y-Coed - the Gateway to Snowdonia. During the day we will also have a number of attractions for families and spectators around the village while the race takes place, including a junior fun run. For 2019 we added in a new challenge: a half marathon taking in double to ascent but also a second chance to take in the views.

[email protected] www.trailbetws.com (advanced booking required)

Walking challenge based in the beautiful Snowdonia National Park.

Contact: Tracey and Stiwart Breese 07525 625375 [email protected] https://www.breeseadventures.co.uk/snowdonia-challenge/ BOOK ONLINE (advanced booking required)